10 Best New Orleans Dive Bars
New Orleans dive bars serve as an essential neighborhood staples rather than elaborate tourist traps.
Thriving on authenticity, offering cheap drinks, late-hours, and a welcoming vibe is what fuels the community's hearts. Here's 10 dive bars in the Big Easy that are sure to elevate your local experience.
1. Pete's Out in the Cold
701 Sixth St., (504) 895-8993
facebook.com/petesoutinthecold
Since 1931, Pete's Irish Channel Bar (known as Pete's Out in the Cold by locals) can unofficially be dated back to 1898 as one of the oldest bars near the Irish Channel. Pete's is known for their affordable drinks, old school jukebox, laid back atmosphere, and welcoming environment. This woman and all neighborhood owned bar even has an adopted, grumpy bar cat named Foxy!
2. Snake and Jake's Christmas Club Lounge
7612 Oak St., (504) 861-2802
Located on 7612 Oak St., Snake and Jake's Christmas Club Lounge is a small, friendly dive bar owned by Dave Clements. The bar has been owned since 1994, serving those from all over the world visiting New Orleans. Snake and Jake's is a true late night hang out spot and is famously open every single day—including on Christmas. Get some friends together and hang at one of NOLA's favorite joints.
3. Verret's Lounge
1738 Washington Ave., (504) 895-9640
Verret's Lounge is a laid-back neighborhood dive bar known for its welcoming vibe, red lighting, checkered dance floor, and affordable drinks. Located on 1738 Washington Ave., this dive bar is a favorite spot for locals, paraders, and Mardi Gras revelers. Whether you're in the mood for a cold beer, a Bloody Mary, or more, Verret's Lounge is a great place to check out while in Central City.
4. Toulouse Dive Bar
738 Toulouse St., (504) 522-2260
Toulouse Dive Bar, located at 738 Toulouse St., is just steps away from the lively, busy Bourbon Street, giving it great spot to all of the action in the French Quarter. Known for their cheap drinks, relaxed vibes, and a hidden bathroom disguised as the bookcase, this bar is your next stop in the Big Easy. Be sure to visit their website for specific happy hour times.
5. Pal's Lounge
949 N. Rendon St., (504) 488-7257
Pal's Lounge is known for its legendary craft cocktails, as well as for hosting rotating local food vendors and trucks. They also have fun games such as air hockey for both locals and tourists. They are also known for their famous house specials including the floral vodka Selfish Lover and the refreshing Gingerita.
6. Mayfair Lounge
1505 Amelia St., (504) 895-9163
facebook.com/themayfairloungenola
Located on 1505 Amelia St., Mayfair Lounge is a vintage dive bar in Uptown New Orleans. Just blocks away from the St. Charles Avenue's streetcar line, this cash-only spot is famous for its unique character and affordable drinks. Visit see why they are one of the best dive bars New Orleans has to offer.
7. Ms. Mae's
4336 Magazine St., (504) 218-8035
Ms. Mae's, the famous 24-hour dive bar located on 4336 Magazine St., is known for its cheap drinks and dark atmosphere. Locals are even dedicated and challenged to drinking one alcoholic beverage every hour for a full 24-hour period—if they dare. The bar is named after the original owner, Ms Mae Brigham, who would sat at her usual spot until her passing in 2012.
8. Lots-A-Luck Tavern
203 Homesdale St., (504) 483-0978
Established in 1965, Lots-A-Luck Tavern is a classic neighborhood dive bar located on 203 Homesdale St. The tavern is famous for its cozy, laid-back vibe, providing an ideal spot to watch a Saints game, play bar games, or hang out with friends and family. Lots-A-Luck Tavern also has daily specials to enjoy, such as Whiskey Wednesdays and Trivia Night Thursdays.
9. The Boondock Saint
731 St. Peter St., (504) 525-4950
facebook.com/theboondocksaintbar
The Boondock Saint, located on 731 St. Peter St., captures the spirit of classic Irish pubs with a charming twist. This dive bar offers a broad selection of reasonably priced beers, including the world-famous Guinness, and is known for its exceptional service from their friendly bartenders. Swing by the Boondock Saint for St. Patrick's Day or any other day of the week.
10. Saturn Bar
3067 St. Claude Ave., (504) 949-7532
Saturn Bar has a funky hominess that has a charming history within New Orleans. Located on 3067 St. Claude Ave., this dive bar offers an affordable mix of domestic beer and cocktails. The bar regularly hosts special events and live entertainment, so check out their website to see what Saturn Bar has coming up.
