Old recording studio now new, hip restaurant and bar Junebug in Warehouse District

NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — With Jazz Fest just weeks away, now is the time to start planning your festivities. There’s a new spot in the Warehouse District called Junebug, with strong ties to Jazz Fest musicians.

At Junebug, the rhythm is going to get you.

“So, this building at one point housed one of Cosimo Matassa’s recording studios. He ran Jazz City distribution out of here. He partnered with Allen Touissant who ran a couple of different record labels out of here,” Sophie Burton, bar manager at Junebug, said.

Jazz Fest legends of the past left their mark on these walls.

“We’ve had different artists like Ernie K-Doe, The Meters, Allen Touissant, The Neville Brothers all recorded albums and songs here,” she said.

Now, these walls are home to this hip and chic new restaurant and bar.

“We wanted to communicate our love of music, craftmanship and love of fine things. In New Orleans everything is old and new at the same time. We want to honor this building,” Burton said.

When you are eating and drinking at Junebug, make sure to look for the details in the lighting and the design.

“The wall sconces are made from old cymbals. There are chandeliers built from vintage milk glass. The arches were built to sort of bring the bar to the guest. There are custom-painted florets each with bulbs designed specifically for this bar, and you’ll see floral motifs and natural motifs throughout,” Burton said.

Including in their captivating courtyard.

“It feels intimate, but nice with open air space,” she said.

At Junebug, the food and drinks go together like a record’s A-side and B-side.

Some of the dishes include oysters remoulade and tuna crudo. Some cocktails include a riff of a sangria called “Little Old Money Maker,” named after a song by The Meters, as well as a frozen Ramos Gin Fizz.

Junebug is open until midnight on Tuesdays through Sundays, so it will be a perfect late-night spot after Jazz Fest.

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