After dark: from elegant cabarets to raucous bars, nightlife in the French Quarter suits every mood

Pool & Spa News, Oct 3, 2003 by Paul A. Greenberg

Where: 225 Decatur St.; (504) 529-2583

Cost: $$$

* Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville

Fun factor: The Caribbean side of the French Quarter.

The scoop: If you've wondered what wasting away in Margaritaville is really all about, this is your place. Buffett's chain has found its way around the world, but only here does it rock with a "Nawlins" flair. From bluegrass, acoustic blues and rock to solid jazz and R&B, this is a dependable, fun nightspot. Try the "spicy, creamy crawfish dip" with nacho chips. Whew!

Where: 1104 Decatur St.; (504) 592-2565

Cost: $$

* Kelsto Club

Fun factor: Owned by the original, notorious FOB.

The scoop: Remember the one and only Gennifer Flowers? Uh-huh, that Gennifer Flowers. Well, Miss F has landed in New Orleans and opened a surprisingly upscale, chic cabaret in the Quarter. This is a clubby, comfortable place to hear the proprietor sing blues and jazz standards, and to enjoy a quiet cocktail with your significant other. Go for happy hour and don't be surprised if you stay till the wee hours.

Where: 720 St. Louis St.; (504) 524-1111

Cost: $$$

* Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop

Fun factor: Where the uninhibited land after a night of bar-hopping.

The scoop: Said to be the oldest existing building in the entire Mississippi Valley, Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop is a dark, cozy hole in the wall in the center of the French Quarter. On the outside it may look like it's leaning a bit, ready to collapse, but inside the party atmosphere continues through the night until sunrise.

Where: 941 Bourbon St.; (504) 523-0066

Cost: $$

* The Original Dungeon

Fun factor: The dark side of the Crescent City.

The scoop: You owe yourself at least one trip to the Dungeon, the flagship of the city's underground, late-night club scene. It's down a dark alley (don't worry--it's safe) and it doesn't open until midnight. Try one of the house specialty drinks, either a Dragon's Blood or a Witch's Brew, and see what "Goth" is all about. Oh, and about the dance music? Britney Spears it's not!

Where: 738 Toulouse St.; (504) 523-5530

Cost: $$

* Oz

Fun factor: All-night dancing and a world-class sound system.

The scoop: The mostly gay and gay-friendly crowd welcomes you with open arms every night. Insider's tip: Those open arms may belong to a drag queen. Details magazine ranked Oz in its top 50 dance clubs in the country, and once you're there, you'll know why. A two-story disco with an outstanding sound system creates a party atmosphere every night.

Where: 800 Bourbon St.; (504) 593-9491

Cost: $$

* Palm Court Jazz Cafe

Fun factor: Hot jazz and spicy food.

The scoop: You know a place is really worth going to when it's filled with loyal local jazz enthusiasts. The elegant mahogany bar, old-timey mosaic tile floor and oversize pictures of jazz musicians lining the walls make this place just what you thought New Orleans would be. Best of all, the food is second to none. But leave your shorts and T-shirts in the suitcase: casual elegance rules here.

Where: 1204 Decatur St.; (504) 525-0200

Cost: $$$

* Pat O'Brien's