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18 Best Nightlife Destinations for New Orleans College Students

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Tulane chapter.

It’s only September, and we’re already sick of The Boot, The Palms and endless walks up and down Broadway. But lucky for you, we’re in New Orleans, which is basically a college student’s wonderland.  There’s no shortage of live music, bars and dancing so why does it seem like there’s nothing to do on some weekend nights?  Well, look no further. The nightlife at New Orleans knows no bounds, but here are some places to start that tend to be pretty popular among Tulane students.

 

1. Rock n’ Bowl – Bowling Alley

3016 S. Carrollton Ave

All ages 

Live music, dancing and bowling. By all ages, I really mean all ages. 

 

2. The Howlin’ Wolf – Music venue

907 S. Peters St. 

18+ (usually, but depends on the show)

Live music, comedy shows, performances, low-key. 

 

 

3. Maison- Bar 

508 Frenchmen St. 

18+, 21+ after 10pm

Multiple live jazz shows per day, no cover, food, dancing, three stages. 

 

 

4. One Eyed Jacks – Club, music venue 

615 Toulouse St. 

18+ (usually) 

Indie/alternative music, dance nights, concerts, burlesque and comedy shows.

 

 

5. Preservation Hall – Historic music venue

726 St Peter St. 

All ages 

World-renowned, live jazz performances, popular tourist destination, New Orleans historic landmark. Arguably some of the best jazz music in New Orleans.

 

 

6. Tipitina’s – Concert venue, bar 

501 Napoleon Ave.

18+ except on Fridays 

Come see some of Tulane’s own bands (along with other local performers)! It’s not far from campus so it’s a popular weeknight destination for upperclassmen, especially on Thursdays for those trying to avoid the F&M’s crowd. Live music, bar, dancing and occasional famous performers from out of town.

 

 

7. Cure – Bar & Lounge

4905 Freret St.

21+ 

Firehouse turned cocktail bar, creative drink options, lounge and laid-back vibe.

 

8. The Columns – Hotel & bar 

3811 St. Charles Ave 

21+ 

Classy, quiet(er), delicious and fancy drinks, historic landmark.

 

 

9. The Bulldog, Uptown – Bar 

3236 Magazine St. 

21+ 

Outdoor seating, waterfalls of beer (no joke). Popular on Wednesday nights because for every pint of beer you buy, you get your own collectible glass to take home (21+) 

 

10. F & M’s Patio Bar 

4841 Tchoupitoulas St. 

*21+ 

Thursday night destination for dancing on tables and eating cheese fries.

 

 

11. Grits – Bar 

530 Lyons St. 

21+

Neighbor of F&M’s, popular weekend destination, pool, darts and free Wi-Fi. 

 

12. Bruno’s Tavern – Sports bar & pub

7538 Maple St.

18+

Half priced food on Wednesdays, great happy hour deals, multiple TVs, popular destination for sports games.

 

 

13. Fat Harry’s – Sports bar and restaurant

4330 St. Charles St. (on the streetcar line) 

21+

 

14. Vaso – Bar, live music

500 Frenchmen St.

21+

Amazing, fun bar on Frenchmen Street that is always pretty packed.  Consistently good music and dynamic performances.

 

 

15. Blue Nile – Bar, live music

532 Frenchmen St. 

21+ 

Classic New Orleans jazz and blues, live music, and dancing. Neck in neck with Vaso for most popular bar on Frenchmen Street for Tulane students. 

 

 

16. Hi-Ho Lounge- Music venue, bar, restaurant 

2239 St Claude Ave

Bohemian atmosphere, popular performance venue for Indie bands and DJs

 

 

17. The Willow- Concert venue, nightlife, bar 

8200 Willow St. 

18+ 

Intimate venue for small concerts, occassional frat parties, and fun events (i.e. 80s Dance Party) 

 

18. Snake & Jake’s Christmas Club Lounge 

7612 Oak St. 

21+ 

Retro-vibe, run-down shack, year-round holiday decorations, late night, popular for locals. 

Psychology & English double major, lover of animals, movies, books and all things New Orleans.
Her Campus Tulane