Maple Leaf Bar

Monday night expectations are never high for me. After a delightfully fun-filled weekend, you tend to want to lay around like red beans simmering on the stove but I had promised my gal pal, Lauren R, I'd partake in some Jon Cleary & The Absolute Monster Gentlemen at The Maple Leaf.

I've been here many a time for the late night Rebirth Brass Band show on Tuesday nights, a great place to bring visiting friends who arrive early in the week.

This is exactly what a Monday night in New Orleans should be. Don't go looking for a fancy-schmancy martini or obscure import here. Get yourself a solid local brew.  I went with NOLA 7th Street Wheat, a light beer that they dump a whole bunch of fresh lemon-basil into after fermentation giving it a light citrus taste and a refreshing finish. Great for when Cleary's feet start getting frantic while his fingers dance across the keys.

The venue is very intimate. I could've reached out and touched Jon Cleary's nose and it takes everything within me not to hop up on stage. But I think this sort of environment creates a symbiotic relationship between crowd and band.  

When we arrived Jon Cleary was playing some dreamy blues for the audience of 50 or so motionless, "listen to the tunes" types but they weren't ready just yet. I was shocked to find that I had at least a 6 inch radius from the closest person and my antiperspirant wasn't working double time as per usual at the Maple Leaf.  But if you're not sweatin' at the Maple Leaf, you're not dancin' and if you're not dancin'...well you're just not having enough fun! But it didn't take long for Jon and the boys to kick up that blues into some soul into some funk, and I was sweating like a red light district doll face in St. Louis Cathedral.

The band's set started promptly at 9 and ended around 12 so you don't feel like you're pulling an all-nighter. He plays two more times on Monday this month, so don't miss out!

In summary, for a $10 cover soul funk your blues away, get yourself a local brew or two, dance with strangers and don't be afraid to sweat!

Jaque-Imo's was closed and we needed beer. Maple Leaf Bar provided said beer. And they allow dogs in which is totally sweet.

I was in town on business with a group of people and it was suggested that we go to the Maple Leaf by someone in our party.  It was a 15 dollar cover that night (personal pet peeve number 1: cover charge, plenty of places to enjoy free of charge) and I did not have enough cash on me.  I asked to use their in-house ATM and they kindly obliged.  The ATM however gave me 10 dollars less than requested.  I inquired at the front door, paid my cover and was instructed to speak with a bartender regarding the ATM issue.  This is where the night went wrong.  The bartender was a total ass from the start and told me I did not have the funds in my account... False, if the gentleman even bothered to read the ATM receipt.  He kicked me out for yelling at him, when he was the one doing the yelling and frankly insulting me by saying my account would not support the withdrawal amount.  I simply was asking how to handle the matter. I was more than happy to leave!  And, How about an apology? I understand it is a bar and it is busy and the ATM is probably owned by an outside company, but it is still a part of your business.  All I did was try to explain the situation after the people working your door told me to speak with you and you, bartender, were a complete ass.  After being kicked out (first time ever and I am 35, I might add) I spoke with the people at the door and they were nice enough to refund me the cover charge and were very apologetic, thank you for that... But I will never visit this establishment again based on this experience.  Not a big fan of the bar scene and thank you for reminding me why!