Pat O'Brien's, New Orleans

If you are looking for a place with live music, great drinks and an electric atmosphere, then the Pat O'Briens Piano Bar is the place for you. Two pianist are on the stage playing from a music playlist sent to them by guests on napkins...the music is loud and the patrons sing along as if they are at a concert.

Dress Code: A very casual place, so no need to get all dressed up. But the main reason people go here are for the famous Pat O'Briens Hurricane:

4 oz. Pat O'Briens Hurricane Cocktail Mix
4 oz. Pat O'Briens Hurricane Rum
Fill glass with crushed ice
Garnish with orange and cherry

Pat O'Brien's is a New Orleans institution. Unlike its famous neighbor, Preservation Hall, there are tables and (more important) drinks. Not just any old drinks, but their Hurricanes are their claim to fame, and after a few, you never can tell what kind of scene you'll make at Pat O's!

There are two pianos onstage, and two players in a round-robin style. There might be male pianists, but I've never seen anyone else but women onstage playing and singing. Some are good, some are great- some are funny and some are just plain kitch, but it's all fun and all good.

Dress Code: Informal and anything goes. Being New Orleans, this place is hopping from late afternoon til whenever. The courtyard is a lot of fun too, but inside is where the show is the best. (Make sure someone sings 'Sara, Sara, swinging on the shedhouse door'.)

Pat O'briens is a great place to hang out day and night. Food is pretty good as well. Don't forget to try a Hurricane or another one of their fun drinks.

Dress Code: Seems anything goes. Then again, it was Halloween when I was there.

My parents and brother and I went to Pat O'Briens because it's my understanding it is a must see. However, I was not impressed at all! There were too many crowds and after waiting for some time we finally were seated at a table in the piano bar area. There was a strange old man who stood and tapped his fingers on a tin plate much to the crowds' pleasure. I found him more annoying and a distraction from the music of the pianos personally. But to be honest with you the piano music left MUCH to be desired and I would probably never care to go back.

Dress Code: Does dress code really matter in New Orleans?

This outdoor bar is the best! Love sipping drinks in the open air around the very cool fireplace!

oh my god 3/4 of the way through my pat o brians hurricane and i was f'd up!!!! that and the goodies i brought from home. i HIGHLY reccomend the hurricanes at pat o's !!!

Dress Code: none

From its own postcard:
Located in the heart of New Orlean's "Vieux Carre", in the building and courtyard erected in 1791 as the first Spanish Theatre in the USA.

More later

Dress Code: Casual

Got to have a Hurricane drink while sitting in the piano bar listening to the dueling pianos. Tons of fun with lots of people and be rowdy!

Dress Code: Casual