Where to drink before Pelicans game?

New Orleans is world-famous for its food, music, and nightlife. With so many great bars and restaurants to choose from, it can be tough to decide where to go for pre-game drinks before a New Orleans Pelicans basketball game. This article will provide a guide to some of the best places to grab a drink in downtown New Orleans before heading over to the Smoothie King Center to cheer on the Pels.

Table of Contents

Best Bars near Smoothie King Center

The Smoothie King Center is located right in the heart of downtown New Orleans, so you’ll have no shortage of options within walking distance. Here are some of the most popular pre-game bars located closest to the arena:

Rouse’s Market – Located right across the street from the Smoothie King Center, this grocery store/bar has plenty of beers on tap and a lively local scene. It’s the most convenient option if you want to avoid lines and get in and out quickly.

Walk-On’s Bistreaux & Bar – This New Orleans-based sports bar chain is a fan favorite, located just one block from the arena. Great bar food and drink specials make it a go-to spot before Pelicans games.
Republic NOLA – This lively nightclub and bar hosts a popular happy hour and has multiple floors, so you can usually find space even when it’s crowded. It’s two blocks from the Smoothie King Center.
Bourbon Cowboy – Country music, bar food, and dueling pianos entertain the crowds at this popular downtown bar. Located three blocks from the arena.

Harrah’s Hotel Bars – Harrah’s Casino is connected to the Smoothie King Center by a walkway. The hotel’s multiple bars, including Mood Rooftop Bar, are an upscale option for pre-gaming in style.

Best Bars in the French Quarter

The lively French Quarter is located just over a mile from the Smoothie King Center and offers an incredible selection of famous New Orleans bars. If you have time before the game, check out these spots:

Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop – This historic piano bar is tucked away on Bourbon Street. Dim lighting and antebellum architecture provide a unique, intimate setting.

Pat O’Brien’s – Perhaps the most iconic New Orleans bar, known for inventing the Hurricane cocktail. Expect delicious drinks and dueling pianos.
The Old Absinthe House – A vintage bar with Parisian-style wrought iron balconies, known for specialty absinthe drinks.
The Dungeon – A goth/punk bar with live music located below the Lafitte’s bar. Popular with locals and tourists.

Cat’s Meow – An energetic karaoke bar on Bourbon Street, perfect for belting out some tunes with friends!

Best Bars near Canal Street

Canal Street runs along the edge of the French Quarter, connecting downtown New Orleans with the Smoothie King Center less than a mile away. Here are top choices on or near Canal:

Victory Sports Bar & Grill – A relaxed neighborhood sports bar with good happy hour specials.

Original BGR – A casual burger restaurant with a solid beer and cocktail menu. Great patio seating.
Bayou Beer Garden – Outdoor beer garden with Cajun food, 20+ beers on tap, and TVs for sports. Lively scene.
The Potato Head Shop & Bar – Kitschy tropical-themed bar inside an old luggage store, specializing in frozen rum drinks.

Best Dive Bars

Sometimes you’re just looking for a no-frills, cheap drink without the crowds. These local favorite dive bars offer just that:

Ms. Mae’s – Cash only neighborhood bar with strong drinks and an eclectic mix of locals.
Snake and Jake’s Christmas Club Lounge – Christmas lights year-round at this tiny hole-in-the-wall bar, a true local experience.

Markey’s Bar – Unpretentious neighborhood bar with karaoke nights and frozen drink machines.
Crescent City Steaks – Somewhat divey bar and steakhouse for cheap drinks and free entertainment like trivia nights.

Places with Great Bar Food

Beyond just drinks, these spots serve up delicious, affordable bar food to fuel up for the Pelicans game:

Bourbon House – Authentic Creole and Cajun dishes like gumbo, jambalaya, and po’ boys.
Yo Mama’s Bar & Grill – Huge burgers, nachos, wings, and more – perfect bar food.
Carousel Bar & Lounge – Located inside Hotel Monteleone, this revolving bar is known for delicious martinis and small plates.

Coop’s Place – Cajun dive bar open late with tasty po’ boys and fried Cajun favorites.
Verti Marte – Hole-in-the-wall takeout shop making mega sandwiches to eat on the go.

Places with Live Music

Nothing sets the mood for a fun night out like some live local music. Check out these bars that often have bands or solo musicians playing:

Balcony Music Club – Outdoor balcony bar featuring a rotation of New Orleans jazz, blues, and brass bands.
Fritzel’s European Jazz Club – Intimate jazz club hosting local performers nightly in a historic French Quarter townhouse.
Maison Bourbon Jazz Club – Two-story brick jazz club on Bourbon Street’s upper floors, with traditional New Orleans jazz bands.

Pier One Cafe & Bar – Waterfront bar with a mix of live pop, rock, acoustic, funk, and R&B acts.
The Howlin’ Wolf – Large warehouse music venue and bar in the Warehouse District booking local and national acts.

Places with Dancing

If you want to dance and let loose before the game, head to one of New Orleans’ top clubs like:

Republic NOLA – Massive dance club with themed rooms and frequent special events.
The Metropolitan – Gay-friendly nightclub known for drag shows, DJs, and throwing parties.
Cafe Negril – Relaxed neighborhood bar with a small dance floor, reggae music, and salsa dancing.

Fleur de Lis Daquiri Lounge – DJs spinning hip hop, Top 40, and more late into the night.

The Best Overall Places for Pre-Gaming

Taking everything into account in terms of location, drinks, food, music, and more – here are my top 5 recommendations for pre-gaming before a Pelicans game:

Walk On’s Bistreaux & Bar – Can’t beat the proximity right by the arena, plus solid bar fare and drinks.

Pat O’Brien’s – A classic New Orleans must-visit, especially for first-timers. Get your Hurricane cocktail.
Republic NOLA – Huge nightclub with multiple floors to party on before walking over to the game.
Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop – Historic French Quarter piano bar oozing with ambiance and character.

Ms Mae’s – For a relaxed, authentically local scene without tourists, this cash-only neighborhood bar is a winner.

Things to Consider

Here are a few tips for planning the perfect pre-game experience:

Weeknight vs Weekend – Bars will be less crowded on weeknights, especially earlier in the evening. Plan accordingly.

Location – Balance distance/convenience with the vibe you want. Stay downtown for lively nightlife or head to the Quarter for more options.
Weather – Patios and outdoor bars are great in nice weather. Have indoor backup plans if it’s raining.
Group Size – Call ahead for large groups. Some bars may require reservations.

Arrive Early – Give yourself plenty of time to enjoy drinks and food before the game starts.
Book Hotels Nearby – Staying within walking distance lets you drink without worrying about driving/Uber.

Conclusion

New Orleans offers so many amazing places to grab a drink before seeing the Pelicans play. Arrive early to soak in the city’s famous bar scene and energy. Within a few blocks of the Smoothie King Center, you’ll find everything from lively nightclubs and music venues to neighborhood dive bars and sports bars, plus delicious Creole food and cocktails. Just don’t party too hard – you’ll want to make it to the arena in time to cheer on your team!

Bar Name	Location	Highlights
Walk On’s Bistreaux & Bar	1 block from arena	Sports bar with great food and drink specials
Pat O’Brien’s	French Quarter	Famous Hurricane cocktails
Republic NOLA	2 blocks from arena	Huge nightclub with dancing
Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop	French Quarter	Historic piano bar
Ms. Mae’s	Uptown neighborhood	Cheap cash-only dive bar