New Orleans, the party capital of the south and the home of the infamous Bourbon Street, where you will certainly have one of the best nights you will never remember. The city is known for its European architecture, ghoulish history, and most importantly its one-of-a-kind nightlife. Every US city has nightlife, in fact, it’d be hard to find an American city without a club, bar, or honky tonk that didn’t offer up some great nights to rowdy tourists. However, New Orleans offers something unique; it offers just about everything. If you were to take a stroll down the bustling Bourbon Street you would certainly find a line of loud music playing bars, and next to that you’d find a woman singing the most beautiful music you’ve ever heard, and next to that a country bar that offers everything from cold beers to bull rides. But to live like a local you have to stray from the hustle and bustle of bourbon street and find out where the true New Orleans parties are.
Snake and Jakes Christmas Club Lounge
Someone once told me Snake and Jakes was George Clooney’s favorite bar, I’ve also been told that Anthony Bourdain said it should be a UNESCO World Heritage Site, however, I’ve never been able to find evidence to back up either of these claims. But that’s the thing about Snake and Jakes you kind of don’t know anything about it, then all of a sudden you do. This deep New Orleans dive that every good New Orleanian loves, looks like nothing more than a shack but actually holds the beating heart of the city. With an all-year Christmas theme and a back patio that you could get lost in, it’s the perfect place to hear amazing music and hide in the darkness. Take a trip to Oak street and visit the infamous dive for their Thursday Latin Nights!
The Maple Leaf
Any musician worth your time in New Orleans has played on the Maple Leaf stage. This little bar can either be found completely empty or packed to the brim depending on who is playing, the music brought to this bar breathes life into it and everyone inside. The expansive dance floor and long bar make it the perfect place to dance your heart out or just watch others act a fool. Either way, no one ever has a bad night at The Maple Leaf.
Bamboulas
Bamboulas is located on New Orleans’ most musical street; Frenchman. This spot has jazz music that you will feel in your toes every weekend and a pulled pork sandwich that you will feel in your belly. The cozy spot feels like a step back in time, with tiled floors people dancing to live jazz music, and a beautiful chandelier-lit interior. It feels just like something out of the Princess and the Frog, the type of place you could just fall in love with as soon as you step through the classic french doors
Tipitinas
Tipitinas has been a New Orleans landmark for as long as anyone can remember. Opened in 1977 by some musicians this spot has stood the test of time and served generations of young, old, and everything in between with amazing music and even better drinks. This venue caters to local New Orleans artists and beyond, with music lovers from every inch of the country coming to play in the historic walls of Tipitinas. A favorite local band Galactic performs here regularly, try to catch a show or two when you’re in town! It will not be a night you remember quickly.
