New Orleans Nightlife

One of the most talked about party cities in the world, New Orleans nightlife is a 24 hour event. In New Orleans, it’s legal to have alcohol on the street as long as it’s in a plastic cup. That means you can travel from bar to bar without worrying about quickly finishing your drink. Needless to say New Orleans bars are the biggest part of enjoying the New Orleans nightlife.

Since New Orleans is famous for its music, it more likely than not you can find New Orleans bars with a live band, local musician, jazz trio or piano player to accompany your 24 hour pub and bar crawl. From piano bars, to jazz clubs, from Zydeco to rock, New Orleans nightlife has something for everyone to enjoy.

New Orleans Bourbon Street

Probably the center for the New Orleans nightlife, Bourbon Street is the center of the nightlife action. Staying in the nearby Bourbon Street hotels is a great way to participate in the New Orleans nightlife, especially during the many events and festivals that parade down New Orleans Bourbon Street like Mardi Gras and Jazzfest New Orleans.

A well known Bourbon Street Bar is the Cat’s Meow where karaoke is king and the drinks flow like water. The balcony above is famous during the festivals where wild partying can be had and sometimes tops come off. The police has been cracking down on this activity lately (it is against the law!) it’s safe to say that a Bourbon Street Bar after dark or anywhere on Bourbon Street after dark is not a place for children.

Another well known Bourbon Street Bar is Pat O’Brian’s. This pub is famous for the Hurricane drink, it’s the hourglass shaped souvenir glass everyone is carrying in the street. There are three different areas inside – the patio with an outside fountain, the piano bar and the side bar. There are no bands here just a big drinking bar, a great place to hang out.

If you are looking for live bands you can find them at several New Orleans Bourbon Street bars. Hard rock bands ala Guns and Roses are at the Famous Door, rock and dance music is found at Razoo where people gather on the huge patio to mingle, and Krazy Korner has rock n’roll and party dance.

More upscale New Orleans bars

The Crescent City Brewhouse: a premiere New Orleans restaurant and the only microbrewery in the French Quarter. Local Musicians perform live jazz nightly. Sample Pilsner and Black Forest and wander up to the 2nd floor balcony to watch the street action. Food is a cut above normal pub fare; a little classier atmosphere.

If you are looking for another high end, respectable joint, The Bombay Club is a little more upscale, business casual martini sipping set. There are also some upscale piano lounges and clubs at the high end New Orleans hotels like the Ritz Carlton, Wyndham and W Hotel New Orleans.

Something edgy / unusual

The Original Dungeon on Tulouse is a New Orleans classic, but not for the faint of heart. You can dance to heavy metal and rock music, while sipping on one of the signature drinks like Witch’s Brew or Dragon’s Blood. You can find skulls on the wall and a cage in lower depths.

Other French Quarter bars / clubs

Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville Café is popular among the tourists as Jimmy Buffet has been known to make appearances and play a few tunes. When he is not around, local bands play music while you patrons sip margaritas or cold draft beer and munch on burgers.

Napoleon House is a one of the most historic buildings in the French Quarter, inside it has a bar and restaurant with some good Creole and Cajun food.

If you are looking for a dance club, The Gold Mine is popular, or live music can be found at the House of Blues New Orleans.

New Orleans is famous for its nightlife, so no matter where you go, you should find a good bar, delicious cocktails and some great live music. No New orleans vacation is complete without enjoying the nightlife, especially Bourbon Street. Even if you are a teetotaler or prefer a boring night in with the TV, it is still worth your time to try out a Bourbon Street bar, just to say that you have been there, done that!