New Orleans has built for itself a reputation of being a party city, and it’s not just because of Mardi Gras. Bars and clubs—including those for a genre as specific as hip-hop—here are a dime a dozen, so much so that you can have your pick depending on what you want to check out: casual, swanky, or divey. Some of these options, however, rise above the others as the cream of the hip-hop crop. What better way to spend your holiday in this lively city than going to the best of what it can offer? Check out this list for the top hip-hop bars and clubs in New Orleans, Louisiana.
1. The Beach on Bourbon
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
The Beach on Bourbon is a great place to head to if you prefer to enjoy music played live. It also features a VIP section where you and your group can have your own private party while overlooking what the establishment boasts as the biggest dancefloor on Bourbon Street. The center of the bar has no roof, but there are heat lamps to help you keep warm. Be sure to check out the funky fountain while you’re here. Tip: during happy hour, you can get three-for-one shots in your drink.
The Beach on Bourbon
Address: 227 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA
Website: The Beach on Bourbon
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 12pm - 4am; Mon: 2pm - 4am
2. Dragon's Den
Cheap drinks? Check. Live music? Check. DJs? Check. Comedy shows? Check. Name what you want from a bar, and Dragon’s Den has it. This venue always has something going on, on its two floors. Expect to watch comedy acts on Thursday and Friday at the top floor and live bands on other nights. The ground floor, meanwhile, features either a DJ or a musical act churning out tunes. A pop-up kitchen offering Korean fare is open in the courtyard from Thursday to Sunday.
Dragon's Den
Address: 435 Esplanade Ave, New Orleans, LA
Website: Dragon’s Den
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 7pm - 1am; Fri - Sun: 5pm - 3am
3. /-90°
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
This bar’s name is based on the geographical address of New Orleans, with a little bit of artistic license thrown in the picture. This establishment is not just quirky. It also stands out from many of the other bars along Frenchmen Street with its sophisticated yet old-timey vibe. There are tables available if you wish to enjoy food with your drinks. Happy hour, which is from 4pm to 7pm, will allow you to get drinks, raw oysters, and wings at discounted rates.
30°/-90°
Address: 520 Frenchmen St, New Orleans, LA
Website: 30°/-90°
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 4pm - 2am; Fri: 2pm - 4am; Sat: 11am - 4am; Sun: 11am - 1am
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4. The Metro NOLA
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
The Metropolitan, better known as The Metro NOLA, transforms into a nightclub every Saturday, complete with smoke machines and fantastic lighting to create the perfect atmosphere for a party. There are two rooms in the venue, each of which plays its own unique tunes courtesy of the resident DJs. Some spots are cordoned off for VIPs. Do note that this place has a strict dress code.
The Metro NOLA
Address: 310 Andrew Higgins Blvd, New Orleans, LA
Website: The Metro NOLA
5. Razzoo Bar & Patio
This bar is split into two sections: the indoor area where the band plays and the porch at the back. There are hosts that make sure the crowd is continually pumped up to party. The music is loud enough that you still get to listen and dance while you’re in the back to take a breather. There are heaters on the patio to help keep you warm while taking a break from the dancefloor. If you’re a fan of strong drinks, those served here are heavy with alcohol.
Razzoo Bar & Patio
Address: 511 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA
Website: Razzoo Bar & Patio
Opening hours: Mon - Wed: 2pm - 4am; Thu & Sun: 12pm - 4am; Fri - Sat: 12pm - 6am
6. Masquerade Nightclub
New Orleans is arguably best known for Mardi Gras, which is not complete without masks and costumes, so what better way to spend a night in the city than by going to Masquerade Nightclub? Located right in Harrah’s Casino, this place lets you play a few cardgames at the corner if you want to try your luck while enjoying the music. If you’re a fan of sports, there are TVs that play whatever big game is on. Pro tip: if you like kicking back a few drinks, be sure to try out the Hoodoo Potion.
Masquerade Nightclub
Address: 8 Canal St, New Orleans, LA
Website: Masquerade Nightclub
Opening hours: Mon - Wed: 1pm - 12am; Thu & Sun: 11am - 12am; Fri - Sat: 11am - 2am
7. Sing Sing
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Did someone say Happy Hour?! 2-for-1 specials from 6pm-9pm! #bourbonstreet #nola #bigeasy #hiphop #dance #happyhour
Posted by Sing Sing on Tuesday, October 22, 2019
If you’re a fan of listening to live music while dancing and kicking back a few drinks, be sure to check out this place. While it’s smaller compared to many of the other places listed, it does feature great music, either played by a band or churned out by a DJ. Fun fact: there’s karaoke from Sunday to Wednesday. Be aware that the drinks menu is priced a little higher here.
Sing Sing
Address: 418 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA
Website: Sing Sing
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 7pm - 3am (closed on Mon)
8. Bourbon Heat
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Bourbon Heat is aptly named, being ranked as the best dance club and offering the best happy hour in New Orleans. In fact, it even served as the shooting location of some TV shows. Among its features, besides great DJs, are high-tech laser shows and VIP bottle service. There’s an emcee who makes sure that everyone is hyped and ready to dance the night away. Food is served here, so you don’t have to worry about eating before heading to this bar.
Bourbon Heat
Address: 711 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA
Website: Bourbon Heat
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 11am - 1am; Fri - Sun: 11am - 4am
9. The Swamp on Bourbon Street
Editor’s note: establishment is permanently closed
Don’t let the name scare you. The Swamp on Bourbon Street, or simply The Swamp, is a good place to head to if you like your music loud and your beer cheap. If you want to see what’s going on outside, head over to the balcony, which gives you a nice view of the street. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, try riding Swamp Thang, The Swamp’s version of a mechanical bull.
The Swamp on Bourbon Street
Address: 516 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA
Website: The Swamp on Bourbon Street
Opening hours: Mon - Wed: 4pm - 5am; Thu: 2pm - 5am; Fri - Sun: 12pm - 5am
10. Republic NOLA
While not as spacious as the other venues on this list, Republic NOLA still features a dancefloor where you can shimmy to the tunes. Its size makes for an intimate setting. The music is a mix of live performances and DJ-churned beats. Either way, you can expect to enjoy great music here. In fact, this venue is regularly used for mini-concerts. It has two floors, both of which have their own bars (the upstairs area is reserved for VIPs).
Republic NOLA
Address: 828 S Peters St, New Orleans, LA
Website: Republic NOLA
Opening hours: Thu - Sun: 10pm - 4am (closed on Mon - Wed)
Go barhopping in New Orleans
In New Orleans, you wouldn’t have a problem looking for a bar. In fact, the problem you may find yourself facing is not having enough time to explore all of these establishments, whether you’re looking for a casual place where you can enjoy a drink and good hip-hop music or you’re set on dancing the night away. Do yourself a favor and use this list as a guide to help you find the top spots in the city.
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