Dancing isn’t just for special occasions in New Orleans. Moving to a beat is as natural as eating red beans and rice on a Monday in this town, where spontaneous second line parades happen at any moment and both weddings and funerals inspire street dance.
Many visitors are unaware that, while classic New Orleans jazz and brass provide the city’s constant soundtrack, there is a thriving music culture celebrating every genre on almost any given night of the week. New Orleans has it all, from acoustic folk pickin’ parties to DJs blasting bounce and rap to native sludge metal and Cajun waltzing.
Many of these live music venues and best dance clubs in New Orleans reflect the fact that New Orleans caters to the late-night population. However, the late-night throngs are unlike any you’ll see in other cities. New Orleans is a town where everyone can have a good time.
We don’t operate with the same sense of exclusivity that a city like New York is known for – you look a certain way, you get in; otherwise, keep behind those stanchions. In most situations, the crowds are diverse, including homosexual, straight, male, female, older, younger, locals, and tourists, all of whom contribute to a great time.
The Best 10 Dance Clubs in New Orleans, LA
On this page, you’ll find the shortlist all the best dance clubs in New Orleans. And, each with why its best to go.
Please feel free to investigate each dancing club to learn more about them and to determine which is the greatest fit for you.
On some of the most exclusive clubs, you can also join the guest list or reserve a table with bottle service. We’d be delighted to assist you with either.
1. REPUBLIC NEW ORLEANS
The Republic is a sophisticated and cavernous dance club where you might catch L.A. producer and DJ Ookay one night, a house DJ the next, and Rebirth Brass and Bonerama the next. The setting is lovely, with crystal chandeliers and two levels for dancing and viewing the show.
There are several bars, a friendly and competent staff, and a lively and well-dressed audience. The crowd is often younger, but that doesn’t stop everyone else from having a good time. If you’re lucky, you might catch Big Freedia’s Bounce night, where the twerking will begin.
Recommended for Dance Clubs because: This swanky Lower Garden District bi-level dance club is a dazzling location to party the night away.
Expert tip: Check their schedule before or at the start of your visit to New Orleans. Get started on anything that sounds even remotely fascinating.
2. ONE EYED JACKS
This French Quarter favourite, once known as the Shim-Sham Club, hosts travelling and local bands in genres ranging from rock to metal, as well as the occasional burlesque show. Up front, there’s a packed bar that’s open most nights, and in the rear, there’s a theatre-style club that plays live music on weekends.
The atmosphere is a mix of weary bordello meets shabby chic, making for a fun place to dance and listen to music. Every Thursday, the Fast Times 80s Dance Party is crowded with people of all ages and offers live go-go dancers and a diverse crowd.
Recommended for Dance Clubs because: OEJ’s is a small venue with a solid dance floor and a diverse selection of music.
Expert tip: On Thursday nights, the weekly 80s dance party is legendry.
3. CARNAVAL LOUNGE
Carnaval Lounge is an alternative music establishment that has risen to the top of the dive bar heap in a city where the genre may have been founded. Carnaval, like most things in New Orleans, has numerous personalities. On Mondays, expect a mix of comedy and burlesque for a night of nonstop entertainment.
The bar also doubles as a live rock and roll music venue, although a Goth heavy metal one. Let’s put things aside for now. There’s a good chance you’ll see a Cajun band. If you’re lucky, you might see a melancholy Balkan folk group performing what appears to be Greek dancing. When this community comes together, there’s a convivial live and let live mentality that’s one of the nicest things about it.
Recommended for Dance Clubs because: It’s a truly alternative venue that features a diverse spectrum of musical styles.
Expert tip: Get the garlic shrimp on a skewer from the kitchen, Cozinha de Carnaval, at the bar, from a menu of Brazilian Street Food.
4. BOURBON HEAT
On the second level, Bourbon Heat offers a strategically located French Quarter dance club experience, with a garden on the main floor for chilling with cocktails. It’s best to eat somewhere else, but if you want to party, climb up the stairs to the massive dance floor with a large bar and a DJ spinning the newest pop, hip hop, and house music.
There is a spacious balcony outside that is ideal for people watching. The music is accompanied by flashing lights and a smoke machine. When you need a break, head to the balcony, which overlooks the throngs of people packing Bourbon Street below.
Recommended for Dance Clubs because: By night, it’s a loud party atmosphere with a lively dance floor.
Expert tip: If you want to claim your spot on the dance floor, make sure it’s close to the balcony escape because you’ll need to cool down.
5. THE METROPOLITAN NIGHTCLUB
The Metropolitan Club, a warehouse dance venue, is the city’s finest video DJ dance facility. The sophisticated lighting and smoke machines establish the tone, and guests become engrossed in the never-ending beats blasting from the surround sound speakers.
Top 40, hip hop, rock, and pop are played in one room, while house, electro, techno, and dubstep are played in another. The dancers can follow the DJ from any position on the floor thanks to the flat screen TVs that adorn the walls.
There is VIP table service available, as well as valet parking. Unlike other huge clubs, where getting a drink can take a long time, Metropolitan has 11 bar stations, ensuring that you never go thirsty.
Recommended for Dance Clubs because: This is a big warehouse that hosts private parties and transforms into a nightclub on weekends.
Expert tip:
6. THE SPOTTED CAT
At this popular Marigny lounge, guests relax on plush couches and sip beverages while local musicians perform. Although swingers of all ages attend swing dancing lessons every Wednesday night, the casual atmosphere attracts to a slightly older crowd. From New Orleans jazz to Latin music, there’s something for everyone.
The lounge is busiest in the early evening, despite the late night hours, and concerts begin as early as late afternoon. Spotted Cat was a regular hangout for Treme buskers Annie and Sonny, as fans of HBO’s Treme will recall. Before entering the crowd, take a moment to listen to the music outside. The cover is usually a bare minimum.
Recommended for Dance Clubs because: Locals and travelers alike flock to this Frenchmen Street favorite for its varied menu of retro and gypsy swing music.
Expert tip: Every Wednesday at 5 p.m., there are free introductory swing dancing instruction.
7. HOWLIN’ WOLF
The Howlin’ Wolf attracts a broad population that skews younger, ranging from business travellers to hard-core college students. This live music bar, located near the Convention Center, attracts a variety of travelling bands, with a music menu ranging from rock to blues. The Black Crowes and the Reverend Horton Heat have both performed in previous lineups.
The club seats roughly 500 people and has a balcony on the second floor as well as pool tables in the back. On Sunday nights, Hot 8 Brass, a local band, is regularly in the house. The environment is loud, the audience is lively, and the drink and cover prices are reasonable. The bathrooms, on the other hand, are a little rough, so be prepared.
Recommended for Dance Clubs because: The HW is a medium-sized venue hosting a mix of local and travelling acts.
Expert tip: A streetscape artwork by artist James Michalopoulos graces the club’s facade.
8. THE MAISON
The Maison is a bar/restaurant on New Orleans’ famous Frenchmen Street. The Maison, located on Frenchmen Street, is known for its amazing music and nightlife in New Orleans, and it offers some of the best dancing on the street and in the city. If you enjoy dancing to live music with horns, bluesy guitar, and keys, this is the place to go.
The facility has three stages, and some of the best local talent frequently performs on all of them at the same time. The Maison rarely has a cover charge, so come here late at night if you’re looking for a good time. Packages for VIPs and bachelor/bachelorette parties are available.
Recommended for Dance Clubs because: Although Frenchmen Street has a lot of physically appealing options, it is an excellent area to go dancing.
Expert tip: Every Sunday, there is a swingin’ live jazz brunch.
9. TIPITINA’S
The original “Tip’s” in Uptown, rocking out beneath oak trees along the Mississippi River, is a hub of New Orleans live music. Artists like the Neville Brothers, Harry Connick Jr., Dr. John, and The Subdudes all got their start at Tip’s. Major rock ‘n’ roll artists, burgeoning local groups of various genres, and regional Cajun, zydeco, blues, and R&B performers round out the lineup. Clubs come and go, but nothing compares to the original Tip’s. On most Sundays, there will be a Cajun jam onstage.
Get yourself a shirt with the banana logo on it, and you’ll be the envy of all your friends. Remember to rub Professor Longhair’s head for good luck; his statue welcomes you as you enter the club. Members of the funk band Galactic just purchased the club, which could result in some unexpected alterations.
Recommended for Dance Clubs because: Tip’s is quintessential New Orleans, a terrific location to get sweaty while listening to live music.
Expert tip: Follow Tipitina’s on Facebook to participate in free ticket giveaways to promote the club.
10. SATURN BAR
The Saturn was there before St. Claude Avenue became “cool,” when eateries opened every other week along this Bywater stretch. There’s a wonderful jukebox and live music on a regular basis, but the monthly Saturday night Mod Dance Party – an evening of 60s swagger fueled by DJ Matty and DJ Kristen, who keep to a soundtrack of just vinyl from the era – is the genuine night to dance like a fool.
Put on some false lashes, tweak your hair, and dress up in your best Pucci knockoff mini-dress, and you’ll be right at home. The view from the balcony on the second floor is spectacular.
Recommended for Dance Clubs because: Look at the images on the wall of this legendary dive – yeah, Mick Jagger is in them.
Expert tip: The Special Men and King James have arrived.
FAQ’s About Dance Clubs in New Orleans, LA
Where can you go dancing in New Orleans?
These places are best dance clubs in New Orleans:
1. Republic New Orleans
2. One Eyed Jacks
3. Carnaval Lounge
4. Bourbon Heat
5. The Metropolitan Nightclub
6. The Spotted Cat
7. Howlin’ Wolf
8. The Maison
9. Tipitina’s
10. Saturn bar
What street do they party on in New Orleans?
Bourbon Street
Bourbon Street embodies the liveliness of a party town for many tourists to New Orleans. The roadway is illuminated by neon lights, vibrates with music, and is embellished with beads and balconies.
What’s New Orleans famous for?
New Orleans is known around the world for its unique music, Creole food, dialects, and annual celebrations and festivals, including Mardi Gras. The French Quarter, noted for its French and Spanish Creole architecture and pulsating nightlife around Bourbon Street, is the city’s historic center.
What should I wear to nightlife in New Orleans?
In almost all places in New Orleans, jeans and heels will get you a long way (bars, clubs, lounges). If you’re going to a fancy dinner, I’d recommend bringing a dress or beautiful dress pants, but otherwise, jeans, heels, and a going out shirt are the standard for girls at night.
Where do the locals party in New Orleans?
Frenchmen Street
New Orleans is famous for its year-round festivals, celebrations, and, of course, Mardi Gras. Experience the never-ending fun on Bourbon Street, dance the night away on Frenchmen Street, or relax at a local jazz club with a handcrafted cocktail.
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