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Baton Rouge Nightlife

Best Bars in Baton Rouge

5 venues

13 Social

cocktail bar
4.8

A stylish rooftop bar with great views of the city and a creative cocktail menu.

Downtown

The Bulldog

bar & grill
4.4

A popular spot with a dog-friendly patio and an extensive beer list.

Southdowns

Hayride Scandal

cocktail bar
4.7

A speakeasy-style bar with a sophisticated atmosphere and expertly crafted cocktails.

Corporate

The Radio Bar

bar
4.5

A laid-back neighborhood bar with a retro vibe and a great selection of beers.

Mid City

The River Room

lounge bar
4.6

A relaxed lounge with a great selection of craft beers and a cozy atmosphere.

Downtown

Best Night Out in Baton Rouge

A curated evening itinerary from early drinks to late-night dancing.

7–9 PMPre-Game

Start with cocktails or craft beers at a neighborhood bar. Keep it relaxed — the night is young.

13 Social

Downtown ·

9 PM–12 AMPrime Time

Hit the main strip. Rooftop bars, live music, or a lively pub crawl through the best neighborhoods.

The River Room

Downtown ·

12 AM–3 AMLate Night

The clubs open up. Dance floors fill, DJs take over, and the real nightlife begins.

Splash Nightclub

Highland/LSU ·

Nightlife Neighborhoods

Downtown

The heart of Baton Rouge's nightlife, Downtown offers a mix of upscale cocktail lounges, lively bars, and music venues, all within walking distance of each other. It's the perfect place to start a night out, with plenty of options to choose from.

Best for: Bar hopping, live music, and rooftop bars
Crowd:

Mid City

Mid City is a more laid-back neighborhood with a growing number of trendy bars and restaurants. It's a great place to find a more local crowd and a more relaxed atmosphere. The area is known for its beer gardens and unique bars.

Best for: Craft beer, casual drinks, and a local vibe
Crowd:

Highland/LSU

This area is home to Louisiana State University, so it's no surprise that it has a lively nightlife scene geared towards college students. You'll find plenty of cheap drinks, loud music, and a young, energetic crowd.

Best for: College bars, cheap drinks, and a party atmosphere
Crowd:
DistrictBest ForCrowdWalk ScoreTop Venues
DowntownBar hopping
Mid CityCraft beer
Highland/LSUCollege bars

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the nightlife like in Baton Rouge?

Baton Rouge has a diverse nightlife scene with something for everyone. From the lively college bars around LSU to the sophisticated cocktail lounges downtown, you're sure to find a spot that suits your taste. The city also has a number of great live music venues and nightclubs.

What are the best bars in Baton Rouge?

Some of the best bars in Baton Rouge include 13 Social for its rooftop views, The Bulldog for its dog-friendly patio, and Hayride Scandal for its speakeasy vibe. The Radio Bar and The River Room are also popular choices for a more laid-back atmosphere.

What time does nightlife start in Baton Rouge?

Happy hour usually starts around 4 or 5 PM, with most bars and clubs getting busy around 9 or 10 PM. Many places stay open until 2 AM or later, especially on weekends.