Fritzel's European Jazz Pub

Fritzel's European Jazz Pub is a small, long-running traditional jazz room at 733 Bourbon Street in the French Quarter of New Orleans, Louisiana. In a stretch of Bourbon known mainly for loud dance bars and daiquiri shops, it stands out as a place where the main attraction is a live traditional jazz band, and it has been described for decades as one of the street's few venues devoted to the older New Orleans style. The room is narrow and intimate, with a bar along one side, small tables and a compact stage where a small band, usually including trumpet or clarinet, piano, bass and drums, plays standards, Dixieland tunes and New Orleans favourites. The sound is acoustic and warm rather than amplified, which makes conversation possible between songs, and the pace of the evening is relaxed in contrast to the clubs around it. There is no cover charge. Instead, the house relies on tips for the band, and visitors are expected to contribute to the tip jar and to buy drinks while they listen. The drinks programme is simple, with beer, wine, spirits, classic cocktails and the European-style pub focus suggested by the name, at moderate prices, commonly eight to fourteen US dollars. The crowd is a mix of older jazz enthusiasts, couples, tour groups and visitors who want to hear traditional jazz without leaving Bourbon Street, with a typical age range from thirties upward, though adults of any age are welcome. Casual dress is usual. Hours generally cover evenings, with music running into the late evening, though the schedule can change, so confirming on the venue's website is sensible. There are no reservations and no bottle service; seating is first come, first served and the room can fill early on weekends because of its small capacity. It is a convenient stop near Pat O'Brien's and Preservation Hall for visitors building an evening around traditional jazz.