Vaughan’s Lounge

Great Atmosphere. The real side of New Orleans. Packed, Gritty, Stiff Drinks and Great Music.

Wish I could zero star. Was here with a group and the bartender had somebody come up to us and ask us all to buy drinks. She said it was unacceptable that we were there without buying drinks even though half of us had one. Don’t come here if you’re not a regular. If you are a regular then stop coming here.

We were a group that came to the bar to have a couple of drinks and listen to their jukebox. Things went downhill pretty fast. Within 30 minutes the owner came by and complained we didn’t order enough drinks.
There were 9 of us and we had FIVE drinks. She went out of her way to be rude and pushy. The place was mostly empty anyway which is probably why they were trying to hustle everyone. Could have been way better

Worst bar service ever. Thought to bring visiting friends here, but that was worst decision of the trip. Came here on a whim, but definitely do not recommend supporting this establishment. They are not at all about the customer more about the money. Seemed like the owner herself was drinking way too much to promote anything. Definitely will spread the word to not go here. Much better places available.

This place is a joke. It is a lame dove with lame servers. They were increasingly rude to our group. They shouldn’t even have one star.
The juke box is literally the only interesting thing in the place

I’m no stranger to dive bars, but this was definitely the worse one I’ve ever been to. A group of about 9 of us stopped by this place for drinks and to hangout. It was pretty empty, but we had already had a few drinks throughout the night and getting tired anyway.
We were there for about 20mins. 5 out of 9 of us bought drinks and were still working on them when we 2 women, one after the other came over and started harassing us about buying drinks. It was late and we were planning on leaving soon because we were all getting tired from a long weekend. The women didn’t seem to get over the fact that we only had 1 drink (we had 5).
Apparently the first lady was a customer sent over by the bartender to get us to buy more drinks. The second lady was the owner, who seem to believe a group of 9 ranging from the ages of 23 – 30 had never been to a bar before, and made sure to express that.
The way they both approached us was definitely unnecessary and unprofessional. We definitely won’t be back.

Nothing less than fun!!! The bartender and the locals are all very welcoming and so much fun to hang out with.

I’ve never bought a bottle of wine at a bar before. What a concept!
But actually, it was great to just buy a bottle of red for $ 18, grab 2 glasses and go to the lower area to listen to some jazz. Could be a much higher markup. Thankful that it wasn’t. Some folks might be annoyed that you can’t get a single glass of red.
White wine is by the glass or by the bottle.
Good jazz band playing. Not too crowded. Friendly service.
Yeah, go here.

Wonderful live Jazz music! I was here on a Thursday night, flew in from Chicago and this was my first stop. Loved it! Well worth the $ 10 cover, the band was amazing.

This is a friendly neighborhood place that has probably became a lot more friendly since it was featured on a T.V. show that I won’t name.
On the night I came there was no band (I know!) and there were just some neighborhood folks sitting around and have a good time. The bartender had a lot of personality, and even though it was late, he didn’t «shoo» us out of the bar when we stopped in. I liked the atmosphere and I do want to come back when they actually have a band playing.

Vaughan’s is welcoming and a calm in any storm. With a Juke Box playing in the corner (for those times when no live music is on stage) and a large, friendly bar this is a dry, warm and relaxing place. Fair pours of favorite spirits & beer and a nice, varied and age spanned crowd. Chill, you are already there.

Cool place! Will return! Must visit!

Vaughan’s Lounge was just a block away from our airbnb and we had to go out for our first night in NOLA! It was $ 10 cover on a Thursday night, which I think was pricey for a tiny little dive bar in the Bywater neighborhood. Live band was good and interactive with the patrons. Great atmosphere for dancing! Be careful with the drinks, they may only cost you $ 5 or $ 6, but they definitely pack a punch! Try their Drew Brees if you’re a Saints fan ;)

If you have one night in New Orleans, try to catch a set at Vaughan’s, especially on Thursdays.
My one complaint is that they are cash only, though there is an ATM (with a fee of course).

After leaving the Lower 9^th Ward my college buddy pulled up to this place. I don’t watch HBO but apparently its been featured on the show Treme. I luv places like this. It’s outside of the French Quarter and has a real authentic local vibe. I felt I was back home on an island out in the country side. I felt right at home. The structure from outside for some wouldn’t scream sophistication. It screams character! I luv places w/​character and unique patrons. If you travel you will have the urge to explore inside and ponder what stories these walls have to tell. This is a place where the building itself is secondary. The remarkable interactions and the goodness of the people here is prime. I will venture to say my best and most favorite Cajun experience happened here. I met Cris who was just the best. I could smell the crawfish boil somewhere out back and those were the best mud bugs I’d ever had. They were huge too. I didn’t have to add anything to it. Their seasoning & boil was just enough seasoning, spice and kick. The koozies say «If you’re lucky enough to be here… You’re lucky enough!» I say that is so on point! This lounge was established in 1959. A nondescript place that overflows with Southern Charm, hospitality and a real authentic Cajun, Creole vibe. I loved it. Thanks Cris for my mud bugs and the koozie’s! Most of all thanks for making my 2^nd trip to Nola a highlight. Vaughan’s! Watch for them on Treme on HBO or if you want fresh crawfish! I know I was lucky enough to experience them and very lucky to travel.

Just an update to my review of 2013, it’s still a great neighborhood Bywater dive bar, but Kermit Ruffins no longer plays here on thursday nights. For sure its a place to meet interesting characters and the last time I was in there I met a couple from London, England on a USA tour, how they found their way there was a mystery. Not a frat boy hang out, it has a nice neighbors vibe to the place.

oh man quite the dive. good people watching. came on a random sunday and watched some football. loved the old timers dancing to the saints songs on the jukebox after the victory. cash only.

Returned for a daytime view and to re-​acquaint myself to the Moscow Mule. Still the best Mule in the universe — it totally puts the original version to shame by using fresh ginger rather than ginger beer.
The crowd was light but whacky and fun. Reprobates and Né’er-do-wells. Bartender was sweet and knows her trivia. As for the music, apparently the local favorite has moved on.

Fun, fun, fun!
That’s the place where locals go to listen some cool live music!

Stumbled upon this joint at 12:30am on a Monday nite while driving through the by-​water. My friend (who used to live here) drove past and started freaking out in excitement «Oh my god, is that Vaughan’s?! We have to stop here! I used to come here all the time!»
So, we stopped. Apparently this place was made famous (and more tourist-​y) because of the HBO series, Treme. Luckily, when we came there weren’t too many people and it wasn’t crowded at all. We had a ton of fun grabbing a drink and talking (mostly listening) to our friends share stories of their adventures here many moons ago. Really cool to see all of the artwork from Treme and posters of Kermit. Also there is a jukebox and bartender was super nice. Got four drinks for 20 bucks. Can’t beat that!