Best Places to Watch the Saints on Game Day
Football Season in New Orleans
Last Updated: Monday, September 25, 2023 3:38 PM by Lauren Saizan
Last Updated: Monday, September 25, 2023 3:38 PM by Lauren Saizan
There’s no season quite like football season in New Orleans, where fans are used to packing the Dome and the streets of downtown. If you can’t make it to the Dome, there are plenty of local businesses that open their doors for watch parties on gameday. Join in on the celebrations this football season.
It’s “your home away from the dome.” Spend the season just minutes from the Dome at Lucy’s Retired Surfer’s Bar. On NFL and NCAA gamedays, locals and tourists alike flock to Lucy’s to enjoy the lively atmosphere, indoor/outdoor bars + seating, and many televisions with the sound turned all the way up. Enjoy gameday specials like $10 wings and nachos and $6 margaritas (both frozen or on the rocks).
Watch the game live from this outdoor beer garden in Mid-City. Enjoy a vast selection of beer, wine, and cocktails along with specialty food from a pop-up. No need to make reservations, but showing up early is always a good idea.
This Uptown sports bar is known for their laid-back atmosphere and raw oysters.
Finn McCool’s has both indoor and outdoor spaces that are prime for watching the game.
With a selection of over 75 different beers, Bayou Beer Garden is a hotspot during football season.
Meril invites fans to watch the game on the big screens while enjoying their full menu. For Saints home games, Meril is featuring DJ Arie from 5-9 p.m. who will provide a fun atmosphere following the games or during, in the instance the game falls within these hours.
Cheer on the Saints from Faubourg Brewery on gamedays. Their Black & Gold watch parties have plenty of beer, plus the chance to win prizes and lots of space to spread out and enjoy the game.
With one of the largest covered balconies in the Warehouse District, Ernst Café is the place to be on game day. The kitchen puts out some of the best non-tailgating, tailgate foods, including fried pickles, debris fries, Southwest egg rolls, Creole nachos, and much more.
Enjoy a gameday brass brunch at the Virgin Hotels’ Commons Club. On Saints Sunday game days, indulge in a chicken & waffles buffet, classic brunch sides, a complimentary glass of Veuve Clicquot, plus live entertainment. Not going to the game? Stay in the middle of the action and host a Saints Watch Party in one of their private viewing areas.
The award-winning Link Restaurant Group culinary team has created tailgate catering packages to order throughout the season for both home and away New Orleans Saints games through Cochon Butcher. The “away game” catering packages feature the opposing team’s regional cuisine, such as a smoked brisket BBQ when the Saints play the Texans. Order your party packages here.
For more on sports bars in New Orleans, check out our list here.
Lauren Saizan is a New Orleans native raised in the Gentilly neighborhood. In addition to being the editorial and online content manager for New Orleans & Company, she is also a member of Mélange Dance Company. Lauren has performed professionally in many venues across the city, including the Sydney & Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden, the New Orleans Museum of Art, Longue Vue House & Gardens, and Marigny Opera House. When not writing or dancing, she can be spotted sipping the Blue Eyes tea at French Truck, attending a concert downtown, or visiting a local library.