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A guide to nightlife in Baton Rouge: 15+ spots in downtown and beyond

It’s that time of year. Between fall football and holidays like Halloween, Thanksgiving and New Year’s, there are endless excuses to go out in Baton Rouge over the next few months.

From rooftop destinations to bars working on their specialty cocktail game, here’s a roundup of places to help you plan out your very own fall bar crawl. Have a wicked Hallo-week!


Take in the city views

The Chimes – Highland

3357 Highland Road

Watch the bustling crowds on game day near LSU’s campus, or cheer on the New Orleans Saints and LSU Tigers as they play on the big screen in away games. Sit back and relax in a comfy booth as you sip drinks from the full-service bar and nosh on American and Cajun dishes. If there’s not a football game streaming, play some Jenga Giant. 

The Main Lobby

668 Main St. 

Enjoy the fall weather at this two-story spot overlooking downtown Baton Rouge, decked out with rattan chairs, a floral mural, Spanish Town flamingo-influenced decor and lush plants. Nurse a travel-inspired drink like “Let Me Speak to the Manager,” or dive into apps like chicken wings and seafood egg rolls. When the weather turns chilly, warm up next to a patio heater.

Second Story

214 N. Third St., Suite 2A

Second Story. Photo by Ariana Allison

Enjoy a spritz on the balcony of this newly opened Third Street bar. Sit back on lush burgundy red couches indoors. Expect handmade syrups inside the specialty bevs at the craft cocktail bar. 

Tsunami – Downtown

100 Lafayette St. 

Tsunami in downtown Baton Rouge. File photo by Collin Richie

Visit the ever-popular downtown restaurant destination, long known for its rooftop views. Take photos outside in front of the Mississippi River while you wait for your sushi rolls. Cap off a night out on the town with city lights and sake. 

Firehaus

1700 Government St. 

This Mid City lounge debuted last fall, with a rooftop bar, hookah, regular events and an assortment of trendy art and murals.


Prowl more of the downtown bar scene

13 Social

350 N. Third St.

Self-characterized as an “eclectic dive bar,” 13 Social regularly hosts events that draw bustling crowds, from niche listening parties to martini nights. Listen to live music and chill in the vibrant and welcoming atmosphere. 

1717

1717 N. River Road, Suite 101

1717 at The Queen. File photo

Make your way to The Queen Baton Rouge for steaks, seafood and shareables like Philly cheesesteak nachos. Try the Vandersmash (a frozen Old Fashioned made with Four Roses bourbon) or a Smoked Old Fashioned. Watch sporting events on two massive projector screens. 

Dark 30

151 N. Third St.

Dark 30 Baton Rouge downtown bar craft cocktails wine
Dark 30. File photo by Ariana Allison

Every drink at Dark 30 tells a story, with house craft cocktails named after angel numbers and a curated selection of liquor, wine and zero-proof spirits. Creations from the bar’s mixologists rotate quarterly—meaning there’s almost always something new to try. 

Mother’s Lounge

143 N. Third St. 

Mother's Lounge Baton Rouge queer bar downtown
Mother’s Lounge. File photo by Gabrielle Korein

A high-style venue featured in Elle Decor, Mother’s is a welcoming space for the LGBTQ+ community and its allies. Indulge in craft cocktails and dive into small plates, such as the bar’s rotating charcuterie board options. Catch a drag show, belt out some karaoke and watch movie nights. 

Somewhere Neighborhood Bar

214 N. Third St. 

Somewhere Neighborhood Bar. File photo by Ariana Allison

Dig into a grilled cheese at this casual hangout adorned with lighted signs, colorful graffiti-inspired art, moody furniture and industrial details. Bar stools, tables and booths provide comfortable seating for customers to watch games on its 75-inch TVs. Mosy toward the back of the bar for a pool table and lounge area stocked with consoles like a Nintendo Switch and a PlayStation. The bar bites are just as cozy and nostalgic—think: smash burgers and Cool Ranch Doritos with pepper jack spinach dip.

The Tunnel

201 Lafayette St. 

The reimagined tunnel at the Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center is meant to evoke feelings of the late 1920s and 1930s, when Huey Long reigned politically supreme in Louisiana. File photo by Collin Richie

Traverse through time at the Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center‘s speakeasy that pays homage to Peacock Alley, a historic tunnel that once connected The Heidelberg Hotel (now the Hilton) and The King Hotel (now Hotel Indigo). Peacock-hued tiles and decor nod to the venue’s storied history. The Tunnel hosts a variety of events (including several Harry Potter nights this Hallo-week)—watch for announcements on its social media. 

Violet

214 N. Third St., Suite 1A

Violet. File photo by Ariana Allison

Downtown Baton Rouge’s newest nightclub is immersed in the color purple. Patrons can expect quick service, mixed drinks and high-energy music at Violet, which is the sister bar to Second Story (mentioned above). VIP experiences are modeled after the nightlife scenes of major metropolitan cities, with bottle service and sparklers. 


Chill with drinks on the patio

BLDG 5

2805 Kalurah St. 

BLDG 5. File photo by Collin Richie

The Perkins Road Overpass District restaurant and bar is known for its backyard aesthetic, with string lights and vibrant greenery. Chow on specialty charcuterie boards, sip refreshing cocktails, and enjoy live music with your friends and fam. 

Mid City Beer Garden

3808 Government St. 

Mid City Beer Garden. File photo by Collin Richie

Soak up the fall sunshine and breathe in the fresh air at this open-air concept with more than 50 local and craft beers on tap. Grab a frozen cocktail, and indulge in savory dishes like grilled cheese, cheese fries and a pretzel twist. 

SoLou

7246 Perkins Road

SoLou. File photo by Collin Richie

Take advantage of the photo ops at this trendy indoor-outdoor restaurant and bar fit with a plant wall, neon signage, string lights and twinkling globes. Sit back for a meal at a table, or lounge on the cozy blue couches.

Tallulah Crafted Food and Wine Bar

7000 Bluebonnet Blvd.

An upscale outdoor experience inside the Renaissance Baton Rouge Hotel, the patio at this restaurant and wine bar is adorned with blue lighting and fireside seating. 

Thai Kitchen

4550 Concord Ave. 

Outdoor dining at Thai Kitchen. File photo by Collin Richie

Indulge in Thai food and booze from the patio’s cabana seating while listening to the sounds of its grand waterfall or frequent live music acts.


More outdoor dining + drinks from the archives

225‘s guide, published December 2020


Did we miss your favorite nightlife spot? Tell us at [email protected].