Last updated: May 3, 2026 at 11:44 PM
Best Happy Hours, Deals & Events in New Orleans, LA — Sunday, May 3, 2026
Tonight in New Orleans, find fantastic happy hour deals across the city. Head to the French Quarter for $1 oysters at Desire Oyster Bar or $4 beers at Kingfish. In Uptown, Gris-Gris offers $5 well cocktails and $8 small plate specials. The CBD also boasts excellent options, like $8 wines at 34 Restaurant.
🍺 Happy Hours in New Orleans, LA Tonight & This Week
French Quarter
Broussard’s
Address: 819 Conti St, New Orleans, LA 70112
Happy Hour: Mon & Thu–Sun 3–6 PM
Deals: $7 Broussard’s and New Orleans classic cocktails (Pimm’s Cup, Hurricane, French 76), $4.50 select beers, $6 select wines, small plates under $20.
Vibe: An elegant, historic restaurant with a beautiful courtyard and Empire Bar, offering a refined yet welcoming atmosphere.
Why go: Enjoy classic New Orleans cocktails and delectable small plates in a sophisticated setting, perfect for an early evening unwind this spring.
Desire Oyster Bar (Royal Sonesta)
Address: 300 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70130
Happy Hour: Mon–Fri 3–6 PM
Deals: $5 house cocktails and wine, $4 import draft, $3 domestic draft, $1 oysters.
Vibe: A lively, traditional oyster bar within the Royal Sonesta, great for people-watching on Bourbon Street.
Why go: Grab some of the city’s freshest oysters for a dollar each while enjoying budget-friendly drinks in the heart of the French Quarter.
Kingfish New Orleans
Address: 337 Chartres St, New Orleans, LA 70130
Happy Hour: Mon–Fri 2–5 PM
Deals: $5 select wine, $4 beer, $6 French 75, $8 Ramos Gin Fizz, small plates ($6-$15).
Vibe: A stylish and modern spot offering a contemporary take on Creole cuisine and cocktails, with a sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere.
Why go: Indulge in classic New Orleans cocktails and elevated small plates at excellent prices, perfect for an afternoon treat.
Red Fish Grill
Address: 115 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70130
Happy Hour: Mon–Sun 3–6 PM
Deals: $5 beer, crushed cocktails, classic cocktails, wines by the glass; food specials from $9-$11.
Vibe: An energetic seafood restaurant known for its lively ambiance and fresh Gulf seafood, right on Bourbon Street.
Why go: Experience quality seafood and cocktails at a discount, an ideal way to enjoy the Bourbon Street buzz without breaking the bank.
Hermes Bar (Antoine’s Restaurant)
Address: 713 St Louis St, New Orleans, LA 70130
Happy Hour: Mon–Fri 4–7 PM
Deals: $4 house brand cocktails and house wine, $3 imported beers, $2 domestic beers.
Vibe: A classic, old-school New Orleans bar attached to the historic Antoine’s Restaurant, offering a refined and timeless drinking experience.
Why go: Step back in time and enjoy traditional New Orleans hospitality with fantastic drink deals in a truly iconic setting.
Central Business District (CBD) / Warehouse District
Plates Restaurant and Bar
Address: 132 Carondelet St, New Orleans, LA 70130
Happy Hour: Mon–Thu 5–7 PM, Fri–Sun 4–7 PM
Deals: $8 house wine selections, $8 cocktails like La Bella Vita, $6 draft beers; snacks like Viet-Cajun Butter Crispy Wings for $10.
Vibe: A vibrant spot in the Warehouse District known for its flavorful dishes and creative cocktails.
Why go: Discover unique flavors and enjoy a modern cocktail scene with appealing deals on both drinks and savory bites.
34 Restaurant
Address: 720 Girod St, New Orleans, LA 70130
Happy Hour: Mon–Fri 2–7 PM, Weekends 4–7 PM
Deals: $8 wines and sangria by the glass, $9 signature cocktails (Lisboa Spritz, Porto Tônico), Portuguese bites (sardine pâté toast $7, croquettes de jamón $11).
Vibe: Emeril’s newest venture brings a taste of Portugal to New Orleans with a chic and inviting atmosphere.
Why go: Transport yourself to Portugal with unique cocktails and authentic small plates during their generous “Hora de Lazer” happy hour.
Q&C HotelBar
Address: 344 Camp St, New Orleans, LA 70130
Happy Hour: Mon–Sun 4–7 PM
Deals: $3 select beer cans, $5 house wines, $5 high balls.
Vibe: A stylish and comfortable hotel bar with a laid-back feel, popular with both locals and guests.
Why go: A reliable spot for solid drink deals every day of the week in a convenient downtown location.
Uptown / Magazine Street
Gris-Gris
Address: 1800 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70130
Happy Hour: Daily 3–6 PM
Deals: $5 well cocktails, $6 specialty cocktails, $5 house wine and draft beer, $6 seasonal Mockly/NA cocktails, $8 small plate specials.
Vibe: A charming spot offering elevated Southern cuisine and craft cocktails in a stylish, intimate setting.
Why go: Enjoy a diverse menu of drinks and delicious small plates at great prices, with options for everyone, including non-alcoholic choices.
The Bulldog
Address: 3236 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70115
Happy Hour: Mon–Fri 2–7 PM
Deals: Double drinks for the price of a single, $1 off house wines, 50¢ off all pints, $1 off all pitchers.
Vibe: A popular, casual neighborhood pub with an extensive tap list and a dog-friendly patio.
Why go: For serious beer lovers, The Bulldog offers incredible deals on a wide selection of drafts, making it a perfect post-work or weekend stop.
Picnic Provisions & Whiskey
Address: 741 Tchoupitoulas St, New Orleans, LA 70130
Happy Hour: Tue–Fri 3–6 PM
Deals: $6 select cocktails, $2 Michelob Ultra & Urban South Paradise Park, $5 bubbles, $6 snacks, $10 chicken & champagne.
Vibe: A casual and inviting spot with a focus on Southern comfort food and a fantastic whiskey selection.
Why go: Grab some unique snacks and enjoy bubbly or craft beer deals in a relaxed setting before dinner.
Lakeview
Sala Nola
Address: 124 Lake Marina Ave, New Orleans, LA 70124
Happy Hour: Tue–Sun 3–6 PM
Deals: House wines, classic cocktails, well mixed drinks, $10 Frozen Peach Bellinis; food specials.
Vibe: A chic lakeside spot offering Mediterranean-inspired cuisine and a beautiful ambiance, perfect for sunset views.
Why go: Enjoy refreshing cocktails and delicious bites with picturesque views of the lake, a great escape from the city bustle.
| Venue | Days | Hours | Best Deal | Neighbourhood |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Broussard’s | Mon & Thu–Sun | 3–6 PM | $7 classic cocktails | French Quarter |
| Desire Oyster Bar | Mon–Fri | 3–6 PM | $1 oysters | French Quarter |
| Kingfish New Orleans | Mon–Fri | 2–5 PM | $4 beer | French Quarter |
| Red Fish Grill | Mon–Sun | 3–6 PM | $5 beer, classic cocktails | French Quarter |
| Hermes Bar | Mon–Fri | 4–7 PM | $2 domestic beers | French Quarter |
| Plates Restaurant and Bar | Mon–Sun | 4–7 PM (varies) | $6 draft beers | Warehouse District |
| 34 Restaurant | Daily | 2–7 PM (varies) | $8 wines & sangria | CBD |
| Q&C HotelBar | Mon–Sun | 4–7 PM | $3 select beer cans | CBD |
| Gris-Gris | Daily | 3–6 PM | $5 well cocktails | Uptown / Magazine St |
| The Bulldog | Mon–Fri | 2–7 PM | Double drinks for single price | Uptown / Magazine St |
| Picnic Provisions & Whiskey | Tue–Fri | 3–6 PM | $5 bubbles | Warehouse District |
| Sala Nola | Tue–Sun | 3–6 PM | $10 Frozen Peach Bellinis | Lakeview |
🎁 Best Deals & Offers in New Orleans, LA This Week
🍽️ Dining Deals
$1 Oysters at Desire Oyster Bar
Venue: Desire Oyster Bar, 300 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70130
Deal: Enjoy fresh Gulf oysters for just $1 each during happy hour.
Availability: Monday–Friday, 3–6 PM.
Why go: A classic New Orleans experience, savoring briny oysters at an unbeatable price in the lively French Quarter.
Happy Hour Small Plates at Kingfish New Orleans
Venue: Kingfish New Orleans, 337 Chartres St, New Orleans, LA 70130
Deal: Creole Cracklin for $10, Crispy Brussels Sprouts for $10, Crawfish Bread for $10, Pimento Cheese Deviled Eggs for $6, and Louisiana Shrimp Slider for $11 (one) or $15 (two).
Availability: Monday–Friday, 2–5 PM.
Why go: Taste creative takes on Southern comfort food with these delicious and generously priced small plates.
🍸 Drink Specials
Half Off Champagne Bottles at Brennan’s
Venue: Brennan’s, 417 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70130
Deal: “Bubbles at Brennan’s” offers half off bottles of champagne and specialty bubbly cocktails.
Availability: Mon–Thu 2–7 PM (Courtyard & Roost Bar), Fri 9 AM–7 PM (Courtyard & Roost Bar).
Why go: Treat yourself to a luxurious experience with sparkling wine in Brennan’s iconic courtyard.
Double Drinks at The Bulldog
Venue: The Bulldog, 3236 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70115
Deal: Get double drinks for the price of a single, plus discounts on wines and pints.
Availability: Monday–Friday, 2–7 PM.
Why go: A fantastic deal for beer enthusiasts and those looking for a laid-back atmosphere with great value.
🎭 Entertainment Offers
Live Music at The Spotted Cat Music Club
Venue: The Spotted Cat Music Club, 623 Frenchmen St, New Orleans, LA 70116
Deal: Enjoy live New Orleans music ranging from Traditional and Modern Jazz, Blues, Funk, and more. One drink minimum, 21+ only.
Availability: Open 7 days a week, 2 PM–2 AM. Check weekly calendar for specific acts.
Why go: Immerse yourself in the authentic New Orleans music scene in the heart of the Marigny, a local favorite for raw talent.
Live Music at House of Blues Restaurant & Bar
Venue: House of Blues Restaurant & Bar, 225 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70130
Deal: Seven nights a week, guests can enjoy live, local music in the restaurant & bar, or in the Voodoo Garden if weather permits. Family-friendly.
Availability: Daily.
Why go: Dine on Southern-inspired cuisine while enjoying diverse live music acts from jazz to rock in a vibrant, artistic setting.
📱 Loyalty & App Deals
Drinker’s Edition App
Venue: Various New Orleans venues
Deal: The Drinker’s Edition app tracks over 1,400 venues and 443 active happy hour specials, updated daily.
Availability: Ongoing
Why go: This app is a comprehensive resource for finding the best happy hour deals across New Orleans, ensuring you never miss a special.
🎉 Events & Parties in New Orleans, LA — May 2026
📅 Tonight & Tomorrow
FREAKFEST with CRANKDAT & Jessica Audiffred
Date & Time: Sunday, May 3, 2026 • 10:00 PM
Venue: The Metropolitan, 1700 Girod St, New Orleans, LA 70113
Tickets: From $51.98
Don’t miss: A high-energy electronic music event featuring two prominent DJs for a wild Sunday night.
Monsters (Funk/Jazz Fusion)
Date & Time: Sunday, May 3, 2026 • 8:00 PM
Venue: Maple Leaf Bar, 8316 Oak St, New Orleans, LA 70118
Tickets: Check venue for pricing, 21+
Don’t miss: Experience high-energy, improvised late-night grooves from a local funk/jazz fusion outfit – no two sets are alike.
George Porter Jr. Trio with Chris Adkins
Date & Time: Monday, May 4, 2026 • 10:00 PM
Venue: Maple Leaf Bar, 8316 Oak St, New Orleans, LA 70118
Tickets: Check venue for pricing, 21+
Don’t miss: See the legendary co-founder of The Meters bring his deep New Orleans funk to one of the city’s most iconic stages.
📆 This Weekend
STEELY DANth
Date & Time: Sunday, May 3, 2026 • 9:00 PM
Venue: Republic NOLA, 828 S Peters St, New Orleans, LA 70130
Tickets: From $51.71
Don’t miss: A special performance at Republic NOLA for fans of the iconic band Steely Dan.
🗓️ Coming Up This Month
New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival
Date & Time: Final weekend concludes in early May (specific dates for final weekend of 2026 not explicitly stated, but historically runs through early May).
Venue: Fair Grounds Race Course, 1751 Gentilly Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70119
Tickets: Varies
Don’t miss: The iconic festival concludes its run, offering a final chance to experience world-class music, local food, and unique crafts.
“God of Carnage”
Date & Time: April 30–May 17, 2026
Venue: Le Petit Theatre, 616 St Peter St, New Orleans, LA 70116
Tickets: Varies
Don’t miss: This darkly comedic play explores the volatile interactions between two sets of parents after a playground incident.
The Queens! 4 Legends, 1 Stage
Date & Time: Wednesday, May 7, 2026
Venue: Smoothie King Center, 1501 Dave Dixon Dr, New Orleans, LA 70113
Tickets: Varies
Don’t miss: A rare opportunity to see R&B and soul icons Chaka Khan, Patti LaBelle, Gladys Knight, and Stephanie Mills perform together.
Bayou Boogaloo
Date & Time: May 15–17, 2026
Venue: Bayou St. John, Mid-City, New Orleans, LA
Tickets: Varies
Don’t miss: A beloved Mid-City festival known for its family-friendly fun, local food, craft vendors, and live music, with proceeds benefiting the community.
🆓 Free Events
NOLA Very Good Tuesday
Date & Time: Tuesday, May 5, 2026 • 8:00 PM
Venue: Maple Leaf Bar, 8316 Oak St, New Orleans, LA 70118
Tickets: Free (21+)
Don’t miss: An evening of spontaneous, improvised music from New Orleans’ top musicians, offering a unique and authentic local experience with no cover.
Crispin Schroeder, Anna La Mare, The Tanglers
Date & Time: Tuesday, May 12, 2026 • 8:00 PM
Venue: Okay Bar NOLA, 1700 Fern St, New Orleans, LA 70125
Tickets: Free
Don’t miss: Enjoy a night of free live music featuring talented local artists at a neighborhood bar.
| Event | Date | Venue | Ticket Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| FREAKFEST with CRANKDAT & Jessica Audiffred | Sun, May 3 | The Metropolitan | From $51.98 |
| Monsters (Funk/Jazz Fusion) | Sun, May 3 | Maple Leaf Bar | Varies |
| George Porter Jr. Trio | Mon, May 4 | Maple Leaf Bar | Varies |
| STEELY DANth | Sun, May 3 | Republic NOLA | From $51.71 |
| New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival (final weekend) | Early May | Fair Grounds Race Course | Varies |
| “God of Carnage” | Apr 30–May 17 | Le Petit Theatre | Varies |
| The Queens! 4 Legends, 1 Stage | Wed, May 7 | Smoothie King Center | Varies |
| Bayou Boogaloo | May 15–17 | Bayou St. John | Varies |
| NOLA Very Good Tuesday | Tue, May 5 | Maple Leaf Bar | Free |
| Crispin Schroeder, Anna La Mare, The Tanglers | Tue, May 12 | Okay Bar NOLA | Free |
❓ Frequently Asked Questions — New Orleans, LA Happy Hours & Nightlife
Q: What time does happy hour start in New Orleans?
Happy hour times in New Orleans vary widely by venue. Many establishments, particularly in the Central Business District and French Quarter, begin their happy hours in the mid-afternoon, often around 2 PM or 3 PM, and extend into the early evening. For example, Kingfish New Orleans starts happy hour at 2 PM, while Broussard’s and Gris-Gris kick off at 3 PM.
Q: Which New Orleans bars have the cheapest drinks?
For some of the cheapest drinks, consider Hermes Bar in the French Quarter, offering domestic beers for $2 and imported beers for $3 during happy hour. The Bulldog on Magazine Street is another great option, where you can get double drinks for the price of a single. Q&C HotelBar in the CBD also features select beer cans for just $3.
Q: What are the best neighbourhoods for nightlife in New Orleans?
The French Quarter is famously vibrant, with iconic spots like Bourbon Street and Frenchman Street offering live music and historic bars. Uptown, particularly around Magazine Street and Freret Street, boasts a mix of craft cocktail bars and local hangouts like Cure and The Columns Hotel. The Central Business District (CBD) is known for its hip rooftop bars and upscale lounges.
Q: Are there free events in New Orleans this month?
Yes, there are free events happening in New Orleans this May. The Maple Leaf Bar hosts “NOLA Very Good Tuesday” on May 5th, featuring improvised music with no cover charge. Additionally, Okay Bar NOLA will have a free live music event with Crispin Schroeder, Anna La Mare, and The Tanglers on May 12th.
Q: What are the best rooftop bars in New Orleans?
New Orleans offers several excellent rooftop bars for elevated views and cocktails. Hot Tin at the Pontchartrain Hotel (Uptown) provides 270-degree views of downtown and the Mississippi River. Mambo’s on Bourbon Street (French Quarter) is notable as the only rooftop bar directly on Bourbon. In the CBD, both The Pool Club at Virgin Hotels and Above the Grid at NOPSI Hotel offer chic poolside vibes and skyline panoramas.
