Best Pre-Game and Post-Game Spots for New Orleans Pelicans Home Game Tickets Near Smoothie King Center

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Overview

Going to a New Orleans Pelicans game at the Smoothie King Center is about more than just the game—it’s an all-day experience filled with great food, exciting bars, and unique attractions that make New Orleans one of the most vibrant cities in the country. Whether you’re looking for a pre-game bite to eat, a fun bar to celebrate after a big win, or a cultural stop to add to your game day, this guide will help you find the best spots near the arena.

From classic New Orleans cuisine to lively post-game drinks, here are the top pre-game and post-game spots to elevate your Pelicans game day experience.

Best Pre-Game Spots Near Smoothie King Center

Starting your game day off with a great meal or drink sets the tone for a fun night of basketball. Here are the best places to fuel up before heading to the Smoothie King Center:

1. Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux

• Distance: 5-minute walk from Smoothie King Center

• Vibe: Lively, sports bar atmosphere

• What to Try: Alligator & Shrimp Tacos, Duck & Andouille Gumbo

• Drinks: Classic New Orleans Hurricanes, local craft beers
  Why It’s Great: Walk-On’s is a fan-favorite sports bar located just steps away from the arena. It’s the perfect place to grab a quick meal and drink before the game while soaking in the energy of fellow Pelicans fans. The menu is full of Southern-inspired dishes, and the bar stays packed with locals cheering for their favorite teams.

Insider Tip: Arrive early to snag a table as it fills up quickly on game days, especially for big matchups.

2. The Palace Café

• Distance: 10-minute walk from Smoothie King Center

• Vibe: Upscale, New Orleans classic

• What to Try: Crawfish Étouffée, Crabmeat Cheesecake

• Drinks: French 75, Sazerac
  Why It’s Great: For fans looking to elevate their pre-game dining experience, The Palace Café offers upscale Creole cuisine with a modern twist. Situated on Canal Street, it’s an easy walk to the arena and gives you a real taste of New Orleans before heading to the game.

Insider Tip: Make a reservation if you’re dining on a weekend or game day, as this spot is popular with locals and tourists alike.

3. Lucy’s Retired Surfers Bar & Restaurant

• Distance: 10-minute walk from Smoothie King Center

• Vibe: Laid-back, beach-inspired vibe

• What to Try: Fish Tacos, Surf & Turf Burger

• Drinks: Frozen Margaritas, “Shark Attack” Cocktail
  Why It’s Great: If you’re looking for a more relaxed pre-game vibe, Lucy’s Retired Surfers Bar is the perfect spot. Known for its surf-themed décor and casual menu, Lucy’s is ideal for grabbing a frozen cocktail or beer before heading to the game.

Insider Tip: Lucy’s is great for large groups or families, offering a fun, casual environment with plenty of outdoor seating.

4. Meril

• Distance: 15-minute walk from Smoothie King Center

• Vibe: Chic, modern dining

• What to Try: BBQ Shrimp, Fried Chicken Sliders

• Drinks: Signature cocktails, local craft beers
  Why It’s Great: Meril, owned by famed New Orleans chef Emeril Lagasse, is a stylish yet approachable spot to grab dinner before the game. The small plates menu lets you try a variety of New Orleans-inspired dishes without feeling too full before cheering on the Pelicans.

Insider Tip: The cocktails here are some of the best in the city, so make sure to try one of the bartenders’ creative concoctions before heading out.

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Post-Game Celebrations: Best Bars and Late-Night Spots

When the game ends, the night is just beginning! Whether you’re celebrating a big Pelicans win or just want to wind down after the action, here are the best post-game bars and late-night spots near the Smoothie King Center:

1. Cooter Brown’s Tavern

• Distance: 10-minute drive from Smoothie King Center

• Vibe: Laid-back sports bar

• What to Try: Fried Oyster Po’boy, Crawfish Cheese Fries

• Drinks: Over 400 beers on tap, local craft beers
  Why It’s Great: Cooter Brown’s Tavern is a classic New Orleans sports bar with an incredible selection of craft beers and laid-back vibes. With big-screen TVs showing post-game highlights and a crowd of friendly locals, it’s the perfect spot to relax after the game.

Insider Tip: Cooter Brown’s is a great spot for late-night eats, serving up some of the best po’boys in the city long after the game is over.

2. The Rusty Nail

• Distance: 5-minute drive from Smoothie King Center

• Vibe: Local dive bar

• What to Try: BBQ Sliders

• Drinks: Craft cocktails, local brews
  Why It’s Great: If you’re looking for something more low-key, The Rusty Nail is a cozy neighborhood bar just a short ride from the arena. Known for its casual vibe and friendly crowd, it’s an ideal place to wind down with a few drinks.

Insider Tip: Try their signature Old Fashioned—it’s one of the best in town.

3. Barcadia

• Distance: 5-minute drive from Smoothie King Center

• Vibe: Bar-arcade combo

• What to Try: Burgers, Fried Pickles

• Drinks: Signature cocktails, local beers
  Why It’s Great: Barcadia combines old-school arcade games with a fun bar atmosphere, making it a great spot for post-game celebrations. Enjoy classic games like Pac-Man or pinball while sipping on a cocktail or local brew.

Insider Tip: Barcadia often hosts game-day specials, so check out what deals are available before heading over.

4. Avenue Pub

• Distance: 5-minute drive from Smoothie King Center

• Vibe: Gastropub with a focus on craft beer

• What to Try: Duck Fat Fries, Shrimp & Grits

• Drinks: Huge selection of craft beers, rotating taps
  Why It’s Great: A local favorite, Avenue Pub offers a vast selection of craft beers on tap and an upscale pub menu. Perfect for fans looking to enjoy a laid-back yet sophisticated post-game experience, Avenue Pub has an excellent upstairs patio for people-watching and enjoying the New Orleans night air.

Insider Tip: The beer selection rotates frequently, so ask the bartenders for recommendations based on what’s fresh on tap.

Explore New Orleans: Pre-Game Attractions

If you have time to spare before the game, why not explore some of the city’s best attractions? Here are some must-see spots to check out before you head to the Smoothie King Center:

1. The National WWII Museum

• Distance: 15-minute walk from Smoothie King Center

• What to See: Exhibits on D-Day, interactive experiences
  Why It’s Great: One of the top-rated museums in the country, the National WWII Museum offers a deeply immersive experience that brings history to life. If you’re in town early and want to explore the culture and history of New Orleans, this is a must-visit.

2. The Audubon Aquarium of the Americas

• Distance: 15-minute walk from Smoothie King Center

• What to See: Sharks, stingrays, and an amazing Gulf of Mexico exhibit
  Why It’s Great: Perfect for families, the Audubon Aquarium is an exciting stop before heading to the game. With interactive exhibits and a stunning collection of sea life, it’s a great way to spend a few hours before tip-off.

Enhance Your Game Day with These Pre- and Post-Game Hot Spots

Whether you’re looking to enjoy a traditional New Orleans meal before the game or celebrate a Pelicans win at a lively bar, this guide gives you everything you need to elevate your game day experience. From dining at fan-favorite spots like Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux to grabbing post-game drinks at Cooter Brown’s Tavern, the Smoothie King Center is surrounded by amazing places to eat, drink, and explore.

Get your New Orleans Pelicans home game tickets now and make your next game day unforgettable with these local tips and tricks!