Where To Drink & See Live Music (Without Going To Bourbon Street) In New Orleans - New Orleans - The Infatuation

"Have you heard of Bourbon Street? Of course you have, especially if you’re the one planning a trip to New Orleans. While we appreciate its existence, you’ll have a better time elsewhere. Bar Tonique has a pretty similar energy to what you’d find at a Bourbon Street bar, but it’s not on Bourbon Street—it’s three blocks away, and if you’re walking from Blue Nile, you can get close to see what’s up without actually getting sucked in. Assuming you’re coming here later (they’re open until 2am), you’ll find people occasionally yelling, couples sneaking off to the small bathrooms, and people just sitting in the corner talking to the bartender and drinking one of their daily $6 cocktails. They do quality cocktails like a solid paloma or Pimm’s cup for far less than most places around town." - carlo mantuano