What Makes a Venue New Orleans Authentic?

There’s no shortage of event spaces in the world—but only a handful can claim to be truly New Orleans. And fewer still can back it up with funk, grit, and soul baked into their bones like The Howlin’ Wolf.

So what exactly makes a venue New Orleans authentic? Let’s dive into the magic behind the Wolf—and what separates it from the beige banquet halls of the world.

🎷 It Starts With the Music

New Orleans is music. It’s second lines and street brass, bounce and blues, funk and rock ‘n’ roll. A real New Orleans venue doesn’t just play music—it lives it. At The Howlin’ Wolf, we’ve hosted legends like The Foo Fighters, Dr. John, and Trombone Shorty, and launched local icons who cut their teeth on our stage.

From Mardi Gras blowouts to late-night Jazz Fest jams, The Wolf isn’t just a place to hear music—it’s a place where music is made.

🏛️ History in the Walls

Founded in 1988 and named for the legendary bluesman Chester “Howlin’ Wolf” Burnett, our venue has always embraced the raw, raucous spirit of the city. Our exposed brick walls have seen decades of dancing, storytelling, and soul. We’re not manufactured for Instagram—we’re built on legacy.

🌙 It’s an All-Night City

True to New Orleans form, The Wolf is open late. We don’t close when the sun goes down—we come alive. With a full-service kitchen in The Den, 25+ beers on tap, and a vibe that hits just right after midnight, we’re built for night owls, lovers of live music, and anyone who knows the best memories happen after dark.

🍤 Food That Actually Slaps

New Orleans cuisine is a love language. We honor that with bar bites that go way beyond your average nachos. Think cheddar bacon beignets with chipotle crema (Beignet Fest’s Best Savory Winner), dirty rice, shrimp po’boys, and late-night sliders.

If you’re not dreaming about what you ate the next day, it wasn’t New Orleans.

💃 Culture You Can Feel

At The Howlin’ Wolf, we don’t just rent a room—we create an experience. From burlesque performers to second line brass bands, karaoke nights to tarot card readers, we give you the tools to throw a party that feels distinctly NOLA.

You want Mardi Gras in April? Done. You want a second line at your wedding? Let’s roll. You want a shot that’s half hot sauce and half whiskey? It’s already at the bar.

🤝 Community Roots

When Hurricane Ida hit, we weren’t just a venue—we were a kitchen, a relief center, a home base for thousands of hot meals and supplies.

Our founder, Howie Kaplan, even leads the city’s Office of Nighttime Economy, bridging the gap between culture-bearers and city hall. That’s the kind of commitment that defines New Orleans authenticity: service, soul, and showing up.

🐺 Why The Wolf?

Because it’s loud, local, and unmistakably New Orleans.

Authenticity isn’t something you hang on the wall. It’s something you build—night after night, band after band, dance after dance.

So if you’re planning a wedding, a concert, or a wild night out, don’t settle for generic. Go where the walls sweat music, the drinks come with a wink, and the spirit of New Orleans is alive and howlin’.

Want more? Book a tour or just come by—we’ll show you what real feels like.