In New Orleans, we live and die by the seasons. No, we don’t define our seasons by weather, but rather, by what we’re doing. In the spring it’s crawfish, summer it’s snowballs, winter it’s Mardi Gras, and fall is for football.
With football season in full gear, we’ve rounded up our favorite sports bars to watch the Saints do their thing. If you can’t make it to the Superdome to watch the team play, or you want to be with fans during an away game, these are the best spots in town for all your game day needs.
Uptown
Tracey’s
This lively, local Irish bar is a fun spot to watch Saints games with locals. Perched in a large two-story building on a shady corner of Magazine Street, the bar throws open their half-dozen French doors for a constant buzz of patrons in and out. Make sure to grab a bite off the menu of po-boys and Irish plates, and look out for quirky local decorations, like a voo-doo doll referee pinned to the wall. 21+. 2604 Magazine St.
Cooter Brown’s
When you walk into the dimly-lit windowless Cooter Brown’s, the world disappears behind you. That’s just how we like it when we’re watching the Saints. Floor-to-ceiling screens line the back wall, and various flat-screen TVs dot the rest of the bar so you’re never more than five feet away from the screen. Their raw oyster bar is excellent, and the 45 beers on tap will keep you filled up. This down home sports bar offers a fun, intimate atmosphere to watch any game. 21+. 509 S. Carrollton Ave.
Rendezvous Tavern
Watch the Saints play in this dive bar on Magazine Street and get swept up in the electric enthusiasm of the Who Dat nation. This local hangout has affordable drinks and 11 large TV screens for game watching, not to mention pool tables and a juke box. Patrons must be 21+. 3101 Magazine St.
Garden District
Urban South Brewery
This is a favorite Saints spot for families. The brewery is located in a massive warehouse filled with picnic tables, locally crafted beers, and, on weekends, a bounce house for energetic children. You can book tables in advance for large groups, perfect for hosting, say, a kids birthday party that includes the Saints game. Make sure you try their Who Dat Golden Ale, brewed in honor of the season. All ages. 1645 Tchoupitoulas St.
Rusty Nail
Locals and visitors alike love to gather on the Rusty Nail’s outdoor patio, dubbed an “urban oasis” for the strings of dreamy outdoor lights hanging between palm trees. Make no mistake, this bar turns into a lively gameday destination with TVs stationed throughout the patio and a large screen featuring the game inside the bar. In addition to all the trappings of a well-stocked bar, the Rusty Nail prides itself on its scotch menu. 21+. 1100 Constance St.
Down the Hatch
This hole-in-the-wall bar has everything you need for a laid back day watching the Saints. Grab a po-boy off their food menu, a beer from the bar, a chair on their outdoor patio, and you’re all set. This is a favorite spot for locals who live in the Garden District and want a no-fuss game watching experience. 21+. 1921 Sophie Wright Pl.
Mid-City
Bayou Beer Garden
Bayou Beer Garden is a Saints fan’s haven, boasting multiple options for watching the game. Want to enjoy the game outside? Watch it on a large screen setup in the middle of the sprawling outdoor patio. Prefer to hang out indoors? Slip into the indoor bar, where a set of glowing screens and beer-on tap make it the perfect place to wile away your afternoon watching football. Adjoining Bayou Wine Garden also offers delicious wines, cheeses and charcuterie. 21+. 326 N Jefferson Davis Pkwy.
Finn McCool’s
Finn’s prides themselves on being the premier place to watch soccer games in New Orleans, but it’s also a local favorite to enjoy other sports, football included. This local hangout features friendly gourmet pub dishes like fried mac & cheese, and some locals say they have the best pour of Guinness in town. 21+. 3701 Banks St.
Second Line Brewing
This down-to-earth brewery has a gravel filled patio with long wooden tables and benches, making it a great place for communal game watching. Watch the game on a large screen erected specifically for the Saints, and enjoy their menu of locally-crafted beer. All ages are welcome. 433 N Bernadotte St.
Wrong Iron
This upscale outdoor beer garden rests in the middle of the Lafitte Greenway, making it an easy bike ride away. One of Wrong Iron’s best attributes is their wide array of drinks. With 50 beers on tap and a full cocktail and wine menu, everyone will find something to sip. Grab an oversized wooden patio chair beneath a shady oak tree and watch the game on the large TVs stationed in the middle of the patio. This venue fills up, so make sure you arrive early on game day. 21+. 3532 Toulouse St.
CBD
Manning’s
With over 30 flat-screen TVs, two 13-foot mega-screens, and an outdoor viewing area, football fans from all over gather for games at Manning’s. Lay back in their stadium-style viewing area with leather reclining chairs and catch the game on huge projector screens. Open to all ages. 519 Fulton St.
Walk-On’s
Don’t have tickets to the game? Head to Walk-On’s, a short distance away from the Dome. This downtown sports lover’s spot is co-owned by Drew Brees and features tables with built-in taps, a menu with mouth-watering southern favorites, and huge screens for ample sports watching. Enjoy the game downstairs or upstairs on the balcony. Open to all ages. 1009 Poydras St.
Marigny & French Quarter
R Bar
Situated in a large, historic building in the Marigny, the bar sets up both outdoor and indoor screens to watch the game. Just steps from the French Quarter, you’ll find patrons spilling in and out of the building’s wide breezy doors, and pop-up food stalls to satiate your hunger. The latest culinary offering features wings and Philly and vegan cheesesteaks. 21+. 1431 Royal St.
American Sports Saloon
Located on Decatur Street, this traditional sports bar gives you access to football games in the middle of the bustling French Quarter. The gorgeous two-story building was constructed in 1835, and boasts a downstairs bar and upstairs balcony. In addition to Saints games, they also tune into other prime-time games, so if you are rooting for another team (gasp!) this is a good option for you. 21+. 1200 Decatur St.
Bywater
Bud Rips
Bud Ripss features a long, polished bar running along the length of the building, with glowing globe lights illuminating warm wood detailing. Slide up to the bar to watch the game for a local, laid-back experience. The bar always has a game day special to attract fans, including free food and drink specials. 21+. 900 Piety St.
Markey’s Bar
This small, neighborhood dive bar is filled with gregarious Saints fans who are bound to strike up a conversation with you. TVs are perched throughout the room so no matter where you’re sitting (or standing, as often happens) you can see the game. Tables and chairs fill the outside, where you’ll find plenty of patrons talking and relaxing. Markey’s plays football games all day, so linger here to catch other teams play. 21+. 640 Louisa St.
