Live Music and Bar Hopping in New Orleans
In the Mardi Gras capital, live music, dancing, and debauchery are standard every night of the week, but for the adventurous reveler, there’s plenty of fun to be found outside the box of Bourbon Street. Well-known as a musical powerhouse, annual concerts like the Essence Music Festival and New Orleans Voodoo Fest attract a myriad of out-of-towners seeking to uncover some the city’s hidden nightlife gems. The magnificent French Quarter, bordered on one side by the mighty Mississippi river, gives way to downtown New Orleans, where luxury hotel bars offer scenic views of the city skyline and snaking river from up above. Nearby, the Warehouse District/New Orleans Arts District, a former 19th century industrial center, offers more than two dozen art galleries, cultural landmarks such as The National World War II Museum, and a slew of scene-y nightlife hot spots frequented by the city’s heralded sports heroes. More soulful crowds migrate further north to Frenchmen Street, a laid-back strip reminiscent of New York City’s East Village, dotted with low key bars, restaurants and live music venues that heat up on weekdays and weekends alike. With an eclectic array of nightlife options spread across the city’s boundaries, it’s nearly impossible to pin down your new favorite club, dive bar, or live music venue, but you'll sure have fun trying.
Bar Tonique
A favorite of the indie-spirited, craft cocktail crowd, Bar Tonique has earned itself a reputation as one of the best non-hotel bars in the Quarter. Located across from Armstrong Park, the family-owned business also serves an artfully selected range of beers, wines, and snob-appeal spirits. The atmosphere is coolly informal, befitting the family run business that it is, but specialty cocktails like the Ramos Gin Fizz leave nothing to be desired.
Ampersand
What was formerly the city’s largest bank has since been gutted to create an über-chic boite that looks like it might have been airlifted from South Beach and plopped down in New Orleans. Two floors, two bars, an expansive dance floor, and outdoor courtyard provide plenty of room to party, but Saints players can always be found posted up in the VIP area. Themed nights and a rotating roster of international DJs keep the vibe fresh, without bordering on overly pretentious.
The Sazerac Bar
Arguably the most storied bar in New Orleans, The Roosevelt Hotel's main watering hole is also its most beautiful. Walnut-colored walls are interspersed with massive murals depicting city life in the Big Easy, courtesy of New Orleans native Paul Ninas. This art deco treasure has long been frequented by well-connected locals. Enjoy the bartender’s special brew while imagining the countless political deals that have been cooked up within those walls.
One-Eyed Jacks
Consider the irony of One-Eyed Jacks being one of the most multi-faceted venues in the French Quarter. The small, sofa-lined burgundy bar upfront is the best bet for grabbing a quick drink before heading into the more spacious, smoky, and dimly-lit performance area. Infamous ‘80s dance parties on Thursday nights are one-upped by various theater shows, most notably the Fleur de Tease’s circus-style burlesque act, which rolls through several times a year.
d.b.a.
The sister club of d.b.a. New York, the New Orleans edition mixes local musical talent with the occasional touring act, adds an impressive list of beer and wine, and lets it all hang out in an intimate setting lined with dark wood. Regulars like to get the dance party started on Sunday evenings and amateurs who aren’t confident in their skills can try their luck with free swing dance lessons. Definitely a favorite of music lovers who aren’t down with the dive bar scene, which gets pretty darn divey in these parts.
