Whether you're looking for an extravagant bottomless brunch or a laid-back family-friendly dinner with a selection of cocktails and ambient live music, look no further than these 10 bars (and restaurants) that are guaranteed to provide you with a good time!
The Marigny and Bywater neighborhoods, two of the many communities that make up New Orleans' historic neighborhoods, emanate the feeling of Southern hospitality in the Crescent City. Here are 10 of the most notable bars that you can find in those two classic neighborhoods.
10 Spots for Sips in NOLA's Marigny & Bywater
1. The Country Club
634 Louisa St., (504) 945-0742
thecountryclubneworleans.com
Need a staycation? Relax by the pool and enjoy a delicious cocktail or escape the weather inside The Country Club's bar and butterfly lounge. This venue has been a staple of the neighborhood for over 40 years and exists as a slice of paradise.
Despite its name, this is not your mother's old-fashioned country club. Every Saturday and Sunday, The Country Club hosts drag brunch and reservations fill up quickly. If you're looking for a relaxing day to yourself, an exciting date, or an all-day hang out with your friends, stop by The Country Club.
2. Anna's
2601 Royal St.
annasnola.com
Named after the bar director Anna Giordano and located inside a two-story 19th-century bank building, Anna's brings together contemporary style with classic bar consistency. Anna's downstairs is closer to a dive than upstairs, serving up beers and three-ingredient cocktails with pool tables while the upstairs can be anything from an art gallery to a concert venue depending on the night. Upstairs, the decor is more chic and the bar serves more complicated, yet approachable, cocktails, as well as wine, sherry, and vermouth.
Along with their drinks, Anna's frequently features food pop-ups including Tacos Para La Vida, Wood Duck, and Toussaint NOLA for Saturday and Sunday brunch.
3. Emporium NOLA
2231 St. Claude Ave., (773) 697-7922
emporiumarcadebar.com
If you're itching for the childhood rush of beating your friend in Street Fighter or making it to the leaderboard on Pac-Man, spend a few hours at Emporium NOLA. It has a huge collection of arcade games, pinball machines, pool tables, foosball tables, a full bar, and the occasional DJ.
Looking for something unique to do for your next birthday? Emporium NOLA will rent out space for large parties so you can have that arcade birthday you always dreamed of.
4. Royal Frenchmen Bar
700 Frenchmen St., (504) 619-9660
royalfrenchmenhotel.com/remedy-bar
The Royal Frenchmen Bar is an award-winning bar with a focus on cocktails made from house-infused spirits and fresh ingredients. Their motto is that a cocktail should not only taste good but make you feel good.
While enjoying your specialty cocktail, you can enjoy live music outside in their beautiful courtyard or lobby. Their set schedule of artists is posted on their website so you can pick which night will suit you best or become a repeat visitor for your favorite performer.
5. R Bar
1431 Royal St., (504) 948-7499
royalstreetinn.com/pages/bar
Ever wanted a place where you can get a drink, a haircut, and maybe pet a dog all in the same night? If the answer is yes, then the R Bar is the place to be.
While the haircuts are more of an every Monday kind of thing, the array of drinks and friendly service are available seven days a week. With a long list of both local and imported brews, this bar is sure to satisfy every kind of beer lover.
6. Markey's Bar
640 Louisa St., (504) 943-0785
markeysbar.com
This sports bar has been a part of New Orleans since the 1920s and is one of the only bars in the area with a shuffleboard and even its very own Markey's Bar dart league. First opened in 1905 as the Standard Brewing Co., the location was a cafe from the '20s to 1947 when Roy Markey Jr.'s great uncle turned it into the still operating bar we know today.
A variety of beers—local, domestic, and international, as well as delicious bar bites—can be expected at Markey's, all in a familiar and historic sports bar atmosphere.
7. Bamboula's
514 Frenchmen St., (504) 944-8461
bamboulasmusic.com
Boasting an impressive menu and live music from open to close, Bamboula's is a music club that's hard to beat. They have an extensive bar offering microbrew drafts, wine by the bottle or the glass, and craft cocktails.
Thanks to their earlier hours of operation, children are welcome with a guardian during afternoons and early evenings. There is no cover charge to enter but they do ask that you buy at least one drink if you plan on sticking around to watch the show. A calendar of performers can be found on Bamboula's website.
8. The Spotted Cat Music Club
623 Frenchmen St.
spottedcatmusicclub.com
9. The John
2040 Burgundy St., (504) 942-7159
The John is an affordable but entertaining dive bar with a tongue-in-cheek name that in no way reflects their quality. Despite its toilet-themed name, this fun bar has darts, a pool table, and even a ping-pong table for you and your friends' enjoyment.
This is a cash-only bar, so patrons should plan accordingly. Next time you're in the Marigny neighborhood, stop by and enjoy your drink on a porcelain throne.
10. Bud Rips
900 Piety St., (504) 945-5762
instagram.com/budripsnola
Bud Rips also hosts a variety of DJs and local pop-up food vendors like Crunchy Munchy and Aloha Nola. Keep an eye on their Instagram to find out what their next special event will be.
The Best Local Haunts in the Marigny/Bywater
When visiting New Orleans, it's a good thing to experience as much as the city has to offer. The Crescent City is so much more than just Bourbon Street. So while you're here visiting or you're a local looking for your new favorite hangout spot, consider visiting one of these 10 establishments in the Marigny and the Bywater. No matter where you go, you will surely have a great time.
