We had a drink here right after we landed at midnight. Had the crawfish pie (which were actually 5 or so small turnovers) and the blackened fish sandwich. This comes with cole slaw, but all I received was a tiny plastic cup of vinegary cabbage and onion. Lame. Overpriced at $9. They have a great beer selection.
Review Source:We came to see the Hot 8 Brass Band at the Howlin' Wolf Den. Â They weren't exactly ready to start around 10 when arrived, and there was barely any indication that they desired to do so. Â We saw the guys in the band lingering around, so we figured we'd wait a bit and see how it went. Â We had a beer in the mean time. Â The bar itself is OK enough. Magic Hat on tap always makes me happy, but what does NOT Â make me happy is the lack of dairy ON PURPOSE for my beloved White Russians. Not cool, man.
I know that I confused and embarrassed the shit out of some poor male patrons. For some odd reason (I'm generally brighter than this,) I could not decipher which was the men's restroom or the women's restroom. Hell, I didn't even notice that there was a women's restroom at all, and I swore there was no sign on the men's. Â My husband says there was, but whatever. I still don't believe there was. There was certainly no lock. Â We all found out the hard way on that one. Â Anyhow, I had become drunk enough to not care, and overjoyed once the band got around to playing. Â We had a blast getting funky in the square cement box they designate as a stage area.
Go check out the Hot 8 Brass Band, and for the love of all that is holy, loosen up and let go! Dance and enjoy!!!! Â You'll be so happy you did!
I went in for their "Fest By Night" event during Jazz fest. Â Tickets were sold out but I found a way to circumvent security (Don't ask). Â
The place is huge. Â I didn't get to check out the rear rooms but the main room was thumping with sound & bass. Â I imagine that certain acts make the ground SHAKE in there. Â I loved how they had a screen up showing live-tweets from people in the crowd. Â That became hilarious, real fast. Â
Things to know before you go:
1) If tickets are available the night you want to go, order them ASAP! Â The line to purchase tickets at the door was crazy and ran down the whole block. Â Hence my 007 escapades. Â
2) The bar gets crowded really fast so if you can have one agent in your unit secure one of the few-and-far-between tables (with accompanying stools, maybe), while the others grab a few bottles/cans of drinks.
I'm torn about the Howling Wolf...I remember it's origins out in Metairie and it's open mike nights. (WOOO Fat City!) And then it's second incarnation in the warehouse district. And now it's current location (which is really like 3 businesses in one), so I guess I feel it's a bit more fractured then it used to be.
There's the bar (ooh just checked the website... officially this is the Den) that serves food and is a great place to chill. There's the backroom where I've seen comedy and gone to random events. And there's the large music hall.
I do really enjoy the bar and if I lived nearby, this might be my hangout. They serve food (always a plus) but the menu is pretty meaty. They do sell Mrs. Wheat's meat pies but only the crawfish and beef ones. The atmosphere is right and the drinks are well poured.
The backroom is intimate and mostly just a big empty space so that's cool. I seem to remember an anti room too. Clearly I was paying lots of attention when I went to my friend's comedy show here.
Finally the big room...it's really big and the acoustics are pretty decent. There are some odd bits of decorations around the sidelines which are used when it's rented out as an event space I think. But they just add to the general chargm.
A Warehouse District staple.
You will see some great local bands here and occasional a large regional band or lesser know national act coming up.
The original location was on Tchoup but moved shortly after Katrina to this location which was formerly Pralines where they had the Gospel Brunch.
Known for their free Lundi Gras street concert with Cowboy Mouth.
Stopped in for an Hurricane and Andy Gator Abita. We figured "when in Rome" we'd keep splurging on Hurricanes during our Mardi Gras trip when we could get them. Unfortunately, every joint served that cruddy Pat O'brien sugary mix punch. Not my girl at Howlin' Wolf, she mixed me Rum and several liqueurs with Pineapple, OJ and lime and it was smashing. They were busy, but she demanded I drink a real hurricane. It was for my wife, but I played along. Â Then as we sat outside one of the Krewes was unloading from their staging area down St. Peters, and heading toward their start line. It was cool to see them before they even got started with the madness. Didn't get to see any music here, but some of our neighbors on the patio were raving about the brass bands, jazz and rock bands that would play the Wolf. We're excited to get back if we're ever around the Harrah's/Warehouse District area.
Review Source:I had lunch here today. I ordered the fish tacos and it took about 30 minutes to get them. It was not very busy, I think the chef was cooking one item at a time. When I did get them there was not very much fish in the taco. Â Too bad, cool vibe, but the service is lacking almost as much as the quality of food. I did like the fresh tortilla chips!
Review Source:I have been to this bar on two different occasions, prior to cruises. It is located right next to port and my hotel, so this always ends up our last stop of the night before preparing to get on the cruise ship in the morning. It is definitely a dive bar, but it's just what you need if you aren't really trying to go for a big night out. They have hot fryers ready to give you some much needed sustenance, perhaps if you've already been partaking in a few alcoholic libations, and has a connecting room where there is often live music. They are open late night, have a limited, but still full, bar, and a good beer selection. It does not put on any heirs, and the bartender may not be nice to you, but who cares, it's a dive bar. Enjoy.
Review Source:On any given night in NOLA, there is so much music going on that you may overlook checking what's on the schedule here but rest assured, this is a great venue and worthy of your time. It's easy to walk here from the FQ or CBD and there are quite a few bars/restaurants on the way so make an adventure of it. The sound is great and their staff are pretty cool. Â Definitely have Howlin' Wolf on your radar when in NOLA.
Pro tip: they have an ATM but it doesn't always work so if you want to use cash, grab some before you get here.
This review is solely for the bar and "restaurant" aspects of Howlin' Wolf.
We were very pleased with this place. We were staying at a hotel near the convention center, and we twice wanted food and a drink at 1 or 2 in the morning without the drunken bar scene. Surprisingly enough, Howlin' Wolf was able to supply us with this on a Thursday and a Saturday, as the music venue component seems to be offset from the open air kitchen and bar set up.
We easily got seats at the bar, and the bartender was friendly and fast with her service. The chef cooked up (well, fried up for the most part) our orders extremely quickly and soon enough we were munching on some unhealthy eats.
The fries were awesome. I've had them with cheese and then with cheese and bacon, and each time they were LOADED with the respective toppings. I was a big fan of the baconed version because they didn't use bacon bits or inappropriately sized slices of the meat. Instead, there was chopped up and shredded bits of greasy bacon permeating the entire dish. It seemed like the cheese and fries were also soaked in grease, but that might be a bit hopeful.
The fried pickles were also phenomenal. It was my first time partaking in such an interesting dish, so maybe I don't have the most refined fried pickles palette, but they were THE BOMB. Slather 'em in ranch and enjoy.
Finally, the beer list was impressive considering the dive-y nature of the place. Lots of Abita on tap, as well as other local/regional beers, and the bartender let me sample a few things before I made a decision. There's also a few bottles available.
How to review such an iconic establishment? I've been to events here on two recent occasions: a burlesque show and a concert.
The nitty gritty:
-good sightlines
-good sound
-kick ass, fast and efficient bartenders (I've been to enough venues where they can't manage the crowds, or maybe they choose to be slow because the crowd is so anonymous to them).
-part of me wants to just live in those little houses that flock either side of the stage.
If you're "hungry like the wolf" (sorry, I had to go there), pop in next door for what smelled like good, greasy bar food (I did not indulge). It's also a good spot for a breather, as there are seats. The main venue doesn't have as much as a banquet.
Side note: Doesn't "Howlin' Wolf" sound like something out of the gay animal kingdom?
Last year in September, I was invited to a concert at Howlin' Wolf on a first date. Â The event was with someone I had known for some time but we never decided to take a leap into the dating realm together. Â When I had first met her over a year ago, her body was of excellent conditioning and her attire absolutely flawless. Â This time however, and forgive me to stating this so forwardly, she had let herself fall into a state of despair without relief that rivaled the Ninth Ward during Hurricane Katrina. Â What the hell happened?! Â She looked like a fullback for the Green Bay Packers squeezed into a tiny pair of pumps! Â Her hair was frizzy and wild like she'd been jabbing hot electrical outlets with a fork and was wearing an extremely tight floral dress that accentuated her new girth and wrapped her up like an ancient Egyptian mummy. Â There wasn't enough bourbon in Kentucky that was going to minimize that eyesore but I made the best of it and accompanied her to the event.
Since the venue had not yet opened to the public and a large line had formed outside, we grabbed a drink at the nearby bar. Â Now, I am definitely someone who can hold their alcohol but this warrior of a woman was something else altogether. Â I think she cut through her drink in about three swigs. Â I sat on my barstool watching her guzzle booze in amazement like a child at a circus watching death-defying acts, thinking to myself "it's not possible! Â No way! Â The human body cannot do that!" Â The way she was knocking them back, it was like throwing drinks down a well! Â Thank the good Lord that shortly after we sat down, the venue opened their doors and we were allowed inside.
As we entered, my date grabbed my hand and made a mad dash to the bar for more drinks. Â While she was pulling me along, I felt my hand within hers and it was horrifying, to say the least. Â It felt like I was holding a large ham. Â I don't mind public displays of affection but when a girl feels like she's got the strength to kill an angry lion with her bare hands, it's a bit abrasive on one's nerves. Â Drink after drink she continued to pave her way through, leaving nothing behind, not even the ice, which she continued to chew so loudly, her face sounded like a rock polisher. Â I was excited once the music began so that my attention could be turned toward something else instead of my Viking date. Â Seriously, I was surprised she wasn't drinking out of a horn!
I wish I could say that the musician was good but alas, the performance fell faster than Herman Cain's bid for the presidency. Â To top it off, I found myself surrounded within a haze of bong smoke. Â I kid you not, some young college students had brought an actual bong to the concert and were passing it through the crowd like a pizza at a Super Bowl party. Â Struggling to watch the hippy on stage moan and howl about how the world lacks tree huggers and drum circles, my date decided to make her move. Â I suddenly felt her arm snaking around my upper back. Â At first, I said nothing and remained motionless, which is the correct procedure when one encounters a dangerous creature. Â She proceeded to move her hand down towards my lower back and attempted to move inside my shirt. Â I immediately began ducking and dodging like a prize fighter but eventually, she caught me, flung her arms around the back of my head and hung onto my neck. Â Trying to support her while staying upright made me feel like I was competing in a World's Strongest Man competition. Â I had to come up with an excuse to escape. Â I explained to her that I needed to use the restroom and I shot away from the scene as if I had been ejected from a cannon.
Inside the venue's bathroom was a grisly scene! Â There were drunk college students stumbling to and fro; one guy apparently passed out while standing against a urinal. Â I made a dash for an empty stall and once inside, realized quickly why it was empty. Â The toilet bowl was filled to the brim with feces, which seeped over the edges like French onion soup. Â Also, the stall's door had no working lock and appeared as if someone had chewed it off from the inside. Â Apparently, the water board had turned off the city's water supply earlier in the evening for fear of contamination from a previous event, which caused none of the venue's toilets to flush. Â I struggled to relieve myself as drunks continually stumbled into the door behind me, which I held steadfastly closed with my one free hand. Â Toilets had overflowed to my left and right which caused me to dance in place like Fred Astaire to avoid ruining my shoes. Â
When I finally exited the bathroom, my date grabbed me again, pulled me close to her and proceeded to attempt reaching into the front of my pants to throttle me, as if she were a Formula 1 racer, rapidly working her stick shift through the gearbox! Â
It was one of the worst venues I had ever attended and quite possibly the worst date I have ever experienced.
i tend to get on yelp when something is really bad or really good. we were staying at the marriott next store and were hungry this was the closest place. the place was yucky, first of all the cook was wearing no gloves and touching stuff like the telephone while cooking our food...gross. then the food was disgusting, way to much salt in everything, i couldnt even eat it. the pork had no flavor (except salt) and there was nothing else in the sandwich, just pork, yucky salty pork. the fries were soggy and like i said had way to much salt. the sandwich was supposed to come with cole slaw but didnt. and worst of all it was overpriced, 10 dollars for a sandwich and nasty fries. please dont go here if you want something to eat yuck.
Review Source:Walked a couple blocks looking for options to get away from the convention center cafeteria food. The area is a little scary and the outside of this place is a little run down but don't worry. Once you walk in, you'll find a nice little pub style place with indoor and outdoor seating, a great beer menu, full bar if you want and some great comfort food. Had the Cuban and it was awesome. Decent pricing too. Â Took a while to make 2 sandwiches but the great beer made up for it.
Review Source:Live music every night, spectacular beer selection, and even the bar food hit the spot (try the BBQ shrimp po-boy). Obviously they have the larger place on Diamond Street for the larger music venues, but for any old night of the week this place is a little tast of Frenchman Street. It's only worth less one star because for such a local pub spot, I think its $10+ music cover is too expensive.
Review Source:This place came highly recommended by the locals in NOLA. I can see why. Aside from the lunch-time rush (make sure you have time to wait while one chef cooks it all!), this place is damn near perfect.
I had the goat cheese and caramelized onions quesadilla and it did not disappoint! I also picked up a Krispy Kreme bread pudding and it was so yummy!!
Open-air places are high on my list, but add to that great atmosphere, good menu, and delicious beers, and you've pretty much won me over.
Special Note: This place doubles as a music venue and stretches the entire length of the block, not too far from the Convention Center. Actually, it might've been a music venue first and restaurant later, but either way, it's great.
Also, outdoor seating without all the touristy fuss.
I've been to the Howlin' Wolf many times, in both the old location and the current one, Â to see bands. The current location is bigger but lacks the second floor I liked in the old one, but it is a much better place to see a show.
Most recently I went there for the afterparty of a parade. Later that night Rebirth Brass Band was scheduled to play a free show, but until then we had the place. After marching in a parade in the rain the first thing I did was hit up the Den. The Den is Howlin' Wolf's little side bar/restaurant and serves some amazing cheese fries. Seriously, it's almost like a cheese gravy and man that hits the spot.
Inside it's spacious with a large bar along the back wall. Even though we had a couple hundred people we didn't really feel crowded during our party. The bartenders were quick with service and brought our drinks with a smile.
Ultimately we left at the end of the party because there was a GIANT line at the door to see Rebirth and the place became jam packed. For those reviews that complain about waiting outside (to Rebirth in some reviews), what the hell did you expect? You tried to get into a free show for a hugely popular band. It's not like you had tickets ahead of time.
The Howlin Wolf is a cool venue to see a show. Plus there is a separate bar called The Den for food and drinks.
I had been to this venue before it was the Howling Wolf (Praline connection maybe?). Like many things in New Orleans, time has not changed it much, if at all.
The venue is a large open room with a bar along the back wall. The stage is large and has two New Orleans type porches on the side. While they don't do much for a concert, they would probably add ambiance to a private event.
The staff were friendly and regardless of where we were, we had a good view of the stage. The bathrooms were pretty nasty, but they were acceptable.
The Den is a great place to get drinks or food prior to a show. While I didn't have food, I've been told it is very good. Drink prices were reasonable and their beer selection was better than other venues I've been to.
I like this venue and look forward to attending more events here.
Wow, holy disappointed for my first (and last) trip to this place! Â I was also standing for a really long time waiting for Rebirth Brass on Turkey Day. Â We were in town for our first visit from ATL and finally gave up at 12:30am. Â Wish I had read the earlier review of the same experience, and I probably wouldn't have wasted my money on this show. Â Did you know they only have ~10 barstools in the building??
The opening act, Kermit Ruffins, can play really well...but how long can you listen to cover songs??? Â Another patron said it perfectly at 11:30, "I'm bored."
By the way, I told a friend the next day about this terrible experience. Â Her response "that's exactly what happened to me for another show at the Howlin Wolf." Â This might be how things work at this bar, but at least be upfront about it so people can decide if it's for them or not.
**This review focuses mostly on the Hot 8 Brass Band, but the Howlin' Wolf played an integral part in making the concert I attended an all-around great experience.**
In the muggy back room of this crowded club exists the New Orleans I only imagined in my dreams. A mix of ethnicities like none I'd ever seen swayed rhythmically to the funky, jazz, soul and hip hop infused melodies of the Hot 8 Brass Band. This was just the kind of musical experience I had hoped for when coming to NoLa and boy did they deliver. The heat in this air-conditioned brick coffin was high due to the wonderful synergy between the band and the capacity crowd. I would step outside occasionally for a stiff cocktail at the bar before returning for another set.
This is one of those experiences you have to have for yourself. If you live in New Orleans, I shame you to see these guys perform in this venue immediately!
I love the Howlin Wolf. Â They put on fantastic shows from Burlesque to brass bands and everything in between. Â It's a great atmosphere and always a good time. Â The staff is always nice and friendly and I always end up having a good time here.
The Howlin Wolf den is also located right next to the main Howlin Wolf. Â In this dimly lit bar, you can get a drink before you check out your favorite show, you can order food, or you can even see one of the shows that play regularly in the back of the den.
The last time I was at the Den, I had a cuban sandwich with fried pickles. Â It was so good! Â Way better than your average bar food.
My recommendation would be to check this place out for the "must see" events that they have here, get some food at the den and have a good time.
This review is from the point of view of an event planner, with a little spectator opinion thrown in for good measure. :-)
I just had an event at The Howlin' Wolf, and couldn't be happier with our experience there. Nice big stage, plenty of green room and VIP area space for my performers, and really amazing staff. Glen(n), the sound guy for the evening, was absolutely spectacular and rolled with the punches like a champ.
Howie (the owner) was delightful and laid back every step of the way. For a Type A looney (that would be me), he was a very calming influence. All very nice things when dealing with a venue. Overall, he and his staff were very accommodating, and went above and beyond, in my opinion.
Another thing I feel everyone should know is The Howlin' Wolf is extremely supportive of local charities, for more than a promotional boost . . . they really did more than a lot of places would, which makes them true philanthropists, not just saavy marketers.
I'll be supporting them every chance I get, and will encourage my friends to do the same! Also, how flippin' cute are those little "houses" on either side of the stage? I love this place.
My husband and I went to the original Howlin' Wolf many, many times way back in the 90's when we lived in New Orleans and we loved it then.
We went to the new location recently to see the Hot 8 Brass Band in the Howlin' Wolf Den on a Sunday night. Got there early so we grabbed a table in the bar and ordered a few things to nibble on.
Can I just say that the appetizers/food that they serve is AMAZEBALLS!?!?!? The crawfish pies, are ZOMG - we had to order another, the gator and chicken jambalaya was excellent, and the fried pickles were great. The crawfish pies are made fresh in-house and they were incredible. I will make sure we always go here just for the food.
Oh the music - the Hot 8 Brass Band were on FIRE!! It was a little difficult having a 12 piece brass band coming at you in the Den - a very small room for such a show. It was wonderful to see them there and we really enjoyed hearing them.
Great Place to listen to music... it's small-ish... and the sound / acoustics are really good. Â (About a 15 minute walk from Royal/Canal area.)
Enjoyed listening to the Treme Band and the Rebirth Brass Band.... Wow! Â These guys were FANTASTIC.
What I didn't like was that there was NO WHERE TO SIT. Â
And after standing most of the day and walking from the Quarter to HW... I wanted to sit and enjoy a few drinks and listen to music... this isn't that kind of place.
Now... I'm not sure if they usually have tables and they took them out to get more people in to see the bands or what....
I was tired when we got there... so by the end of the night my dogs were totally barking and my knees and back also hurt from all the standing.
I have seen everything from Brass bands, DMC DJ competitions, and stand-up comedy at the Howlin' Wolf. It is a good venue to me because I can walk from my apartment to here in less than a half an hour. The venue is spacious and it standing room only with a couple of stools here and there.
The bar is alright serving the normal selections of beer and spirits but the last time I was there, it was during Jazz Fest, and I felt that the drinks were overpriced and watered down. The bar tenders weren't very happy when I expressed my opinion but that is expected.
Overall, I think the Wolf does a really good job of getting good acts and performances. The quality of the sound and equipment they use is good as well.
This may a little bias review...I went here purely for the music. Â Although this place is a nice small venue and has some great acts...the service is nothing to write home about.
We arrived quite early for the beginning of the show, and already, the four tables were full and taken. Â There is ample space to stand and watch the show, but be prepared...it's mostly standing room only. Â The bar tenders are quick but nothing more than that. Â Not too friendly. Â The prices are okay, about $4 per beer...not too shabby for a music venue.
Next door is the Den...where the food is! Â I would not recommend counting on this place to get some good food quick...not at all. Â We made a stop here after the show and waited over 30 minutes for a hot dog and French fries. Â They ran out of a lot of the other things that were on the menu, and no one was very apologetic about it. Â I mean, who thinks they would need to stock up on food and staff during a Dr. John show???
This place is a good venue to check out the music, but nothing more. Â The service and food are so-so. Â There is nearby street parking and cabs are lined up outside all the time.
This is a pretty okay venue all in all. Â It's not my favorite, nor my most hated, so wouldn't you know it, it's "A-OK!"
I've seen quite a few musical artists here. Â Can't really recount them all, but different genres of music, different types of crowds. Â It's a large-ish space (but you know, not humongous). Â It's never swelled to near capacity the times I've been here, so I've been comfortable standing and slightly swaying. Â There's pretty much no seating (probably a few in the corners, don't remember) so wear your comfy shoes!
The acoustics aren't the greatest, but throw back a few drinks, you won't care anyway. Â From what I recall the bartenders are rather efficient (especially compared to the ones at Tip's, ahem) and drinks are competent. Â
I believe a couple of the times we were here, there were random vendors shilling jewelry and other such trinkets not associated with the musical acts - which is kind of neato. Â
A good venue, for good music.
I think we can all agree that one of the best things about going to any live local show in the NOLA is the crowd watching...crowds of people moving to the beat...or moving to the one in their head (what an you hear that I can't?!?).
But I digress...I'm reviewing the venue, not the crowd.
Huge space, ideally so we don't get packed in beyond movement like at Tip's (no offense), and the fans are on top speed so we don't pass out from the heat/sweat frenzy & the smoke isn't that noticeable.
The best part truly was the extra long bar with LOTS of bartenders! Â It was so easy to get a drink...again, no offense to Tip's but it's darn near impossible to get a refreshment during a show. Â So this was a big plus for me.
Bottom line, great for live music, any kind. Â It could use a few more seating options but if you're there to dance & groove, who cares?!?
Go, enjoy, dance.
This is a review for the bar only. We dropped by for a beer and were exposed to the worst cable "alternative" music ever. Man, if you are a music venue, have good music. We left after some dated and crappy boy band song came on.
The service and the riffraff. All pretty nasty. And I don't mean in a cool New Orleans kinda riffraff way. Some douchebag snagged my husband's tip as he left at the bar.
Oh, and the food sucks too. No surprise there. Board of health? Music police? Is anyone listening?
This is a huge space that, I learned today, is perfect for all kinds of events, beyond your traditional rock/hip-hop/brass band show. The New Orleans Brunch Experiment was here on Sunday afternoon. Rather than a crowd watching bands on the stage, they had booths in a semi-circle around the perimeter of the floor (serving delicious and elaborate brunchy concoctions), a voting box in the middle (where the sound board thing is), and they used the stage for a judges table, awards ceremony, and... that's about it.
The only thing about having a daytime event here was that it was SO freaking dark inside. At first I thought it was just my eyes trying to adjust to the difference between a bright, sunny Spring afternoon and the black, windowless, lit-with-approximately-one-15-watt-lightbulb-in-a-Âcorner interior of the Wolf. But alas, no. It wasn't just a difference in indoor/outdoor light causing temporary blindness. It really was way too dark in there. Oh well - over all, it really wasn't a big deal.
I've seen all kinds of stuff at Howlin' Wolf, in addition to today's super fun event. All of the other "stuff" has been music related, including Jay Electronica, Soul Rebels, Benjy Davis Project, my ex-boyfriend's posse of hobbyist DJs who once threw a too-small-for-the-giant-venue party here, plus some other stuff that I'm forgetting (and at least one that I'm intentionally blocking out.) It's no Tipitina's, for sure, and much less classy/douch-ey than, say, Republic, but a solid event venue nonetheless.
Bottom line: If someone amazing is playing at Howlin' Wolf, go.
The bartenders aren't always overly solicitous, and I once sacrificed my ID and credit card to the bar gods, who I assume must have accepted the offering since I never saw either one of them again. As it turns out, no one answers the phone, nor responds to DMs or @replies to Howlin' Wolf on Twitter, and EVERY F*CKING TIME I tried to stop by to retrieve my forgotten ID and credit card, they were closed. Quite annoying. But it was a while ago, so I'm over it. Moral of the story: don't leave your shit here overnight, because you're liable to lose it permanently. Lessons learned the hard way... I no longer open tabs here. Or at any of the other bars I historically forget my card. But I digress.
Yeah. Howlin' Wolf. Woo!
Came here Thanksgiving night to see Kermit Ruffins and Papa Grows Funk. Interior is nothing special, but just fine. It's a big open room with a very few tables and bar stools (if you want one, go EARLY), a bar at the back and a stage at the front. To me, this is fine, you're here for the music, not the atmosphere. I guess another few chairs would be nice, but I get that they're packing in the people for a concert, so no huge complaints here.
The music venue bar's beer prices were just fine, but the selection was on the lacking side. Sometimes you just want a step up from Miller Lite and PBR. What I did like, though, was that we were free to go back and forth between the music club and the little dive bar Howlin' Wolf owns next door, which had a fantastic beer selection. Lots on tap, even more bottles, and small bites served late into the night. There were some tables outside, which were fun for hanging at and watching people arrive for the concert.
Each time bands switched or took a break, we headed over here, chatted with the other bar patrons, and then we headed back into the club when the music started up again. Kind of a nice setup. Plus, you get two distinct atmospheres for the price of one!
Side note: I wasn't as sketched out by the bathrooms as I expected to be after reading Christy L.'s review. No, they weren't the nicest, but they floors were clean and the doors on the stalls locked. I didn't think it was a huge deal.
I had fun here and would come back if there was another fun band playing.
I'm reviewing the den as a place to drink, relax, and chat. The same group as on Frenchmen met up here after a day at SC. Not a huge selection of brews, but a good selection. Some of the smaller plates looked good, although I honestly don't remember if I ate anything here. Yes, it was a good night involving friends from years ago, friends from over a decade before, new friends, friends' elementary school friends, friends not even on this continent, and, well, more friends.
Anyplace with a writer scribbling in a notebook at the bar has to be somewhat good. Trust me.
I've read some terrible reviews on this place, but my experience wasn't tooo too shabby. The show we saw was 18 and up so there were some reeeally annoying young'ns there getting wasted pushing people around. The bartender thought he was god's gift to the world for some reason which sucked but as far as venues for live music goes, their stage and sound really saved this place for me. The stage is actually quite cool, there are several house fronts lining the room with mock portches and things, and there are lots of pretty lights. And the sound was great, whoever was on the mixing board that night was on point. I'm sure experiences vary depending on who you see here because that effects the type of crowd that's pulled etc, but I wouldn't hesitate to go back if there was a band I liked playing. Tickets weren't overpriced either.
The den next door is a cool little joint that's connected to Howlin wolf and I found the bartenders here were much nicer and they even have some decent pub food.
My hips are still shimmying and swaying from all the good music here!
My friend, the local, took me there. Completely unassuming joint. Pay your nominal fee, go in the back and start dancing! Â We saw the Hot 8 Brass Band and I suspect that every band that plays there is as good as that one. I literally could not stop dancing, even after the music stopped!
I don't need fancy. I just need a safe place to get my jig on. Plus the drinks are reasonably priced. If I lived in New Orleans, I'd be a regular! Had the best night of my entire stay hanging out in this joint. Everybody claims they want the "real" New Orleans experience when they're there -- well, Howlin' Wolf is part of it.
There's a few choice things you overhear, that you have to remember from that one night you went out to that one place. At Howlin' Wolf, someone graced my unexpecting ears with the declaration that "I shit out of my mouth when I fuck myself in the ass". Um... OK.
That aside, I would heartily recommend the Howlin' Wolf venue any time your favorite band is coming through. The staff is friendly and responsive, the space is large and warehouse-like. The beer, however, is rather overpriced at five or six dollars a bottle for Abita, so if you're planning on drinking, you may want to have a few extra dollars on hand. On the other hand, the night I was there, admission was gratis, so I suppose I probably came out ahead.