Outdoor Sports Bars
Ah, football season in New Orleans. Unequivocally the most wonderful time of the year, where the temperature dips to a cool high-80s, the sound of a fresh can being cracked open reverberates throughout the city, and everyone's Monday mood is strictly dependent on how the Saints performed the previous day. Bars are open, the liquor is flowin', and kickoff of America's sport is the one thing consuming everyone's mind.
What's beautifully understood about New Orleans on a local-level is its accessibility. For the most part, an individual can reach nearly any destination in the city in 15 minutes or less. Hell, you could be resting comfortably on your couch at 11:30 a.m., purchase a ticket to the game online, catch an Uber to the Dome, and be at your seat in time for the National Anthem on a noon kickoff with a beverage in hand. Suck on that, major metropolitan areas.
And while couch rotting on a Sunday is a time honored tradition held by the avid football fan and the lazy person alike, it's hard to beat screaming at oversized flatscreens, incessant smack talking, and throwing back some cold ones in favorable weather conditions with your krewe of choice at your favorite watering hole.
Fortunately, for most of you digesting this, you reside in New Orleans, where practically every corner sits a bar. It's like Starbucks but for the South. For the ultimate game day experience, here is your go-to guide for all dedicated sports bars with patios in the Central Business District, just in case you end up feeling froggy later and wish to mosey on over to the Dome at the half.
Ernst Café
The regulars know that Ernst Café might be a bit of a longer walk, but, with how much lighter your wallet will be, it'll be a (Drew) breeze. Residing on the corner of St. Peter and Lafayette streets, this bar boasts the cheapest beer this side of the city, and it's hard to debate that when a High Life will only run you $1.50. Pay in quarters if it makes you feel better. If that wasn't incentive enough, their outdoor patio on game day is packed all the way to Fulton Street, and they have an upstairs balcony that wraps around half a block and has enough televisions to accommodate everyone.
The Rusty Nail/Sidecar
This neighborhood haunt, which is a quintessential staple, even has a sneaky great whiskey collection, holding just under 300 bottles available. The adjacent tropical patio that is Sidecar is the perfect compliment. There is plenty of shade, massive TVs, and a full menu and oyster bar with all the booze you can reasonably intake. If whiskey isn't your thing, the Rusty Nail has 16 taps that rotate, highlighting local craft brews and beer staples that'll appease even the biggest skeptic. As their website says, "Come watch the game, and do your thing."
Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux
Let's just rip the Band-Aid off. Yes, it is a chain. It's also co-owned by a top-five NFL quarterback of all time, Drew Brees, and, around these parts, that means something. Besides, have you even tried their boom boom shrimp? Regardless of your thoughts on Walk-On's, it's always packed for a reason. This sports bar is on so many steroids, Mark McGwire tried to buy in. Situated on Poydras Street, practically across the street from where the almighty Saints roam, it's a no-brainer.
Lucy's Retired Surfers Bar & Restaurant
Did you know that Lucy's has a second location in Aruba? Whatever. That doesn't matter. Let's focus. While many bars were sadly closing their doors around New Orleans, this surfer shack-esque establishment was tacking on a massive expansion. All signs point to Lucy's being around forever (knock on wood), and it's a critical centerpiece to the city's sports bar scene. The upstairs balcony is perfect for people watching, and, despite having a very centralized location, their drinks are very reasonable. It's popular for a reason and, in this case, that's a very good thing.
Manning's Sports Bar & Grill
New Orleans wouldn't be New Orleans without the Manning family rightfully utilizing their football royalty to make an imprint on the city. Their name itself is synonymous with the sport, and, on a lucky day, you'll catch Archie Manning himself posted up at the bar with a fresh, cold one in hand. Manning's knows why you're there, and they lean into it. Don't want to catch the game from a bar stool? Relax in one of their leather recliners and drink like you never left your living room. The courtyard allows for easy food and drink ordering while basking in the Southern sun.
The Little Easy
It's debatable on whether or not The Little Easy would classify itself as a "sports bar," but one thing is for certain, despite its neighborhood popularity, it is quite the slept-on destination for all of your game day essentials. An abundance of televisions? Check. Cozy, dive bar atmosphere? Check. Solid food? Check. They are the home of the pressed po-boy, after all. Dog friendly? Check. One of the coolest, low-key outside/patio setups? Check. The Little Easy is new-ish, with previous owner and ex-poker professional Brian Mullin having converted the former Ariaane in 2019. New owners Joe Palmer, formerly of Channing Tatum's Saints and Sinners, and Blerta Pira, formerly of Chris Owens Club, have been keeping up the same level of professionalism since June 2024. Speaking of professionals, here's a pro-tip if you ever find yourself in—order the Cuban sandwich.
