Metairie can seem like a world away to some New Orleanians, but it's just a couple of minutes in the car to get there. When you get there, you can find some of the best restaurants, stores, and bars in the GNO area. Since the early 1700s, people have migrated from New Orleans over to Jefferson Parish, especially those who wanted to do some gambling. More recently, many amazing new businesses have opened that draw a crowd from New Orleans proper.
Metairie, or Metry as many like to call it, is home to so many colorful bars that attract hungry
lunch crowds, friendly after-work regulars, and high-energy late-night
partyers. If you haven't checked out these Metairie bars lately, maybe it's
time to cross the parish line.
The Best Bars Metairie Has To Offer
1. Martine's Lounge
2347 Metairie Rd., 504-831-8637, facebook.com/martineslounge
Signature cocktails are always on the menu at Martine's Lounge in Old Metairie or you can opt to have something frozen like a Frozen Irish Coffee. And you'll love the rich, red walls and dark décor that transports you to another time.
Martine's Lounge is popular with those who like to have a cigarette with their drink, but there are some outdoor tables for those who prefer a non-smoking environment. You can still participate in the weekly trivia game sitting out there.
2. Shenanigans Kitchen and Cocktails
4612 Quincy St., 504-605-3299, shenanigans504.com
This bar has a silly name, but it is serious about serving up good flavors and good times. Shenanigans opens at 11 a.m. every day of the week to serve lunch items like poboys, wraps, salads, burgers, and sandwiches. And they stay open until late night or early morning for the night owls.
Shenanigans specializes in game day specials for both food and drinks. You may also see a live band performing inside or even in the parking lot if there's a big crowd.
3. Babylon Sports Bar
2917 Harvard Ave., 504-324-9961, facebook.com/BabylonSportsbarNola
Babylon is known more for its regular rock and metal concerts taking place right on the bar floor rather than showing sports, but you will always see the Saints game on during the season. Though this bar is quite small, fans of the bands will pack the house, leaving just a little room for the band. It's a great way to feel like you are a part of the show.
You can take to the stage yourself for karaoke nights on Wednesdays. If you do want to catch a show here, you might want to bring some ear plugs. You'll be in the middle of the action!
4. Swamp Room
5400 Veterans Memorial Blvd., 504-888-5242, theswamproom.com
The Swamp Room moved
down the street from its original location in recent years, but the new space was
needed to serve all of the people that enjoy grabbing a Swamp Burger and beer
after work. The lunch time and late-night crowds also love digging into the pub
grub over a few drinks.
The larger bar area is also known to host live music, variety shows, and game day events. Keep up with Swamp Room's busy schedule on their social media.
5. Winston's Pub & Patio
531 Metairie Rd., 504-831-8705, winstonspubandpatio.com
Winston's on Metairie Road was once a cigar-centric bar, but they've since gone smoke-free. Winston's still looks like an old-school pub with a dark wood interior, comfy leather couches, and black-and-white photos of Old Metairie on the walls.
In addition to local beer on tap, lovely craft cocktails, and
high-end spirits on the menu, Winston's serves some of the best bar food you'll
ever taste. Try the fish and chips with waffle fries or get some steaming hot meat pies for an authentic pub experience.
6. Hurricanes Sports Bar
1414 Veterans Memorial Blvd., 504-833-0050, facebook.com
Sports are always on the many TVs at Hurricanes, but that's not all this big bar is known for. You can catch a live band on most weekend nights. Follow Hurricanes' Facebook page to see who is coming up next, though it will certainly be a great show no matter who is performing.
If you want to be the one in the spotlight, you are welcome
to come to karaoke night on Thursdays starting at 8 p.m. You can also bring your own
instrument for the occasional open mic jams that begin right after happy hour, which goes from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.
7. Lamp Lighter Lounge
908 Veterans Memorial Blvd., 504-832-9909, facebook.com/lamplighter2012
The Lamp Lighter Lounge is one of the few 24 hour bars left in the entire New Orleans metro area. You can get a cheap drink, play video poker, or get some grub around the clock. The burgers are the most popular menu item and some people it's one of the best places to get bar food in the city.
The regular customers like to play a game of pool or chess to pass the time here but good conversation is also known to happen here. Though the bar is always open, the Lamp Lighter still does a happy hour Monday through Fridays from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
8. Sidelines Bar & Grill
1229 Veterans Memorial Blvd., 504-831-4002, facebook.com/Sidelines.Smokefree
Sidelines Bar & Grill is proudly smoke-free in order to let all of their patrons enjoy watching their favorite teams on over 30 TVs without getting smoke in their eyes. Sidelines is also very proud of their food.
The daily lunch specials are some of the best priced in the city and go from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Make sure to try their burger, shrimp poboy, boiled crawfish, and more tasty plates.
9. Vinnie's
Caddyshack Bar & Grill
3217 Ridgelake Dr., 504-827-1540, facebook.com/Vinniesbarandgrillmetairie
Vinnie's Caddyshack is as popular for its great food as it is for its extensive spirit offerings. Steak night and rib night are always packed with regulars but every night of the week will have something great on the menu. Happy hour is from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. for deals on your drinks to go along with your meal.
In
addition to playing every Saints and LSU Tigers game, Vinnie's Caddyshack has
been known to show high-profile MMA fights. Keep up with their social media to
see what's on tap at the Caddyshack.
10. Jiggers
Bar & Grill
1645 Veterans Memorial Blvd., 504-837-6000, facebook.com
If you're looking for a fight, Jiggers is the place to be! Jiggers is one of the best bars in the area to catch UFC fights on the big screen. There are always shot and beer specials for these title fight nights. You can also try your hand at pool or darts in between matches.
Don't
sleep on the food here. You'll want to try out one of the cheeseburgers that
keep the regular clientele coming back. The kitchen is open late for service
industry folks and those waiting for the main card.
The Best Bars in Metairie
They may not be glamorous and they may
not be glitzy, but these Metairie bars are excellent to visit when you want to
have a good drink with your old friends or get into some bar games like darts and pool. It's really all about cold beer,
sports, and fast hot meals here. And the parking is typically much easier than
anywhere in the city.
Have you gone out to a bar in Metairie
lately? You may be pleasantly surprised by how much fun you can have.
