Bourbon Street is one of the most recognized streets in the entire world. Known for its bright lights and wild parties, many people have a visit to Bourbon Street written on their bucket lists. Bourbon Street is one of those places you have to see to believe. It is truly that unique, and you will never know what to expect. A trip down Bourbon Street is a must-do if you are visiting New Orleans.
O Bourbon St, I have a love/hate relationship with you. Being a New Orleans local now, I have had my fair share of time on the most party-filled street in the country. Practically being a Bourbon Street professional, I have put together a guide with everything you need to know about how to survive a night on Bourbon Street. But first we need to clarify something: Bourbon Street smells, every minute of the day. It is dirty, and will look completely different at night than in the day time. I encourage you to see the difference.
Ok, let’s get started!
Where to go?
Bourbon Street has so many bars on it. So how do you decide which ones to step into? There are chill bars, dance bars, karaoke bars, and just about a bar for any kind of mood you are in. I have listed a few of my favorites below:
Have you ever wanted to ride a mechanical bull while a bunch of strangers watch you and cheer you on? If the answer is yes, then Bourbon Cowboy is for you. For only $5 to ride the bull and country music on replay, you are for sure going to feel like you are in the south. I personally have never been on the bull, however every time we are there, we somehow convince Mitch to ride it.
All the karaoke you could want in a night and more. Cats Meow is the bar that we end up at later in the night, when the drinks are really flowing. I will say I am guilty of doing a karaoke song or two at this bar. Even if you are just a spectator, you will get tons of laughs while watching all the people [try to] sing their hearts out.
Now a personal favorite: Razzoo. This is always the last stop of the night, and usually the place we stay the longest. If you are anything like me and like, I mean LOVE to dance, then this bar is for you. Most nights there is a live band playing all sort of jams to dance to. Pop, country, hip hop, throwbacks, headbangers, you name it, they have played it and I have danced to it at Razzoo. Also the back courtyard is super nice if you need a break from dancing and just want to chill for a hot second before you hear your jam on the speakers.
Bourbon Street’s Famous Cocktails
The Hurricane – A very sweet and strong juice-filled rum drink that is the most famous drink on Bourbon Street. If you only try one NOLA cocktail make it this one! For the original head to Pat O’Briens.
Vieux Carre – A strong mixture of whiskey, cognac and bitters, served on the rocks. Pronounced “VOO ka-RAY,” it translates from French to “Old Square” which was an old name for the French Quarter. This cocktail is not for the faint of heart. Head to the Carousel Bar for this one. You will never see me with one of these in my hand, I am not a dark liquor girl.
Hand Grenade – The ingredients of this neon drink are not made known, but it is famously called “Bourbon street’s most powerful drink”, and let me tell you from experience, they are not wrong. It comes served in a tall lime green plastic glass shaped like a grenade at the bottom. Tropical Isle is the best place for this one.
Daiquiri – Sugar, lime juice, rum, ice, and any flavor you could possibly want. Big Easy Daiquiris will have you in sugary alcoholic heaven. You can find Big Easy Daiquiris on almost any corner in New Orleans, so they are always available.
Huge Ass Beer – The name says it all. Get any beer on tap in the “huge ass beer” size. This beauty can be found at Steak Pit. There are guys standing in the middle of the street with massive signs. They will ask if you want a picture taken with them, if you do they will charge you.
Embrace the art of the to-go cup
That’s right folks, Bourbon Street, and New Orleans is home of the “to-go” cup. In New Orleans there is an open container law, and you are legally allowed to consume alcohol on the street. It is really the best thing ever.
So no fear if you just got a new drink and the crew is ready to hit the next spot. Instead of trying to chug your drink at a record pace, just ask the bartender or the bouncer at the door for a to-go cup and be on your way. Bars and restaurants will happily give you a disposal cup for your drink. In fact, there are many stops along Bourbon that are really just small holes in a building serving “to-go” beverages like a drive through window.
Emerge yourself in the culture and have fun
There is nothing else in the world that is quite like Bourbon Street. It is a world of its own, and there is no stopping it. It really doesn’t matter what bar you stumble upon, it will be a good time. Every bar is full of music, most have live bands, and everyone seems to be happy and full of life.
Don’t shy away, and fully embrace the culture of Bourbon Street. Dance it out, look at the people in the streets, sing to all your favorite songs, try the classic New Orleans beverages, and just take a moment and soak it all in (but don’t breathe too hard, I told you it smells).
[…] Tip #1: When attending the French Quarter parades, make sure to stop by the bustling Pat O’Brien’s bar on Bourbon Street. It is beyond famous and ALWAYS crowded, especially during Mardi Gras – it is my favorite thing to do once each Mardi Gras season – make sure to drink a hurricane! I listed all of my favorite Bourbon Street bars in a blog post here! […]