Candlelight Lounge

Last spring, wifey and I were lucky enough to spend a week in New Orleans. One of the most memorable nights of our trip was spent on a Wednesday at the Candlelight Lounge. I'd like to share our story. My friend Gil B comes to NOLA multiple times a year and has a strong connection with the Crescent City. This was on his short-list of places he recommended to experience something off the beaten path. We arrived by Uber at 10:30 for a 10 o'clock show, thinking we were late, but this place runs on New Orleans time--the lights were all up in this funky little cinder-block building, and there were only a handful of folks sitting at the bar and along the walls. We saw a table in the corner with pots covered in foil sitting on a hot plate, and a paper sign: "Don't Touch Call Gladys" At Gil's recommendation, we took advantage of their bottle service and requested a half-pint bottle of Seagrams gin at the bar. It is served with a luke-warm bottle of soda we went for ginger ale, and a big red plastic bowl of ice and limes. It was perfect and refreshing on this warm night. We found a tiny table near the front and settled in. The next big group to walk in the door was a group of senior Japanese tourists, which all sat on the same side of a big long table. They seemed out of place, sitting all on one side of a big long table. Half the men in the group promptly fell asleep. Not the first time that night, we wondered what we'd gotten ourselves into. Gladys, it turns out, is the lively hostess for the night. She came by to make sure we felt welcome, and told us about the red beans and rice in case we were hungry. Slowly the musicians and additional guests streamed in, and after another half hour or so, the band started to warm up and get ready for the show. We were shocked and gleefully surprised, when one of the Japanese businessmen walks up to the stage with a trumpet case. He introduced himself to the band and asked if he could sit in, they were maybe more surprised than we were, but proceed to pull up a chair for him. When the brass band finally starts up, the tables are full, and a few folks are dancing, and the music is excellent. Wifey and I were thrilled to see that the older tourist was a genius on trumpet, kept up with the band perfectly, and rocked the house. The smile in his eyes as he was playing beamed through the room, he was clearly in his happy place, and he even stood up for a solo in the second song. For the third song, the band paused so Gladys could make an announcement: "In case y'all don't know, this is the third song, which means everybody dances. I'm on my feet all night, so I get to sit down, and the rest of all y'all get up. Everybody dances for the 3rd song." And so we did. And it was great. We danced for the song after that, and a few more as well. The band was on fire, and the whole room was feeling the music. I am sure that not every Wednesday night is as amazing as what we witnessed last April, but I'll sure as heck be back here if I'm every lucky enough to be in the Crescent City again.

Great spot to hang out if you're over 30

I love this place... Every time I've visited, I've had a ball!! The drinks are great, the service is awesome, and the owners are amazing!!! Trust me, if you want to have a great time, this is a must go place to visit!!! Give a party, watch the sports... football, basketball, etc. Or just go have a drink and /or visit during seafood night. You won't be disappointed!!!!

Was on my home and brought a drink, when you put purchased your drink in A Monday night it came with boil turkey neck, crab, corn and potatoes. It was so good, I even purchased a pickle pig lip. The drink was just right, not water down at all. I will be back. Also the club was nice and cool on the inside. A must visit spot.

Great place to chill, listen to music and onService: 5/5

This is a nice spot to hang out. Feels like you're with family seafood nights are great parties are great an the bartenders are awesome.Food: 5/5

$18 six pack bud light. Once but not again!….If they want to charge that much then they can deal with the public. lol @ mgmt

This place was somewhere where I heard my MoMA talk about. I've never been there. This was my first time going to. I was surprised there were many youngsters. Long as the youngsters show respects. In which they did it's not a problem or big deal. I kinda enjoyed there company. They were really respectable the younger folks. It"s ok with myself. Thanks. Don't do credit cards. They'll get there.

Man look this is the honeycomb hide out... I was really surprised!!! nice lil local bar ducked off in the treme area... newly renovated, cool ppl, think the pool table was free but dont quote me on that; too busy enjoying the $4 drink special on w/e you want and screaming who dat whenever I wasnt eating my plate and my friends plate so yeah free GOOD food too... you wont be upset even tho Drew sucked but you already know

Came here on a Wednesday night after getting a random tip that there would be good music. The music was excellent and the vibe was cozy, friendly and a lot of fun. Will definitely come back next time I’m in town.