This is one of those places that make you wonder if they ever close. Open doors and no cover charge lure tourists and locals to listen to some of the best music in town. Authentic jazz that is loud and lively is almost non-stop from mid-afternoon to the wee hours of the morning at Maison Bourbon. Players include Wallace Davenport, Steve Slocum and Tommy Yetta. Patrons must be 21 or older. There is a one-drink minimum.
If you are down on Bourbon Street and your feet are tired from walking and you have had your fill of raucous mayhem, you need only walk a little further to find this famous bar. Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop Bar is (as its name implies) located in a former blacksmith's shop and safe house for smugglers during the 1800s. It boasts of having survived the fire that burned down the French Quarter in the late 1800s and being the oldest building to house a bar in the United States. In the back of the bar, a musician plays a grand piano and croons through drunken sing-a-longs like Piano Man and You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling. The bar has reasonably priced drinks compared to many of its Bourbon Street counterparts.
Fancy good music and a cold beer at the end of your day? Head to d.b.a., where they host live performances and serve draft beer, Belgian draft beer, and hand-drawn ales. There is also a wine list, a whiskey list and a brandy list. The amount of liquor served here is mind-boggling. If you're there for the live music, you won't be disappointed.
Loud and boisterous are two good words to describe this less than discreet club. If you have never experienced a leather and Levi's bar, you may want to see this one. Chosen as one of the top 10 leather bars in the country, Rawhide has developed quite the reputation. Should you be in town during Mardi Gras, this is the place to go for a unique drag show.
There are several bars on Bourbon Street that are indistinguishable from one another after several drinks. Razzoo Bar & Patio separates itself from the others with an incredible back courtyard, ample seating and live music that is usually pretty good. The musicians here play with soul, which is a rare thing to hear on Bourbon Street. Drink prices are reasonable and there is a daily three-for-one happy hour.
Raise your glasses to a toast at Mimi's in the Marigny. If the mention of calamari with chorizo, garlic and cream, mushroom manchego toast with sherry cream mushrooms or grilled pork tenderloin makes your mouth water, don't think twice about coming here. Walk into Mimi's, who's chefs are culinary magicians. Try the cold tapas menu; Spanish cheeses with roasted red peppers, or Jamon Iberico con Pimiento (ham and red peppers on toast) are always delicious. Follow it up with dessert while enjoying the melody of live local music.
With a jukebox, all day drink specials and friendly service, Sneaky Pete's is the quintessential, neighborhood dive bar. Just a couple of blocks away from the more rambunctious establishments at Bourbon Street, this humble bar boasts a laid-back atmosphere that appeals to locals and tourists alike.
The Bourbon Cowboy is a fun place to hangout especially for tourists. Not only is it good for dancing and drinking, but there are some fun activities as well. Do ride the mechanical bull that is present and take memorable snapshots to capture the moment. Dance to your heart's content to the classic rock, country and party music playing all day long. If you wish to throw a private party for friends and family, Bourbon Cowboy is a great place for that as well.
Having thrived within the historic French Quarter of New Orleans for close to 200 years, the Old Absinthe House is enriched with its own vibrant history. Boasting visits by renown personalities like Enrico Caruso, Mark Twain, Liza Minelli and Frank Sinatra, the walls of the bar are a kind of historic record, adorned by the visiting cards of the many millions who have quenched their thirst at this famous watering hole. The bar offers a full range of alcohol, including some fantastic single malt scotches, alongside quirky cocktails like the Absinthe House Frappe and Ramos Gin Fizz. The Absinthe cocktails are usually prepared using substitutes like Herbsaint, leaving patrons free to enjoy their drinks without any of the ill effects associated with the consumption of absinthe. With antique chandeliers, a copper-topped bar and football memorabilia scattered about, the charm of the Old Absinthe House lies as much in its decor as it does in its exceptional drinks menu.
Originally opened as a member-only social club, Gravier Street Social has thrown itself to the public after some rave reviews from its guests and critics alike. Featuring a quintessential British charm, this London-themed pub finds itself at the basement level of Loft 523, occupying a busy location in the city's Central Business District. Its extensive libations menu features British ciders, beers, whiskeys and other concoctions. Be it a casual business meet or an evening celebration over some choicest cocktails and aperitifs, Gravier Street Social is an idyllic spot, offering live music and other events over the weekends.
Attiki Bar and Grill serves up fine food and entertainment with Mediterranean flair. This French Quarter bar and restaurant offers patrons a full menu of Mediterranean dishes including Shwarma, Kabab, Hummos and Grape Leaves in addition to a full bar and hookah selection. Numerous vegetarian appetizer and entrée options are available during lunch, dinner and late-night hours. While the bar is open until 4a everyday, Attiki serves food only until 1a. -Bethany Culp
The Copper Monkey is a laid-back and lively bar and grill located just a short distance away from Bourbon Street. The bar offers an amazing selection of draft beers and absinthe cocktails, alongside a modest, yet delectable menu of bar snacks and hearty dishes. Apart from local favorites like jambalaya, red beans and rice, gumbo and po-boys, the kitchen also serves up some succulent steaks, juicy burgers and bar snacks like jalapeno poppers and mozzarella sticks. Friendly, cheerful and lively without being obnoxiously noisy, the Copper Monkey is a great choice for a reprieve from the rambunctious nightlife of Bourbon street, or even a meal on its own.