The Jazz Playhouse

The Jazz Playhouse is the music room of the Royal Sonesta New Orleans, and it runs on tickets rather than a cover at the door. As of November 2026 it has a different act on most nights of the week, including a Friday burlesque show. It used to carry another name, which is part of the story.

Where it is

The club is at 300 Bourbon Street, on the lobby floor of the hotel, in the French Quarter. Guests must be 21 or older, and visitors can use the hotel’s parking garage.

The hotel’s history on Bourbon Street

The hotel’s own history page says the site dates back to 1721, when French engineer Adrien de Pauger laid out the city. Houses, courtyards, and carriageways stood on this block. In 1890, the page says, the American Brewing Company bought a winery here and expanded it to fill a city block.

The Sonnabend family, then owners of the Sonesta brand, were introduced to developer Lester Kabacoff, and the old brewery site was repurposed. The Vieux Carré Commission approved plans in 1967, and “Two years later, The Royal Sonesta New Orleans opened its doors.” The page doesn’t name the year.

Two names

OffBeat reports that trumpeter Irvin Mayfield helped open the club in 2009, and a 2012 New Orleans Magazine item lists it as Irvin Mayfield’s Jazz Playhouse, with live music most nights.

The name came off later. Fox 8 wrote in November 2021, in its report on Mayfield’s 18-month sentence over $1.3 million taken from the New Orleans library foundation, that the hotel “ended Mayfield’s seven-year residency in July 2019” and “removed his name from its Bourbon Street music venue.” Fox 8 does not give a reason.

The sources do not agree on timing. OffBeat reported in October 2016 that his residency would end October 31 of that year, and it did not state a reason either. It described allegations against Mayfield and noted that the hotel’s general manager would not discuss long-term plans. By May 2023, the hotel was presenting the room simply as The Jazz Playhouse.

The week

The club’s Eventbrite page, which the club’s calendar points to for tickets, listed this run as of November 9, 2026:

Tuesday: the Sam Lobley Trio, 7:30 PM.
Wednesday: Funkin’ It Up with Big Sam, 7:30 PM.
Thursday: Brass-A-Holics, 7:30 PM.
Friday: Trixie Minx’s Burlesque Ballroom, featuring Romy Kaye, 8:00 PM.
Saturday: the Nayo Jones Experience, 8:00 PM.
Sunday: Richard “Piano” Scott, 7:30 PM.

No Monday show appeared there, and the club’s own FAQ contradicts itself on whether it is open Mondays. The hotel lists a 2022 Gambit award for “Best Places to See Burlesque Shows” among the club’s honors, alongside a 2021-2022 Where Y’at award for best jazz club.

The room

The club calls its venue one of “vintage glamour”. Admission is by purchased ticket only because seating is limited. Tickets include a reserved table, and walk-ins can get bar seating or standing room with a one-drink minimum per set. The club encourages smart casual dress. No source here gives the room’s size or layout.

What to drink

The club says its bar specializes in classic cocktails inspired by the golden age of New Orleans jazz. Its menu page names two features: an Old Fashioned and Ella Fitzgerald’s Pearflower Martini. The full menu is posted as an image, so no other drinks are listed here.

The happy hour runs from opening until 6 p.m. As of November 2026 it lists Sazeracs and Old Fashioneds at $6, draft beer at $5, French 75s at $8, and half-price cheese and meat boards. Daily offerings vary by bartender.

Before you go

The club lists hours of 3 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and noon to 10:30 p.m. Friday through Sunday, as of November 2026. Check Monday before going.
Check the November lineup and calendar for changes.
For more bars, see the list of best cocktail bars in New Orleans.