Best Bars In New Orleans, According To Locals

Move over Bourbon Street, here are our recommendations for the best spots to hit up during a night out in New Orleans, according to the locals.

If you’re planning a trip to New Orleans, incorporating nightlife is a must. The city is famous for its vibrant jazz scene and drinking problem. If you are looking to avoid tourist traps such as Bourbon Street or the French Quarter, take a look at our guide to the best bars in New Orleans to visit on a night out in NOLA.

Bacchanal Fine Wine & Spirits

A happening wine bar right off the Mississippi, this place offers great food, a large selection of hundreds of global wines, and an adorable courtyard for dining where live original jazz music is regularly hosted. The menu consists of a variety of Mediterranean-style dishes and appetizers including bacon wrapped dates, smoked shrimp dip, and coulotte steak.

Price Rating: pricey but manageable, $$$

Bar Redux

A self-described “chill venue” and a locally known dive bar serving Caribbean-influenced and Creole dishes; Bar Redux offers an outdoor patio and live music. Go for a more relaxed night out, where you can sip on a drink, listen to music, and take in the magical atmosphere of the city at night.

Price Rating: cheap, $

Snake & Jake’s Christmas Club Lounge

 “Your late nite dive” is a great bar to incorporate into your bar crawl across the city. Snake and Jake’s is a local favorite, come to blend in with the crowd and enjoy a less commercialized side of the NOLA party scene.

Price Rating: cheap, $

Blue Nile 

An amazing jazz club on Frenchman Street, come by Blue Nile for some of the best live jazz in the city. Get down on the dance floor and enjoy a cocktail from its expansive and moderately-priced menu. The interior design is adorable and creates the perfect atmosphere for a genuinely enchanting experience.

Price Rating: not the best, not the worst, $$

The Spotted Cat

A music club also situated on Frenchman Street, The Spotted Cat features an exceptionally relaxed atmosphere and funky live jazz. Choose from a large selection of well-priced drinks, this is a good spot to go to if you are itching to get away from the hustle and bustle of Bourbon Street but still want a happening night out.

Price rating: cheap and a good time, $

The Maison

A popular, established live music venue and bar; The Maison is the go-to spot for live music, dinner, dancing, and drag and burlesque show on Frenchmen Street This venue is comprised of three stories and offers live music seven days a week.

Price rating: slightly pricey but worth it, $$

d.b.a.

A rustic live music bar, d.b.a. hosts several live music shows a day for decently cheap tickets. In addition to an impressive cocktail list, it also serves up hundreds of craft beer options.

Price rating: not the best, not the worst, $$

Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar 

Rumored to be the oldest bar in New Orleans, Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar was built sometime between 1722 and 1732. The bar is named after New Orlean’s 1700’s legend, Jean Lafitte. Fully emulating the 18th century, this bar outwardly looks its age in the most charming way possible. It’s notorious for dim lighting, beer, frozen drinks and one of the better spots to hit on Bourbon Street.

Price rating: decent for Bourbon Street, $