New York may be known as "the city that never sleeps" but nothing can beat an all-night outing in New Orleans. These restaurants, bars, and lounges are here for every kind of night owl in the Big Easy and live up to the city's fun-loving reputation.
Listed below are places that aren't just open late but have also rave reviews and offerings that will keep you coming back during your next night in the city.
Best Late-Night Activities in NOLA
1. Melba's
Multiple Locations
melbas.com
Melba's serves Southern classics like po-boys, seafood plates, and delicious daiquiris all day and night. While this restaurant isn't 21+, it's unlikely you'll run into any kids after 9 p.m. Their po-boys are a fan favorite with classic toppings like fried seafood and roast beef.
What's unique about Melba's is their literacy program. To encourage reading, customers who buy a book from their bookcase can get a free daiquiri in the flavor of their choosing, from Watermelon to the 9th Ward. Melba's is the only 24/7 bookstore/restaurant/daiquiri shop in the city and is a must-visit for those late-night cravings.
2. The Spotted Cat
623 Frenchmen St.
spottedcatmusicclub.com
The Spotted Cat Music Club is one of the best-known jazz clubs in New Orleans and has live local music seven days a week from 2 p.m. to 2 a.m. With bands across genres such as jazz, funk, and blues, there's always a new reason to visit The Spotted Cat.
Their one-drink minimum isn't hard to comply with thanks to their selection of craft cocktails and beers. Get their unique themed drinks like the Cat Nip, made with mango vodka, cranberry juice, and pineapple juice. While they may not serve food, The Spotted Cat has lots to offer for late-night music and atmosphere.
3. Bourbon Street Drinkery
217 Bourbon St., (504) 451-6400
drinkery.com
Bourbon Street Drinkery is a live music bar with draft beers and cocktails on tap till 3 a.m. every day. The Drinkery promises high-quality drinks and great music, whether you start or end your night here. Their cycle of musicians perform genres like rock, blues, pop, and soul.
As for the drinks at the Drinkery, they offer a number of local and national draft beers from popular breweries like Abita, Miller, and Urban South. For fans of cocktails, the Drinkery offers cocktails like Blood Orange Margaritas and Moscow Mules on tap. Feeling adventurous? Order their signature Buck Shot, made with Red Bull, 151 proof rum, light rum, and a few secret ingredients.
4. Bayou Beer and Wine Garden
326 N. Norman C. Francis Pkwy., (504) 302-9357
bayoubeergarden.com
The Bayou Beer and Wine Garden is open from 12 p.m. to 1 a.m. every day except Fridays and Saturdays when they're open till 2 a.m. Their expansive outdoor seating is great for a casual get-together with friends to watch a football game or just hang out. Bring a group and participate in trivia every Tuesday at 7 p.m.
Bayou Beer and Wine Garden has tons of beer and wine on tap at their respective patios. Along with their drinks, Bayou Beer Garden's food menu has delicious sandwiches, tacos, and appetizers. With 45 beers on tap at the beer patio and 21 wines on tap at the wine patio, the options are practically endless at this spot.
5. Tipitina's
501 Napoleon Ave., (504) 895-8477
tipitinas.com
Tipitina's is a live music venue that has been a staple of New Orleans since 1977. This 18+ venue has all the charm and production value you could want from a venue. With tributes to Irma Thomas, Cajun bands, and popular artists like Soccer Mommy, Tipitina's is a place with a night for everyone.
Check out their calendar and see who's performing next time you're free; no matter who you see at Tipitina's, you'll enjoy an amazing venue with a lot of history. Grab a drink at their bar and enjoy the show.
6. The AllWays Lounge & Cabaret
2240 St. Claude Ave.
theallwayslounge.net
The AllWays Lounge & Cabaret hosts much more than burlesque and cabaret shows. Their events calendar boasts a delightful lineup of events including drag performances, karaoke, bingo, and dance classes that anyone 21+ can enjoy.
Every night at AllWays Lounge is a sight to behold. Their unique shows and incredible performers will keep you entertained all night long.
7. Cuban Creations
533 Toulouse St., (504) 372-4838
cigarbarnola.com
Cuban Creations is the French Quarter's only cigar bar and prides itself on premium cocktails and an extensive selection of cigars. Open till 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and midnight every other day of the week, Cuban Creations has an opulent interior that will set the mood for your night.
Their in-house staff will gladly assist you every step of the way in selecting a cigar and provide everything you need to enjoy it. Enjoy classic drinks, including an Old Fashioned or a Sazerac, while lounging in this stylish bar.
8. Caesars New Orleans Casino
8 Canal St., (504) 533-6000
caesars.com/caesars-new-orleans/casino
The Caesars Casino is a state-of-the-art casino with over 1,000 slot machines and over 100 table games for you to play. Along with machines and classic table games, Caesars offers professional sports betting with Caesars Sportsbook.
Guests can enjoy first-rate service and accommodations at Caesars. Whether you take advantage of their poker room or play slots in their courtyard, Caesars will not let you down.
9. Vandal Hookah Lounge
3835 Tulane Ave., (504) 582-9324
vandalnola.com
Vandal is a lounge with hookah, a full bar, and a menu of Mediterranean food. Open till 3 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 2 a.m. every other day of the week, this lounge is the perfect place to catch up with friends or meet new people.
They have an unmatched selection of hookah flavors and dozens of online reviews applauding the friendly and personable staff at Vandal. If you're looking for a sleek and trendy place to go, check out Vandal.
10. Santos Bar
1135 Decatur St., (504) 605-3533
santosbar.com
Santos Bar is a rock bar with live music and skilled DJs to keep you dancing all night long. Join them for themed dance nights like Tainted Love with 80's music and visuals that are totally radical. Santos is open till 5 a.m. every night so you never have to worry about your fun getting cut short.
This French Quarter bar was built in 1722 and has allegedly been everything from a hospital to an underground goth bar. Have a drink on the balcony from the upstairs bar and get ready for a good time.
Party All Night and Sleep All Day in Crescent City
The places to have a drink and a good time in New Orleans are countless so check out our bar guide for even more of the best. Bring a friend and try somewhere new!
