The best bars and cafés - Louisiana in 2024

Practical information : Take a break Louisiana

Timetable

Gourmet shops (bakeries, pastry shops, etc.), cafés and tea rooms are generally open every day, from morning until mid or late afternoon (some may be open until evening, especially cafés). However, there may be some days off in smaller businesses or in the regions, usually on Sundays or at the beginning of the week. The schedule may also be reduced in the off-season. As for bars, many of them open at 11:00 a.m. or noon, especially in the city. Otherwise, you can expect to be open mid to late afternoon at the latest. Closing time is usually 2:00 or 3:00 a.m., but some close earlier (midnight or 1:00 a.m.) on weekdays or during the off season. However, in New Orleans, many stay open until dawn, or even without interruption, especially in the French Quarter. If bars tend to be open 7 days a week, some days of closure are to be expected (e.g.: Sunday, Monday, Tuesday), especially outside of the major centers. Finally, you should know that some bars close in the afternoon, usually from 2 to 4 or 5 pm.

Budget & Tips

The price of gourmet breaks and alcoholic beverages is relatively similar to what you would find in Europe, especially in cities like New Orleans. To save money, the famous Happy Hour offered in bars in the middle or at the end of the day is a good idea. There are also passports sold at low prices that allow you to visit participating establishments and get free drinks (tip not included). This is the case with PubPass (getpubpass.com) for Louisiana's microbreweries and craft breweries.
As a general rule, the prices posted are always exclusive of taxes. Not only do you have to add sales tax (4.45% + local tax of up to 7%), but also 15% service. All methods of payment are accepted, but small businesses sometimes limit themselves to cash and/or debit card.

Age restrictions

In Louisiana (and the rest of the country), the age of majority is 18, but you must be 21 to drink alcohol. Wherever a bar license applies, only people over the age of majority are allowed in. At the entrance of some bars, especially in New Orleans, a bracelet or stamp is provided to people under 21 to let the waiters know that they are underage. However, some places have a different permit (restaurant, craft production...) that allows minors to be present. Please note that all licensed bars or establishments ask for an official photo ID at the entrance, and some establishments only accept passports (the French ID card means absolutely nothing to them). Sometimes you will even be asked for your "ID" at the supermarket if you buy wine or any other bottle of alcohol. On the other hand, during festivals, no one will be interested in your age on festival days.

What's very local

In New Orleans in particular, but also in other cities and towns in the state, it is possible to drink in the street, but the glass or bottle does not have to be glass or metal. Bars or restaurants all have plastic glasses or go-cups, into which you can pour the rest of your drink and finish it while walking down the street.
In the same spirit, you can find daiquirishops, or even "drive-thru" shops, all over Louisiana. Of course, it is forbidden for the driver and the passenger(s) to open the containers and to consume the whole in a moving car.

Kids

Children are accepted wherever a bar license is not in effect.

Smokers

Smoking is not permitted in gourmet shops, cafes and tea rooms, with the exception of patios. While state law does not prohibit smoking in bars, many cities have imposed local smoking restrictions, including Alexandria, Baton Rouge, Lafayette and New Orleans. However, smoking is permitted on the patio anywhere in Louisiana unless otherwise noted.

The best bars and cafés Louisiana

BACCHANAL WINE

CC’S COFFEE HOUSE

RIVER ROOM

TIN ROOF BREWING CO.

WHO DAT COFFEE CAFE

THE TCHOUP YARD

FRENCH TRUCK COFFEE

MIEL BREWERY & TAPROOM

PARLEAUX BEER LAB

PAT O’BRIEN’S BAR

CAFE DU MONDE

BIRDMAN COFFEEHOUSE

COLUMBIA STREET TAP ROOM & GRILL

ABITA BREW PUB

ABITA BREWING CO.

CAJUN LIQUOR

LAFITTE’S BLACKSMITH SHOP BAR

WHAT’S ON TAP? II

TAMP & GRIND

GARDEN DISTRICT COFFEE

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