Top Things to do in Louisiana
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The 10 Best Bars & Clubs in Louisiana, United States
Louisiana tourism is centered on New Orleans and the North Shore region in the southeastern corner of the state near the Florida border. West of New Orleans is the Great River Road, with the I-10 running to the Mississippi River port capital city of Baton Rogue. West of New Orleans along the Gulf of Mexico, the I-10 cuts through Lafayette and Lake Charles on its way past Abbeville to Texas. Central Louisiana is Lake Country, and home to cities like Alexandria and Natchitoches. In northern Louisiana, the I-20 runs west from Monroe to Bossier City, Shreveport, and East Texas. Unless Louisiana is very familiar and frequent territory, New Orleans will be the top choice for a Louisiana vacation. Though Mardi Gras, music, and the winning ways of the New Orleans Saints football team get the spotlight, there is much more to explore in New Orleans. Within New Orleans choose among Bourbon Street, Royal Street, the Upper and Lower French Quarters, the Warehouse and Central Business District, the Garden District and Uptown, and Mid-City. With street car lines linking the French Quarter to the Garden District, Convention Center, and everywhere else, it is easy for the whole family to get around. If long walks are your exercise, explore the scenic city on foot. An easy two-hour drive from New Orleans brings you to Baton Rogue, Natchitoches and Lake Country. Explore old Beauregard Town in downtown Baton Rogue, the historic homes of the Baton Rogue Garden District, and tour one or several working plantations. Walk the 33-block Historic Landmark District and tour the historic homes and churches of Natchitoches. Relive Spanish Empire history in Louisiana at Fort St. Jean Baptiste State Historic Site. Heading west from New Orleans is Cajun Country and Lafayette with its mix of French, French Canadian (Acadian), Spanish, and Caribbean cultures. Besides Cajun and Creole cookery, explore the Civil War heritage at the Lafayette Museum. Stop by Abbeville to view the courthouse designed by Hayes Town, St. Mary Magdalen Church, and have a seafood meal. With 75 annual festivals Lake Charles is Louisiana's Festival City, and home to the Creole Nature Trail Scenic Byway. Shreveport and Bossier City in northwest Louisiana are casino and entertainment centers. Shreveport is renowned for hosting the Louisiana State Fair in the fall. Plus floral centers, art galleries, and museums. Monroe in the northeast also has notable gardens.
Restaurants in Louisiana
1. Freds Lounge
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 73 reviews
Catch a little Cajun fever at Freds, where the Cajun joie de vivre is evident and infectious.
Reviewed By loriwV6500IX
Loved visiting Fred's on a Saturday morning. Had fun taking our out-of-town visitors there to get the experience of real Cajun fun, music, food! Great times!! Boudin right around the corner at Charlie's :D before heading back to Alex <3
2. Blue Martini
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 147 reviews
Welcome to the premier martini lounge. Our stunning décor and high energy feel provides our guests with an unsurpassed experience. Enjoy our Tapas food menu. The perfect complement to our fine wine and spirits selection. Blue Martini specializes in birthday parties, bachelor/bachelorette parties, as well as after wedding parties.
Reviewed By vickieverrett - Lake Charles, United States
The staff is so attentive and friendly! They have something going on almost everyday of the week which is perfect for traveling for a few days. Happy hour is 4-7, ladies night on Thursdays, football on Sundays and a live band every night. My friends and I had a blast singing and dancing with all the beautiful women and men ;) that work at this establishment. Not to mention the food was so delicious! Can't wait to come back!
3. The Ice Bar - Golden Nugget
4. Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop Bar
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,936 reviews
Arguably the city's most historic bar, the Blacksmith, dates to 1772.
Reviewed By gooseboy54481 - Boonton, United States
This historic bar on the eastern half of Bourbon Street has been operating since 1772. The atmosphere inside is fun and inviting. The drinks, even at Mardi Gras, were also very reasonably priced. This is a must-see spot in the French Quarter.
5. Tropical Isle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 274 reviews
The downstairs Tropical Isle bar presents live entertainment seven nights a week featuring Debi & The Deacons, Captain Leo, Rhythm & Rain and other great bands specializing in Trop-Rock. The upstairs “Top of the Trop” area has a wrap around balcony with a fabulous view of Bourbon Street, big screen TVs, a pool table and a jukebox filled with lots of Jimmy Buffet music. The world famous Hand Grenade, Tropical Itch, Horny Gator and Shark Attack are served at both bars. The perfect place for your special event or private party. Check out our live webcam of the outside entrance and also our live streaming webcam of the stage.
Reviewed By Hunnybunch776 - Dallas, United States
I had never been to NOLA until this past weekend but I KNEW I would HAVE to have a hand grenade! They have regular and skinny. Frozen and on the rocks. They are $10 and if you keep your cup the refills are $9. Careful, these things can creep up on you! The frozen is sweeter than the rock but the Rocks is stronger. All very tasty. Went back the next day because someone told me I had to try the Shark Attack. All I can say is... definitely get a shark attack!! SO AWESOME HOW THEY SERVE IT! SO FUN! There are 2 or 3 locations. They check ID's coming in. Will definitely be back when I am back in NOLA!
6. Bombay Club
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 117 reviews
This club offers a very friendly and comfortable atmosphere along with good music and food.
Reviewed By dwhch38456 - Ethridge, United States
Great atmosphere! We sat at the bar and enjoyed talking with other patrons. The drinks are very affordable during happy hour. Highly recommend their "Champagne Charlotte!"
7. Maple Leaf Bar
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 154 reviews
Popular college hangout known for its live funk, jazz, blues and rock music.
Reviewed By gaylep450 - Chicago, United States
What a great party! The band Hot 8 was jamming, the bartender was attentive and keeping the drinks flowing, the food was excellent. We had a great time
8. Rock n Bowl - Mid City Lanes
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 404 reviews
Reviewed By weltraveled_10
Great place lots of fun music and folks! Definitely recommend going ! Music venue changes almost every night.
9. The Spotted Cat Music Club
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,436 reviews
The Spotted Cat Music Club is the Quentessential Jazz Club of New Orleans. Located just steps from the French Quarter, in the Faubourg Marigny District on Frenchmen St. "The Cat" has been a local favorite for live New Orleans music from Jazz, Blues, Funk, R&B and Klezmer.Internationally acclaimed as a TOP 150 Jazz Club and featured in numerous Films and print media, "THE CAT" features local musicians bringing the best the city has to offer!
Reviewed By Stmbt97 - Steamboat Springs, United States
Frenchman Street and The Spotted Cat in particular, have become a favorite destination for us when we're in New Orleans. The drinks are reasonably priced and they don't push you to order while you're enjoying the entertainment. The bands are always fantastic and not to be missed!
10. The Carousel Bar & Lounge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 395 reviews
This famous bar revolves around the room.
Reviewed By techdir - Owensville, United States
Excellent bar just off the lobby of the Hotel Monteleone. The circular bar is decorated as a carousel and rotates as you enjoy a cool beverage. Plenty of non-rotating seating as well. Live entertainment in the evenings.
