Ooh Poo Pah Doo Bar

…I don’t even know where to begin…
Last night here was probably the coolest night I’ve ever spent in New Orleans. This city has always felt like a home I never lived in, but being at Ooh Poo Pah Doo felt like I’d finally reached its heart and soul. The music and the warmth of the Andrews family there is the very essence of what makes this city great.
We got there way early, literally no one else was there and we wondered if they were even open yet. We were welcomed in by one of the women, who assured us that the red beans & rice were «on their way», and that yes, Monday nights are great and «you’re gonna love it!»
Inside, we were greeted by James Andrews himself, who asked if we were enjoying our stay. We got drinks, grabbed a table, and watched the musicians arrive, greet each other, and set up; that alone was worth coming.
The rest of the evening has been described in other reviews, and it all came true. The free red beans & rice (with neckbones-​phenomenal!), the second lines around the room, Big Chief Alfred Doucette, and music, music, music! And maybe the best part of all happen as I tabbed out at the bar. The bartender (James’ auntie?) took my hand in hers and said no, they weren’t able to add a tip to the total, they don’t do that, they just hoped I had a good time. Speechless for a minute, I finally found the words, «I am SO coming back!»

Wow. What a friendly crowd. Judy and James welcomed us newcomers with open arms and treated us like family all night. I took my dad and his wife there for the Monday night jam session and were not disappointed. This place is a neighborhood and city gem.

If you’re looking for a good local dive bar with live music — look no further! This is it! Lots of character and charm, friendly folks at the bar. Didn’t make it there for a music performance — but would love to return soon!

Authentic and a can’t miss in New Orleans.

Hands down the best place to go on a Monday night. James Andrews and his band are must see, and the atmosphere is spot on. Miss Judy is the best host in the city. If you come to NOLA and miss this spot on Mondays (and probably many other nights) then you pretty much missed NOLA.

Between Judy’s singing and Bobby Love’s band, we had the best night of our short trip to New Orleans. Everyone was extremely fun and hospitable. They made sure we felt welcome, had plenty of beer, and danced as often as possible. Thanks Judy! We will be back!

This place is wonderfully soulful & authentic. Packed with friendly locals, lots of fantastic characters. Went there on a Monday for Trumpet Black’s regular session. Saw James Andrews, Arthur Bell, Big Chief Alfred Doucette and lots more. Musicians were turning up all night and joining in the riot!
The bar owner — Judy dances and sings along with the band, she is great fun. There where free red beans and rice on the night I was there and the drinks are cheap.
The décor is really comfortable ‘retro home style’. I felt very at home and among friends even though I am from Australia.
Take a small parasol for joining in with the ‘Second Line’ which just goes all around the bar for half the night.

This might be my favorite place here? Friendly, cheap, and great music. I was here on Friday and the band, which leaned towards R+B, was incredible. Insane cover of Purple Rain had people howling and dancing. Just go.

Superb live music experience in a fun atmosphere. James Andrews and crew brought it. Diverse crowd, dancing just broke out. Low key and relaxed bar with friendly owner and staff.

Our first stop in New Orleans late Sunday night and it was unforgettable. The owner, bartender and the band were hospitable and extremely talented. This place is a gem! It is a spot to DEFINITELY stop in at to enjoy some GREAT classic jazz music that makes you feel New Orleans that way it should be felt.

I have gone once on Monday. It was my best experience in a live music bar ever. Mrs judy treated my brother and I like family. She took good care of us and danced all over with us and made us feel like we were at home. Will definitely be back soon!

I have lived in New Orleans since the beginning of July and iI have been to many bars looking for good music and this one is by far my favorite On Monday night is jam night and you never know who is going to show up One Monday I went and by the end of the night there were 19 people playing at once and you would feel like they had been playing together for years The people that work here and the customers always make you feel at home. James Andrews always puts on a good show and before you know it everyone is up dancing or doing a second line around the bar. They also serve free red beans and rice on Monday cooked by Valerie and there is plenty of parking up and down the street
You can usually find Chief Alfred Doucette dropping in to sing maybe a couple of saxaphone players always another horn or two. Guitar Slim Jr. is phenomenal on the guitar. The guy that plays two keyboards at once is one of the best I’ve ever heard, and what a treat when Trombone Shorty plays. And what would it be without a washboard in the mix?

It’s your basic neighborhood bar with live music. Except that it’s in this town that’s thick with serious music, and it’s in a neighborhood with a particularly strong musical legacy, and it’s owned and operated by members of the family that reigns supreme in the musical hierarchy of the city/​nation/​world. So, pretty much the best possible neighborhood bar (well, OK, you could add some yuppie beers for people like me, but then again people like me can also just enjoy an Abita or three and shut up and dig the music and vibe). Fantastically welcoming and comfortable and fun. Definitely worth the cab/​über, unless you happen to live next door in which case you already know what I’m talking about.

Good music. Great NOLA legacy, but it feels like a steam room in this joint. Also, it takes too long to get a drink.

Hole in the wall has cheap drinks and excellent blues bands! I’ve seen Walter Wolfman Washington, Brother Tyrone, and James Andrews there, and had a fantastic time!

Want ya some real New Orleans kinda experience and flavor? Believe me, nothing else in the city tops this joint in terms of authentic warmth and good times. Be sure to catch one of Guitar Slim Jr’s Sunday evening shows. You will have the time of your life!

I want to tell you about Oo-​Poo-​Pah-​Doo! This is a super friendly local joint owned by Judy — the hostess with the mostest and daughter for the late Jessie Hill — who wrote the song the bar is named after.
There is live R&B, blues and funk four nights a week — and Mardi Gras Indians there practicing and jumping in with the band.
When there is no band, the juke box is playing and the mic is on and it’s a free for all. You never know who is going to walk through the doors and hop on the mic.
Monday is Blue Monday — their big night — with James Andrews, Bobby Love and the Crescent City All Stars.
Saturday and Sunday you can catch Guitar Slim Jr.‘s band performing. Box, the drummer Fats Domino’s drummer. Local legends like Big Chief Doucette will get on the mic and get you out of your chair.
This place is the real deal. Go join the party. And no cover!
Also, they have a TV so you can watch the game.

The Ooh Poo Pah Doo is just across Claiborne on Orleans and is one of my regular haunts. Fantastic people, great music, reasonable drink prices, and a slice of the real Treme. Owned and operated by the Andrews and Boudreaux families.
If you’re lucky, you’ll get a plate of Brian’s smothered chicken or liver and grits, but on Mondays they always have red beans and rice and on Fridays they serve a $ 5 fish plate. Unlike most lounges in the Treme, they’re open seven days a week, and there is never a cover charge!

Nice neighborhood bar featuring great live music and on some nights free food.