10 Best Bars in Metairie
Want to bar-hop without the hassle of Bourbon Street? You do not need to be in New Orleans' city limits to visit Louisiana's best bars. Over in Jefferson Parish and around 15 minutes from the French Quarter, Metairie has some one-of-a-kind bars that you need to add to your must-do list.
From savvy speakeasies to jamming dive bars, here is a list of the top 10 bars to visit during a night out in Metairie.
1. Martine's Lounge
2347 Metairie Rd., (504) 831-8637
facebook.com/martineslounge
Martine's Lounge is an old-school dive bar situated in Old Metairie, and the bar's staff will make you feel like you're part of the neighborhood. Martine's Lounge has a laid-back atmosphere that makes visitors want to kick back and enjoy an ice-cold beer. The bar has an array of beer options from Abita brews to overflowing glasses of Budweiser. Non-beer drinkers don't need to worry; Martine's Lounge serves a mean Mango Shotta Margarita.
Martine's Lounge is open six days a week from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. On Sundays, the bar closes early at midnight.
2. Swamp Room
5400 Veterans Memorial Blvd., (504) 888-5242
theswamproom.com
The Swamp Room may be the home of the famous "Swamp Burger," but it is best known as Metairie's go-to late-night tavern. The Swamp Room's bar is open all night and so is the bar's kitchen. The result is an establishment where the food and drinks keep coming. The tavern puts a swampy spin on classic bar food with boudin egg rolls and crawfish pies. The bar has 24 beers on tap and 100 bottled beers available.
The Swamp Room Bar and Grill operates from 11 a.m. to 3 a.m. Sundays through Thursdays. On Fridays and Saturdays, both the bar and kitchen stay open until 5 a.m.
3. Blue Ruin Speakeasy
3224 Metairie Rd., (504) 835-3335
blueruinspeakeasy.com
Speakeasies did not disappear with the end of Prohibition. The Blue Ruin Speakeasy is keeping the 1920s vibe alive with its ornate decor and craft cocktails. Their Salted Watermelon Sangria captures the flavor of everyone's favorite fruit, making for a refreshing summer beverage. The Old Sport takes its name from The Great Gatsby, and the mixture of Amaro and citrus juice is fit to serve at any flapper party.
Tuesday through Thursday, the Blue Ruin Speakeasy welcomes visitors from 4 p.m. to 12 a.m. On Fridays, the bar opens its doors at 3 p.m. and closes at 1 a.m. Every Saturday, the speakeasy operates from 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. before closing on Sundays and Mondays.
4. Bar 504
1645 Veterans Memorial Blvd., (504) 264-7055
bar504.com
Bar 504 is a hotspot for everyone living in the 504, from locals in Metairie to residents down in Plaquemines and everyone in between. The bar is home to Sammy's Kitchen, which serves po-boys and muffulettas that you can wash down with a bottle of beer. Glasses of Bud Light and Coors Light start at $4 a glass, while the Sutterhome House Wine costs around $5. Seltzers are also available for those wanting a peach or lemon-flavored beverage.
Bar 504 is open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m., so you can swing by any time to enjoy a glass and a po-boy.
5. Barcar
601 Metairie Rd., (504) 264-7783
barcarbar.com
Barcar advertises itself as a "social phenomenon that exists in limbo between work and home." The Old Metairie restaurant combines gourmet cuisine with expertly crafted cocktails, setting it apart from the typical dive bar. The menu features delightful dishes such as pork diavoli pasta and spicy tuna crisp rice. After 10 p.m., the menu downsizes to handhelds and loaded fries. Barcar specializes in cocktails, such as the pomegranate-infused Jungle Cat or Tito's heavy Time Saver.
Barcar remains operational from 11 a.m to midnight, only admitting 18+ visitors after 3 p.m.
6. Hog Alley Lounge
115 Focis St., (504) 301-4960
hogalleylounge.com
Hog Alley Lounge provides its clientele with an upscale bar experience without the high price tag. The wine menu includes an assortment of whites and reds, including Sauvignon Blanc, Rosé, and Chardonnay. Food-wise, the Hog Alley Lounge offers high-quality entrees, such as tuna steak and filet mignon, as well as smashburgers and quesadillas that outdo every fast food chain. The outside lounge allows guests to catch a few rays without missing out on the drinks and eats.
Hog Alley Lounge opens each morning at 11 a.m., closing at 2 a.m. Friday through Saturday and at 1 a.m. every other day.
7. Winston's Pub & Patio
531 Metairie Rd., (504) 831-8705
facebook.com/WinstonsPubPatio
Winston's Pub & Patio claims to be Old Metairie's most inviting bar, and the owner extends an invitation to both humans and pets. Winston's is a pet-friendly pub, so you can expect to see some adorable furry friends while enjoying the outdoor patio. The bar is fully stocked, offering locally sourced craft beers from Port Orleans Brewing Co. and Second Line Brewery. The menu features delicious bar fare, such as cheese fries and meat pies, that you can share with the table or even your pet.
Winston's keeps its doors open from noon to midnight, making it a great option for a day trip or nighttime bar crawl.
8. 5216 Table & Tap
5216 Veterans Memorial Blvd., (504) 766-1417
5216tableandtap.com
5216 Tap & Table is more than a bar; it's a self-proclaimed "gastroclub." The bar mixes gastronomy with bartending, producing craft cocktails, beers, and cuisine. Some of the highlights from the bar's extensive menu include the Asian glaze wings, Cuban sandwich, and NOLA burger. The selection of tap beers and house wines makes a seat at the bar ideal for the latest football game or brunch date.
5216 Tap & Table operates from noon to 11:45 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. On Fridays and Saturdays, the restaurant does not close until 2 a.m.
9. Cork Wine & Martini Bar
4612 Quincy St., (504) 514-1284
cork504.com
Cork Wine & Martini Bar is Metairie's only winery. With six wines on tap and over 40 available bottles, the wine bar offers premium-quality drinks to its customers. Wines on tap include Brezza Bianca Prosecco Frizzante, Seaglass Rosé, and Joel Gott Sauvignon Blanc. Those who are not fans of wine can try one of the bar's expertly crafted martinis or taste one of its handmade small bites.
On weekdays, Cork Wine & Martini Bar opens at 11 a.m., while it opens at noon on weekends.
10. After Hours E.R.
3431 Houma Blvd., (504) 892-1002
facebook.com/afterhourser
After Hours E.R. was created for exhausted employees needing a refreshment after work. The lounge offers emergency refreshments, including lemon drop martinis, White Russians, and margaritas. However, After Hours E.R. is best known for its daiquiris, which start at $6.50 for a 16 oz. cup. The lounge invites a rotation of local artists and comedians every weekend, so there is rarely a dull evening at After Hours E.R.
After Hours E.R. opens at 11 a.m. every day and closes at 1 a.m. Sunday through Thursday, as well as at 2 a.m. Friday through Saturday.
Metairie Bars to Check Out
Metairie is an excellent alternative for those seeking to avoid the crowds of the French Quarter or looking for a change in scenery. Whether you want to grab drinks after work, hit the dance floor, or beeline to the bar, each of these 10 spots is guaranteed to have great drinks and an even greater atmosphere.
