Solid neighborhood bar. I don't know about the dive thing though...maybe because I remember what this place used to be before it was renovated. Oh well. Â I don't stop in often and I don't usually stay long so that sort of says it all.
Bonus points because La Cocinata is outside often.
The Rendezvous Tavern is my go-to bar. Â I am proud to say that I am a regular here. Â Great selection of beer at a good price, good specials, and friendly atmosphere.
Day drinking on a Saturday afternoon? Perfect. Â Starting the weekend off on a Friday night? Even better. Also you can catch the La Cocinita taco truck often right outside on Friday and Saturday nights.
The Rendezvous is the perfect "classy" dive bar. Â My favorite in the entire city.
So after spending some time in the Garden District of NOLA, and consulting Yelp for some good places to grab a happy hour drink, I came across the Rendezvous Tavern on Magazine Street.
The place was relatively calm, as it was still mid-afternoon when I arrived on a Monday. There were some patrons along the bar and a couple people playing billiards. There were plenty of TVs set to sports or news, so it kept people visiting from out of town, like myself, somewhat connected to what's going on with their own sports teams back home.
The happy hour prices were awesome. Their domestics, like High Life and Bud, were only about $2.50. Most people there had it in front of them along with a shot of Jagermeister (as per local tradition, I assumed). Looking to capitalize on the fact that beers here actually are cheap during a happy hour (unlike back home in Los Angeles) I proceeded to order beers I actually liked, like Purple Haze and UFO White. Those beers on tap were only $0.50 off for HH, but whatever, I was on vacation and willing to splurge a bit. (Be aware, however, there's no food here, so eat ahead of time, or take your beer to go, if you're hungry. There's just a bag of chips, which can run you a buck and do little to tide over a massive appetite).
I don't know what it is about locals drinking in New Orleans, but during my entire visit there last week, I couldn't find anyone with the capacity of downing their beverages to the same level that I was accustomed to back in Los Angeles. It made me a bit self-conscious, until I finally finished my third beer...then I just figured there was some underlying socio-economic issue and left it at that.
I could tell there were some questions burning deep inside the one bartender working that evening. Using my powers of telekinesis and in reading her face, I was able to make out the big one in the forefront of her mind...
She may have been wondering where I was from, since I was, well, frankly (1) not Caucasian and totally cool with my surroundings (everyone else there was), (2) dressed differently (read, slightly more formal), and (3) spoke with the "accentless accent" that native Southern Californians have (I definitely didn't have a Southern or country accent). So, to drive the conversation there, Â I found a way for her to slip in that question as we made small talk. I basically indicated that I was visiting a friend of mine and that the beer specials they had here were totally awesome from what I was used to.
She took the opportunity, "So where are you from?" Just like that. I was about to answer "L.A.," but I realized that I was in the only other place in the country where they may actually call their home state also "LA." I paused and had to actually iterate the whole thing, "Los Angeles."
Her eyes lit up. It answered so many questions, I'm sure. I came from really far. I immediately deduced from her nod and smile that not too many Angelinos come by here or travel this far on a non-Mardi Gras week.
Before you knew it, I was asking for recommendations and we were taking shots. I apparently was the only one doing so with her, since most people around me were still on their first beers after nearly an hour and a half in. Eyes from around the bar were starting to focus on us in a sense of surprise, but I didn't mind. I was simply passing by. After all, I also had to leave a good impression on behalf of the people of L.A. (L.A. is not LA, as locals and numerous bumper stickers will tell you in the area) and show that we're not all a group of shallow, selfish airheads, as the media makes us out to be. (Half of us, maybe, but definitely not all of us).
I have been to Rendezvous a bunch of times, but it seems that I am never there for long. Most of my experience has been during St. Patrick's parade time or when leisurely shopping along Magazine. It is a good place to get a beer and use the bathroom, but I have yet to spend several hours there.
The bar does have a definite divey quality to it. It is dark and seems that it hasn't been updated in a really long time. But unlike many other local dives, it is fairly large inside. That makes for a weird divey/neighborhood bar feel.
I am sure that I will eventually spend more time here, and once I do, I will update my review.
I'm a girl who enjoys a good dive bar every now and again. Â And Rendezvous Tavern is just that . . . a dive bar.
We "needed" a drink. Â Well, we probably didn't need one but it had been a least an hour since our last one so when we looked up- we found ourselves in front of the Rendezvous. Â Dog friendly, we had to climb over a couple of the beasts to get up to the bar, but once we did the bartender was accommodating and friendly,
The drink special of the day was a raspberry vodka limeade. Â Yowza ! Â This thing packed a wallop as it was mostly vodka. Â Even waiting for the ice to melt barely made a dent!
We took our drinks out to sit at the tables on the sidewalk and watch the people walk by. Â So entertaining- at least an hour went by before we were able to move on.
I doubt I would spend much time indoors as it smells like smoke and is VERY dark- but for a drink to go in this neck of the woods- a good choice!
YAY! Â Rendezvous was a great stop! Â In the tradition of New Orleans hospitality, they have some food out on Sunday morning for the Sunday morning alcoholics.
A Pleasure to be in such good company at this bar. Everyone working was friendly. Â All the patrons were relaxed. Â Went there as a tourist and made a few friends, shared some good stories, and downed some great beer. Â What more could you want as a vagrant traveler?
Pool tables, juke box, regulars, the works! Â I'll be back next time life brings me down to NOLA!
A really good alternative to the Bulldog if funds are running low. Â There is plenty of draft beer to pull from and the bottled selection is fair as well. Â Especially if you have a picky, but beautiful sister in law that only drinks Woodchucks or ciders.
Did I mention the prices are low? Â Not Brothers 3 low but close. Â
Nice big booths to spread out in and have a chance to talk to your friends. Â Alot of stook seating around. Â Dart boards and a pool table. Â
Very roomy. Â Has a internet jukebox with all the standards and a little bit of outside seating. Â
I havent been here on a sports night yet so I cant tell ya if this is a Saints bar or a Steelers bar, Â but I do try and pass by here when im in the area.
I'll make sure to take more pics next chance I get
Not exactly my pick of a bar, i prefer my Mid-City places but it's cool, my roomate works downtown and all of his service industry co-workers like to frequent this place. I always have a good time kicking it with them here, but ya kno.. not my vibe.
Reasonably priced drinks, as is much of most bars outside of the French Quarter in Orleans parish, there's a pool table, darts, jukebox, not a horrible spot to stop in if you're in the neighborhood and looking for a drink.
I've never been a big fan of sports bars, possibly due to my complete lack of concern over professional sports, but I can't resist a dive. Sure, there are several TVs showcasing whatever team is playing at the moment, and yes there is the requisite pool table and dart boards, but this place is more than that. It's a great local hang out where you're bound to run into a neighbor or friend (or make a new friend at that). They have a decent beer and liquor selection and the prices are great.
If it gets a bit too smoky inside (and there are plenty of open windows to circulate the air), you can grab a table on the sidewalk and watch the people stroll by. As a tourist, that is always one of my favourite things to do and I always love going where locals go instead of limiting myself to typical tourist spots (though I visit many of those as well!)
This is a dive that is pretty serious about their bar sports. Â There is only a dartboard and a pool table, but the board is secluded in its own little VIP section just close enough to holler to the bar for more beers. Â
They have a dart team that plays in the local circuit and they are all really nice/pretty good so if you see an old guy throwing darts at a board DO NOT challenge him for money.
Even more competitive is the pool. Â There is a chalkboard that you must sign up on in order to play. Â There is none of this reserving games by leaving quarters on the table business. Â
The Winner Goes On. PERIOD.
The beer is as cheap as anywhere else in town and it is smack dab in the middle of Magazine St. Â
Good place to watch a game or just get completely obliterated (at darts, pool, or drinking).
Such a complete dive bar, and I love it. So dive bar-y that when we walked in, my friend said "holy s***, look at all the townies". I went on a Monday night and it wasn't crowded, which provided for some quick service and no one kicking us off the dart board. I don't remember the music, but I know there was some playing, and there's also a pool table if that's your cup of tea. The only downside I found was that you're allowed to smoke inside, and I'm a non-smoker, but I don't know that I would have noticed it if the people I was with weren't lit up.
Review Source:Ahhh Rendezvous I had some really great times there before and right after Katrina. Â This was a super popular place where I used to know the majority of people in the bar. Â Unfortunately the crowd has shifted and I rarely know anybody in this place anymore and it has gotten a whole lot more smokey in here. Â As a non-smoker I often find it difficult to stay in this place for long. Â They do keep the A/C at a nice cool temp and keep it nice dank and dark (the way I often like my dive bars to be). Â They also have some pretty good specials on beer and the bartenders are usually very on top of things with good service. Â As an extra bonus they often offer FREE Nirvana Indian food on Sundays!!!
Review Source:I love this bar! Â While the place is kind of a dump, the bartenders are generally pretty nice. Â But what you cannot beat is the insane drink prices. Â
Happy hour is GREAT. Â You can get PBR draft for as low as $1.50, other domestic beers for as low as $1.75 and huge margaritas some days that are $5.00 and will knock you over.
In other words, this is a great bar if you want to get SMASHED and barely meet your $10.00 credit card minimum.
This is a dive bar on Magazine.
Cons: It's dark, really smoky, has a pool table and darts board, a juke box and a good amount of seating. Â If you like those things, you'll like Rendezvous. Â I don't like any of these things, so I don't like Rendezvous.
Pros: A good selection of beers on tap and bottled. Nice bartenders.
Rendezvous is one of my neighborhood favorites. Â It's walking distance for me and reminds me of home (dark and grungy northeastern Pennsylvania). Â It's one of my favorite places to grab a casual beer with friends or solo. Â The bartenders are friendly in an 'old friend' kind of way with a warm smile and maybe a little razzing, occasionally.
It DOES allow smoking AND dogs, which is just fine with me, but some are not so comfortable with that.
It's comfortable, dark and divey. Â My kind of spot.
Rendezvous is my second favorite Magazine St. bar.
They have a great beer selection and a great crowd and atmosphere. Â The place is kind of dark, which makes for a good kind of "underground" vibe. Â They have booths, if you don't want to sit at the bar and they have pool tables, if you are in the mood to shoot pool. Â They have a fantastic internet jukebox, and video poker, if that's your thing.
In my opinion, this place is everything that The Balcony Bar used to be.
Pretty great place to chill and talk with friends. Small and friendly, good neighborhood bar. The only real problem with this place is that a guy that works there  was skipping 3 of my James Brown juke box songs, but kept on some awful 80s pop. Even if I had this fool's opinion in music, I wouldn't admit to it!
Review Source:Rendezvous is my least favorite bar in New Orleans. It's too smokey for me. Â I've been there at peak times on a Sat. night and during the 4PMish locals hours. Â If you go during the 4ish hours you will smell this bar for all it's honest DIve bar-ness and see the kind of sad older locals smoking around the bar. Â
STINKS. Whew!
Perks: cheap, good location
We were driving around aimlessly one Saturday night looking to go somewhere we hadn't gone before and wouldn't completely drain our wallets, and decided to give this place a shot since we've walked and driven by multiple times. Â Who knows if what we experienced was a normal night or an exceptional one, but color me pleasantly surprised.
SHORT-FORM GOOD, BAD, PURGATORY:
Atmosphere: Laid-back dive bar. Â You've been to them, and if you like your other experiences, you'll like this place too. Â Jukebox, pool table, dartboard, locals...nothing new, but it was comfortable and inviting. Â Plus on a Saturday night it wasn't too crowded, so you can definitely find your own space to hang out with friends if you don't feel like mingling...if this is not the norm, then ignore what I said.
Service: Â Bartenders were quick and courteous. Â Doorman did that little something extra that warrants a shout-out (the GF really wanted to try a Pimm's Cup after we watched Boardwalk Empire, so we asked if they had any Pimm's and he went inside to check. Â Not a huge gesture, but certainly more than I expected). Â Bar backs were prompt in removing empty bottles/glasses.
Drinks: Â Cheap. Â You're not gonna find cheaper unless you go to the really dive-y places like Mae's or Snake and Jakes. Â It's even cheaper than Igor's places. Â Decent selection of draft beers although not very many imports, but then again you're probably not coming here to do a world beer tour anyways.
OVERALL
A good amount of my positive impression of Rendezvous Tavern can probably be attributed to my complete lack of expectations coming into this place. Â That being said, if you're into dive bars and haven't been, I whole-heartedly give this bar two thumbs up.
After being told that the restaurant I was at did not serve any alcohol. I made a quick visit across the street to Rendezvous Tavern. The bartendress made a bloody mary today with 90% vodka that tasted great- with fixins' including green beens.
The bar was dark and kinda quiet for a early afternoon but i could see locals (now me!) going there for a daily brew.
This is a pretty consistently legit place, but I just never found myself loving it very much. Â It's a very much dive bar and seems to be well traveled by locals of all ages - a very casual crowd, that's for sure. Â
It's not very well lit, it has a certain rustic-y, unrefined charm - the drinks are affordable. Â I've never had an issue with the bartenders and their service. Â
I've only been here three or four times, but it's just kind of nondescript. Â Pretty all right place to meet up with your buddies to grab a drink or two. Â It can get a bit crowded on the weekends, but it's a good winding up or winding down watering hole.
A classic dive bar on Magazine St. Dimly lit, and sometimes a little too smoky. During the week it's pretty chill, but on the weekends it can get a little crowded, but there are a couple booths against the wall and a pretty long bar, so seating generally isnt an issue. There is a pool table and a jukebox.
My tab at The Rendezvous is always reasonable!
this place would get 3.5 stars
but since thats not possible Ill round up
We came here on Saturday night before Jeff went to work
Fun (but i was really drunk)
Good crowd
We came back Sunday and the bloody marys (which were MUCH needed) helped me to feel much better
I kind of liked it in the day (im a big fan of places you can drink early)
Pool table
Juke box
Reasonable drinks (although pretty much everywhere I was in NOLA had WAY cheaper drinks than CA)
Cool too was that we got the booth by the door which cuts back on how much your skin will smell like smoke
Decent happy hour, $2.50 for a pint of Abita draft and 2 for 1 well drinks. Dark and divey at 4 in the afternoon. A chill spot for meeting up with friends after work. Bartender was nice and chatted with some of the other regulars, while some just-off-work laborers played pool in the middle of the room.
I've walked by at night time and it for some reason seems poppin', with people spilling on the curb to smoke their cigarettes (I assume because it's full as they could of course smoke inside). Perhaps the hipsters are bitter about being chased away from the Bulldog down/across the street?
There was an excellent menu for Gott Gourment (across the street) (mmm cheese fries) regarding Sunday afternoon football game catering. Looks a good place to go to watch a game, two flatscreens, and a chill atmosphere. Â I might stop by again.
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