Sandpiper Lounge

When someone asked if I wanted to go here for a birthday party, I was hesitant because I knew it was a neighborhood bar, where the locals hang out. And I’m not a fan of being an interloper. But since I was invited, I figured it wouldn’t be too bad.
When I walked through the door, I saw every head turn to look at us. But they all went back to their drinks once their curiosity was satisfied with who was coming through the door.
This is a very basic bar. No ginger ale, though the bartender offered to mix coke and sprite for us. No diet coke. And my friend braved to ask, «Do you have bitters?» I rolled my eyes for the bartender. They have an odd assortment of liquors, lots of Ciroc vodka varieties, some whiskeys, some other odds and ends of gin, and rum.
I really like that they have what’s called a «set-​up.» Its a small pint bottle of what ever liquor you want, a bowl of ice, and one mixer. We ordered a bottle of Ciroc coconut, pineapple juice and ice. We sat down and got to pour our own drinks. Its almost like bottle service, but not. Its like we were being fancy, but we certainly were not.
They have a backyard area that’s sometimes open. Sometimes they have a band back there, sometimes they have crawfish there.
Would I come back? Maybe.
Pro-​tip: Order a set-​up because they only have one bartender, so getting your individual drinks will take some time. And if you’re going to be drinking the same thing all night, then you might as well set yourself up for the night.

New Orleans Famous Sandpiper Lounge on Louisiana Avenue. Food, folks & fun!!!
This local «hole in the wall» bar is a favorite of the locals from uptown. This bar has been featured in many Louisiana based short films & movies.
Not your average bar. Well average in a sense, but not ‘average’ average. Here are some reasons I say so:
*Food on the median/​neutral ground AND in the lot adjacent to the bar (trust me, you need food to «soak up» some of that liquor).
*The bar IS NOT prone to many bar fights/​brawls.
*The average age of the bar attenders is roughly mid 30s. I say average because some are under 30, but most are 30++++.
*Uniformed security officers are posted up outside the bar, like I said, this is not your average bar sighting, but its a welcome one.
Hours of operation vary, I’ve passed here at 5am on occasion & have seen people STILL drinking & partying.
Parking is available on the busy Louisiana Avenue street & in the neighborhood.
All in All for the longstanding presence in the community, the Sandpiper is a keeper.