Many tourist are content to spend their time on Bourbon Street with its choice of dance clubs, karaoke bars and live music. If you want to point your feet in a different direction, here are a few ideas. Additional places listed on the "Music" page. The list starts in the Quarter and works its way Uptown. Note: at the beginning of 2007 a law banning smoking in restaurants and bars that serve food went into affect. I hope this doesn't end the great tradition of bar food, but I think places with video poker (which is most bars) will be exempt.

Napoleon House, 500 Charters, French Quarter. When you need a break from walking around all afternoon, order a refreshing Pimms Cup and sit in front of a fan in the courtyard.

Pat O'Brien's, 718 St. Peters Street, French Quarter. While it could be considered a tourist trap, it still is a lot of fun. Their signature drink is the Hurricane, a potent, sweet, fruity drink. You only need one, trust me. They also serve great mint juleps, best enjoyed in the courtyard. Or try to squeeze into the piano bar.

Molly's at the Market, 1107 Decatur St. French Quarter. A total dive with awesome bloody marys.

Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop, 941 Bourbon Street, French Quarter. Great ambiance and piano bar.

The Dungeon, 738 Toulouse Street. Used to not open until midnight, now opens at 10:30pm. There is a moat, cage, skulls and chains, all in good fun. The second story has a dance floor with DJs that play everything but techno or pop. They even take requests.

Bourbon Pub/Parade, 801 Bourbon Street, and Oz, 800 Bourbon Street, French Quarter. Best places to shake your booty to that throbbing club beat. Both are gay bars, but straight-friendly.

R Bar, 1431 Royal St. Faubourg Marigny. A great place to wind up the night. Pool table.

Le Chat Noir, 715 St. Charles Avenue, Warehouse District. Piano bar, cabaret-style theatre and cocktails. Swanky fun. (St Charles streetcar stop: Lafayette.)

Circle Bar, 1032 Saint Charles Ave @ Lee Circle. Hard to describe, intimate and cozy with an eclectic crowd. They occasionally have live music.

Rendezvous, 31oo block Magazine St. Uptown. Recently remodeled and our current fav bar. Pool table and some of the nicest bathrooms in town. Small but good wine selection.

The Bulldog, 3236 Magazine Street, Uptown. A little too noisy and crowed with the post-college crowd for my personal taste, but huge selection of beers on tap and good bar food. They recently added a really nice patio area.

The Delachaise, 3442 St. Charles Ave, Uptown. One of our new favorites. A little more upscale, great wine selection and amazing food.

The Columns Hotel, 3811 St. Charles Avenue, Uptown. An 1883 Victorian-style mansion that has appeared in several movies. If the weather's nice, find a seat on the porch and enjoy a beverage. (St Charles streetcar stop: General Taylor Street.)

Kingpin, 1307 Lyons Street, Uptown. Decorated with Elvis memorabilia. Good jukebox. Dart board and some sort of mini bowling game.

St. Joe's, 5535 Magazine St. Uptown. Great decor and ambiance and the city's best Mojitos. Go out back and check out the amazing patio. Pool table.

Cooter Brown's, 509 S. Carrollton Avenue. One of the largest number of beers on tap and a huge selection of bottled imports. Good bar food, tons of TVs tuned to sports and a number of pool tables.

Rivershack Tavern, 3449 River Road. Outside of Orleans parish but the place has gobs of character, large beer selection and good food. Try the fried pickles.

Christy's Guide to New Orleans

Overview, weather, getting around, etc. | City regions defined | Fun stuff | Art and culture | The dark side | Kids and kids at heart | Dine like a local | Bars and clubs | Live music | For java heads