by Raven Lebeau

Created on: November 17, 2008   Last Updated: January 11, 2009

Vibrant, exciting nightlife is one of the many things that brings tourists to New Orleans and is also one the reasons locals love living in the Big Easy. No matter what type of club you enjoy, New Orleans has the perfect evening hang-out for you and your friends to enjoy. Here are a few of the most interesting establishments in the New Orleans bar scene, grouped by category to help you find what interests you.

*Jazz... *

New Orleans is world-famous as the birthplace of jazz music, and the tradition of live jazz lives on today. At the Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro, there are live jazz performances seven nights a week. This upscale restaurant and club has a separate dining room with a full-service menu. Frequent performers include the Ellis Marsalis Quartet and Charmaine Neville and Friends.

For a more casual jazz experience, try Donna's Bar and Grill, where you an enjoy a traditional New Orleans brass band while savoring local flavor in form of Donna's signature BBQ. Unlike Snug Harbor, Donna's does not have live performances every night, so be sure to check their calendar before deciding when to visit.

If you want a glamorous night on the town, the Palm Court Jazz Cafe will not disappoint. Their talented house musicians perform nightly in an elegant setting complete with brick walls, a mahogany bar, and gourmet food.

* Karaoke... *

If you'd rather be part of the music, step up to the mic at one of the many karaoke bars in New Orleans. The world-famous Cat's Meow caters to a hip young clientle and offers contests every Wednesday and Saturday night. Razzoo, another well-known New Orleans hot spot, offers nightly karaoke and plenty of room to dance.

*Sports Bars...*

Looking for a place to catch the game with your fellow fans? Maybe you're looking for the perfect post-game celebration. Either way, you'll feel right at home in one the many New Oreans sports bars.

At Cooter Brown's Tavern, Grill, and Oyster Bar, fans can kick back and watch the game on one of eight big screen televisions. Cooter Brown's features an extensive selection of beers, as well as authentic Louisiana food including oysters, boiled crayfish, and po'boy sandwiches. Located in uptown, Cooter Brown's is popular with college students.

Johnny White's Sports Bar, on Bourbon Street, has a relaxed atmosphere with murals of local sports heroes adorning the walls and four mounted televisions for patrons to enjoy. Located at a busy intersection, Johnny's is always a lively place to take a break and enjoy a drink.

*Gay Bars... *

The Bourbon Pub and Parade is considered the oldest continually-operating gay bar in the united states. Though all patrons are welcome, the clientle consists mostly of gay men. Entertainment includes male strippers and drag cabaret, as well as a disco dance floor with high tech lights and a house DJ.

The bar OZ has similar entertainment and also attracts primarily gay male patrons.

*Goth clubs... *

Ye Olde Original Dungeon offers drinks like "witches brew" and "dragon's blood," catering mostly to tourists who enjoy the spooky atmosphere. According to the website, a Turkish prince once used the building to recruit and brainwash young women, who were then shipped back to Turkey as harem slaves. Some of the young women rebelled, taking revenge by killing the prince and his family.

*Other notable bars... *

Pat O'Brien's caters to both tourists and college students. The specialty drink Pat O'Brien's is known for is the hurricane. Patrons enjoy the lively atmosphere, and crowds gather nightly to enjoy drinks and camaraderie on the patio.

Learn more about this author, Raven Lebeau.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.