Country Inn & Suites By Carlson, New Orleans Airport, LA

RIVERBEND. Pressed tin walls and a narrow dance floor are part of the charm of the Maple Leaf. Live bands play genres...

RIVERBEND. Pressed tin walls and a narrow dance floor are part of the charm of the Maple Leaf. Live bands play genres like Zydeco, rock, blues and funk. Because the club is close to both Loyola and Tulane Universities, the Maple Leaf attracts a diverse crowd that includes college kids, professors, tourists and hard-core music aficionados. The venue is also one of New Orleans' premier Spoken Word locations. The club has been hosting a Sunday afternoon poetry series for two decades and poets take the mike at 3pm. Call ahead for listings and cover charges.

Hours: Daily 3pm-3am

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

RIVERBEND. The decor is basic and the crowd middle of the road, but Cooter's remains a favorite because of the libations...

RIVERBEND. The decor is basic and the crowd middle of the road, but Cooter's remains a favorite because of the libations it offers and the fact that it serves food LATE. The beer list features 40 beers on tap plus 400 bottled varieties. Beverages may come from far away places such as Africa, Slovakia, Honduras and Wales. And if you're hungry, the kitchen stays open until one hour before closing. Menu items include shrimp and oyster platters as well as muffalettas and hoagies.

Hours: Mon-Thu 11am-3am; Fri-Sat 11am-4am; Sun 11am-2am

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

MID-CITY. Rock music and bowling? The combination seems to work for New Orleans' Rock 'n' Bowl. The funky bowling...

MID-CITY. Rock music and bowling? The combination seems to work for New Orleans' Rock 'n' Bowl. The funky bowling alley/nightclub is popular with locals and is known for booking some of the best bands in the area. Zydeco, rockabilly and rhythm and blues mingle with the clamor of toppling pins and rolling balls. The place hops with bowlers and dancers alike. The Rock 'N' Bowl also serves food and the crowd is quite exuberant. BUS: 39 Tulane and 34 Carrollton Express

Hours: Mon-Tue 4pm-Midnight; Wed 4pm-12:30am; Thu 4pm-1:30am; Fri 4pm-2:30am; Sat 2pm-2:30am Event Dates and Times Vary

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

RIVERBEND. This is the Tulane University hangout, so slip into some comfortable clothes and head over to The Boot. The...

RIVERBEND. This is the Tulane University hangout, so slip into some comfortable clothes and head over to The Boot. The bar, located in Uptown, serves classic pub grub ­ burgers and Po' Boys ­ and stocks a variety of beer. The decor is dark and woody and includes two pool tables and video games. Extremely popular after 1 am on weekends, The Boot also offers a number of happy hour and drink specials throughout the week. A favorite is Tuesday night, when locals and tourists alike pay a $5 cover and drink $0.50 beverages from 10pm to 1 am. Beware!

Hours: Daily 11am-5am

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express

MID-CITY. Rub elbows with the natives at this diminuitive joint, where funk, blues and rock bands showcase regional...

MID-CITY. Rub elbows with the natives at this diminuitive joint, where funk, blues and rock bands showcase regional talent every night. For a real good deal, come on Monday for free red beans and rice or hit the complimentary oyster bar at 10pm on Thursdays. There's no better way to experience the local culture, and you won't even have to pay a cover.

Hours: Daily 11am-3am

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

GARDEN DISTRICT. Let the Good Times Rule, this New Orleans' bar's literal English translation, has long been the motto...

GARDEN DISTRICT. Let the Good Times Rule, this New Orleans' bar's literal English translation, has long been the motto of Crescent City because of places like Le Bon Temps Roule. Packed out nightly, Le Bon Temps Roule is a Garden District bar scene staple, serving ice cold drinks in a small, lively setting. Be sure to stop in on Thursday nights when Soul Rebels brings the bar to its feet with authentic, heart-pounding N'awlins brass music.

Hours: Daily 11am-3am

UPTOWN. Known for its late-night scene, this comfortable dive attracts a mix of students, musicians and second shift...

UPTOWN. Known for its late-night scene, this comfortable dive attracts a mix of students, musicians and second shift employees, all of whom dig the bar's potent concoctions and cheese fries. Juke box tunes set the night in the motion, and the vibrant crowd doesn't shy away from dancing. Pool tables and video games provide additional diversions, and the spot's namesake patio offers comfortable seating.

Hours: Sun-Thu 7pm-4am; Fri-Sat 7pm-5:30am

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express

UPTOWN. During the day it's a neighborhood pub and at night it becomes a popular college dive. The Club attracts a...

UPTOWN. During the day it's a neighborhood pub and at night it becomes a popular college dive. The Club attracts a diverse clientele and its ambiance is dark. What makes it a hot spot? Perhaps it's the dollar drinks and two-for-one specials. The bar also has a few dartboards and pool tables to help pass the evening. ATM on the grounds.

Hours: Daily 24hrs

Payment Methods: Cash Only

GARDEN DISTRICT. Universally considered one of the best bars in New Orleans, Balcony Bar carries on the citywide...

GARDEN DISTRICT. Universally considered one of the best bars in New Orleans, Balcony Bar carries on the citywide tradition of balcony dining and drinking. Overlooking Magazine Street, this bar is a popular gathering place for locals and tourists alike. With 75 beers on tap and a menu of Po' Boy sandwiches and Mediterranean fare served late into the night, Balcony Bar proves great for starting a night on the town or winding down an exciting evening out.

Hours: Daily 4pm-4am

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

FRENCH QUARTER. Intimate, quaint and quiet. The luxury of enjoying the splendor of a cigar is what French 75 Bar is all...

FRENCH QUARTER. Intimate, quaint and quiet. The luxury of enjoying the splendor of a cigar is what French 75 Bar is all about. Aficionados can find the finest of tobaccos from around the world in a classic dark wood club-style ambiance. Located across the hall from Arnaud's Restaurant's main dining room, there is an on-site humidor housing an extensive cigar selection. Tobaccos in stock come from South America, the Caribbean, Switzerland, France, London, Miami and New York. The bar also offers an array of drinking spirits. Enjoy a sip of cognac or port, bourbon or scotch to further enhance the total experience.

Hours: Daily 5pm-11pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club