Cat's Meow, New Orleans

Cat’s Meow is a long-running karaoke club known for putting visitors, rather than professional performers, at the center of the show. It opened in December 1989, when karaoke was still a relatively new entertainment format in the United States, and became closely associated with the growth of participatory nightlife in the French Quarter. Its focus has remained simple: guests choose a song, take the stage, and perform for a lively crowd.

The venue combines an intimate showroom with a courtyard, an upper mezzanine, and balconies overlooking the surrounding nightlife district. Inside, colorful stage lighting, large screens, DJs, and emcees keep performances moving. Karaoke singers are mixed with popular music, sing-alongs, dancing, games, and crowd interaction, so the experience feels more like a continuous stage show than a quiet neighborhood karaoke night.

Visitors can choose from a large catalog covering classic rock, pop, dance music, hip-hop, and current hits. Singing is the main attraction, but many guests come simply to watch and join the crowd. The atmosphere is generally loud, social, and group-oriented, making it best suited to travelers looking for an interactive evening rather than a traditional concert. Admission is limited to guests aged 21 and over.