Top Sports Bars in New Orleans: Where to Watch and Drink
Updated:
By: Inside NOLA
New Orleans is a city that exudes sports fandom. From the electrifying crowds at the Superdome cheering on the Saints to the packed bars erupting with every Pelicans basket, this town lives and breathes athletic competition. And when it comes to catching the big game, New Orleanians know where to go for the ultimate sports bar experience.
In This Article
TL;DR
New Orleans boasts an energetic sports bar scene catering to fans of all teams and sports.
Top spots offer an exciting atmosphere, extensive TV setups, and mouthwatering local cuisine.
Many bars host specials and events surrounding major games and rivalries.
The Essence of a Great New Orleans Sports Bar
A truly exceptional sports bar in New Orleans must strike the perfect balance of several key elements. The atmosphere is electric yet welcoming, with boisterous fans decked out in their team colors mingling seamlessly with casual onlookers. An abundance of screens ensures you’ll never miss a pivotal play, no matter where you’re seated. And the menu? It’s a love letter to the city’s iconic cuisine, serving up classics like piping hot boudin balls and overstuffed po’boys alongside ice-cold beers and potent cocktails.
But what really separates the great from the good is an intangible quality – a palpable energy that crackles through the air when the home team takes the field. It’s a feeling of camaraderie and civic pride that transcends team allegiances, uniting the entire bar under the rallying cry of “Who Dat!”
Top Picks for an Unbeatable Game Day Experience
Walk-On’s Bistreaux & Bar
With its prime location just steps from the Superdome, Walk-On’s is a surefire bet for pre and post-game revelry. Snag a seat on the balcony overlooking Poydras Street and soak in the electric atmosphere as fans stream in and out. The real draw, though, is the menu stacked with Louisiana favorites like gumbo, catfish, and red beans and rice. Wash it all down with a frosty pitcher from their extensive draft list.
Address: 1009 Poydras St, New Orleans, LA 70112
Phone: (504) 836-5362
Hours: Open daily 11am-11pm
Cooter Brown’s Tavern & Oyster Bar
An Uptown institution for over 45 years, Cooter Brown’s is a haven for rowdy yet good-natured fandom. Situated along the iconic St. Charles Avenue streetcar line, it’s a popular gathering spot for locals to cheer, jeer, and soak up a few too many during the big matchups. The real scene-stealer here is the food – don’t miss their famous cochon de lait nachos or the three-napkin debris po’boy.
Address: 509 S Carrollton Ave, New Orleans, LA 70118
Phone: (504) 866-9104
Hours: Open daily 11am-2am
Tracey’s Original Irish Channel Bar
Step through the doors of Tracey’s and you’ll swear you’ve been transported to a friendly neighborhood pub in Dublin. But one glance at the walls plastered with Saints and Pelicans memorabilia is a reminder that you’re still in New Orleans. Tracey’s is a quintessential hole-in-the-wall where the bartenders know your name and the drinks are generously poured. Grab a stool, order up some Scotch eggs and a Turbodog, and settle in for an afternoon of rooting for the home team.
Address: 933 Poydras St, New Orleans, LA 70112
Phone: (504) 504-528-8659
Hours: Open daily 11am-2am
The Jimani
This cozy Bywater haunt may be small in stature, but it’s a heavyweight contender on the sports bar scene. With a dizzying array of beers on tap and in bottles, The Jimani is a beer lover’s paradise. Snag one of the coveted seats at the bar and you’ll have a front-row view of the plethora of TVs lining the walls. The real showstopper, though, is the steak po’boy – a messy, indulgent masterpiece that’s well worth the inevitable shirt stains.
Address: 3200 Burgundy St, New Orleans, LA 70117
Phone: (504) 605-7528
Hours: Open daily 11am-2am
Beyond the Game: Specials and Events
While the action on the screens is always the main draw, New Orleans’ top sports bars also keep things lively with rotating specials and events. Many roll out the red carpet for marquee matchups like Saints games or the Super Bowl, offering happy hour pricing, free food spreads, and exclusive giveaways.
Holidays and special occasions also bring their own brand of festivities. You can expect outrageous green beer and Irish stew on St. Patrick’s Day, while Cinco de Mayo might mean margarita pitchers and sizzling fajitas. Some bars even host tailgates in their parking lots or courtyards before home games, capturing that quintessential pre-game energy.
No matter when you visit, there’s always a reason to celebrate at a New Orleans sports bar. So grab a cold one, dig into some delicious local grub, and embrace the infectious spirit of fandom that makes this city so special.
The Finer Details: Menus, Pricing, and More
Of course, every great sports bar experience hinges on the little things – the menu offerings, pricing, and other amenities that can make or break an outing. Here’s a quick rundown of what you can expect at some of New Orleans’ top spots:
Walk-On’s Bistreaux & Bar
Menu highlights: Gumbo, seafood po’boys, fried catfish, red beans and rice
Pricing: Appetizers $7-12, entrees $12-25
24 beers on draft, full bar
Cooter Brown’s Tavern & Oyster Bar
Menu highlights: Cochon de lait nachos, fried mac & cheese, debris po’boy
No matter which spot you choose, you’re guaranteed an unforgettable experience steeped in New Orleans’ one-of-a-kind culture and passion for sports.
The Essence of New Orleans Sports Fandom
More than just a chance to catch the game, New Orleans’ sports bars are a living embodiment of the city’s spirit. It’s a raucous, joyful celebration of athletic prowess and civic pride. Of bonding over the universal language of sports. Of reveling in the sheer spectacle of it all.
So grab some friends, put on your favorite jersey, and immerse yourself in the magic. The real score? An experience you’ll never forget – win or lose.
