New Orleans = a party where all bars and people are participating in.

New Orleans is known for its vivacious nightlife. Once you reach the bottom of Royal, for example, you are at Frenchmen Street. It is hard to see where the bars stop and streets begin, it is just a party where all bars and people are participating in.

Drinks & Music… and lots of it!

Preservation Hall, Tipitina’s, etc…

Preservation Hall: 726 St Peter St, New Orleans, LA 70116, United States (map, website)

Tipitina’s: 501 Napoleon Ave, New Orleans, LA 70115, United States (map, website)

New Orleans is home to iconic music venues, including the Preservation Hall and Tipitina’s. They are all fantastic, but you can find info on them elsewhere. This is more local, down to earth, off the beaten path.

R Bar

1431 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70116, United States (map, website)

On Royal just before you hit Frenchmen, it is R Bar with amazing juke box, where people are literally spilling the party into the street.

Marigny Brasserie

640 Frenchmen St, New Orleans, LA 70116, United States (map, website)

On Frenchmen Street, stop in at Marigny Brasserie right on the corner of Royal and Frenchmen. It was here I figured out the definition of “New Orleans” music. It is any band with multiple pieces, lots of brass, playing anything. Pretty specific huh? The band I saw was mostly brass and they were playing Nirvana’s Smells like Teen Spirit. The place was going wild!

Monteleone Carousel Bar

214 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70130, United States (map, website)

Check the calendar before you go. We saw Lena Prima & Band who were going to play at the jazz fest the next day for free at the bar which is called Carousel because it actually rotates.

Bourbon Street Bars

Razzoo: 511 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70130, United States (map, website)

Famous Door: 339 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70130, United States (map, website)

Razzoo and Famous Door always have good cover bands all day and night. So if Bourbon is your thing, hit these up.

Drink (and only Drink!)

Boondock Saint Bar

731 St Peter St, New Orleans, LA 70116, United States (map, website)

Just outside Preservation Hall and Pat O’Brien’s is Boondock Saint Bar. Perfect when you can’t get into either and need a friendly drink at a local place, despite being hailed as a touristy location.

Omni Royal La Riviera Roof Top Pool Bar

621 St. Louis Street, New Orleans, LA 70130, United States (map, website)

If you happen to be staying at the Omni Royal, and I recommend you do. Great view across the quarter, plenty of cover, and a pool, because no matter how much it rains, it is still hot, and it never seems to rain underwater. Low key, casual, Desmond will take care of you!

Omni Royal Rib Room Bar

621 St. Louis Street, New Orleans, LA 70130, United States (map, website)

Good for happy hour and last calls for drinks.

Jason Canter

Contributor

Jason loves beaches, sailing, diving & trying new foods. His travel style is about staying central & close to the action. His favorite country is Mexico & he never travels without his Tumi roller.