A local favorite, Abita Springs beer.
Best Burlesque
★★★ One Eyed Jacks, 615 Toulouse St. (p 121)
Best Happy Hour
★★ The Bombay Club, 830 Conti St. (p 119)
Best Dive Bar
★ Snake & Jake’s Xmas Club Lounge, 7612 Oak St. (p 116)
Best Late-Late Spot
★ The Dungeon, 738 Toulouse St. (p 115)
Best Gay & Lesbian
★★ Oz, 800 Bourbon St. (p 118)
Best Cajun Dancing
★★★ Mid-City Lanes Rock ’n’ Bowl, 3016 S. Carrolton Ave. (p 116)
Best Historic Bar
★★★ Napoleon House, 500 Chartres St. (p 115)
Best Karaoke
★ Cat’s Meow, 701 Bourbon St. (p 119)
Best Jazz Club
★★★ Snug Harbor, 626 Frenchmen St. (p 118)
Best Tiki Bar
★★★ Latitude 29, 321 N. Peters St. (p 117)
Best Pioneering Craft Cocktail Bar
★★★ CURE, 4905 Freret St. (p 117)
Best Classic NOLA Bar
★★★ French 75, 813 Bienville St. (p 117)
Best Neighborhood Bar
★★ Pal’s, 949 N. Rendon St. (p 116)
Best (Worst) Place for Cheesy, Hangover-Inducing Drunk Fest
Tropical Isle, 600 & 721 Bourbon St. (p 116)
The world-famous Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop.
Nightlife A to Z
Bars, Pubs & Dives
★ The Dungeon FRENCH QUARTER Dark and scary in the good B-movie kind of way, you just know that bad decisions get made here regularly (it doesn’t even open till midnight). Claustrophobes beware. 738 Toulouse St. ☎ 504/523-5530. Cover $5. Map p 111.
★★ Kerry Irish Pub FRENCH QUARTER All the essentials are here: perfect pints of Guinness on draft; darts and pool; live Irish folk music; surly bar staff and clientele. Sláinte. 331 Decatur St. ☎ 504/527-5954. No cover. Map p 111.
★★ Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop FRENCH QUARTER Even if it wasn’t the oldest bar (and maybe building) in the Quarter or a legendary pirate’s lair, it’d merit a visit for the ancient atmosphere. Sipping an ale in the crumbling, cavernlike, candlelit interior is nearly akin to time traveling (never mind the anachronistically blaring jukebox). Just step away from the Purple Drank. 941 Bourbon St. ☎ 504/593-9761. www.lafittesblacksmithshop.com. No cover. Map p 111.
★★★ Napoleon House FRENCH QUARTER Do get the signature, cucumber-fresh Pimm’s Cup at this history-heavy spot with low-key lighting, strong drinks, hot muffulattas, and classical music. 500 Chartres St. ☎ 504/524-9752. www.napoleonhouse.com. No cover. Map p 111.
★★ Pal’s Lounge MID-CITY Locals yammer, dogs wander about, air hockey happens, and some kind of tasty snack is usually available at this true neighborhood hang in the midst of Faubourg St. John. The stellar jukebox and men’s room decor add to the lure. 949 N. Rendon St. ☎ 504/488-7257. No cover. Map p 114.
★ Snake & Jake’s Xmas Club Lounge CARROLLTON It’s how Webster defined dive bar. Only venture here if you like Christmas decorations year-round, dogs hanging out at their masters’ feet, soul and R & B pumping from the jukebox, and really, really dark corners. 7612 Oak St. ☎ 504/861-2802. www.snakeandjakes.com. No cover. Map p 114.
Tropical Isle FRENCH QUARTER If drinking slime green-colored rot gut from a plastic, weapon-shaped dispenser is on your bucket list, get an infamous hand grenade here. And that’s all we’d better say about that. 600 and 721 Bourbon St. ☎ 504/529-1702. www.tropicalisle.com. No cover. Map p 111.
Cajun/Zydeco Venues
★★★ Mid-City Lanes Rock ’n’ Bowl MID-CITY Bowling and dancing to live Cajun, Zydeco, or rock bands. Need we say more? You don’t have to be good at either—a good time is still guaranteed here. Throw a spare, shake a tail feather, rinse, repeat. 3016 S. Carrollton Ave. ☎ 504/861-1700. www.rocknbowl.com. Shoe rental $1; lane rental $24/hr. Map p 114.
★ Mulate’s CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT If you can’t travel to Cajun Country, Mulate’s brings it to you. Well not quite, but it’s the closest the city has to a Cajun dance hall. Thanks to patient instructors and expert live fiddling, all who pass here will pass a good time. 201 Julia St. ☎ 504/522-1492. www.mulates.com. No cover. Map p 113.
Concert Venues
★ Civic Theatre CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT For years, this 1906, triple-tiered theater stood vacant, save for the exquisite Art Deco chandelier and a flock of pigeons. Now the gracefully restored version hosts diverse acts from John Prine to Slayer to Neutral Milk Hotel. 510 O’Keefe St. www.civicnola.com. ☎ 504/272-0865. Ticket prices vary according to event. Map p 113.
★★★ Saenger Theatre FRENCH QUARTER Following a gajillion-dollar, post-Katrina renovation, this magnificent 1927 stunner from the movie-house glory days reopened with state-of-the-art technology to host concerts and touring Broadway shows. 1111 Canal St. ☎ 504/287-0351. www.saengernola.com. Ticket prices vary according to event. Map p 111.
Craft Cocktail Bars
★★★ Bar Tonique FRENCH QUARTER Classic or well-made craft cocktails without pretense amid a good mix of neighborhood locals in a low-key hip room with candles flickering against exposed brick. 820 N. Rampart St. ☎ 504/324-6045. www.bartonique.com. Map p 111.
★★★ Cane & Table FRENCH QUARTER The “sophisticated faded” decor mixes distressed brick with sparkly chandeliers and a gleaming white marble bar top. Rum (made from the cane, get it?) stars, mixed by revered craft cocktail revivalists with house-made ingredients and squeezed-to-order juice. Excellent small plates go with. 1113 Decatur St. ☎ 504/581-1112. www.caneandtablenola.com. Map p 111.
★★★ CURE UPTOWN This mixologist mecca helped instigate the resurgence of both craft cocktails in New Orleans and now-booming Freret Street. The oasis of sleek boasts great small plates and some of the most knowledgeable bar chefs in town. 4905 Freret St. www.curenola.com. ☎ 504/302-2357. Map p 112.
★★★ French 75 FRENCH QUARTER What drinking in New Orleans should be: Classic and classy, in the intimate bar space of one of the Quarter’s most venerable restaurants, Arnaud’s (p 99). Acclaimed bartender Chris Hannah concocts perfect vintage mixes, namesake champagne cocktails, and originals. Order a side of dreamy soufflé potatoes. Perfection. 813 Bienville St. www.arnaudsrestaurant.com. ☎ 504/523-5433. Map p 111.
Bar Tonique.
★★★ Latitude 29 FRENCH QUARTER If you think tiki is tacky, think again. When a famed mixologist is behind the concept, it’s tasteful and tasty in spades. Drinks, then, are garnished with umbrellas but made with a deft hand, and the proto-Polynesian cuisine is delectable. 321 N. Peters St. ☎ 504/609-3811. www.latitude29nola.com. Map p 111.
Dance Clubs
★ Republic CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT The under-30 crowd crowds in for EDM, bounce, and occasional live hip-hop shows. The old warehouse space has been hipped up with chandeliers and pricier drinks. Original wood beams are cool as ceiling struts but mar sightlines as pillars. 828 S. Peters St. ☎ 504/528-8282. www.republicnola.com. Cover varies. Map p 113.
Gay/Lesbian Bars
★ Bourbon Pub and Parade Disco FRENCH QUARTER One of the country’s largest gay clubs, the downstairs bar blares dance music and videos 24/7; upstairs, disco divas in full rainbow regalia get their hustle on every weekend. 801 Bourbon St. ☎ 504/529-2107. www.bourbonpub.com. Cover $5–$10 weekends only. Map p 111.
★★ Oz FRENCH QUARTER It’s all about the bass, the lights, and the hot, highly muscled go-go boys showing off their hip-swiveling moves. Great for people watching or participating. Plenty of straights here too. 800 Bourbon St. ☎ 504/593-9491. www.ozneworleans.com. Cover varies. Map p 111.
Jazz Clubs (Contemporary)
★★ Irvin Mayfield’s Jazz Playhouse FRENCH QUARTER This swank, draperied, midsize retreat from the Bourbon Street mess showcases über-talented, ethically challenged trumpeter-bandleader Irvin and the ambitious, high-caliber jazz artists he books. Wednesdays featuring the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra and the Friday midnight burlesque show are sure bets. In the Royal Sonesta Hotel, 300 Bourbon St. ☎ 504/553-2299. www.irvinmayfield.com. Rarely a cover. One-drink minimum. Map p 111.
★★★ Snug Harbor FAUBOURG MARIGNY The premier modern jazz club in the city, Snug books top local and touring names such as piano patriarch Ellis Marsalis and song stylist Kurt Elling. This is serious, sit-down jazz (food is served in an outer room) but some sightlines are obstructed; arrive early for choice seats. 626 Frenchmen St. ☎ 504/949-0696. www.snugjazz.com. Cover $15–$40. Map p 115.
Jazz Clubs (Traditional)
★★ Fritzel’s European Jazz Club FRENCH QUARTER Squeeze in for some great jazz jams and hope your table-mates remembered the Arrid Extra Dry. Great music and low or no cover makes the tight quarters and pushy door staff worth it. 733 Bourbon St. ☎ 504/586-4800. www.fritzelsjazz.net. No cover. One-drink minimum per set. Map p 111.
★★ Little Gem Saloon CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT Greats such as Buddy Bolden and Jelly Roll Morton played the 1906 Gem. The sophisticated, restored version of this jazz motherland books good local and visiting acts in the brick-walled, velvet-curtained Ramp Room, and more casual acts at happy hour and brunch in the white tile-floored, first-level saloon where modern Southern food is served. 445 S. Rampart St. www.littlegemsaloon.com. ☎ 504/267-4863. Cover free–$25. Map p 113.
★ The Palm Court Jazz Café FRENCH QUARTER Old-school jazz in air-conditioned comfort . . . aah. Pay the cover, stick with drinks, and pass on the pricey food. 1204 Decatur St. ☎ 504/525-0200. www.palmcourtjazzcafe.com. Cover $5–$15. Map p 111.
★★★ Preservation Hall FRENCH QUARTER The ancient-looking building lends the right air of consecration to this modest but essential spot for traditional jazz. The line gets long, it’s crowded and not particularly comfortable, and there’s no bar. The awesomeness is in the hallowed, intimate atmosphere and the superb musicianship. 726 St. Peter St. ☎ 888/946-JAZZ or ☎ 504/522-2841. www.preservationhall.com. Cover $15–$45. Map p 111.
★★★ Spotted Cat Music Club MARIGNY This teensy, cramped room has little amplification and less circulation. We love it. Scrappy, superb musicians slay it with refreshed big-band, old timey, gypsy, hot—well, any kind of swinging jazz while fleet-footed jitterbuggers join in (lessons 5pm Wednesdays, FYI). 623 Frenchmen St. No phone. www.spottedcatmusicclub.com. Cash only. No cover except special events. 1 drink per set. Tip big! Map p 115.
★★★ Three Muses MARIGNY Small, sophisticated modern lounge meets classic 1920s saloon. Beautifully balanced, new-timey cocktails + mouthwatering (quite) small plates + old-timey tunes + no cover = scant tables and stools that go fast, so reserve ahead. 536 Frenchmen St. www.3musesnola.com. ☎ 504/252-4801. No cover; food/drink minimums. Tip the band!! Map p 115.
Karaoke
★ Cat’s Meow FRENCH QUARTER Karaoke aficionados come from far and wide to take the mic at this lip sync mecca, where 3-for-1 drink specials help loosen the larynx. If it’s your thang, Dream On and Don’t Stop Believing. 701 Bourbon St. ☎ 504/523-2788. www.catskaraoke.com. Cover $5 under 21; no cover 21 and over. Map p 111.
Lounges, Swanky Spots & Piano Bars
★★ The Bombay Club FRENCH QUARTER A massive martini menu and always reliable piano pros set this clubby, grown-up lounge apart. We hope to someday have a reason to sit at one of the clandestine, curtained booths in the back. In the Prince Conti Hotel, 830 Conti St. ☎ 504/577-2237. www.thebombayclub.com. No cover. Map p 111.
★★ Carousel Bar FRENCH QUARTER There’s plenty of soignée sofa seating and fine piano-based entertainment, but the classic experience requires a seat at one of the 25 barstools surrounding the sloooowly spinning carousel and ordering a Vieux Carré cocktail. In the storied, immaculate Hotel Monteleone. 214 Royal St. ☎ 504/523-3341. www.hotelmonteleone.com. No cover. Map p 111.
★ Davenport Lounge FRENCH QUARTER Swank it up in the cushy Ritz Carlton room, named for the silky-voiced, trumpet-playing Jeremy Davenport, who holds court here on weekend eves. Expect tunes from the great American songbook and swooning ladies. 921 Canal St. ☎ 504/670-2828. www.ritzcarlton.com/neworleans. No cover. Map p 111.
★ Pat O’Brien’s FRENCH QUARTER The world-famous Hurricane, a red rum bomb in a hurricane lamp–style glass, is a dangerous (but required) ritual, but it’s the pretty courtyard and flaming fountain that capture our heart. Locals know to opt for the indoor piano bar. 718 St. Peter St. ☎ 504/525-4823. www.patobriens.com. No cover. Map p 111.
★★ The Sazerac Bar CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT The posh room in the Roosevelt hotel is named for its signature cocktail. The Ramos Gin Fizz and original 1930s Art Deco murals by artist Paul Ninas also make it worth a visit. 123 Baronne St. ☎ 504/648-1200. No cover. Map p 113.
Rock, Blues & Alternative Music Venues
★★ Blue Nile MARIGNY This chill, midsize Frenchmen Street staple has killer sound and no attitude. Local, reggae, and jam bands downstairs; late-night DJs up. 532 Frenchmen St. www.bluenilelive.com. ☎ 504/948-2583. Map p 115.
★ Candlelight Lounge TREME One of the last original Faubourg Tremé clubs goes off on Wednesdays night when the incomparable Tremé Brass Band plays. Expect free red beans and rice, cheap fast-flowing beer, super-friendly staff, and sweaty dancing. Cab it here. 925 N. Robertson. ☎ 504/525-4746. Cover $10–$20. Map p 114.
★★★ Chickie Wah Wah MID-CITY Cool old tin signs lend ambience to the clean, midsize, shotgun-style room in Mid-City, where the best of the local roots, rock, blues, and singer-songwriter acts draw reverent crowds. 2828 Canal St. www.chickiewahwah.com. ☎ 504/304-4714. Cover $8–$20. Map p 114.
Carousel Bar.
★ The Circle Bar CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT The 1883 building’s quirky, elegant decay suits the laid-back, bar-hugging locals. They wryly debate politics while the Velvets and Dusty feed the idiosyncratic vibe from the jukebox, till some local singer-songwriter takes the alcove stage around 10ish. 1032 St. Charles Ave. at Lee Circle. ☎ 504/588-2616. www.circlebarneworleans.com. No cover. Map p 113.
★★★ d.b.a. FAUBOURG MARIGNY We love d.b.a. for its superb beer and spirits selections, chill vibe, Herman Leonard photographs, solid bookings, fair cover charges, and shows that start on time. It’s mostly standing-room only and the low stage doesn’t help the height-challenged (or the chatter). Catch excellent locals such as crooner John Boutté (his early Saturday set astounds), tight bluesman Walter Washington, and the always entertaining Tin Men. 618 Frenchmen St. ☎ 504/942-3731. www.dbaneworleans.com. Cover $5–$15. Map p 115.
Funky Pirate FRENCH QUARTER The XXL attraction here is Chicago-style bluesman “Big” Al Carson, who holds court Tuesday through Saturday. It’s popular, sometimes packed, always pirate-y. 727 Bourbon St. ☎ 504/523-1960. http://thefunkypirate.com. No cover. One-drink minimum. Map p 111.
House of Blues FRENCH QUARTER No longer the hottest place in town, but holds its own with good sound and sightlines, ersatz folky charm and food, and occasional name bookings. 225 Decatur St. ☎ 504/310-4999. Cover $10–$50. Map p 111.
★★ The Howlin’ Wolf WAREHOUSE DISTRICT A hand-carved mahogany bar (it once belonged to Al Capone) and magnificent Michalopoulos mural set the stage for occasional mainstream acts such as Alison Krauss, Barenaked Ladies, or Dumpstaphunk in the huge main room and smaller local sets, including the resident Hot 8 brass band, in The Den. 907 S. Peters St. ☎ 504/529-5844. www.thehowlinwolf.com. Cover varies. Map p 113.
★ Le Bon Temps Roulé UPTOWN College partiers and regulars couldn’t care less about the broken-down surroundings. They’re just passing a good time drinking Abita with greasy burgers and jamming, especially if it’s Thursday when the Soul Rebels are on. 4801 Magazine St. ☎ 504/897-3448 or 504/895-8117. No cover. Map p 112.
Funky Pirate.
★★★ The Maple Leaf CARROLLTON If it’s Tuesday when Rebirth Brass Band plays, the tiny patio out back is your respite at this classic club. College kids can run amok, but you’ll find their profs here too and a good smattering of tourists listening to great local funk, blues, brass, and rock. 8316 Oak St. ☎ 504/866-9359. Cover $5–$15. Map p 114.
★★★ One Eyed Jacks FRENCH QUARTER With its bordello-flavors (swag curtains, red-flocked wallpaper, burlesque), Jack’s strikes a funky/retro/hip balance. The ’80s nights are legendary; when cool, alternative-leaning local or touring bands play (Surfer Blood, Charles Bradley, Laura Marling, White Denim), the busy front bar and tiered main-room floor are full of cool people. 615 Toulouse St. ☎ 504/569-8361. www.oneeyedjacks.net. Cover $5–$25. Map p 111.
★★ Siberia BYWATER A favorite among the pulsing, alternative St. Claude Avenue scene, their sundry bookings span the punk/funk/death metal/trivia/whatev realms. Bonus: fantastic cheap Russian/Creole snacks. 2227 St. Claude Ave. ☎ 504/265-8855. www.siberianola.com. Cover free–$15. Map p 115.
★★ Three Keys CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT I can’t help but admire the adventurous bookings at this newbie, wood-paneled club in the ultrahip, millennial-loving Ace Hotel. But if they’re not to your taste, head to the ultrahipper rooftop bar. 600 Carondolet St. in the Ace Hotel. ☎ 504/941-9191. www.threekeysnola.com. Cover varies. Map p 113.
★★★ Tipitina’s UPTOWN Unassuming Tip’s—four walls, a buncha bars, a wraparound balcony—is nonetheless the New Orleans club: a major musical touchstone and the for local and out-of-town roots, brass, jam, and rock bands, from Wilco to Willie to Wyclef. If you can catch locals like Trombone Shorty, Galactic, or the Meters here, DO. Or dance a la Cajun at the Sunday afternoon Fais Do-do. 501 Napoleon Ave. ☎ 504/895-8477 or ☎ 504/897-3943. www.tipitinas.com. Cover $5–$15. Map p 112.
Wine Bars
★★ Bacchanal BYWATER This wine store/bar/tapas restaurant with the sprawling, twinkle-lit backyard and the jazz combo in the corner epitomizes the ramshackle, romantic attraction New Orleans. Locals kick back in plastic chairs, steampunk wine snobs discuss finances, a smattering of out-of-towners enlighten to the tossed-salad ambience.600 Poland Ave. www.bacchanalwine.com. ☎ 504/948-9111. Map p 115.
Performance at Tipitina’s.
★ Grapevine FRENCH QUARTER The pretty courtyard, good wine, selection, and better-than-expected food make this a destination respite. 720 Orleans St. ☎ 504/523-1930. www.orleansgrapevine.com. Map p 111. •
