Forget the Superdome. I can’t wait to hit these bars in New Orleans before Super Bowl
People sometimes ask me what I’d do if I washed out of the reporting business. It’s a fair question. These are not exactly tenured positions we’re working here in local journalism.
My stock answer is that I plan to move to New Orleans and bartend until I die.
It is not really a joke. I have bartended on and off throughout my career in journalism. It’s a nice side hustle, and sometimes customers even bless you with story tips. I don’t really have any other skills besides writing and bartending. So, that’s the backup plan: Work at a bar.
And the way I figure it, if I’m going to be bartending full-time, New Orleans is the place to do it. If I planned to surf every day for the rest of my life, I’d move to Oahu. If I’m going to be serving drinks, I may as well do it in the most festive city in America.
Maybe it’s a dreamy and unrealistic plan. But New Orleans has that effect on people. I visited for the first time 10 years ago and have been back just about every year since. Sometimes you go to a place and it just agrees with you; you feel more like yourself there. That is how I feel in New Orleans. I sometimes dance when I’m in New Orleans. Nobody in Kansas City has ever seen me dance.
Over the next week, I’ll be writing a bunch of stories from New Orleans that I hope will illuminate some things about the city that make it so special. I don’t actually know what those stories are yet, though. I’ll figure it out as I go.
In the meantime, I thought I’d mention a few bars I’m excited to hit up. I don’t claim to be an expert on the city. But I know some gems.
If you’re headed to NOLA for the Super Bowl, consider these recommendations my gift to you. And, again: please reach out if you’re following the Chiefs to the big game, or if you know any KC ex-pats living the dream down there. I’m trying to talk to as many people as possible. My email is dhudnall@kcstar.com.
Where we’ll be drinking in New Orleans
Pete’s Out in the Cold. If there is a bar in America with a better name, I would love to hear it. This corner dive in the Irish Channel also serves free red beans and rice on Mondays.
Parasol’s. Not far from Pete’s is Parasol’s, an Irish pub in the Irish Channel. They serve a fantastic roast beef po’boy and lots of Guinness, although I’m pretty sure I was drinking Coronas last time I was in here.
Molly’s at the Market. This French Quarter spot is known for its frozen Irish coffee, which is made with brandy, coffee liqueur, possibly vanilla ice cream (I think?) and whiskey if you want it. Thus concludes the Irish portion of this list.
Pal’s. Neighborhood bar in Mid-City. Saw Walton Goggins here one time after Jazz Fest. Helen Mirren apparently likes it, too.
Tipitina’s. Wonderful Uptown music venue. If I can clear out some time, I’m going to try to rustle up a ticket to see MJ Lenderman, who’s playing there Tuesday.
BJ’s Lounge. Tip’s caters more to touring acts. The shows booked at this Bywater dive tend to be more locals-oriented. I saw an old bluesman named Lil Freddie King celebrate his 84th birthday here this summer. Great show.
St. Roch Tavern. Somebody told me recently St. Roch Tavern near the Marigny is the “new BJ’s.” Which I took to mean that BJ’s had become too popular among tourists and Tulane kids. Here, you’ll find crust punks and country kids playing on a tiny stage. The drinks, not surprisingly, are cheap.
The Apple Barrel. This one’s on Frenchmen Street, a three-block stretch of live music venues just outside the French Quarter. It can’t be more than 300 square feet inside. Pop in for a drink, check out some live blues or jazz or old-timey country, and keep it moving.
Sazerac Bar. For all you fancy folks. This is the signature bar inside the Roosevelt Hotel in the French Quarter. It is lined with beautiful murals depicting old-school New Orleans scenes, and the bartenders wear white jackets and move with a kind of solemn purpose and discipline. Immaculate vibes. Go with the Sazerac. Or maybe a Bellini. Or a Ramos Gin Fizz. They’re known for all three.
Hot Tin. Another hotel bar, this one with dazzling rooftop views of the city. It’s located atop the Ponchartrain Hotel, which is in the Garden District, right along the St. Charles streetcar line.
Chart Room. I find that most bars in the French Quarter feel interchangeable. This one is different to me somehow, though I can’t explain why. Possibly because it is very cheap. It is also cash only.
Ms. Mae’s. This 24-hour dive near Uptown is for true degenerates looking to extend the party to unholy hours. Who’s to say how we’ll be feeling after the Super Bowl next Sunday?
This story was originally published January 28, 2025 at 2:23 PM.
