The Top Three Local Bars in New Orleans
Of the top three local bars in New Orleans Tipitina’s stands high and above as Number One. Established in 1977 by a group of fans, Tipitina’s was a literal shrine to New Orleans musician Professor Longhair, even the name of the club is the title to one of his songs. Now nearly thirty years later it remains a stalwart base for the best in New Orleans music and home to its finest musicians. The walls of this bar have resonated with the sound of the Neville Brothers, of Dr. John, the Meters, Allen Toussaint, Cowboy Mouth, Nine Inch Nails, Kermit Ruffins, Buddy Guy, Bonnie Raitt, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Lenny Kravitz, the Goo Goo Dolls, James Brown and more. Insider hint: go on Tuesday night, also known as Homegrown Night. This is the night when yet-unknown New Orleans’ bands jockey for position of opening band to the big names or a headliner spot for themselves. Be prepared to be impressed. Directions are:
TIPITINA’S UPTOWN
501 Napoleon Ave
New Orleans, LA
Contact Number: (504) 895-8477
The second of the top three local bars in New Orleans is the trusty Maple Leaf Bar. This is the club to pick when you want to go dancing, and dance you will, for the dance floors are often so occupied the crowd spills out into the street, still dancing. There are two full bars and blues, funk, R&B, rock, zydeco, jazz and jam bands to keep you going all night long while for a complete change of pace there is the 20-year-old ritual of live poetry readings on Sunday afternoons where one can almost see the flowing gowns and cool mint juleps of another time.
The Maple Leaf Bar boasts its own fine roster of local and visiting talent including local legends like the Rebirth Brass Band and Walter “Wolfman” Washington. Bruce Springsteen once dropped in unannounced to jam with The Iguanas after one of his New Orleans concerts and Jon Cleary’s band was once joined by his frequent employer, Bonnie Raitt. The patterned tin walls, wood accents and candlelit patio of this spectacular bar are not to be missed.
THE MAPLE LEAF BAR
8316 Oak St
New Orleans, LA 70118
Contact Number: (504) 866-9359
The third and by no means the least of the top three local bars in New Orleans is the infamous Checkpoint Charlie. Located on the edge of the French Quarter this funky old bar is a local’s hangout. Open 24 hours a day and boasting the best charbroiled cheeseburgers in the city of New Orleans it also boasts some of the best local talent. Tuesday nights are open-mic night hosted by Jim Smith who just happens to be one of the finest harmonica players ever known and if you’re not listening to his sweet, mournful blues you can hear everything from rough gutter punk to soft, smooth jazz on the stage at Checkpoint Charlie. This is where classic New Orleans’ musicians like the Damn Hippies with George Deane’s driving bass and Jonathan Harder’s demanding guitar serenade you deep into the night. And this is where one of New Orleans’ secret traditions is upheld. They say you cannot consider yourself a New Orleanian until you’ve done your laundry in a bar. Yep, there’s a laundromat in the bar. You can have a drink, play pool, and listen to great music while your clothes tumble dry. What a concept.
IGOR’S CHECKPOINT CHARLIE
501 Esplanade Ave
New Orleans, LA 70116-2016
Contact Number: (504) 947-0979
And there you have the top three local bars in New Orleans. Walk in like you’re one of the regulars because that’s what you’ll be, for if you’re about music, pleasure, and love of life, you’ll fit right in.
