Best Bars in the Marigny & Bywater | 10 NOLA Bars to Check Out
07:00 April 12, 2024
By: Mia Oliva
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.
A neighborhood staple for over 40 years, The Country Club has provided a beautiful hall featuring a luxurious granite and hardwood bar, extravagant dining rooms, and an opulent backyard area with cabanas and a pool. It's the perfect place for locals and tourists alike to cool off from the New Orleans heat while both dining and drinking.
The Country Club also hosts drag brunches every Saturday and Sunday, with bottomless drink specials. Reservations can be made for 10 a.m. or 1 p.m., however be quick, as they are limited! All guests must be 21 years of age or older.
2. Bud Rips
900 Piety St., (504) 945-5762
[Courtesy of Bud Rips]
This snug spot in the Bywater will have you feeling nostalgic due to its antique jukebox, pool table with ambient lighting, and good company. Events and specials range from week to week, such as Taco Tuesdays and Bingo Wednesdays. Open seven days a week from 3 p.m. to 3 a.m., be sure to check Bud Rip's out as it's been considered one of the Bywater's best bars according to Where Y'at Magazine's readers.
To keep up with Bud Rip's and their specials, check out their Instagram. Try some local beer or make sure to grab a quality cocktail or two.
3. Markey's Bar
640 Louisa St., (504) 943-0785, markeysbar.com
[Courtesy of Markey's Bar]
This community staple has stood in the Bywater for over a century (originally as the Standard Brewing Co.) and is the only bar in the area with a shuffleboard, and even its very own Markey's Bar dart league. A variety of beers—local, domestic, and international—, as well as delicious bar bites, can be expected at Markey's
Markey's is open every day from 3-11 p.m. with daily happy hour from 3-5 p.m. (half price pizza and half price wine by the glass). With over 16 TVs streaming several different sports packages, the fun never fails there.
Coined as "NOLA's Backyard Party", Bacchanal Wine is a spot you don't want to miss, whether you're a wine enthusiast or not. Open Sunday through Monday at noon until later in the evening, there's something for everyone here from customizable charcuterie to a vast selection of wines, beers, and cocktails. You name it and Bacchanal's got it.
Love live music while you're wining and dining? Bacchanal Wine features live music every day from local artists and groups and also provides a music schedule on their site.
5. Three Muses
536 Frenchmen St., (504) 252-4801, 3musesnola.com
[Courtesy of Three Muses, Facebook]
This little joint on Frenchmen offers delicious small plates featuring Italian, Mediterranean, and Asian-style cuisines, along with a variety of cocktails, and of course, live music. Jazz up your weekend with a visit to this cozy bar and eatery.
Three Muses is open Thursday through Sunday from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. For a true and unique taste of New Orleans, make sure to order Three Muses' yaka mein and the Creole crabcakes.
Known as the veteran of music clubs on Frenchmen, this two-story venue offers a beautiful showroom that overlooks the street and an expansive balcony as well. Being the first music club to hold live music on Frenchmen Street, visiting the place is a must whether you're a local or not. Blue Nile constantly hosts local artists and bands such as The Soul Rebels and Trombone Shorty.
Located just a block away from the French Quarter, the music doesn't end there. All shows held at Blue Nile are 21 and over. While there, make sure to grab a drink from the venue's expansive beer and cocktail menus.
What once was a corner grocery store is now a lively bar and eatery featuring craft cocktails and delicious American fare. Various art collections ornament the walls, offering both a laid-back and casual experience. The Franklin is open Tuesday through Saturday from 5 p.m. until either 10 or 11p.m.
Daily happy hour is also offered from 5-7 p.m., featuring $6 cocktails and half off draft beers. The flash-fried frog legs, lamb osso bucco, and espresso-rubbed hanger steak are all incredible.
8. The Spotted Cat Music Club
623 Frenchmen St., spottedcatmusicclub.com
[Courtesy of Spotted Cat Music Club, Facebook]
Located in the heart of Marigny district on Frenchmen sits The Spotted Cat (or better known as "The Cat" by locals). This joint has been recognized as a staple New Orleans jazz bar for several years and has also been featured in films, music, and media for its acclaimed ambiance.
The club is open to those 21 years of age or older and offers cocktails, beer, wine and even merch for purchase! "The Cat" hosts over 32 different bands for an eclectic array of live music. Grab one the local brews Spotted Cat offers and enjoy.
9. Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro
626 Frenchmen St., (504) 949-0696, snugjazz.com
[Courtesy of Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro, Facebook]
Yet another one of NOLA's best jazz clubs is Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro, which is located just outside the French Quarter and has been a favored established for over 30 years. This spot stands in what once was three different storefronts from the 1800s and still has a timeless feel to it.
Open seven days a week and featuring live music every night, Snug Harbor also has a music and dining room and is open to children 13 years of age and up. Delicious Creole-Cajun dishes like BBQ shrimp and red beans and rice, as well as craft cocktails, can also be expected.
Dinner, drinks, and dancing, as well as burlesque and brunch? What more could you ever want? While in the neighborhood, head on over to The Maison. Both a bar with several cocktails to choose from and a music venue with live acts to listen to, you're guaranteed to have an eventful night there. Private events and mixology classes are also offered at this hip spot.
The Maison is open Thursdays to Mondays at 4 p.m. with varying closing times. Don't miss out on their Holy Trinity Sampler of gumbo, jambalaya, and red beans.
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 hear visiting or your 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're sure to have a great time.
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