French Quarter Nightlife and Bars

Raise a glass in one of New Orleans' most beautiful and historic neighborhoods

Nightlife in New Orleans’ world-famous French Quarter is far from singular. Unlike any other, it is well known for its versatile offerings such as historic bars, local hangouts, Bourbon Street-based clubs, craft cocktail lounges, lush cabarets and much more. No matter how you prefer to spend your evenings out, the French Quarter has you covered. 

French Quarter’s Live Music Scene

There’s nothing more New Orleans than live music. From classic jazz and blues, to hip-hop and techno, there’s no shortage of tunes throughout the French Quarter. The Preservation Hall, home to the iconic Preservation Jazz Band, offers nightly shows from 8-10 p.m. Catch mainstream and local performances at the House of Blues. Browse our complete WWOZ Live Music Calendar for more showings throughout the French Quarter.

Historic French Quarter Bars

New Orleans is known as the birthplace of the cocktail, so it’s only fitting a number of historic bars received their humble beginnings in the Crescent City. Arnaud’s French 75 Bar, the Old Absinthe House and the Napoleon House are among the many French Quarter favorites with historic roots specializing in New Orleans’ classic cocktails.  

While the bulk of the clubbing is done along Bourbon and Frenchmen Streets, the entire French Quarter is filled with clubs and late-night hangouts. The Dragon’s Den is known for its weekly hip-hop and Latin nights featuring live DJs, The Oz is a longstanding LGBTQ club featuring special events like burlesque and drag shows, and Bourbon Heat is a sure-fire good time for all during a night out in the French Quarter. 

French Quarter Cocktail Lounges

Enjoy an evening out with good friends and great drinks at one of the French Quarter’s multiple cocktail lounges. Check out Effervescence, a quaint Rampart Street lounge specializing in bubbles and light bites. Or, get a taste of the Caribbean with specialty cocktails and entrees from Beachbum Berry’s Latitude 29. 

Check out more of what the French Quarter has to offer after dark below.