All That Jazz
A Massive New Concert Hall via NOLA

The French Quarter: jazz mecca.

The Mission: jazz... whatever the opposite of mecca is.

Today, that all changes.

Because today, you say hello to Preservation Hall West at the Chapel, a cathedral-sized concert venue and bar (and first-ever outpost of the N’awlins original), kicking things off Thursday on Valencia Street.

This place was literally a church and mortuary back in the day (the day being 1914). Now, the massive, red-walled oasis will host NOLA’s Preservation Hall Jazz Band on a regular basis—including next weekend, along with various musical talents like Elvis Costello and Buddy Miller.

If you’ve been to the original Preservation Hall, you know it as an intimate sanctuary where you bring your own drinks and sit on benches or the floor. This is not that. It’s bigger (40-foot ceilings, a mezzanine, standing-room only). And it’s boozier (there are two bars inside for ticket holders and a main bar that’s always open to the public).

Mostly, you’re coming here for concerts. Beeline it to the bar-equipped mezzanine for the best views and pre-prepped cocktails, like a potent peach-and-bourbon number.

Or if you’re just in the neighborhood, drop by the main bar for some New Orleans–inspired bar bites and Old Fashioneds.

Sadly, not served in go-cups.