The Ultimate Guide to Dive Bars in New Orleans

In a town built around a pervasive ethos of having a good time at any hour in any setting, few places weave local dives into the cultural fabric like New Orleans. From 24-hour party dives to laid-back neighborhood hangouts, exploring the many iconic dive bars is not just a fun way to fill your travel itinerary—it’s an essential way to get to know the Crescent City.

For Live Music

In a city that loves its live music, it’s no surprise that some of the most ear-pleasing sounds can be found within the faded walls of local dives.

Established in 1959, Vaughan’s Lounge is an iconic locals-friendly dive in the hip Bywater neighborhood. The bar showcases some of the city’s top live music acts during lively Thursday nights. Stop in for great music, friendly people, and free rice and beans in the back.

Over in the Uptown neighborhood, divey Maple Leaf is one of the top music venues in the city and a personal favorite of many who’ve experienced its intimate wood-floored space. The joint thrives particularly on Tuesday nights when the legendary Rebirth Brass Band sets the place on fire.

For Late-Night Tomfoolery

There are dive bars, and then there is Snake & Jake’s Christmas Club Lounge, one of the most beloved dives in New Orleans. This notorious den is located in a tiny shack illuminated by the soft red glow of a few scattered Christmas lights, keeping the scene lively until sunrise, when patrons begin to exit around its 7 am closing time.

In the Lower Garden District, The Saint is a gritty favorite of bar industry types and fans of late-night music, who enjoy starting the party after midnight. Excellent drinks and a hopping dance floor ensure a vibrant atmosphere.

In the French Quarter, Chart Room stands out as an authentic hangout where you’re encouraged to strike up conversations with strangers at the bar, often leaving as best friends by 4 am.

For Partying 24/7

New Orleans has a reputation for its relaxed attitude towards closing times—many bars simply never close. The Club Ms. Mae’s on Magazine Street is infamous for offering a “24-hour challenge” where patrons attempt to consume at least one drink per hour for 24 hours. Drinks are famously cheap at this cash-only spot, specifically designed to keep the party going.

If you’re looking to do your laundry while enjoying a drink, Igor’s Lounge offers this unique experience, with laundry machines, pool tables, video poker, and a happy hour special from 5-7 am. For round-the-clock karaoke, Kajun’s Pub is your spot.

For Surprisingly Good Bar Food

As you indulge in drinks, you’re likely to get hungry. New Orleans is renowned for its cuisine, but you can also find delicious meals at several local dives.

Bar Redux, located in the Bywater’s notorious “Barmuda Triangle,” serves a delightful range of local Creole and Caribbean-style dishes late into the night, perfect to fuel your next adventure.

24-hour neighborhood dive Buffa’s is criminally underrated, offering a wide range of options from breakfast plates to adventurous meals like redfish po’boys and crawfish pasta. This bar, which opened in 1939, features live entertainment nightly, including a jazz brunch on Sundays.

For the best burger in the city, head straight to Port of Call. Just go—you won’t regret it.

For Hangin’ with the Cool Kids

As East Coast hipsters flock to New Orleans, they often seek out good dive bars. Despite its unassuming exterior, Saturn Bar features cheap drinks, eclectic decor, and a friendly cat. Enjoy live music on weekends or their popular Mod Dance Party with DJs spinning vinyl until sunrise.

R Bar offers a raucous party atmosphere on weekends but remains a mellow hangout during the week. With a solid jukebox and ownership by a musician from The Afghan Whigs, expect to see some famous faces enjoying a drink.

Bud Rips is another cool hangout in Bywater, known for strong drinks and a classic neighborhood vibe.

For Outdoor Drinking

When the weather permits, outdoor drinking in New Orleans is a delightful option. Bacchanal, while slightly upscale, boasts one of the most beautiful patios in the city, perfect for al fresco day drinking. Enjoy live music performances in the charming beer garden.

The Rusty Nail is a sweet spot in the Warehouse District where you can relax on the outdoor patio, surrounded by twinkling lights and greenery, enjoying drinks with a diverse crowd.

For Off-the-Beaten-Path Neighborhood Hangs

Some of the best dives in New Orleans are hidden away off the beaten path. Pete’s Out in the Cold has served strong drinks to thirsty locals since 1931. Recently upgraded, you still need to be buzzed in before experiencing this old-school neighborhood bar.

In Bywater, the dark and decadent BJ’s is the stuff of dive bar dreams, where good times are guaranteed and no nonsense is tolerated.

In the historic Tremé neighborhood, the Candlelight Lounge offers authentic local fare amid a lively communal scene with live brass bands.

In the Seventh Ward, Bullet’s Sports Bar is a favorite, where you can order a “setup” (a 1/2 pint of liquor served with a mixer and ice) while enjoying live jazz.

For Watching the Big Game

Sports and dive bars complement each other perfectly. J&J’s Sports Lounge is a cozy spot in the bar-heavy Bywater that comes alive on game days, especially when the Saints play. Enjoy a dozen draft beers, a pool table, and a jukebox as you cheer.

In the often-overlooked Mid-City neighborhood near the New Orleans Fair Grounds, Pal’s Lounge features local food pop-ups, bar games like pinball, and several large TVs. You’ll find surprisingly good cocktails and friendly conversation until 4 am.