We happened to stay in a place that was walking distance to Pal's and after a Sunday late morning/early afternoon hanging out there, drinking Bacon Bloody Marys and champagne tinted cocktails and eating some damn delicious chicken and waffles from a pop-up food vendor outside I felt like I had won some sort of award for picking the best neighborhood bar around. Seriously, the people working here were superbly friendly. The drinks were fantastic. Even the patrons were other kindred souls that would have most likely been my friends if I lived in New Orleans. It's got kind of a dive bar feel, and the clientele matches that in all the best ways. But, the drink menu definitely diverts from the dive bar usual and I can get down with that. I'd be more than happy to head back here next time I find myself in NoLa. read more

I walked to Pal's from my house: one star The fight between Drunk Guy and Over It Bartender: three stars! Bartender, to security: "get this guy outta here, he's had enough and driving me crazy." Drunk Guy, to the bar: "You can't do this to me!!! You know what?!? As a regularly drinking person who drinks alcohol regularly, I have to say that you are the WORST bartender!!! Your beers are awful!! You are a disgrace to bars and people who drink at them. LIKE ME. I drink!!! And I hate you!!!" read more

Great neighborhood bar with friendly bartenders, a great juke box and a fabulous men's room. Be sure to check out Taco Tuesdays! Eat Mah Taco pops up and serves some amazing grub! She changes the menu every week, so there's always something good to try. Highlights are the Baja Ha fried cod taco, the Masala Holla chicken tikka masala taco and also the Squeal Blue Big BBQ pulled pork with blue cheese and cilantro slaw. She also offers a "2 for $2" taco every week. Note to the owners: Please upgrade the women's room to look as nice as the men's room! read more

They have several pop-up restaurants through out the week. My favorite being Pirate pizza Friday and apparently Saturday's too now. But besides the pizza, I really like this place. Its got a neighborhood bar kinda feel without the creepiness of a dive bar. Its the modern day Cheers basically...and who doesn't love Cheers? The layout is a little odd but the space is what it is. Its a long narrow bar with small tables against the wall and a row of tables beside the bar which are only for overflow. Every time I've sat there, the poker players arrive and I'm suddenly in their way. There is also a room in the back with a pool table. I've honestly never been back there. Maybe on a busy weekend people might use it. The jukebox has tons of classics. Usually a familiar tune playing when you're sippin' on your drink. The same bartender is always there when I go in on various days of the week. I like seeing the same face. She makes great recommendations like the Pear Martini which is now my go-to drink and shes the happiest person I've ever seen working. So nice and always smiling. Love her! Although its not a fancy cocktail lounge, they happen to make some great mixed drinks. -1star for the smoking, although they have filters which help keep the smoke to a minimum, you still leave smelling like an ashtray. read more

This is your basic NOLA neighborhood dive bar that you need to ring the buzzer to be let in, yes, its that kind of dive bar (but don't be put off by that). Its in Bayou St. John part of town and off the tourist track so you'll find and interesting and colorful local crowd here. The interior design is a work in progress with layers of the bars past all over the place like an archeological dig. The booze is cheap enough and the bartender was attentive without being a pain. If you're looking for a genuine NOLA dive bar experience without having to worry too much about getting hit on the head, this is a good choice. BTW the Gingerita was excellent. read more

This is my favorite bar in New Orleans. The bartenders are super nice, and the jukebox kicks all kinds of butt. I can drink a hot coffee cocktail and listen to Roxy Music while I play air hockey at 3 AM. Their specialty cocktails are good, too. Try the Shinobi. Yeah, that's right. They have a cocktail named after Shinobi. The only thing cooler than that would be a cocktail called the Bionic Commando, but I'm pretty sure there's no such thing. If you think you found a cooler bar in town, you need to get your head examined. read more

What a quaint little neighborhood bar. I was pleasantly surprised to find out they could make a really good french 75. Pal's is fancy AF. I'd say its a bump up from a dive bar, but still really chill. On a Wednesday night it was pretty packed, but it was over the holidays so its hard to really judge if that was the average crowd. Everyone from the bartenders to the other patrons were friendly and nice and said "excuse me" if they bumped you. A rarity these days. I really enjoyed the bathrooms, mainly because I had to climb up Rapunzel's tower to get to it. (disclaimer: it's really like 4 or 5 steps) I also enjoyed having to get buzzed in, which only adds to the enchantment. I am I creature of habit and will ritualistically go to the same places over and over again. Pal's made me realize its worth it to venture out more often and see whats around the corner. I will add this to my rotation for sure. Great place to grab a drink and chat with friends old and new. read more

A locals bar in the Bayou St. John area of Mid-City. I went on a Sunday and was told by people who visit it often that I came on a more sedate night than usual. This bar is a great place to observe hipsters in their native environment. All the elements of their diet are present: a jukebox filled with music nobody listens to, dollar PBR, and vintage arcade games. Personally, I enjoy going on a hipster safari so this is a big plus. There was a tin of homemade cookies and a cardboard box filled to the brim with turkey legs all for the taking. You don't find that at many places. I wonder who the hell cooks all that... the cookies were damn good. There's an air hockey table in a back room which is a freakin' blast. Strangers seemed to enjoy watching the often-heated matches, offering commentary, praise, and occasional ridicule. Within view of the air hockey table is the men's restroom, separated only by 10 feet and a pair of saloon doors.... and believe me, it's a sight... the walls are covered in playboy centerfolds from the '70s. Remember, shake it more than twice and you're playing with yourself. Some people got stabbed here back in 2007. Still, it doesn't seem to be a dodgy area by any means and I'll be back. read more

I really like Pal's and I love the "special" wallpaper in the men's restroom here. They often have cheap and free food specials. They have outstanding bartenders that always make sure you have a good time. They have a security officer at the front door and you have to get buzzed in by the bartender (as the neighborhood used to be a lot more shady and might still have some shady characters occasionally but it seems to be getting better and better around the area all the time). I've never had any problems in this area and I've been here at ALL hours. I've always had a fantastic time in this bar and they are always making some very creative cocktails. They also have all sorts of fun games in the back and an awesome jukebox. I wish this place was closer to my house and I would be here even more than I already am. read more

This is the type of place that keeps me looking for the next great spot in Nola. Old school vibe, dark divey air hockey's and great bartenders. I love this city! read more

Pal's Lounge - Oh the 70s - Lounges Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

Best advice I ever got from regular at Pal's: "You drinking a Dark and Stormy babeh? Get you a Mark and Stormy. That's the Pal's way." Maker's Mark and Ginger Beer. It's a life changer. Oh yeah and get a double and it comes in a signature Pal's Lounge blue plastic cup. I can always use another 13 of those to add to my 87 others. An even 100? Yes please. Other great drinks like the Gingerita, Blueberry Lemonade etc. Good selection of beers, peanuts always on the bar, a hook to hang my purse when I sit at the bar, and they do group viewings of True Blood, Treme etc. And I concur with other reviews, this is the one bar I don't mind leaving and smelling like an ashtray. read more

One of the great dive bars in the world yet this one keeps chugging along. Doing its own thing. Sure the drinks are way too sweet and yes those trash cans are large enough to fall into, but this is authentic Nola. If you don't like it, leave. read more

This is the perfect neighborhood bar! My girlfriend and I came from Philadelphia here on our last day of our trip to NoLa and this was the most welcoming place we've been to. Just the perfect amount of customers to feel busy without crowded. The drinks were delicious and the bartender outgoing and competent. Wish we had a place like Pal's back home. Definitely worth the Lyft from the French Quarter. read more

Grab a taco on Tues. If it's too smoky in the bar, I'll bring the tacos to the bayou and watch ducks swimming along while washing down the grease with $2 Tecate. Then head back for more. The only bar in town that I enjoy going to the pisser. People love Finn's. I love Pal's more. read more

Not sure if the buzzing-in of people is necessary anymore, especially with the guard outside, but it's interesting and somewhat unique. At the least, you feel safer when you're inside. A dive bar is a dive bar is a dive bar. What else is there to say? Pal's is a comfortable location for it's neighborhood patrons, not on Esplanade itself, but not far from it. Pal's is unique perhaps for its elaborate mural, the epicenter of which is in the men's bathroom, of nude playmate spreads and man's man advertisements featuring Sean Connery and Burt Reynolds. Outside of the men's restroom one still spots carefully placed frames of old nude drawings and advertisements. So, take it as it is. The air-hockey table in the back was tempting but I didn't have cash. Sopranos pinball too. I'll probably be back if I make more friends in that neighborhood, or just to find out if they really have $1 PBR's like another reviewer mentioned. read more

Yet another update for one of my favo bars. A huge thanks to Laura for making me the BEST "Trace Evidence" EVER!!! If you like "Buffalo Trace" then this is going to be one of the best uses of this delicious liquor that "you've" ever tasted. Who are "you"? Tonight, it's me! read more

Amazing jukebox. Spot on service. Board games by the window. Perfect size and comfortable lighting/decor. The regulars are definitely friendly enough to warrant the name "Pal's" lounge. Each bartender can make a great bloody mary. It depends on who it is, but usually it's perfectly spicy with plenty of garnish and not too thick. When my boyfriend lived next door to Pal's, the bloodies saved my life many a Saints season morning. The go cups here are great--big sturdy and plastic. As far as neighborhood bars go, this one about takes the cake in NOLA. If only I were a neighbor!! read more

Nice little spot with great gingerita, a lot of board games, free peanuts and nachos! read more

Pal's Lounge - Board games heaven! - Lounges Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

I have no idea about Pal's Lounge. I'm writing a rare five-star review for Budsi's Authentic Thai (@budsiauthenticthai on Instagram). Budsi does a fantastic job cooking consistently delicious Thai food. It's the best in the New Orleans area--there's no question about that. She takes great care with the ingredients and preparation and you will not be disappointed. Everything is fresh and incredibly flavorful. I routinely got one dish there and one dish to go, because I knew I'd crave it the next day. Budsi is only open 3 evenings a week, so check out her schedule on her facebook or instagram page. On second thought, please don't use facebook or instagram, both of which are evil...but please do go have a meal on Sunday, Tuesday or Friday night's beginning at 6 pm. read more

Pal's is one of my favorite bars because it has a nice selection of craft cocktails and on any given night a great menu of popup food from the kitchen. They have plenty of lighted bike parking and security at night with an armed guard and locked door. read more

I don't usually like going home smelling like smoke for a week, but Pal's is one dive bar that is worth it. Taco Tuesdays (2 for $2) has my heart and I'm not ready to break it off any time soon. The cocktail menu is creative and tasty, so I make it a point to try something new each time I go. I may make a few faces here and there at how strong the drinks are, but they don't disappoint. A drink being "too strong" has never been a bad complaint, I'm sure. Be warned: this is one SMALL bar! You may have to leave the entire posse at home. read more

Pals is a nice neighborhood bar. Nice people and drinks. Unfortunately they don't staff properly for their crowd. You willl almost always have to wait for a drink. Which is ridiculous because it's not a large bar. Years ago they were in it. Wish it would come back. read more

Midcity bar with a lot of charm. Come in for a drink and enjoy the company that surrounds you!

Really great neighborhood bar. Friendly bartenders, great drinks, and great prices. They also have a multitude of games! The pop-ups here are also excellent. read more

BLUF: Small neighborhood bar with laid back character. I will like this place 100x more once the smoking ban goes into affect on 22 April 2015. Very smokey currently. It is a small local bar for neighbors so it will be nicer once more people can enjoy it. Great place for happy hour or a couple drinks. Nice bartender and clients. Naked lady pictures in the bathrooms too so that is awesome. (bbq on saturdays) read more

4/5 gem I love this place. Whenever I'm here, I feel like I'm wrapped up in the heart of New Orleans. It's a quintessential neighborhood bar. I couldn't resist springing for their little blue cup (which looks like "Cal" go bears!!) - I love seeing it around the house. The do enforce the noise levels, so keep it all inside. Overall super friendly and one if the favorites. read more

YES. This was the perfect way to top off my trip to New Orleans. I won 20 bucks playing video poker, drank some cold ones with friends, ate outrageous fried chicken and waffles from the pop-up eatery and enjoyed the hell out of the dive-y decor. I can't really do the decor justice, but it just feels right for the space. The bartender was cool and the patrons were all jovial and nice even during a football game. Plus this place is nestled right in the middle of a little neighborhood so it feels secret and out-of-the-way. I'd return in a heartbeat. read more

Fantastic neighborhood bar with friendly, funny bartenders, strong drinks, and free food! There is also an air hockey table in the back. There are old nude photos on the walls. Ring a buzzer to get in. The patrons are pretty cool and the neighborhood is not bad. I love that they have Pal's cups, shirts and sweatshirts! read more

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Lived up the street, spent all my money there, caught the black lung from the smoke, loved the bartenders, sick of the jukebox selections, naked chicks on the bathroom walls, free food often, the delay between the three tvs ruins Saints games, run into everybody I know there, trivia is good, open hella late. Good neighborhood dive pretty much sums it up. read more

I've lived in NOLA for over a decade and had yet to ever make it to Pal's, definitely going to go back. Pros: Super friendly bartenders, fun cocktail menu (I went when it was super cold and they had a lot of warm drink options), I never felt rushed. Nice vibe and nice clientele without being stuffy. Definitely a neighborhood bar. I noticed the board games available and could totally imagine chilling for a bit with friends. Cons: it is a little on the small side so not the best place for large groups or if you tend to easily feel claustrophobic read more

Love it, loved it, loved it. The cocktails were nice, but the pop up food was amazing. Best pulled pork ever made with true passion and the love of all things food. read more

Man, lemme tell ya what. The food here's awesome. They do different things on different days and there's air hockey and it is just great wholesome fun and really at the end of the day it's all about having fun. Cross your fingers you get Trent as your bartender, dude brings the Pal to the Lounge. These guys have THE best lemons in town. read more

Pal's Lounge - Best lemons ever. - Lounges Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

Went to this bar over halloween weekend with my girl. awesome place, great decor with all sorts of vintage vargas pin ups hanging around as well as a nice collection of late 60s-70s Playboy pics and cool ads in the bathroom--Burt Reynolds style advice, Johnny Carson Leisure suits, '67 Barracuda! Trent the bartender sported a rockin' Evel Knievel costume and kept our whiskey glasses full--he also knew a lot about the late Mr. Knievel. Keep in mind that the neighborhood is border/transitional so the bar's door is locked, you have to buzz to get in--they do this to deter the bone heads that keep trying to rob the place despite the 24/7 video cameras and the numerous guns kept by the bar staff. I think they open earlier on weekends and later afternoon--like 3pm during the week. This place is an easy bike ride--if you ride--from the Quarter and such. If I were in NOLA I wouldn't think of not visiting this place, it was awesome and I regretted the fact that we were unable to stay and drink a while longer. The bartender and patrons were cool--and I wouldn't say they were annoying hipsters despite the PBR in the cooler and the vintage arcade. read more

Hey I just heard about that story that Chris told, except from the woman who got proofed. I've been to Pal's before, but I ain't going back if your staff are going to be a bunch of dicks. EDIT: We rode past Pal's this weekend, and the aforementioned woman said, "let's go in". I like Pal's, and I know the reason why there is a security guard is that they were held up at gunpoint a few years ago. When I said, "I'm boycotting a place", they gave me a good reason to never come back and you won't see me there again. Not "Let's drop in" on a drunken whim. But as all the times I've spent at Pal's, it was nice there, and I enjoyed myself. Except for the smoke. So I changed my review. I got no more beef if my woman doesn't. read more

from the outside doesn't look like much. doorman def wants to see all ID no matter what age you are. That says much to me. obviously the first thought is there have been problems at this place so ID is a great way to say no to folks if they don't have it. but thats okay, I can live with that. I don't blame a good hood bar for making sure no ICKY folks come in. Indeed. AND being asked ID at the age of 55 is pretty funny. I am old enough to be his mama. its all in the way you ask. and being positive when you do? makes all the difference in the world. so I laughed it off. quaint inside, but LOUD. jukebox played one song while we were there. we ordered tacos and chips n queso which hit the spot, and was QUICK. The kitchen was just getting ready to close up, so I really appreciated the waitress coming to our table and asking us if we were hungry since she was nearly closed. THAT is something very special to me right there. over the top nice and helpful. She checked on us several times. AWESOME usually when kitchens in a bar are close to closing for the night? that last order isn't what they are wanting to see. LOL thanks for being real. drink wise? pretty average. they were busy, but not in the weeds. the bartender kept up with everyone, and it all was super neighborhood. curious to see this place during the gras or during busy times in the summer. I'm a standard cocktail person and not really into experimenting new things. I've been a bartender for a long time too. I just am simple, hungry, thirsty, and happy. AND I NEEDED a CIGARETTE. that def made it for me. see you soon. read more

Great local place. Cold beer! My bartender Tiffany was amazing. I would come back just for her. Kool ppl. read more

Pal's Lounge - Lounges Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

They have a new AC/DC pinball machine. Sure do wish theyd level it out correctly. Especially since it costs 75 cents a play. cmon...how hard is it? Jukebox is rad. read more

Legit neighborhood bar. I wouldn't say it qualifies as a dive -- its a little too nice for that, but its not stuffy or upscale or anything. It just has a really cozy, comfortable kind of vibe. It doesn't smell bad and the floors don't stick to the bottom of your shoes. I had no concerns about contracting a viral or bacterial infection from using the WC. I would be happy to escort my grand mother to this fine drinking establishment. Great atmosphere, lots of regulars from the neighborhood, good jams on the jukebox. Lots of good jazz from the sound of it (modern jazz, too -- not just NOLA trad jazz). The bartender bought me a shot to welcome me as a first timer -- very much appreciated. I'll certainly be working this bar into the rotation. pro tip: they have a huge stack of board games in the corner. choice. read more

My favorite bar in all of New Orleans... Neighborhood AF and with an awesome/well executed cocktail menu! Homey, divey and the bartenders really know their stuff. Rotating food pop ups outside for your late night drunchies. read more

This is the best neighborhood bar In New Orleans hands down, and Cindy, one of the bartenders, if fucking awesome. 10/10.