A Street of Patriots

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Frenchmen Street is now famous as one of the city's best spots for live music, but its name carries a darker, more dramatic origin. It's said to be named for five French patriots who were executed near the river end of the street back in 1769. While the entertainment district we know today only really developed in the 1980s, the street's architecture still stands out from the rest of New Orleans.

Whether you're heading to the Spotted Cat, d.b.a., or Snug Harbor, you're walking through a place where historic grit meets modern rhythm. From the 21-and-over crowds at the music clubs to the free strolls along the sidewalk, the street has transformed from a site of execution into a sanctuary for jazz and blues.

Updated June 2026