Best spots in NOLA for your welcome party and rehearsal dinner

best place to host rehersal dinner in new orleans ^{Photo: @arnaudsnola}

Whether you’re looking for the charm of a Southern mansion, a vibey jazz club, or a cool cocktail bar, New Orleans has a venue for every type of style, and each one of them is uniquely NOLA. We’ve rounded up our favorite venues for Welcome Parties and Rehearsal Dinners in New Orleans, now, let’s find the right place for your celebration…

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welcome party Venues

When you’re looking for a venue for your welcome party, you want to find a place that really speaks to your destination and also a place that says, “Let’s party!” Think clubs and bars–even quirky dive restaurants can make for a fun welcome party. Here are our favorite places for a welcome party in New Orleans.

1. fulton alley

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We love a welcome party with a built-in activity. Weddings are a unique, potentially awkward, situation with friend groups mixing and new intros. Because you’ll be making your rounds, it always helps if your guests have something to do other than stand around and talk. Fulton Ally is a cool scene with neon-hued bowling lanes and elevated bar food and cocktails that will help your guests unwind after the flight.

venue with bowling and drinks in new orleans ^{Photo: @fultonalley}

2. jazz playhouse at the royal sonesta

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Nothing says NOLA like jazz. You and your guests can catch up over the smooth jams of some of the great local bands while you sip on some lovely craft cocktails. From the mood lighting to the vintage interior, this is also a fun Instagrammable spot for your guests to snap some great pics.

cute cocktail bar in new orleans ^{Photo: @jazzplayhouse}

3. jolie

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This trendy bar has a speak-easy style vibe with a sexy circus twist. With great cocktails, contortionists, and burlesque performances, this cool spot will keep your guests buzzed and entertained.

craft cocktails in new orleans ^{Photo: @jolie.neworleans}

4. bamboula’s

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If you’re looking for something more low-key for your welcome party, this chill spot is the perfect fit. Mixed drinks and beers on tap keep the vibe super casual so your guests can come straight from the airport, no hotel trips or glow-ups required. They also have live music which is always a plus, especially in New Orleans.

where to get drinks and music in new orleans ^{Photo: @bamboulas_nola}

5. audubon zoo

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If a sit-down dinner is more your style, the Audubon Zoo has a bunch of really unique venues including the Cajun Ballroom at the Swamp Exhibit. Guests can gather and dine in the warm wood ballroom or take in some fresh air on the swamp deck for those Bayou vibes.

rustic rehearsal dinner venue in new orleans

With a historic city like NOLA, there are so many cool venues to choose from, those were just a few of our faves, but here are some other places that would make for a really cool welcome party:

Pat O’Brien’s
Dat Dog Frenchmen Street
Lula Distillery
Lucy's Retired Surfers Bar & Restaurant
Vintage Rock Club
House of Blues
Local Breweries

Rehearsal dinner venues

Rehearsal dinners can range from formal to laid-back, there’s no right or wrong way to celebrate the night before your wedding. The goals for a rehearsal dinner should always be connecting with all of your loved ones who have come so far to support you on your big day and to introduce them to all of your other favorite people. When it comes to choosing the right place, food should come first. You want a place that showcases the local cuisine so that everyone can truly experience the destination. Once you decide on what type of food you’re looking for, just find a venue that fits your vision for the night.

1. arnaud’s

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This upscale bistro is perfect for the vintage-loving couple. They even have a dress code on their website, so be prepared to come dressed for the occasion and be sure to give your guests a heads-up. With the occasional live band and some dishes that are prepared right at your table, you and your guests will be immersed in the tradition.

fine dining rehearsal dinner venue in new orleans ^{Photo: @arnaudsnola}

2. saint john

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With rich Mid-Century decor, this restaurant serves modern interpretations of your favorite Creole dishes.

gastronomic rehearsal dinner venue in new orleans ^{Photo: @saintjohnnola}

3. san lorenzo

If you are more into Southern comfort, then San Lorenzo is the place for you. Located inside the Michilin Key holding hotel, St. Vincent, the decor is on-point and all dress codes are welcome at this NOLA establishment. With Creole-Italian fusion cuisine, there's something for everyone on this menu, and you seriously can't beat these vibes.

trendy rehearsal dinner venue in new orleans

4. broussard’s

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Serving elevated interpretations of your favorite Creole fare, this place is as delish as it is Instagrammable. If you’re into bright colors and eclectic wallpaper, this hidden gem will not disappoint.

timeless desserts in new orleans ^{Photo: @broussards}

5. cane & table

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This cool NOLA bar/restaurant is as much about the food as it is the craft cocktails. It’s perfect for an intimate celebration with your nearest and dearest.

courtyard welcome party bar in new orleans ^{Photo: @caneandtable}