Luxley is generating a bit of buzz these days as he prepares to drop a brand new EP. The New Orleans-based dance rock artist, whose non-stage name is Ryan Gray, has had remixes put together by artists like Magic Man and X Ambassadors, in addition to producing his own original material. He’s also worked in the service industry around New Orleans for a number of years, so he has a few opinions on where and when you should grab a drink. Fortunately, he was kind enough to share some of those thoughts with us.
We asked Luxley for some of his favorite pairings, but food had nothing to do with it. We wanted to know the best bar to hit up before stopping by some of New Orleans’ most beloved music venues. Here’s what he had for us:
Luxley.
Tipitina’s
- Ms Mae’s – Famously known for being a 24-hour dive bar and a hole in the wall spot. The crowd demographic is usually all-over the place at Ms Mae’s and it has its fair share of “weirdos.” There’s an air-hockey table unique to the bar, cheap drinks, and a really welcoming outside seating area at the intersection of Magazine Street and Napoleon Avenue.
Howlin’ Wolf
- The Circle Bar – In a great location on historic Lee’s Circle. Circle Bar is both seductive, with its dive bar roots and dim red lights, as well as charming, with its little alcove where indie bands and DJ’s perform several nights a week.
Gasa Gasa
- Cure – Probably one of my favorite cocktail bars in New Orleans. Dimly lit cocktail lounge with creative drinks & a wide range of awesome dishes. Conveniently right across the street from Gasa Gasa.
The Joy Theater
- Bar Tonique – This is a great cocktail bar to hit-up before the Joy Theater. It’s cozy in a brick space with a fireplace. Besides the fact that they make many of their own ingredients, this bar made me really appreciate gin again. I highly recommend having their gin cocktails.
One Eyed Jacks
- The Dungeon – The Dungeon is unique, to say the least. All black and it feels like you could disappear around a corner. But the drinks are cheap and good. It’s also more of a local bar and it’s styled like an actual dungeon (you can have a drink in a cage, if you want to). Fun fact: It used to host hardcore shows upstairs.
Maple Leaf
- Carrollton Station – Probably one of the best kept secrets right around Maple Leaf. It’s named the way it is because it’s at the end of the street car line. Grab a drink up front and play some video games or pin ball. Or sit outside in a deceptively large outdoor area with picnic tables.
House of Blues
- Industry Bar – Also known as “Club D” because of it’s old name (Club Decatur), Industry Bar is one spot where locals who work in the service industry drink. It’s also an easy meet-up spot because it’s across the street from House of Blues and there’s outdoor seating. Combine cheap, good, and local and you have a win.
Chickie Wah Wah
- 12 Mile Limit – Good food, great drinks, giant Jenga–and walking distance from Chickie Wah Wah. Enough said.
And while you’re at it, give Luxley’s latest track, “Tremors,” a listen here:
