This is a very diverse, exciting avenue in New Orleans that is often called “The St. Claude Corridor” so I came up with this idea. Why not put all the things of interest in a list according to their addresses. This means that, starting with 1931 St. Claude Avenue (near Touro Street) and moving right along to 3067 (near Montegut) I have written about 12 spots. The entire St. Claude reaches from Esplanade to the Industrial Canal in less than three miles. Below you’ll find info about one lively section of this corridor - located only steps away from Rathbone Mansions!

SWEET LORRAINE’S, 1931

This is a neighborhood club where you can hear great traditional jazz. Then on Thursdays or “blues nights” you can listen to Chucky C and Clearly Blue. On Sundays, Sweet Lorraine’s hosts a delicious jazz brunch. One guest says, “Excellent musicians and the food is really special.”

SIBERA: EASTERN EUROPEAN, 2227

There’s always an interesting crowd of hipsters and punks at Siberia. This alternative music club hosts live music and other events: everything from heavy metal bands to blues and burlesque. An on-site Eastern European-themed restaurant offers borscht (beet soup), kielbasa and beef stroganoff. It’s also open for brunch on weekends.

THE ART GARAGE, 2231

This place opened in the spring of 2016 in an old auto body warehouse. This art market is a creative endeavor that hosts a wide range of events: music shows, theater acts, body painting, fire dancing, magic shows and more. It’s eye-catching and 100% New Orleans.

HI HO LOUNGE/COURTYARD, 2239

At the corner of Marigny Street you’ll find a lounge that offers nightly shows with local musicians and has done so for years. Hi Ho hosts comedy, improv and burlesque as well as weekly blue grass sessions. Bonus: it has a courtyard area that is home to Fry & Pie, a delicious late-night dining spot that offers several French fry dishes and mouth-watering desserts.

ALLWAYS LOUNGE, 2240

This is one of the funkiest joints in town. On any given night you may expect: local theater, live comedy or a sixties-inspired dance party. The drinks here are super-cheap.

KAJUN’S PUB/RESTAURANT, 2256

Technically this is a live-music spot -- that is, if you count karaoke as live music. One observer notes that, “the karaoke can only be rated as ‘awesomely bad at times’ but the beer flows no matter what.”

SHANK CHARCUTERIE, 2352

Welcome to a butcher shop and charcuterie with a lunch counter. One visitor says, “If you do nothing else in the Marigny, visit Shank. It’s one of the most underrated places in New Orleans to eat.”

CAFÉ ISTANBUL, 2372

For those who like open-mic nights Café Istanbul hosts storytelling competitions as well as poetry nights. Fun, funky and fine-tuned for live music – this place is a hub of diverse and avant-garde performances.

ST. ROCH MARKET, 2381

If you only have one meal in the Corridor, make sure it’s at the market. This food hall-style eatery is a favorite that is designed as an upscale food court and offers dozens of options. Their patio seating is the perfect place to dine or drink with a group.

FAUBOURG WINES, 2805

Stop in for a bottle to go or perch at a table for a glass of wine and a cheese plate. They host free wine tastings on Wednesdays from 6:00 to 8:00 pm and specialize in lesser-known small production wines.

RED’S CHINESE, 3048

A glowing red sign with no name is all that marks the location of Red’s Chinese. But ask any local and they’ll say this is the place to eat. Their dive-bar atmosphere fits the diner’s down-to-earth vibe.

SATURN BAR, 3067

This old, classic neighborhood bar has been in the same family for over 60 years. “They have T-shirts and wall calendars that make for cool gifts to bring back home,” says an out-of-town guest.

Shaun Nelson-Henrick

Insiders Guide of things to do, eats and drinks in New Orleans

Exploring St. Claude Avenue