The legendary bars and music clubs of New Orleans were among the first businesses to reopen after Hurricane Katrina, with some bars in the French Quarter serving patrons by lamplight until electricity returned to the city. Whether you're looking for a good cocktail or live local music, the options are endless in newborn New Orleans.
French Quarter
First stop in the French Quarter: Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop. This historic building dates back to 1772 and provides the perfect location for getting a feel of old New Orleans. Other great historic bars include the Old Absinthe House, Napoleon House, French 75 Bar at Arnaud's, or the revolving Carousel Piano Bar at the Monteleone Hotel. Each of these destinations offers the perfect atmosphere for a classic New Orleans cocktail and some friendly conversation.
On St. Peter Street, you will find Pat O'Brien's, where you can enjoy a famous Hurricane alongside the fire fountain. From there, you can head inside to the Piano Bar to hear classic tunes played by dueling pianos. Sing along to your favorites, or just sit back, sip your drink, and listen to the music.
The second most famous drink on Bourbon Street is the Hand Grenade. It's served up at the Tropical Isle, and its ingredients are a closely guarded secret. The Hand Grenade is green and potent—they promote it as New Orleans' strongest drink—and the tall plastic green cups in which it's served can be seen all over Bourbon Street. The Pirate bar, which is just down the street from the Tropical Isle, is a prime place for the more mature crowd.
In New Orleans, Margaritaville is at the end of Decatur Street. Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville Cafe serves up cheeseburgers and cold draft beer. But its main feature is Jimmy Buffett. From tables featuring his album covers to his familiar songs, it's a Parrothead's paradise.
The Cat's Meow on Bourbon Street is the spot for a little karaoke. Even if you don't sing, it's always entertaining to watch others take their turn at the microphone.
Make sure to check out the concert listings for Preservation Hall. It's the perfect place to take a little rest and just enjoy the music. Also, check out the concert schedules for the House of Blues and the Parish. One-Eyed Jack's also offers great live shows.
If you're not ready to call it a night, head over to the Gold Mine Saloon, located on Orleans Avenue and Dauphine Street. This late-night club offers dancing, drinks, and even flaming shots for those truly brave imbibers.
Frenchmen Street
Light years removed from the glitzy neon lights and music of Bourbon Street, but only walking distance away, is a two-block-long entertainment district where the locals hang out. On any night, you can hear a wide variety of music performed as only New Orleans musicians can. It's Frenchmen Street, and it is conveniently located near the French Quarter. No matter what kind of music you want to hear—jazz, blues, funk, or reggae—you'll find it in one of these establishments. Most don't require a cover charge, so you can wander in and out at your leisure.
Start the night off with some jazz at Snug Harbor. Grab a table by the stage, or stay up closer to the bar. Shows usually start at 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. Or head on over to Port of Call, the lower French Quarter establishment known for their amazing burgers and their signature drink, the Neptune's Monsoon.
A few doors down is d.b.a., a local favorite that offers live music and a huge selection of beers on draft, as well as a great wine menu. There is an artsy and cool vibe, which makes it a great place to enjoy the night with a group or with that someone special. Across the street is the Spotted Cat. This intimate venue offers a wide range of performances. Live performances are at 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. nightly. Café Brasil, the Blue Nile, and the Apple Barrel are also good locations for live music, and they're all located within a few doors of each other.
If you find yourself in need of a little break, walk over to the Hookah Café and relax on one of the lush couches or plump pillows while enjoying the ambient beats, dim lighting, and stylish, Middle East design. If you're not one for the hookah, order a drink or perhaps some tapas, which are served late, especially on weekends.
For still more fun, go to Esplanade Avenue and discover Igor's Checkpoint Charlie. This late-night watering hole offers live music and a good game of pool.
Uptown
A 15-minute cab ride will take you to Uptown New Orleans. Uptown has great venues for listening to music in settings that typically are much more authentic than touristy. Start the evening off at the Victorian Lounge of the Columns Hotel, a palatial mansion-turned-hotel on historic St. Charles Avenue. Grab a spot on the porch, order yourself a classic New Orleans cocktail, and take in the beauty of the avenue at dusk. The seating inside is equally enjoyable: rich mahogany and plush seating provide patrons with a feeling of old New Orleans charm.
Jacques-Imo's is a traditional New Orleans favorite located in the heart of Uptown. It's located next door to the Maple Leaf Bar, where the city's top brass, funk, R&B, and zydeco bands play late into the night. On Napoleon Avenue sits Tipitina's, a legend in the music world, with an affinity for New Orleans funk and Delta blues.
For the true beer connoisseur, there's no better place to stop than The Bulldog. It's a great place to try some of the 50 beers on tap or 100 brands available in bottles. This quaint neighborhood bar features indoor seating and a great outdoor patio.
Other nightlife Cajun dancing is one of New Orleans' great treats. Enjoy authentic Cajun dancing at one of the lively establishments, such as the Beach Club on Bourbon Street. Or dance on a festively decorated balcony overlooking Bourbon Street in the historic French Quarter.
In the not-too-distant past, New Orleans was notorious for its risqué burlesque clubs. The dancers and other burlesque entertainers were as legendary as their colorful names. Some of them are still performing!
Although not as plentiful as they were during Bourbon Street's heyday, clubs can still be found around the Quarter. And for those who like their entertainment cabaret-style, there are a few places to satisfy you as well.
Let the good times roll! Nights in New Orleans will always be unforgettable.
