Late night libations

A few options if you find yourself in New Orleans

“Last call!” The dreaded phrase echoes throughout the crowded room as lights begin to flicker to life. They’re surprisingly brighter than what you had anticipated. Half-empty drink held firmly in one hand, you shield your eyes with the other and peer around. Drunken, disgruntled patrons with drooped shoulders signifying yet another defeat saunter towards the crowded exit. A path is forged among groups of friends leaning on each other for navigation support, weary stragglers, and a handful of regulars. The warning shot is always anticipated yet shockingly alarming. Why must the night’s festivities end so abruptly? If anything, this felt like a preamble. A warm-up. A degenerate’s light stretching and cardio routine before the real weightlifting began. Whoever coined the phrase “nothing good happens after midnight” was either a virgin or dreadfully boring, at the least most certainly not someone you’d choose to share a beer with. 

Fortunately for you, you’ve found yourself in New Orleans. A destination among few in the United States where libations can be enjoyed well past any reasonable hour. Late night and 24-hour bars are a staple in this city as much as a Po’ Boy, with each one offering up their own idiosyncratic experience along with their finest well whiskey. Here are a few for you to ponder over.

Snake and Jake’s Christmas Club Lounge (7P - 7A)

“A wretched hive of scum and villainy.” - Obi-Wan Kenobi. Now whether the Jedi Master was describing Mos Eisley Cantina on planet Tatooine or Snake and Jake’s is up for debate. One could easily argue that you’d find more numerous alien species packing a dimly lit watering hole in the Crescent City. However, instead of the persistent threat of violence and the fate of the galaxy being decided upon secret deals over warm liquor and a handshake, you’ll find Juan donning a fluorescent pink tutu and cranking up the stereo to a Britney Spears track. If you’re lucky. His trusty companion, a black lab appropriately named “Peeve” (get it…pet peeve), can be found weaving through paying customers and barstools sporting a glow stick around his neck before occasionally throwing back a shot of dog treats for the sake of charity. Snake and Jake’s is an institution. The sort of establishment that leaves an imprint on your soul that will last a lifetime. As once stated by a member of the staff: “we close whenever you get boring or ugly.” Fair enough. Anthony Bourdain, Donald Link, and Steve Stryjewski once infamously chatted over beers and shots of Jägermeister at this very bar. Now will that be cash or card?

Ms. Mae’s (24 hours, cash only)

Situated on the corner of Magazine Street and Napoleon, one does not simply just go to Ms. Mae’s. You treat her with dignity and respect, and she will, in turn, be kind to you. Much like New Orleans. Whether it’s a newly formed couple fornicating in a dark corner, a battle of epic proportions taking place over an air hockey table, or chatting it up with the eclectic locals that fill the space, rest assured that Ms. Mae’s is not lacking in its optionality. In 2020, when word spread throughout the city that the building was for sale, folks were rightfully up in arms over the potential loss of this landmark. Favorable for all, Susan Brooks stepped in and eased the masses with news that it will indeed live on. And live on it has. Ms. Mae’s is still the warm, inebriated embrace that it was in years past. Akin to your drunk Uncle at a family reunion who means well. The beauty of this long standing drinkery is that despite its recent upgrades, it very well still may be the cheapest spot in town to alter your consciousness while still keeping all of its seedy charm intact. Now where do we sign the petition to bring back the 24-hour Ms. Mae’s challenge?

Igor’s (24 hours)

A service industry cornerstone offering up cold beverages in plastic cups and a washateria in the back for all of your laundry service needs. Igor’s is the type of joint where just about anything goes, so kindly leave your inhibitions at the door. Their cheeseburgers? Mouthwatering and made to order, so if you’re in a pinch for a late-night bite to soak up the alcohol, as long as you’re coherent enough to string together a few sentences to place your order, you’ll be taken care of. Fancy a game of pool? Simply head upstairs. However, the action can be found on the main floor where thirsty clientele chat over loud music as they watch the world pass by via open windows on St. Charles Avenue. The neon sign hanging out front beckons outsiders to make an impromptu decision like a moth to a flame. Igor Margan, the Yugoslavian-born founder and entrepreneur passed away in 2018 at the age of 71 but the impact he has had on the city will last forever. His take on the classic dive bar was unique and hospitality-friendly in a world where the individuals working in that particular space are often overlooked and/or taken for granted. Igor’s is a contemporary reminder to those who enter its space that it is of vital importance to take care of the people who take care of us. The backbone of New Orleans. If you find yourself here, offer a stranger a beer. Hell, it’ll only cost you a few bucks anyway. 

Le Bon Temps Roule (24 hours)

Free oyster Friday’s, $1 beers during Saints games, Creole Bloody Mary’s, and live music. Le Bon Temps Roule is the quintessential Uptown New Orleans bar that is practically impossible not to fall in love with once you’ve experienced her. Its name, for those unaware, is French for “let the good times roll” which, rest assured, was very intentional upon its founding by Ned Hobgood in 1979. Ned himself is no ordinary bar owner. A former death metal singer fronting the Mississippi-based band “Sea Fever”, he has regarded tales of performing along the likes of the “Zombies” before turning his attention into creating one of the most iconic bars in the Crescent City. With his formidable ties to and passion for the music industry, it’s no wonder why Thursdays through Sundays at Le Bon Ton has sweaty locals dancing to everything from Hip-Hop, Rock, Jazz, and everything in between. The likes of Kermit Ruffins, Anders Osborne, and the Soul Rebels Brass Band have graced this bar. You should as well.

Check Point Charlie (24 hours)

It’s oddly poetic that the aforementioned Igor Margan named Check Point Charlie, a bar nestled vehemently smack-dab on the divide between the Marigny and the Vieux Carre, after Checkpoint Charlie - the best-known Berlin Wall crossing point between East and West Berlin during the Cold War. And while you won’t find yourself positioned between American and Soviet tanks with a cocktail in hand, you’ll find just about everything else here. Check Point Charlie operates more as a no-frills late-night dungeon that organically separates itself from the rest of the pack. The sort of establishment where one wouldn’t bat an eye at the sight of day and nightwalkers temporarily putting their differences aside for a good belly laugh over a glass (cup) of red. An institution known for its friendly prices, strong pours, live music and otherworldly bar staff.

Aunt Tiki’s (24 hours, cash only)

This is not your Aunt’s house nor will they concoct a Tiki drink to your liking. However, according to their website, they will joyously sell you a glass of wine “and then you can whine for free!” Located on the fringes of the French Quarter on Decatur Street, Aunt Tiki’s functions within the magical realm of somehow existing within everyone’s walking path yet being devoid of tourists. Hidden in plain sight, the nondescript exterior of the bar gives way to a 21+ Spirit Halloween meets vintage Tiki interior that is overwhelming to the senses. There are no drink specials. Nor beers on tap. Join them on Sundays at 10 PM for their Porn n Punk night to avoid the inevitable scaries. Fresh popcorn included.