New Orleans is considered one of the greatest party cities in the U.S., so what better place is there to celebrate a new, fast-approaching chapter of your life? For anyone looking to have a fun bachelor party, the Crescent City is here for you.
Whether you're looking for a chill afternoon on the town, a raucous night with your groomsmen, a great bite to eat, or quality drinks, New Orleans has you covered on this momentous occasion. Check out the list below for some of the best venues the city has to offer.
10 Best NOLA Spots for Your Bachelor Party
1. Cochon
930 Tchoupitoulas St. Suite A, (504) 588-2123
cochonrestaurant.com
A great place for a group meal, Cochon (French for "pig") in New Orleans merges Cajun tastes with rustic charm while using locally sourced ingredients. The Cochon location offers semi-private events for groups of 8 to 20 in its Diamond Street dining room, as well as a "Feed Me" menu featuring the chef's choice of signature dishes and specials, depending on the season. The location also includes the Mezzanine, which is a semi-private balcony overlooking the dining room.
Larger groups of people, or those wishing for an entirely private event, can visit Calcasieu, Cochon's private dining event facility, also located at 930 Tchoupitoulas St.
2. NOLA Motorsports
11075 Nicolle Blvd., Avondale, (504) 302-4875
nolamotor.com
NOLA Motorsports in Avondale offers a wide array of experiences for guests looking to satisfy their need for speed and to race on the track against their groomsmen for a little friendly competition. The location offers extensive group party plans starting at $75 per person for the smaller Go Kart Track, which includes a qualifying race and finals as well as provided food.
Curious attendees can also venture towards the larger track on premises and ride the exotic car of their dreams to celebrate. The more expensive plans allow ride-along appointments, as well as the opportunity to drive a Ferrari, Lamborghini, or Porsche yourself!
3. Finn McCool's Irish Pub
3701 Banks St., (504) 486-9080
finnmccools.com
Pub lovers will also enjoy indulging in the finest Irish whiskey Finn McCool's has to offer, whether it be straight, over ice, or in a cocktail. Ongoing specials at the location will also keep newcomers coming back even after the bachelor party festivities have subsided.
4. Commander's Palace
1403 Washington Ave., (504) 899-8221
commanderspalace.com
Commander's Palace has been a landmark in the Garden District since 1893 and is renowned for its chandelier-lit dining space, friendly atmosphere, and gourmet Creole cuisine, which exhibits a distinct Louisiana charm. The restaurant's characteristic blue exterior is a result of its rejuvenating period beginning in 1974 after a change in supervision of the property. Aiming to revitalize and create a new look for the old landmark, the iconic "Commander's Blue" was born.
Once helmed by renowned chefs including Emeril Lagasse, Paul Prudhomme, and Jamie Shannon, Commander's Palace is a great option for a formal, very upscale dinner with friends that is sure to wow and provide a clear look into New Orleans' refined side. The location is reservation only as well, making the venue slightly difficult, but all the more valuable. Private parties are also offered by reservation.
5. Republic NOLA
828 S. Peters St., (504) 528-8282
republicnola.com
Looking to dance to your hearts content? Republic NOLA is a premier club-venue that offers a variety of music genres and shows. The upscale club includes multiple levels with a balcony overlooking the stage. VIP tables and bottle service make the venue great for larger, organized groups seeking to enjoy DJs and other acts on stage.
The venue, which merges old and new aesthetics to create a wholly unique vibe to its interior, features live shows from local talent, headliners on international music tours, sporting events, and more. The location offers an unforgettable experience in small groups that may wish to see a concert in motion or a larger group looking to enjoy a private concert.
6. Spotted Cat Music Club
623 Frenchmen St.
spottedcatmusicclub.com
For a more relaxed take on live music, look for this spot located on the local-favorite Frenchman Street: The Spotted
Cat Music Club. Hosting a wide array of house bands within genres like jazz,
blues, funk, and more, there's sure to be something that suits your fancy. No reservations and mostly free shows make this location
an easy stop for drinks (with a minimum of 1 required upon entry).
"The Cat," as its known by locals, is located in the heart of the Faubourg Marigny District and is recognized as an international destination for jazz. Have downtime between shows? Visit one of the many other adjoining establishments on Frenchman Street for drinks, food, music, and more.
7. Peche
800 Magazine St., (504) 522-1744
pecherestaurant.com
Seafood lovers looking for a memorable experience should visit Peche Seafood on Magazine Street. This upscale spot features a wide variety of Gulf Coast seafood dishes and is great for groups. Chefs Donald Link, Stephen Stryjewski and Ryan Prewitt designed Peche Seafood Grill with cuisine influenced by the cooking of South America, Spain, and the Gulf Coast.
New Orleans is famous for its seafood and spots like this, where guests can see fresh oysters being shucked and brought out to your table, offer an authentic and friendly experience sure to excite the group's curiosity and taste.
8. Swamp Tour New Orleans
930 Poydras St. #1106, (504) 323-7123
tourbigeasy.com
Nature lovers may wish to bask in the glory of Louisiana's swamps as they travel on a flat boat across set paths and witness the local wildlife, including alligators. Around every corner in the French Quarter, you will find an advertisement for these types of dynamic tours.
Swamp Tour New Orleans is state-sponsored, however, and is more than open to groups geared towards outdoorsy events to celebrate. With a destination bachelor party, theming is especially important as well. After all, how could it be a New Orleans bachelor trip without acknowledging the countless swamps and bayous that the state is famous for?
9. Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop Bar
941 Bourbon St., (504) 593-9761
lafittesblacksmithshop.com
Historical buffs (and partygoers) should visit the oldest bar in the U.S., which has been around since 1772. Found on Bourbon Street, the historical Lafitte's Blacksmith Show Bar earned its namesake from pirates Jean and Pierre Lafitte, who allegedly used the location as the base of operations for their smuggling enterprise in the late 1700s.
The preserved interior and decor allows patrons to imagine the past colonial-era of New Orleans while also enjoying great drinks in the present, including its now famous frozen Voodoo Daiquiri, grape flavored and affectionately referred to by locals as "purple drank."
10. Caesars New Orleans
8 Canal St., (800) 427-7247
caesars.com
Feeling lucky? Hit the slots at Caesars New Orleans (formerly Harrah's Casino) or rent a room for an all-encompassing experience. With near constant scheduled entertainment, Caesars can be a first and last stop for any eligible bachelor party. Stop by the Octavia bar and lounge, the Fulton Alley bowling alley located downstairs, or renowned Japanese-Peruvian restaurant Nobu along with many others for a truly unforgettable experience.
The location also offers ease of access to the French Quarter, along with partner attractions should you venture out of your abode. Catch a show at the nearby Fillmore or plan a trip to the Spa Atlantis, Cajun Encounters, Royal Carriages, Steamboat Natchez, and City Sightseeing New Orleans.
A City of Celebration
Plan your bachelor's trip to New Orleans today! With countless historical venues and entertaining sights around the corner at all times, there's surely an opportunity to have fun and make those rare, unforgettable memories. Whether it be the 10 spots listed above or a new spot you stumble across en route to another, music, drinks, and shows are a plenty. Just be prepared to walk there (a lot) .
