Vaughn's Lounge

Tucked deep in the Bywater section of New Orleans, Vaughan's Lounge is way down-home -- as in, it's in a residential neighborhood and feels almost as though you're in someone's house. The long bar takes up so much room that people almost fall over the band at the end of the room. In the back room, you might find people playing Ping-Pong. Thursday -- Kermit Ruffins's night -- is the night to go to Vaughan's. Go early and get some of the barbecue Kermit is often cooking up before a show -- he likes to barbecue as much as he likes to play, and he tends to bring his grill along with him wherever he is playing. When he isn't playing and helping out with the eats, you might catch a Mardi Gras Indian practice. Thanks to the many post-Katrina volunteers around the Bywater area, Vaughan's has become a major scene even beyond its original NOLA role. Be sure to call ahead to see if there will be live music on -- and be sure to take a taxi.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.