Whenever someone says that they want to visit New Orleans, they usually say that they're going to just visit the French Quarter. But any local will tell you that the Uptown neighborhood of New Orleans is really one of the best places to spend a day or two in. From excellent St. Charles Avenue restaurants to unique Magazine Street boutiques, Uptown New Orleans has it all. The bars are especially fun to visit.
Uptown bars are known for lots of live music. Some of the bars
here have local bands performing every single night of the week, and it's
definitely some of the best Louisiana music you've ever heard. The bars in this
list are full of tunes, drinks, and so much fun!
The Best Uptown Bars That You Should Visit
1. Le Bon Temps Roule
4801 Magazine St., (504) 897-3448
lbtrnola.com
Nestled on bustling Magazine Street, Le Bon Temps Roule embodies the spirit of its Cajun name—truly letting the good times roll. This Uptown gem has earned its spot as the number one bar for those seeking an authentic New Orleans experience. More than just your average watering hole, it's a vibrant hub where music, culture, and community converge.
While the pool table and expertly crafted drinks are staples, it's the electrifying live music that sets Le Bon Temps Roule apart. The legendary Soul Rebels brass band ignites the stage every Thursday, but they're just one act in a diverse lineup that keeps the joint jumping. After grooving to the beats, satisfy your late-night cravings with their tempting food offerings. From the first sip of their signature Bloody Mary to the last bite of your meal, Le Bon Temps Roule promises an unforgettable night.
2. Ms. Mae's
4336 Magazine St., (504) 218-8035
facebook.com/msmaesNOLA
Ms. Mae's is 24-hour dive bar located at the corner of Magazine Street and Napoleon Avenue. This local institution has earned its reputation as one of the city's cheapest round-the-clock watering hole, making it a must-visit spot for both locals and tourists alike. With its no-frills atmosphere and rock-bottom prices, Ms. Mae's offers a genuine slice of New Orleans nightlife that's hard to find elsewhere.
Beyond its affordable drinks, Ms. Mae's boasts a variety of entertainment options to keep patrons engaged at any hour. Challenge your friends to a game of pool or air hockey, catch the latest sports action on their TVs, or simply soak in the eclectic crowd that gathers here. For the truly adventurous, Ms. Mae's offers the legendary 24-hour challenge: drink on the hour, every hour, for a full day. It's not for the faint of heart, but it's a testament to the bar's round-the-clock commitment to keeping the good times rolling in the Big Easy.
3. St. Joe's Bar
5535 Magazine St., (504) 899-3744
stjoesbar.com
Stepping into St. Joe's Bar on Magazine Street is like entering a cozy, candlelit sanctuary. This unique watering hole, adorned with religious iconography and twinkling lanterns, offers a warm and inviting atmosphere that's perfect for intimate conversations or unwinding after a long day. The bar's signature blueberry mojitos are a must-try, blending refreshing mint with sweet, juicy blueberries for a heavenly cocktail experience.
Don't miss the chance to explore St. Joe's enchanting back patio. This hidden gem, with its vintage charm and comfortable seating, provides a tranquil oasis away from the bustle of Magazine Street. Whether you're enjoying their daily happy hour from 3 to 7 p.m. or settling in for a nightcap, St. Joe's Bar offers a one-of-a-kind drinking experience that keeps locals and visitors coming back time and again.
4. Snake and Jake's Christmas Club Lounge
7612 Oak St., (504) 861-2802
snakeandjakes.com
It doesn't have to be the holiday season for you to enjoy Snake and Jake's. This interesting ramshackle bar in an Uptown neighborhood is always lit with Christmas lights that cast a cheery glow over the patrons. It opens at 7 p.m. every day and stays open until the early morning hours.
Snake and Jake's is popular with the college crowd that inhabit the frat and sorority houses in the area. If the divey interior is too loud to have an intimate conversation, you are welcome to sit in the backyard patio.
5. Kingpin
1307 Lyons St., (504) 891-2373
facebook.com/kingpinnola
If you're into Elvis Presley, Kingpin Bar is where you want to be. Even non-Elvis fans can appreciate the retro-looking bar with dark red walls, cheap cocktails, shuffleboard league nights, the occasional band playing in the corner, and even the Elvis Presley shrine. It can really get packed on nights with live musical acts.
Kingpin is also
happy to put your favorite sports game on the TV, especially if you're watching
the Saints play, but be sure to check if they have a band that night first.
Music comes first at Kingpin!
6. Cure
4905 Freret St., (504) 302-2357
curenola.com
Award-winning classic and craft cocktail bar Cure has a menu for people who are very serious about their drinks. However, you don't have to be a connoisseur to appreciate the details that go into each glass.
Perhaps you'll want to try the Bluer Than Velvet, a mezcal sour infused with flavors of blueberry, pine, and cinnamon. Maybe you would prefer the Whiskey Sinister with whiskey, Maurin Quina, sherry, and a dash of bitters? There's also zero-proof cocktails for non-drinkers.
7. Dos Jefes Uptown Cigar Bar
5535 Tchoupitoulas St., (504) 891-8500
dosjefes.com
While New Orleans no longer allows smoking in bars, Dos Jefes Cigar Bar is a smoking bar that encourages cigar smokers to partake in their large selection of premium cigars inside and on the patio. Your bartender will happily recommend the best drink to go along with your smoke or you can have your drink sans cigar.
In addition to the cigars and drinks, live music is always on tap. You can stop by nearly every night of the week to enjoy live music from local musicians. Vivaz is one of the most beloved acts, and guitarist John Fohl plays every Monday night.
8. Cooter Brown's
509 S. Carrolton Ave., (504) 866-9104
cooterbrowns.com
Since 1977, Cooter Brown's has offered New Orleans locals a cozy spot to dine-in, watch the game, and, most importantly, drink. The name descends from an old Civil War story about a man named Cooter Brown, situated on the border between the North and South; Northern and Southern soldiers both regaled stories of a man they'd meet who was practically always drunk.
So the name stuck and has grown to symbolize the essence of drunkenness—a quite fitting name for the local watering hole. Stop in and take advantage of their drink specials or order some refreshing oysters
9. 45 Tchoup
4529 Tchoupitoulas St., (504) 891-9066
45tchoup.com
A perfect location for some low-key fun and plenty of drinks, 45 Tchoup is named so for its location, which in a way points to the straightforward and enjoyable experience you'll have when you go there. Drinks are plentiful and the prices are great.
Need something more to do? 45 Tchoup also has TV's playing local, and national games as well as opportunities for a little friendly competition. Challenge your friend to a round on the available foosball table or test their accuracy with a game of darts. There's always people to meet, and plenty of fun to be had at 45 Tchoup.
10. The Bulldog Uptown
3236 Magazine St., (504) 891-1516
thebulldog.bar
The original Bulldog location, founded in Uptown, New Orleans in 1994 was created and predicated on an appreciation for draft beers. With a diverse array of available beers on draft and in bottles, the Bulldog proved its initial creators successful in that endeavor. The uptown location's reputation is bolstered by its beautiful terrace, perfect for talking and meeting with friends.
The Bulldog is also noted for having some of the most delicious Bar food in New Orleans. Take a peek at the menu while there, and your curiosity will get the better of you. Chicken sandwich and burger options are the standard, but the Bulldog also has Tex-Mex varieties such as the Bulldog quesadilla or the King's Nachos, which can be shared (or not).
Uptown NOLA Bars To Put On Your Radar
Uptown New Orleans has such a rich, storied history that's still being written today in the sidewalks, in the shops, and, of course, in the bars. Even if you have already been to some of these places, it may be time to get back to them and rediscover why you loved them in the first place.
While there are
many more bars in the Uptown area to grab a drink at, these are guaranteed to
have regular crowds. Other Uptown bars are known for catering more to a few
loyal regulars.
