Age to get into bars and music clubs-with parents

Question

We are considering a xmas trip with our 19 year old son. Will he be able to go into the Bourbon St bars with us? What about music places on Frenchman?

Answer

New Orleans is a vibrant city with a rich nightlife, and many places welcome visitors of all ages, including those under 21. However, there are some regulations that you'll want to be aware of when planning your trip, especially for your 19-year-old son.

Bourbon Street Bars:

On Bourbon Street, the age restrictions can vary depending on the specific bar or club. Many bars along Bourbon Street allow patrons of all ages to enter, but your son will not be allowed to drink alcohol unless he is 21. Some bars will issue wristbands or place a mark on your son's hand to indicate that he’s not allowed to drink. It’s best to check with individual venues, but generally speaking, Bourbon Street is a lively area with bars, lounges, and live music venues that often allow underage patrons with parental supervision. However, if you're looking for a place where your son can fully enjoy the night with drinks, he will need to be 21 or older.

Frenchmen Street Music Venues:

Frenchmen Street is another great area for live music, with several well-known venues like The Spotted Cat, d.b.a., and Snug Harbor. Similar to Bourbon Street, many of the music venues here allow patrons under 21, but they typically won’t serve alcohol to anyone under 21. However, music venues often have a more relaxed atmosphere, and it’s common to see people of all ages enjoying the music. Some places will allow minors if accompanied by an adult, but as with Bourbon Street, your son will need to be mindful of the alcohol restrictions.

The Spotted Cat Music Club: Known for live jazz, this venue typically allows minors to enter with parental supervision but enforces the alcohol restrictions.
Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro: A great place for jazz lovers, and while the venue is open to all ages, minors will not be served alcohol.
d.b.a.: A popular music venue that often features live bands. Minors can enter, but they must comply with alcohol restrictions.

Other Considerations:

If you're planning to visit any specific venues, it's a good idea to double-check their policies ahead of time. Some places might have stricter age restrictions, particularly for certain events or late-night shows. Additionally, if your son is planning to drink, he will need to be 21. For a smoother experience, it’s a good idea to call ahead or check the venue’s website to confirm their age policy.

Overall, New Orleans is a great place to enjoy music and the nightlife, and there are plenty of options for families with younger members. Just keep in mind the alcohol laws and that some venues may have specific age limits for different times of day or types of events. Enjoy your trip to the Big Easy!