Mouthwatering Dive Bars in New Orleans

J & K Bar

★★★★☆ 3.7 (6) • $

"Best dive bar in Algiers!!! Three pool tables, some video games, plus video poker machines.Love the regulars that go. They treat every one like family."

Pit Stop Saloon

★★★☆☆ 3 (1) • $$

"This isn't exactly my favorite bar for just a couple reasons. One reason is there isn't much ventilation so it's super smokey in there. Another reason is I'm not a real fan of the layout and the prices are kind of high. This bar however does have some good qualities. They make one of the best bloody marys around! Also, they have pool tables and dart boards. They always seem to have something to nibble on from hot dogs, to nachos, to pasta."

QiQi

★★★★☆ 4.2 (13)

"Tee-niny gay bar uptown. Love that there is a casual gathering place that caters to my LGBTQ friends. I stopped in because it was late and I was starving. They kindly whipped up some veggie friendly potato skins. So 80s and so delicious.Solid drinks and friendly environment. It is small but they also have tables outside if the weather permits."

Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop Bar

★★★★☆ 4.1 • $$

"Great historic bar near the French Quarter. This is a must when in the Big Easy!Not sure if they have a piano bar every night but on this Friday, they had a great pianist singing a lot of good classics. Or maybe I was just drunk and thought he was good :-)Indoor and outdoor tables. Drinks served in plastic cups so you can leave and walk with them if you so choose."

Fisherman's Wharf

★★★★★ 4.8 (5)

"This place is amazing! Words can not describe it. They offered to valet park our car. The bartender was unbelievable friendly. Patrons love to tell jokes to the tourist. The jokes are hilarious. There was a free Buffett. The drinks were 2.50 each making the Lyft/Uber ride from the city worth the cost. Apparently "the true detective" was filmed there. If you ask the bartender she will tell you an awesome story about Matthew McConaughey. Also make sure to ask who hunts gators and half of them will raise their hands. One can see fish jumping in the water across the way. The sun set and it was unfortunately time to go. They all hollered good bye and nice to meet you as we exited. We will definitely be back again next time we visit from California."

Culture Park

★★★★☆ 3.5 (8)

"Updated review: checked out Culture Park because I heard some buzz around town about Champagne classic. The outdoor area is SET!! DJ on deckFood from vendors (on my crab legs, corn, sausage and shrimp) Sauce done so well Culture Such a great location for locals and tourists. I will come back for a weekday happy hour and I will bring my hubby @regcole"

Pour House - Bourbon

★★★★☆ 4 (46)

"My roommate and I came to a burlesque show here recently and had a great time. It was free for starters, and who doesn't love that? The performances were great--all unique and entertaining. There is both indoor and balcony seating and several different bars for service so you don't have to go far to re-up on beverages. I had several of their special sex on the beach syringe shots. Tasty and they got me pretty trashed, I won't lie. Bourbon St isn't where we normally go for a night out but I'd go back to this place, happily."

Dragon's Den

★★★★☆ 3.8 (77) • $

"I liked it yo, even though it was a little bit hood, but like in a remember the time way. When you walk in there is a bar and a wall that is all.We opted to stand near the front entrance because though the place is down home, like I said it's hood.There is a back outside area with a small bar and some picnic tables.Upstairs is a dance floor with a live DJ.Really cool spot with the potential for more."

St Roch Tavern

★★★★☆ 4.1 (39) • $

"This place is a most unique bar. I place where you really wanna sit and people gaze. A man with no legs carried his wheelchair into the bar, and proceeded to play the slots in the back. Like a champion with no help, and no one would notice besides myself, because 4 years in, I am still a tourist. They also have sit down old school pac man which is pretty bad ass. 5 dollar burgers, trivia nights , and a bingo night. This is the most random of drives I've been to thus far in New Orleans. Oh yes, on Tuesdays you can also get your hair cut here with a beer for 15 bucks. Cheap booze, good food, and fantastic company. It's one of the best bars in all the land. I promise you need to check it out, if you enjoy people from all backgrounds. And the decor at the bar is fantastic. 5 stars indeed."

The Vineyard

★★★★☆ 3.5 (11) • $$

"This is a neat little dive bar on coursey near sherwood that is frequented by neighborhood-type people. I've only been a few times but never found anyone particularly disagreeable there. I like the place cause they make their drinks strooooong. Two doubles and I had to sober up for a while. My complaint is that the music here isn't always the best, but they get bonus points for having friendly owners and being more or less the closest actual bar to my house."

Bulldog's Corner

★★★★☆ 4.2 (5) • $

"Dive Bar on River Road. You'd pass it and never notice it. That is until now because I am THE FIRST TO REVIEW - DO-DO's.Smokey, dirty and down home.Order a worm bucket. Dance with the owner. Play some pool.Get out of the big city.My grandpaw worked here as a kid because it's just down the street from where he grew up. And until college, he never left a 3 mile radius of Paulina, LA. This place will always have the regulars in their regular seats at the bar. But on Christmas Eve, this is the place to be. The bonfires are lit on the levee, and if you forget your ice chest or you run out of Bud Light, you are going to have to cross the River Road and stumble your way to Do-Dos."

Lou & Bob's Lounge

★★★★☆ 3.9 (7) • $

"Cool little place located smack dab in the middle of a residential neighborhood. The drinks were cheap, the clientele mostly interesting (if a bit destitute at times), and the service excellent. The bartender was very welcoming, and kept up spot on service even when it got hectic (a dozen or so frat boys poured in out of the blue, did several rounds of shots, then disappeared as fast as they came).It is DEFINITELY a dive bar, but they used that to their advantage--it was pretty cool when a cat that lived in the area walked in, hopped up on the bar, to get pet, then was served a shot of milk."

The Rendezvous Tavern

★★★★☆ 3.8 (79) • $$

"I've been here a couple of times, and each time was great. Most recently, popped in on a Sunday afternoon to catch the end of the Women's Basketball National Championship. About 10-15 patrons... the place was clean and smelled good, staff was friendly and welcoming, pool table was popping, and lots of different games were on. The bartender was super friendly and made sure we had what we needed. As I can't drink beer anymore, I opted for champagne and it was actually decent! Usually at a beer bar, it's flat and either too sweet or just meh. Really enjoyed this visit, and certainly look forward to returned the next time I'm in the area."

Markey's Bar

★★★★☆ 4 (87) • $

"Many tvs at the bar to watch a game of your choice. And a very good selection of bar food, a great place right around the corner from the best pool in all.of New Orleans. As a new owner in the upper 9th, I will definitely frequent this establishment. Not to mention the bartenders have the heavy new orleans pour well all know and love. In my rotation for sure!"

Iggy's

★★★★☆ 3.9 (26) • $

"Great basic neighborhood bar where you see a cross section of the city. What's not to love about a heavy pour & cheap drinks type of bar? Well...there's the cigarette smoke when too many smokers congregate in the low ceilinged establishment at once. And, of course, there is the difficulty on a crowded night of squeezing by to get to the restroom when wearing a cape. OK so maybe you won't be wearing a cape and that won't be a problem for you.Solid choice."

Aunt Tiki's

★★★★☆ 4.1 (102) • $

"Still love this place. Walked in with a sandwich from Verdi Mardi and asked if I could eat it there. Of course I was welcomed!Not much has changed...fixed the broken window but now glass in the door is shattered. Cash only but cheap prices."

Old Arabi Bar

★★★★☆ 4.1 (10) • $

"Things it is:a divea cool place to see a banda place to get two types of 40 Arpent beer on tapa place to get tamalesa cool local hangoutThings it isn't:an uppity hang outa smoke free bara place that you will probably want to spend a lot of timesmoke freea place with an extensive beer lista place with signage Old Arabi Bar is a straight up dive if ever there was one. I had a good time here watching a band that I had never heard of and enjoying a local beer. The tamales were exceptional and although there was no sign, you shouldn't be scared of this bar that is basically a hole in the middle of a neighborhood."

Mick's Irish Pub

★★★★☆ 4 (49) • $

"Our bars are not the same as bars in most other cities. Our bars have character and have characters. This is one of those such bars. Mick's is a great neighborhood bar full of locals that will make your time here very enjoyable.This is a kick-ass bar that loves their customers enough to serve free food four days a week! I also love that they have a ping-pong table and arcade games. The jukebox is one of the better ones too.The only reason I'm not giving this bar 5 stars is because it is sometimes too much for me if lots of people lighting up here."

The John

★★★★☆ 3.9 (90) • $

"Great R&B. Old school and today. Great vibe. Good people just chilling. Serving gumbo and food for purchase tonight. We should have eaten here versus Gus."

Mandeville Daiquiris

★★★☆☆ 3.2 (10)

"The trailer, as locals call it, is one of my go to spots on the NS! It's loud, crowded, cheap, and a lot of fun. This bar works for me because it is one of the first bars you will find after crossing the 24-mile causeway bridge. I also like that most of the bartenders there are super friendly!They don't have any beers on draft which is mind boggling to me (how do you open a bar and not want draft beer for your customers?). Otherwise they have a good selection of imported and domestic bottled beers. The trailer has darts and two pool tables. The music, unfortunately, is controlled by the house but they are usually pretty accommodating if you want the music changed though.The trailer is a good spot to have a drink with friends but like all things on the Northshore the party ends at 2am. That is so damn early to cut people off. What a bummer!"

Black Penny

★★★★☆ 4.4 (135) • $

"Very cool dive bar with a rustic feel in the French Quarter. I wasn't feeling like alcohol in the middle of the day but there were good non-alcoholic beverages available. I had a Mockly cocktail made in New Orleans. I really liked the flavors."

Roaring 20's

★★★☆☆ 3.3 (8) • $$

"Roaring 20's is a great example of a West Bank dive bar.I have been wanting to try Roaring 20's for years. I was never brave enough to venture in, but recently read a review (thanks Joi) that renewed my interest. Since it was fresh on my mind, and my friend had never been there either, we made the long trek to Terrytown.We pulled in around 5 a.m. on a Saturday night and the place looked packed. We walked to the door and pushed the buzzer. The buzzer adds an exclusive feel and makes you feel like you're being judged before you enter. When they didn't immediately open the door, I became self conscious that I wasn't cool enough or properly attired. Lucky for us, the bartender had stepped away from the buzzer and a friendly patron opened the door.When we walked to the bar the bartender shook our hands and introduced herself as Sandy. Sandy told us that she knew as soon as we walked in that we had never been there before. She was very friendly and welcoming. She explained that we should make ourselves at home and have fun. She must have assumed we were fancy people because when I ordered water, she explained that they only had tap water and hoped that was ok. I told her that we had read about the bar on the internet, but she just laughed as if it was impossible. The bar had a small dance floor, jukebox and two couches. What made this bar even better was the woman taking a nap on one of the couches.This was a great experience and was everything I imagined it would be. It is too bad that it took a yelp review for me to build up the nerve to go.If you want a laid back dive bar, I recommend you give Roaring 20's a try."

Riverside Bar

★★★★☆ 4 (7) • $$

"Riverside is a dive bar at its finest.Located on the river in Madisonville, this used to be a fancy pants bar many years ago. Now this building looks run down, but is a great place to hang out.Inside there is a large dance floor and area for bands. The bar is very large with a huge projection screen hanging behind it. The beer comes from ice chests, not refrigerators, and is very reasonably priced. This is not the bar where you sit and drink some fancy ass drink. this is the bar where you come with friends, drink some Bud Light and be your self.Since the bar is located on the river, the front porch is my favorite spot to sit, chat and watch the boats go by.I highly recommend this bar. Now if only I could convince my friends from new Orleans to make the drive."

Lots-A-Luck Tavern

★★★★☆ 4.1 (15) • $

"This is a great place to watch away games (or if you aren't lucky enough to score tickets for home games). It's the quintessential neighborhood "dive" bar, the kind we love so much here in NOLA! On game day, they also provide great bar grub. For the more pleasant times of year, there's a nice patio area. If you're in the neighborhood, most definitely stop in for a drink, or three..."

Pete's Irish Channel Bar

★★★★★ 4.8 (31) • $

"We were in town for Jazzfest and staying in the neighborhood. I stopped by twice and both times we were treated like locals. The bartenders Connie & Heidi were the nicest people and the neighborhood folks there could not have been more welcoming. My wife said she wished we had a place like Pete's in our hood."

The Dungeon

★★★★☆ 3.7 (400) • $$

"I went "back in the day" when the Dungeon did not open until midnight. I think their hours were midnight to 8 AM. Typical of NOLA, drinks were pricey and once upstairs, you were elbow to elbow - it was tiny and always packed! You could not fit a stage in the upstairs area, and I know there was not live music. I enjoyed the super-divey atmosphere and the punk rock vibe of the era at the Dungeon. It was dark, crowded and it was difficult to see the kitschy items displayed in nooks in the walls. I was really happy to visit the Dungeon, even though we did not make an entire night of it."

Boondock Saint

★★★★☆ 4.2 (164) • $

"By far my favorite bar in NOLA. A local friend of mine recommended it as he knew I'm fond of dive bars :-)Just a half block off of the chaos of Bourbon St - I've never seen this place too crowded - even when there are people lined up across the street to get in to another bar.No nonsense bartenders, reasonable prices for a tourist area and the noise level is low enough you can have an actual conversation without shouting.Adding to my list of great dive bars around the country (and making that list if I don't have one)."

Red Barn Pub

★★★★☆ 4.4 (24) • $$

"The Red Barn Pub is an excellent dive bar. Truthfully, it is a dive bar with extras not normally seen in a true dive.The things that make this a dive are:1. The building - Located in what looks like a run down shack, the building feels as if it may collapse when you head to the bathroom. I am not sure if it is the foundation, the floor, or the level of drinks consumed, but there seems to be a definite slope downward.2. The atmosphere - It is dark, smokey and decorated with odd stuff hanging from the ceiling (moonshine jugs, street signs, etc.). There is even an old cast iron stove in the corner near the couch.3. The couch - Normally I would consider this part of the atmosphere, but this couch is special. Most bars with couches use some sort of fake leather or other stain resistant material. Not this couch. It is cloth and comfy. I cant imagine what has soaked into it over the years, but I don't care, it is a couch in a bar. What's not to like?4. The food - Nothing says dive bar like free food. Every time I have been there has been a pot of something available to eat. I think it is usually jambalaya, but they may rotate dishes.5. The games - There is a ring toss game that fascinates me. I can spend hours trying to hook the damn ring onto the wall (Pro tip: swing it to the right or left in an arc. Don't try swinging it straight, or you'll miss).Now for the non dive bar items:1. The beer selection - There is a decent bottle beer selection, including Stella Artois. I don't feel bad drinking nice beer at this bar, which makes it feel a little less divey.2. The jukebox - This jukebox not only has Frank Sinatra, but it has Dr. John, Lil Wayne and even the Wild Tchoupitoulas. The regulars may have not liked me playing songs by all of those artists, but who cares? In summary, the Red Barn Pub is great. It does get fairly smokey or else it would be a five star dive."

King Pin

★★★★☆ 3.8 (52) • $

"As an true, loyal and die-hard Elvis fan, I have to give this place 5 stars! It would devastate me too much not to. Lol. Seriously though, I'm a fan of this little dive bar. That's the important point to remember though - it's a total dive populated with kind of quirky regulars and that's more than ok, because it's part of its charm. It is on the small side as well as being awfully dark inside, but the regulars are very welcoming and nice, the service is good and once again, let me state - any Elvis fan will LOVE it. It's just chock blocked full of Elvis charm and charisma! What's not to love?"

JB's Bar & Grill

★★★★☆ 3.8 (8) • $

"Decent little dive on Metairie road. Often empty, but they seem like they're stepping up their game with some new promotions. Food is pretty good, especially compared to the equivalent dives in the area. All in all, a pretty decent place to step in for a quick drink, but I wouldn't pass a whole lot of time here."

Donz on the Lake

★★★★☆ 3.7 (24) • $$

"This is the definition of a dive bar. We left a very fancy spot that was out of control chaos and visited here. While it was very smokey, it was inviting and comfortable. There was a great beer selection. All the bartenders were great. The bathrooms were clean. I'd go back next time I'm in the area."

Turtle Bay

★★★★☆ 4.1 (383) • $$

"Turtle Bay always greets us awesomely for our annual Very Bad Santa Crawl. We have tons of fun and this is one of our favorite spots. They have great drinks and awesome food. We tend to spend more time at this location than any of our other stops. Thanks to the staff for having all of us and putting up with our holiday shenanigans!!"

Redd's Uptilly Tavern

★★★★☆ 4 (38) • $

"Redd's is a brand new bar occupying the space that was once Bruno's and was more recently Rocco's.Redd's is significantly different from Rocco's. In fact, when I walked into Redd's for the first time a couple days after they opened, I had to check and make sure I was in the right place. The bar looked the same, but the crowd averaged probably 30 years older than when it was Rocco's. That wasn't a bad thing as the bar had a noticeably more calm atmosphere. I didn't see one drunk passed out at a table, nor did I see any overly intoxicated guys hitting on a girl barely old enough to drink. What I did see were adults standing around enjoying their drinks.Redd's had a reasonably good selection of beer, including Mickey's. I found the prices to be somewhat higher than I expected, but my guess is they want the older, more affluent crowd. The staff were very friendly, and service was prompt. I just wish that I could one day walk into this location and feel like I fit in. I really like the space, but I am either way too old, or way too young. Either way, I am sure I will be back."

Brothers III Lounge

★★★★☆ 4.3 (56) • $

"When the owner of this classic lounge passed over the summer, I thought "that's it. Gone." I'm so glad I was wrong.I saw a post that said the bar would reopen at 11am on December 26th and I was over there by 12:30pm. And it was the same old joint... but cleaner!I was really worried about how it would smell after being closed up for months, but the new management had a cleaning crew in there who did a great job. Same old shabby everything and Danielle was a great returning bartender for the day shift.At the moment it will not be 24/7 but they are planning on 11am to 4am (or later if the crowd is good). So I guess that will do. It was fun to hang out and watch all the neighbors stop in and grab a beer and say hi. Lots of hugs and reminiscing going around."

Ms Mae's

★★★★☆ 3.8 (184) • $

"We were dining next door at Casamento's for dinner. And if you aren't familiar, you have to wait in line before opening just to get in for the first seating. So we decided to get there early, find parking and grab a drink. Ms Mae's is perfect for that and apparently well known for that. So we get there and park about a block away.We were there at 4:30ish. So the bar wasn't that crowded. The inside is like a very typical New Orleans neighborhood bar. Kind of dark, a lot of locals, video poker machines and a pool table. We noticed right away that they are cash only. But fortunately they have an ATM without crippling fees. So we got some cash, got some beers and went to go sit out on the patio.Bartender was friendly enough and the bar itself served the exact purpose we needed it to. Not sure I will travel out of my way to go here. But I have a bookmark in my head now that visiting there early is the way to go."