Meet our Neighbors: 5 Questions for 3 Muses

1. Three Muses is always a favorite on Frenchmen, obviously, because you don't make folks choose between a great dinner, a tasty cocktail, and world-class live jazz (along with every other style y'all have playing there)—you mix all three perfectly. How do you manage to keep all three of those creative plates spinning seamlessly every single night? It sounds exhausting to me.

Well….. I don’t know exactly how seamless it is these days, lol and it certainly has evolved many times over in the 16 years we’ve been here. But it always involves a killer staff and amazing musicians. I’ve had to whittle it down to bare bones these days because I can’t really afford a big staff these days. Things changed significantly after Covid lockdown. So it’s down to me and 4 lovely ladies holding it down. Along with an awesome rotation of mainly woman fronted music groups.

2. Your menu features really delicious, unique Asian-fusion comfort food—like your famous bulgogi beef rice bowl. What inspired you to introduce these distinct global flavors to a street known traditionally for local roots? I had to take over every aspect of the place, including the kitchen and the menu. So I decided that if I’m going to do this, I had to cook what I know, and that’s Korean food, that I learned from my mother, Moon along with a few traditional New Orleans staples like Red Beans and rice.

3. Your signature house cocktail, 'The Muse' (with cucumber gin and blueberry), is a big favorite. How did that drink come together, and how does it represent the vibe of the bar?

The Muse was developed with me and one of my partners at the time, when we first opened in 2010. Most of the credit goes to him but I did have a hand in tweaking it. It’s house made cucumber infused gin, blueberry simple syrup, elderberry and fresh lime. It’s light, crispy and not too sweet. A perfect refresher, especially on a typical hot and muggy New Orleans evening.

4. Compared to the louder music clubs on the strip, Three Muses feels like a cozy, romantic local listening room. If I ever had a date, I’d go…How does that intimate, close-up setup change the energy between the musicians on stage and the crowd sitting at the tables?

When we first opened, it was rare to get music and food at the same time. Now it’s pretty much commonplace on the street. What separates us is the intimate space and the more laid back vibe. One can enjoy the food and music but still carry a conversation with their table mates. There are certainly times where it gets a little rowdy and loud but that’s mainly during Mardi Gras and during Fest Months.

5. With your doors opening early and music kicking off right at dinner time, why is pulling up to your bar the absolute perfect way to launch a night out in the Marigny before the late-night madness hits?

Exactly what you said….i hear from customers that it’s the perfect spot to start an evening of bar hopping on Frenchmen. A chill spot to grab a bite and a cocktail and some jazz before heading out to enjoy and get your groove on at all the other experiences up and down the street. Sometimes folks like to start and end their time on the street here. Wind up/wind down.

6. And personally, we were friends when you came up with this idea all those years ago, and I clearly remember saying "I don’t know, seems kind of risky doing something so different than the rest of Frenchmen…” care to rub it in my face?

I would never rub it in your face hahaha, and as much as I’d like to say I could, it’s been a struggle lately, after covid and after so many other awesome places have opened. It’s been a challenge to stand out. We are small and kind of quiet compared to other places. Which is not a bad thing and not disparaging my neighbors. It’s just that the street has changed so much and I’m not so sure how we fit in anymore.

I’m still trying, but I’m Gen X and am not particularly social media or tech savvy!! BIG LOL!!!! But I’m trying my best to remain authentic to myself and the initial vision. So I’m definitely about to try new things and put myself out there more. But this is most likely my final season. I’m getting older and it may be time for the next gen with new ideas to take over.

And my kids have asked me to step back. They’ve seen how hard it is and see how I struggle. They were 2 years old and the other was 6 months old when I signed the lease in late 2009. They literally grew up in the place and want me to not struggle anymore. So I’m going to honor that and call it after this 2026-2027 season. I owe it to them. and myself, really.

I still enjoy it, especially being behind the bar again, and cooking my mother’s food, but it’s so very hard. And not sustainable the older I get. So my plan is to celebrate the wonderful years we’ve been here and go out swinging on a positive note and a job well done. It will be another hard season but I’m up to the challenge. But also can’t wait to have my time back to myself and my now young adult kids. Visit Three Muses

• Address: 514 Frenchmen St, New Orleans, LA 70116

• Phone: 504-298-8746

• Website: 3musesnola.com 

Ready for drinks, small plates, and live jazz after cruising through the neighborhood? Join us on our New Orleans Cocktail Bike Tour, and make Three Muses your first stop of the night.