One of the best neighborhood music venues in New Orleans. It is tucked away uptown just one block from the mighty Mississippi. It is 25 years old and has become a hub for rhythm and blues. It was originally built for Professor Longhair as a place for him to play later in his life. Professor Longhair is a legend in New Orleans because he had one of the biggest impacts on the New Orleans sound. Tip’s has hosted events for national artists including Wilco, Nine Inch Nails, Pearl Jam, Lenny Kravitz, Bonnie Raitt, James Brown, Widespread Panic, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Tim McGraw, Goo Goo Dolls, Parliament Funkadelic, Robert Cray, Buddy Guy, and Medeski, Martin & Wood. Many historic live recordings were made at Tipitina’s by artists like the Neville Brothers, Anders Osborne, Kermit Ruffins, and most recently, Galactic.

What I love about Tip’s is the atmosphere especially at night. It is on the corner of Tchoupitoulas and Napoleon and it lights up the street. If someone asked me, “What is the prototypical New Orleans Music Club?” Tip’s would be on the top of my list next to the Maple Leaf. These two venues have some of the best music in the world.

When watching a show at Tip’s their is no seating. It is standing room only and if it isn’t crowded people are dancing so watch out for an elbow or two. There is no bad view of the stage at Tip’s and you can get up close and personal if you desire. There is usually a cover charge and the drinks are average priced.

The newest edition to Tipitina’s has been the French Quarter location. Very different from the uptown location and it focuses more on tourism. Do not go to the French Quarter location expecting to have the Tipitina’s experience. It is just not the same as the Uptown location. What it does have is the music and a good view of the river but it just doesn’t have the history and the feel of the uptown location. So take my advice and catch a cab to Tip’s uptown, you will not be disappointed.

Read the Hotel Monteleone’s review of Tipitina’s French Quarter!