Looking for a great sports bar in New Orleans? Here are 9 spots with the screens, the drinks, and the atmosphere.
The best live-sports restaurants in New Orleans include 9 restaurants across 4 cuisines, all rated 76 or higher and priced at $$$ or below. The list covers Cajun/Creole, American, Seafood, and Gastropub, among others.
CBD locations tend to draw business crowds during weekday games and families during Saints/Pelicans events, with higher-energy atmospheres and multiple screens; Marigny and surrounding neighborhoods feature more laid-back, neighborhood-focused spots where regulars gather and conversation flows more easily. If you're attending a major playoff game, CBD venues will be significantly more crowded and operate at full capacity, while neighborhood spots offer a quieter alternative if you prefer less volume.
During Saints games—particularly Monday Night Football and playoff games—many spots implement standing-room-only service or modify their ordering system to handle higher volume, so bar seating may be limited and counter ordering may move faster than table service. Tipping expectations remain standard (15-20% for table service, $1-2 per drink at the bar), but cash moves faster during high-volume games if the system is backed up.
During summer months (June-August), heat and humidity make outdoor seating or venues with strong air conditioning preferable; the Saints off-season also means lower crowds at sports bars, while basketball season (October-April) and football season (September-January) draw the heaviest game-day traffic. Hurricane season (June-November) can affect operating hours or outdoor seating availability, though indoor venues remain reliable year-round.
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Monday is a highly-regarded New Orleans restaurant celebrated for its excellent food, particularly the sweet potato beignets and lamb chops, and its vibrant, welcoming atmosphere. Service is well-regarded, with many staff members noted for their attentiveness and knowledge.
This cozy French Quarter spot serves up hearty, flavorful breakfasts with a side of local art. Their homemade sourdough and creative dishes, like the seafood etouffée and grits, are a delicious way to start the day. It's a welcoming, casual atmosphere perfect for any meal.
“In a part of town known for an imbalance in value, Wakin BAKIN delivers top quality at unusually reasonable prices.”
“A bit off the beaten path in the French Quarter but definitely worth eating at, especially if you are staying up near Rampart.”
“The owner (I believe that’s who he was!) was absolutely crushing it regardless, getting people seated, taking orders, and bringing out orders - all with a smile on his face.”
This New Orleans sports bar is a lively spot to catch any game, offering a full bar and a casual, family-friendly atmosphere. Servers consistently go above and beyond, making guests feel welcome and providing local insights.
“Our server Anayia J was amazing! She made us feel very welcome and gave us great recommendations about where to go in New Orleans from a local perspective.”
“Jenna R was amazing. She was very attentive, professional, and sweet. We’re from Texas where everyone makes you feel like family and Jenna did just that!”
“The food was amazing, drinks were very good and we had the best server ever, Aali'jia!”
This Uptown institution is a quintessential New Orleans sports bar, offering a vast selection of beers and a lively atmosphere perfect for catching a game. It's a casual, no-frills spot where the food, especially the oysters and sandwiches, consistently hits the mark.
“Great food. My wife's favorite place in all of the US for raw Oysters.”
“The best truffle fries anyone has ever made or ever could make. I dream about these.”
“The lady bartender wasn't very nice when I asked about the beers on tap. Instead she slammed down a menu.”
Sidecar Patio & Oyster Bar is celebrated for its excellent selection of fresh oysters and its vibrant, lush patio atmosphere. While the food and ambiance are well-regarded, occasional issues with wait times and service attentiveness are noted.
“I've been here a few times now. Best chicken sandwich”
“You don't even notice or hear the highway which is amazing”
“Waiting an hour for food is not how you want your patrons to spend an evening”
This New Orleans institution is all about the chargrilled oysters, served sizzling in a garlicky, buttery sauce. It's a lively, casual spot where you can catch a game at the full bar or snag a seat at the counter for some prime oyster-shucking views.
“This was my first time in New Orleans and my first time here. It was recommended by the locals and I absolutely loved it!!”
“This place was great. Food, delicious. Price, very affordable. I'd definitely go back. And recommend that others try it.”
“Southern hospitality at its finest! Decided to eat here with my lovely girlfriend and this place was amazing.”
The Original Pierre Maspero's is a historic New Orleans establishment known for its charming ambiance and generally good food, particularly its bread pudding and Cajun dishes. Service is frequently highlighted as a strong point, with attentive and friendly staff. While most diners have a positive experience, some note that the value proposition is diminished by small portion sizes relative to the price.
“Kitchen manager was remarkably helpful”
“Like stepping back in time”
This Bourbon Street spot offers a lively atmosphere with plenty of seating options, from street-level views to upstairs balconies. It's a place that caters to various groups, whether you're a solo diner, a family, or looking to catch a game.
“Had the absolute best time, food, and experience! Layla went above and beyond and tbh I wanted to be her friend by the end.”
“Sadly i have to gave 2 stars due to the changed menu. I visited 2 years ago and loved the fried chicken special, the varied menu options.”
“Jesse was phenomenal he told us the food was great and oh my gosh the food was beyond expectation.”
This casual New Orleans spot offers a lively atmosphere with cheap drinks and a patio perfect for groups. While the Cajun dishes might not be the star, the burgers and po'boys are solid choices, especially when paired with their famous Bloody Mary.
“The Gumbo Bowl was amazing, made with chicken and andouille gumbo, jambalaya, and the best blackened chicken I've had in a while.”
“Excellent beer prices. For the love of God don't sleep on the roast beef sandwich. Very friendly staff …”
“We ate at every available seafood restaurant close to our Hotel, Ernst had the BEST fried shrimp in town.”
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