Places teenagers can't go

My DH and I will be taking our two teenage sons (17 %26amp; 19) to NOLA in August. I understand they are not allowed in Coop%26#39;s because of slots. Is there any place near there we can eat if we take out from Coops? Also what other places will not allow teenagers because of slots. I know the bars on Bourbon are off limits. For music I guess we can take them to Preservation Hall and Snug Harbor. Any other places you can suggest would be helpful.

Places teenagers can't go

Any licensed bar will be off-limits for the 17 year old. The 19 year old will be allowed to enter SOME of them but not buy alcohol. This depends on the bar. I%26#39;m not sure if slots or the ';bar'; designation is the reason minors can%26#39;t enter. Perhaps someone else can clue me in here!

Preservation Hall and Snug Harbor should be fine, I%26#39;d think.

Places teenagers can't go

it really depends...i think the gambling is the number one reason why children aren%26#39;t allowed in to certain bars. You can pick up Coops and walk it over to the French Market to eat. There are some tables and chairs outside, and I might just go inside to one of their vendors to buy sodas or something.

I know you can bring kids into Pat O%26#39;Briens which does not have slots and does have the neat deuling pianos bar (i%26#39;ve seen kids in the courtyard at P.O.%26#39;s but then again, not sure if i ever saw them at the dueling pianos). Also, I%26#39;ve seen kids in the courtyard of Lafittes Blacksmith shop, which occasionally has a lovely piano player. Bloody Mary%26#39;s french quarter walking tours leave from there and that is a great thing to do with the kids. Verrrrry spooky and engrossing. Cafe Beignet also has some nice little jazz groups come through and play throughout the day, and they allow children.

one of my first trips was with my parents when i was younger and not able to go into every place, but we STILL had a blast and caught the %26#39;real new orleans%26#39;.

have fun!

-k

Even if you can%26#39;t go into the bars on Bourbon, a walk during the evening is still a must. All the bars have their doors open, so you can on the sidewalk and listen to the great music.

I was there last month for the 1st time, and didn%26#39;t see anything gross or scandelous or anything like that, especially early evening, so you don%26#39;t have to worry (if it was a concern).

Have a great time!

They would probably love Mid-City Rock and Bowl, they have live Zydeco music there (check schedule). Also I understand that teens are allowed at Tipitina%26#39;s on certain days, you should check first.

As far as Pat O%26#39;Brien%26#39;s, kids are allowed in the restaurant area, but not the dueling piano bar, or close to the famous fountain. When we had our granddaughters there, they couldn%26#39;t go past a rope that separated the restaurant area from the courtyard bar area. We were there in the evening, it might be different in the day time.

Also Mulate%26#39;s restaurant has live music every night and allows teens.

You may get lucky at Coop%26#39;s. I%26#39;ve gone there with some 19/20 years old from college, and they did not check ID, but that approach is definitely hit or miss.

In my experience, the places that are the most strict about minors are those with gaming devices inside. In fact, your kids won%26#39;t be allowed inside Harrah%26#39;s casino or any of the restaurants inside the casino, even if you are accompanying them (quite different than Vegas rules). On the other hand, you%26#39;ll be surprised about how many high schoolers are allowed in some local bars!

Preservation Hall and Snug Harbor are two places for live music that are kid friendly. Arrive at least 30 minutes ahead of time for Preservation Hall to get a seat - otherwise it%26#39;s standing room only.

There are two determining factors: the type of liquor license and the presence/absence of video poker machines.

If the establishment has a bar liquor license, no one under the age of 18 can be admitted.

If the establishment has a restaurant liquor license, they must admit anyone of any age.

However, if an establishment has video poker machines, regardless of the type of liquor license, patrons under the age of 21 can only be admitted if the video poker machines are in a separate room, with a door. That last requirement is pretty flexible, and the door can be the old saloon-type swinging door.

Finally, this is New Orleans, and the rules tend to get bent in lots of places. In general, if a child is with their parents, most places (in my opinion) will admit them....unless there are video poker machines present.

I too took my teens to the Rock %26amp; Bowl %26amp; they absolutely loved it. Be aware they changed location and are closer to the river (and the Camellia Grill) on Carrollton.

Thanks for all the great info. Will definitely check out Mid-city Rock and Bowl and Mulate%26#39;s, as well as standing outside the bars on Bourbon. Both boys played in jazz bands so they will love the music.

Then you will LOVE standing ourside Maison Bourbon. The front of the building is very open so you can stand and listen to some great jazz. The band is very close to the street as well. See here for some photos. www.yelp.com/biz/maison-bourbon-new-orleans