The 7 Best Bar Crawls in New Orleans

Is there anything more synonymous with New Orleans than passing a good time? Whether you’re seeking an elegant French Quarter evening or a day drinking stroll along Magazine Street, we’ve got you covered.

Here’s out list of the best, local-approved bar crawls in New Orleans. As we say here in the NOLA, laissez les bon temps rouler (“let the good times roll” in French). We’ll be here for you at The Old No.77 Hotel & Chandlery ‘til the room stops spinning.

The Locals’ New Orleans Bar Crawl Guide

Louisiana does not enforce open container laws, so long as you’re not drinking and driving or consuming from a glass container. So begin your evening with us at Compère Lapin for a cocktail or two before hitting the town. Then get the party started at these destinations.

1. Magazine Street

Stop by Barrel Proof for whiskey, Bouligny Tavern for a nosh and a cocktail, and end at dive bar favorite, Ms. Mae’s,which is open 24 hours, 7 days a week.

2. Garden District

Take it easy at The Columns – listed in the National Register of Historic Places – with a mint julep on the porch. The Sazerac Bar, The Carousel Bar, and Arnaud’s French 75 are other elegant hotel bars worth visiting in the Garden District.

3. Warehouse District

Looking for high energy? Liven up the night with dinner at Cochon and dancing at the concert venue and club, Republic NOLA.

4. French Quarter

Sip your way through history with the French Quarter’s oldest bar crawl. Stop by Napolean House, Old Absinthe House, Tujague’s, and finish it off at Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop for the infamous Voodoo Daiquiri.

5. Freret Street

Sip a James Beard Award-winning cocktail at Cure, followed by poboys and catfish at High Hat Cafe, then show love to young, local musicians at Gasa Gasa.

6. LGBTQ+ Bars

New Orleans is among the top 5 LGBTQ+ cities in the United States, making it welcoming and enjoyable for all.

Sip a balcony cocktail at Café Lafitte in Exile, see the go-go-boys at Bourbon Pub Parade, dance the evening away at Oz, and end the night at Good Friends to talk about your NOLA adventures.

7. The Margigny & Bywater

With over hundreds of wines from around the world to choose from, it’s a must to grab some wine, order some charcuterie, and enjoy the music at Bacchanal. End the night at Vaughn’s for live jazz and blues coupled with cheap drinks.