New Orleans Nightlife
New Orleans is full of nightlife. All kinds of nightlife. When planning your New Orleans travel, spend some thought on where you would like to visit. Sometimes, you can get caught up in a "let's just go look and see" when there are so many places that you may not just happen upon.
Check your mood, what you'd like to do, and see this list of New Orleans nightlife. This is just a small sampling of what is out there, and really, anything you can imagine practically exists in New Orleans.
The Club Car Lounge (344 Camp St. (504) 679-6319) This downtown lounge is an upscale yet laid-back cocktail lounge located in the historic Queen & Crescent Hotel in downtown New Orleans. Easily walkable from the French Quarter, it features handcrafted cocktails, both classic and original.
The Davenport Lounge (921 Canal St., The Ritz Carlton, (504) 524-1331) This upscale lounge has been a hotspot lately. Located on the edge of the French Quarter, inside the Rit-Carlton Hotel, it is named in honor of the hotel’s headline entertainer Jeremy Davenport. Live Jazz music is a chief attraction with luxury and opulent surroundings.
Ernst Cafe (600 S. Peters St. (504) 525-8544) At Ernst Café, they “all axed for you!” This is a fun club located two blocks from the New Orleans Convention Center. Not only does it offer great food, it Ernst Cafe is a great place to have eat and have a great time, day or night!
New Orleans Travel Tip: See also our section on Gay New Orleans for Gay-Specific Clubs.
Irvin Mayfield's I Club (614 Canal St., JW Marriott (504) 527-6712) This club is inside the upscale JW Marriott New Orleans and located right on Canal Street. The I Club features a diverse musical format including R&B, Zydeco, Cajun, Afro-Cuban, Funk and more. Live music is featured Wednesday through Saturday evenings.
Polo Club Lounge (300 Gravier St., Windsor Court Hotel, (504) 523-6000) Situated inside the Windsor Court hotel and located next to Harrah’s casino, the Polo Club is a very upscale lounge. It bespeaks of a sophisticated English club. Featuring Nightly Jazz, an all-day dining menu, signature cocktails and one of the largest Cognac collections in the city make it the locals' favorite haunt. Jackets required.
The Sazerac Bar (123 Baronne St., Roosevelt Hotel (504) 648-1200) New Orleans’ legacy of grandeur is alive at the Sazerac Bar, site of the creation of America's first cocktail, the Sazerac. Both the famous and the infamous have celebrated in this special place. This restored hotel is simply grand as is this cocktail bar.
The Circle Bar (1032 St. Charles Ave. (504) 588-2616) This club has a very small music room with huge talent performing on a nightly basis. Right in Lee Circle, the Circle Bar is convenient to both downtown and the French Quarter.
Dos Jefes Uptown Cigar Bar (5535 Tchoupitoulas St. (504) 891-8500) This is a quaint cigar bar with live music, eccentric bar food, a great relaxed atmosphere, and a huge selection of fine cigars and liquor in New Orleans.
One Eyed Jacks (615 Toulouse St. (504) 569-8361) Interesting name, interesting place offering live jazz, funk, and rock. Another entertainment option here: sexy burlesque shows that can't be found anywhere else.
La Nuit Comedy Theater (5039 Freret St. (504) 231-7011) La Nuit Comedy Theater is home to some of New Orleans’ original comedy shows! It showcases live sketch, standup and improv shows Thursday through Saturday.
Pat O'Brien's (718 St. Peter St. (504) 525-4823) One of the most popular tourist clubs featuring an entertaining duo of piano players. This club invented and features the famous Hurricane – you can even keep the glass.
Bombay Club (830 Conti St. (504) 586-0972) Very upscale restaurant and bar in the French Quarter. Excellent leather-chair and oil painting atmosphere with Jazz nightly and great food!
Crescent City Brewhouse (527 Decatur St. (504) 522-0571) Cool casual eatery with a brewery inside. Great hamburgers and specialty plates with a selection of housemade beer right on the Canal Street side of the French Quarter!
House Of Blues (225 Decatur St. (504) 529-2583) French Quarter entertainment giant featuring some of the biggest acts around. Offers dining, drinks and live music. Don’t miss the Sunday morning gospel brunch.
Carousel Bar (Hotel Monteleone, 214 Royal St (504) 523-3341 ) Nice upscale atmosphere with a Carousel that IS the bar. Thee seats get taken quickly, so you may want to keep your eyes open. It does not revolve too fast but fast enough and is an upscale New Orleans bar offering any drink you desire.
See our page on French Quater Hotels.