Vaughan's Lounge

Don't let the seedy environs deter you from this casual, comfortable Bywater hangout. Vaughan's is one of the best dive bars in town, brought to local infamy by Kermit Ruffins; regular Thursday night gigs. Kermit retired last year from late night shows, but Vaughan's is still home to funky live jazz every Thursday night. The bar is friendly, drinks are strong and well priced and the crowd is usually more locals than tourists. Vaughan's is off the beaten path, although not as far afield as it was even five years ago - the Bywater is booming. Grab a taxi or Lyft to get to this Bywater bar from the French Quarter. There's a cover, but only on Thursdays.