Firsthand Tips For Drinking & Partying On Bourbon Street
Bourbon Street can be one of America’s great nightlife experiences if you know how to approach it. After partying here countless times — from afternoon drink specials to late-night live music and packed bars — I’ve learned a few things about what to do, what not to do and how to get the most out of New Orleans’ most famous party street.
Bourbon Street is one of America’s top nightlife districts.
And like any place, there are important things to know about it in order to maximize your party fun. Fortunately for you, PubClub.com has been on Bourbon Street several times and provides these important tips to not only help you survive, but to thrive.
1.) The Drinks At Bourbon Street Bars
DO take advantage of the drink specials. Bourbon Street bars are famous for 2-for-1 and 3-for-1 promotions, oversized “Big Ass Beers: and frozen cocktails, particularly during afternoon and early-evening Happy Hours.
DO NOT do the tube shots the (sometimes hot) girls offer in the bars. Especially the Mango’s slushy bars that are all over Bourbon Street. I speak from experience. I got lured into this by several hot blondes and the next thing I knew, I had spent $30 in 30 seconds. Consider yourself warned.
2.) Live Music Bars On Bourbon Street
DO go and enjoy all the live music at the bars on Bourbon Street. The quality varies wildly but generally you’ll find really good music, sometimes incredible bands and singers. I’ve always found the best bands at Famous Door.
DO NOT pass on this opportunity. Just because it’s on Bourbon Street and you think you can get quality music elsewhere (which you can, of course; there’s great music all over New Orleans) don’t think you can’t hear good music in this party mecca of the Big Easy. You can and you’ll love it.
3.) Don’t Get Too Drunk Too Early
DO enjoy all Bourbon Street has to offer – there’s lot of fun to be had “fer sure” as is a local saying.
DO NOT get too hammered too early. The 2-4-1 and 3-4-1 drink specials start at about 3 p.m., and before you know it, you’re drunk and stumbling before dark. The action picks up after 7. Wait until then to do your prime partying on Bourbon Street.
4.) Avoid Bourbon Street In The Mornings And Early Afternoons
DO walk up and down Bourbon Street in the afternoon.
DO NOT walk up and down Bourbon Street before 3 in the afternoon. Especially if you were partying it up on here the previous night. Trust me on this one; you do not want to be on Bourbon Street in the morning or early- to mid-afternoon under any circumstance. This is when it recycles from the night before to the night to come.
5.) Watch Your Wallet And Watch Out For Pickpockets
DO keep your money in a secure spot.
DO NOT take out a wallet if you’re a guy and ladies, watch your purse. I’ve had my wallet lifted and locals and New Orleans veterans will warn you about pickpockets. Frankly, it’s a rare thing – I’ve been on Bourbon Street a hundred times and it’s only happened once – but why take chances?
I’ll end with a warning on this topic. If you’re a single guy you’re an easy target. Especially if you’ve been drinking and start to do the “Bourbon Street weave” as I call it. If you catch yourself swaying and feeling buzzed, then do yourself a favor. Either go home or go drink somewhere else in New Orleans. There’s several other bars in the Quarter and you might give Frenchman Street a try.
Quick Bourbon Street Do’s And Don’ts From The Bartender
- DO: Enjoy the drink specials, live music and people watching.
- DO: Wait until later in the day for the real Bourbon Street atmosphere.
- DO: Keep your money, phone and wallet secure.
- DON’T: Let cheap drink specials wipe you out before the night begins.
- DON’T: Automatically accept shots without knowing what they cost.
- DON’T: expect Bourbon Street in the morning to resemble Bourbon Street at night.
The Nightlife Blogger is the bar columnist for PubClub.com, An award-winning journalist, Kevin Wilkerson has spent more than two decades covering bars, nightlife, destinations and events around the world, always searching for the stories and experiences most travelers overlook. He is a veteran partier of New Orleans and Bourbon Street.
Next Stops On The New Orleans Party Bus
• How I Spent $30 In 30 Seconds In A Bourbon Street Bar
• The Best Bars On Bourbon Street
• Where New Orleans Locals Drink – renchman Street Bars & Beyone
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