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Name: Balcony Bar & Cafe
Address: 3201 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA, 70115
Telephone: (504) 894-8888
Price range: Under $11
Rating: 2.97

Balcony Bar & Cafe

3201 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA, 70115

(504) 894-8888
Store is closed

Balcony Bar & Cafe Menu

Appetizers

Chips & Salsa

Balcony Sticks

Nachos

Super Dome

Okra

French Fries

Cheese Fries

Chili Cheese Fries

Wings

Mozzarella Stix 6 pc

Jalapeno Poppers 8 pc

Appetizer Combo

Fried Eggplant

Pork Egg Rolls 4 pes

Chicken Tenders served with Fries

Coxinha

Chips & Salsa

Balcony Sticks

Nachos

Super Dome

Okra

French Fries

Cheese Fries

Chili Cheese Fries

Wings

Mozzarella Stix 6 pc

Jalapeno Poppers 8 pc

Appetizer Combo

Fried Eggplant

Pork Egg Rolls 4 pes

Chicken Tenders served with Fries

Coxinha
Salads

Italian

Greek

Caesar Salad

Avocado & Aspargus

Spinach & Strawberry

Italian

Greek

Caesar Salad

Avocado & Aspargus

Spinach & Strawberry
Lasagna & Pasta

Spinach Alfredo Lasagna

Classic Lasagna

Italian Dream Lasagna

Spaghetti & Meatballs

Chicken or Shrimp Alfredo Fettuccine

Spinach Alfredo Lasagna

Classic Lasagna

Italian Dream Lasagna

Spaghetti & Meatballs

Chicken or Shrimp Alfredo Fettuccine
Sandwiches, Wraps and Quesadillas

Bakony

New Orleans Muffaletta

Chicken or Shrimp Venetian

Chicken or Shrimp Alfredo

Chicken or Shrimp Caesar

Super Meatball

Meat Lovers Delight

Voodoo Smoked House

Philly

Fried Shrimp

Bakony

New Orleans Muffaletta

Chicken or Shrimp Venetian

Chicken or Shrimp Alfredo

Chicken or Shrimp Caesar

Super Meatball

Meat Lovers Delight

Voodoo Smoked House

Philly

Fried Shrimp
Burgers

Classic Burger

Balcony Burger

Cajun Chicken

Classic Burger

Balcony Burger

Cajun Chicken
Desserts

Chocolate Cake

Turtle Trio Cheesecake

Fruit Salad

Chocolate Cake

Turtle Trio Cheesecake

Fruit Salad
Drinks

12 oz. Canned Drinks

Coke

Diet Coke

Sprite

Dr. Pepper

Iced Tea

Lemonade

Bottled Water

12 oz. Canned Drinks

Coke

Diet Coke

Sprite

Dr. Pepper

Iced Tea

Lemonade

Bottled Water

Healthy Meal suggestions for Balcony Bar & Cafe

Appetizers

Chips & Salsa [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Balcony Sticks [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Nachos [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Super Dome [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Okra [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

French Fries [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Cheese Fries [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chili Cheese Fries [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Wings [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Mozzarella Stix 6 pc [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Jalapeno Poppers 8 pc [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Appetizer Combo [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Fried Eggplant [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pork Egg Rolls 4 pes [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chicken Tenders served with Fries [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Coxinha [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chips & Salsa [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Balcony Sticks [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Nachos [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Super Dome [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Okra [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

French Fries [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Cheese Fries [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chili Cheese Fries [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Wings [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Mozzarella Stix 6 pc [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Jalapeno Poppers 8 pc [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Appetizer Combo [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Fried Eggplant [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pork Egg Rolls 4 pes [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chicken Tenders served with Fries [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Coxinha [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Salads

Italian [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Greek [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Caesar Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Avocado & Aspargus [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Spinach & Strawberry [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Italian [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Greek [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Caesar Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Avocado & Aspargus [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Spinach & Strawberry [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Lasagna & Pasta

Spinach Alfredo Lasagna [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Classic Lasagna [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Italian Dream Lasagna [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Spaghetti & Meatballs [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chicken or Shrimp Alfredo Fettuccine [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Spinach Alfredo Lasagna [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Classic Lasagna [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Italian Dream Lasagna [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Spaghetti & Meatballs [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chicken or Shrimp Alfredo Fettuccine [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Sandwiches, Wraps and Quesadillas

Bakony [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

New Orleans Muffaletta [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chicken or Shrimp Venetian [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chicken or Shrimp Alfredo [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chicken or Shrimp Caesar [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Super Meatball [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Meat Lovers Delight [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Voodoo Smoked House [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Philly [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Fried Shrimp [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Bakony [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

New Orleans Muffaletta [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chicken or Shrimp Venetian [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chicken or Shrimp Alfredo [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chicken or Shrimp Caesar [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Super Meatball [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Meat Lovers Delight [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Voodoo Smoked House [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Philly [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Fried Shrimp [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Burgers

Classic Burger [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Balcony Burger [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Cajun Chicken [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Classic Burger [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Balcony Burger [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Cajun Chicken [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Desserts

Chocolate Cake [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Turtle Trio Cheesecake [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Fruit Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chocolate Cake [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Turtle Trio Cheesecake [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Fruit Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Drinks

12 oz. Canned Drinks [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Coke [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Diet Coke [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Sprite [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Dr. Pepper [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Iced Tea [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Lemonade [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Bottled Water [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

12 oz. Canned Drinks [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Coke [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Diet Coke [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Sprite [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Dr. Pepper [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Iced Tea [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Lemonade [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Bottled Water [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

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Write An Anonymous Review

Jess C.

Go see Rachel for a Margarita at happy hour(s) or any hour! She made a great margarita! Their happy hour is $2.50 margarita or a biggin for $5 along with other drink specials but we never made it past the margaritas. We did order the bacony sticks which were like a pizza and actually pretty tasty we finished it off completely. Bar food at its core but delish! We have already planned out happy hour hop for this coming week because we enjoyed ourselves so much at each of these businesses! Keep up the great Happy Hour Balcony! We love ya'll! Can't beat the view and the prices!
(4)
Garick G.

Ideal atmosphere for sports watching. Roll in 30 mins before the game, grab a table and act a fool. Most people come for the balcony, which leaves ample seating indoors. They just updated their food menu. Surprise! It's still bar food. Despite its square footage and prime location, Balcony Bar is still a dive. They don't do drink specials - "You're going to drink anyway, why should we have a special?" and they'll probably roll their eyes if you order a famous New Orleans cocktail. Balcony Bar is where the locals go to drink cheap drinks and laugh out loud with their friends. I'd fully expect a one-time visitor to give this place a thumbs down. But Balcony Bar has a lot of charm, even if's not immediately noticeable.
(4)
Marielle S.

Balcony Bar has improved greatly since my last review. The crowd is MUCH improved thanks to an awesome door guy. The place gets a good crowd without being TOO crowded. There is no smoking (I know that there is no smoking in every bar now, but Balcony Bar has been no smoking for two years). And the best part is the beer- the owners have really made an effort to add a lot of local beer on tap which I am always a fan of. As a result of there being better beer, the place isn't as "fratty" anymore and you can actually sit down and have a conversation and not feel weird. While Balcony Bar still isn't my first stop if I am looking for a good time, it's not a bar that I avoid as I once did.
(4)
Caroline K.

Not too impressed. Came here with a group of friends tonight and the bar tender was horrible. So slow and got pretty much every drink wrong. It's not the end of the world, we're mainly here for the atmosphere. The bar tender ended up getting into a loud argument with a guest and made everyone else uncomfortable, we went to sit out side and all of the tables are covered in trash and old food from previous guests. They are not very busy and the rude bar tender seems to be getting in the way of the other bar tender. This is a prime spot for going out in NOLA, and there are way better options. We ended up going to Rum house across the street and having a way better experience.
(1)
Bobby C.

This place was fun. Came here on a Lundi Gras and to get away from the tourist crowds on Canal. My local friend took me here saying it ain't happening on Bourbon. The Garden District reminds me of the Eastside in Los Angeles. The crowds were manager;e and we even snagged a seat on the balcony which is why you're at this bar. Great views, a round for 3 under $20 and nice service.
(4)
Aaron A.

Cool spot on Magazine Street. They have an awesome happy hour! 4-9. The food is okay. Just your average bar food, nothing special but still good.
(3)
TheRilla ..

Came back this past Sunday to sit out on the balcony and have cigar. Waited for a while despite being one of two people seated at the bar. Ordered a round of drinks, and carried them out to the other folks in my party. All was well until one of the young ladies noticed her white wine had a lipstick ring that wend around the ENTIRE glass. I guess I'm just a sucker for ambience and a good outdoor area. I'll be back, but I'll eat before I come, and I'll pack my flask!
(2)
Stephanie D.

Come for the drinks stay for the patio. Whether it's St. Paddy's weekend or just a cool summer night this place is super clutch! Great selection of beers on tap. Nice long happy hour with really cheap well drinks and they offer Spicey pickle backs ! These things are super tasty. Cuts the booze well and goes down smoothly! They changed the kitchen chef recently and food/ menu has changed immensely for the better. I like to come here with friends, but if you describe yourself as more of a lone wolf come on in anyway and you'll be sure to find a new conversation partner easy ! Look for me at the corner table on the upstairs patio
(4)
Laura B.

Pretty straight forward, right? We came here for the view from the balcony & that's what we got! Actually the bartender upstairs was pretty nice & made drink recommendations while we joked about how I'm from Utah.
(5)
Elexa D.

A legit, reliable local, and I love their late night food menu (which even they delivers. Super dank!) Only complaint is the occasionally overcrowded & therefore slow service. Maybe I caught her on an off night, but VERA, the dour upstairs bar tend, has a lot to learn about customer service. The B- bar service is forgivable given the place's eponymously glorious feature--its Balcony. Grab a table & enjoy some prime Magazine St people watching or simply indulge in a pitcher & tasty pizza. Just don't forget the bug spray!
(3)
Lindy W.

We spent 3 days in new Orleans and 2 of the at the balcony bar because the bar tenders we fabulous. Josh was a super nice dude that makes the absolute best bloody Mary anywhere. And I mean anywhere because trust me, when you are in Nola you need a bloody mary
(5)
Nikkie N.

I ordered a dark and stormy and the bartender gave me some beer concoction with Guinness. I wasn't a fan but drank it down anyways. Did I order wrong? iunno. Had the gyro wrap.. Wasn't a fan either! Not enough gyro and too much wrap! Plus, it's so pesky opening all them damn ketchup packs. It's more sanitary though, I guess. Besides all the stuff I'm not a fan about, the balcony is a great place to be on nice summer days ! The view is awesome and gives this place 3 stars alone.
(3)
Shenea M.

Woke up after a hard night of drinking and my first thought was Balcony. Josh. Blood mary. Sorry I don't form proper sentences hungover but you get the gist haha. Josh hands down makes the best Bloody Mary, perfectly spicy with a few secrets I've been trying to figure out. Can't think of a better way to spend my Saturday morning. And by morning I mean noon haha. Hangover food and amazing bloody Mary's!! Do your self a favor and sit at the bar with Josh
(5)
Keith P.

If you eat here get pizza, it's mediocre but the best choice on the entire menu. The service people aren't friendly, the bathrooms are dirty and the food isn't very good. Kind of a cool place to drink if you get a spot on the balcony and over look the other busy places on Magazine St (just keep in mind those places are busy for a reason and you were seemingly lucky enough to get a spot on the balcony)...
(2)
DaJuan W.

I ordered a Shrimp Po-Boy that on the on-line menu said it was 9.99 but I was told it was 16.00. The excuse was management has turned over so many times that they can't keep up with updating the Menu. I gave it a chance. Clearly not worth the 16.00 or even the 9.99 as advertised on-line. The bread was hard and not toasted. The fries were old and cold. The shrimp was cold and sparse. The dressings were light too...(two pickles, one tomato slice, and wilted lettuce). Delivery guy was suppose to bring updated menus that did not happen. Horrible
(1)
Mike N.

Been here a handful of times and I have yet to walk away semi happy with my experience. Bartenders are rude at best. The idiots working the floor are no better. They've always had problems with their carbonation systems--I.e. flat beer and flat mixers. I've only returned after my first bad experience because usually my group of friends will insist on this shit hole. Luckily, after a cockroach crawled across the bar in front of us, they will not be back either. My friend killed the roach by smashing it with a napkin. She jokingly asked if she'd get a free shot for every roach she killed. The response was that "it's New Orleans" and that she needs to get used to it. That may be (and probably is) true, but when a customer just kills a roach on top of your bar, don't be a dick to them. The one star is for location. I'd love to see this place run under different management. It really is a cool place for a bar. Sadly, some places get enough business without having to care all that much.
(1)
Darin C.

Good food but the prices are now ridiculous due to new management. Eat somewhere else. Kind of funny actually.
(1)
Bryan S.

Rude staff best avoided. Brought a group of friends from Canada here because we were starving and few places were open, my friends were denied entry by the doorman because he would not accept my friends' Canadian IDs as proof they were of drinking age. I would expect this from some out of the way redneck bar in the country, but New Orleans!? Very disappointed and ashamed of this bar and I will never bring a group there again.
(1)
Megan M.

Merp. Maybe I set my expectations too high. The bartender was a dingbat. I believe that was her own self-assessment. she was glued to her cell phone, texting away, the entire time. But she was at least friendly. So they get one star there. The food situation is obnoxious. Order over there, then guess when your food is ready and go back. Then have really sub-par bar food. [blegh] Oh and the guy in the kitchen was a huge ray of sunshine. Huge. The only other star is for prices (although my roommate noticed a few beers that he thought were way overpriced) and lack of smoke indoors. Oh, the balcony is great too... Maybe once it warms up a bit we'll come back just to enjoy it.
(2)
Chris F.

I'm a big fan of the Balcony Bar. Where it fits for me is a weeknight or weekend afternoon. The Balcony Bar is a really cool old house. A really big old house. It is very interesting inside, but I always go for that balcony to observe the happenings on Magazine. The food is very passable, although knowing when your food is ready is sort of a pain. It is just bar food, but above average bar food. The pizzas are pretty good and they have a large assortment of fried foods. It does get packed on Friday and Saturday nights. The crowd then definitely skews college aged. I'm not much of one for crowds and also don't care for constant reminders of how far removed from college I am. Especially when those reminders are wearing neon YOLO shirts. I've heard bad things about the bartenders, but haven't had any issues myself. They aren't exactly rays of sunshine, but they aren't scumbags either. A few months ago they popped up a big white Ten Commandments style list of dress code and rules. Can someone say West Side Story style Dance Rumble?
(4)
Natasha C.

I loved this place! Randomly stopped in while on Magazine street for a drink and we never made it upstairs. The downstairs bartender was great (plus sexy as hell)! He made great Bloody Mary's that had us coming back the next day for more! The atmosphere was relaxed yet lively.. Great combo. I would say it was a classy dive! Shout out to JOSH - Bloody Mary's will never be the same!!
(5)
Ashley G.

Great place to grab a drink after work! Service industry receives happy hour prices all the time (hellooo $1.50 domestics!). I truly enjoy this joint, and the bartenders are helpful and kind. Downside? Well, it's just a dirty little bar. With cold beer, though. So who's complaining?
(4)
John T.

Food is decent. It is open late which is really really hard to find in NOLA. The kitchen staff leaves a lot to be desired. They can be very slow at times and the cashier def doesnt want to be there. I go there to get food late night cuz their aren't many options not to find a soul mate or someone to open up a business with. the bar itself seems popular but i never go there. you can sit outside on the balcony (obviously). that is really nice. go there for late night drunk food.
(3)
Marc M.

A good portion of my first night in New Orleans was in this bar and the group I was with was all having a great time, for the most part, out on the spacious balcony. The fun couldn't even be slowed down by the unfortunate young lady who couldn't quite hold her alcohol down if you know what I mean. The party just powered right on through and she even rallied to finish out the night. Great atmosphere, lots of space, and alcohol. Pretty much all the essentials for a great party!
(4)
Rubio R.

So I only ended up eating here because it was .2 miles from where we were and it was the only place that was open.I guess as far as bars go it was fine so that's why I gave it 2 stars and not 1.The service was just REALLY slow upstairs when we ordered our food.WE were 1 of 4 people that were waiting for our food and they took an 1 1/2 hours for a burger,some cheese sticks, and a Chicken Parmesan Sandwich. I've never eaten a Chicken Parmesan Sandwich that was made up of lunch meat(I guess it was supposed to be chicken lunch meat),toasted french bread & Marinara sauce.To my knowledge a Chicken Parmesan Sandwich is a lightly breaded chicken breast with melted Parmesan cheese on it & I'm definitely not a chef.The burger was really dry and overcooked and tasteless and the fries were really dry too.I was hoping the food would at least be good since we waited so long.At least the cheese sticks were ok.
(2)
JT E.

2 stars for good pizza, loses 3 for terrible bartender. I've been in the service industry for several years and don't remember having seen one this bad ever. Whoever you have working upstairs on Sundays needs to pump gas, not serve people. Been coming here for almost 10 years, won't be returning anytime soon.
(2)
Mel M.

My 2nd trip to NOLA and Balcony Bar & Cafe was a happy memory. Learned of a new favorite drink called a Shandy and ordered Shrimp Po'Boy and fries. 5 star to the Shandy, 4 stars to Balcony dining on Magazine St and 5 stars to the cool fella's who cooked my dinner. Shout out to Squirls and his buddy! Best fries ever!
(4)
Jordan S.

The drinks are good & strong, bartenders are cool, and the greasy food is tasty drunk-food, but the kitchen is slooooow. Just now, I stood there for over 5 minutes while the cook talked to a friend who was in front of me in line (she wasn't ordering, just chatting). No one asked me what I wanted to order--they barely acknowledged me. Good thing NOLA has go-cups; I'm going to the food truck down the street...
(2)
Derrick A.

They get 2 stars because delivery was quick and he food was pretty good (the burgers are huge) but they, just like so many places in New Orleans, had a terrible attitude over the phone and got our order wrong. Two burgers, different toppings... easy right? Apparently not. My burger was the wrong one completely and it didn't have the bacon and jalapenos I ordered. My friend got the burger he ordered but they added my toppings to his. How hard is it to take an order for two burgers? This is a typical problem in this city but you'd think when most of your business at that hour comes from deliveries (it was midnight, after getting off work) you could take a delivery order correctly.
(2)
J.d. S.

I was just here four days ago and tonight the bartender on duty made sure myself and my friends got home safe. I believe his name was Thomas. Either way, this place is outstanding and the employees are far past amazing. Thank you balcony bar for always making my experience outstanding. Much love and respect. J.d.
(5)
Sandra P.

Ugh. This review only relates to their delivery. I had a late check in to my hotel and room service was closed for the night. The front desk agent recommended the Balcony Bar. Since I didn't want a pizza they seemed to have a good bit of options to choose from. Service - The person on the phone was the highlight - she was friendly and polite. Food - Mediocre. Quesadilla, wings and a watery hummus plate - YUCK. I got one chicken wing with NO MEAT on it... it was just a bone. Gross. In my mind I suspected that the delivery person are it on the way over. :[ Value - Meh. I went to bed hungry. Perhaps dine-in is better but for delivery to local hotels... I can't recommend it.
(2)
Sara E.

Just tried to get into the bar at 8:30pm on a Friday night with my two male friends and the bouncer wouldn't let us in because he Said my friends pants were too low! I'm talking about two preppy guys. There were less than 10 people in the bar so apparently they don't need the business.
(1)
John L. H.

Balcony Bar has been different every time I have been. I've been here when it is incredibly packed, and when it is completely empty. Regardless of when I have been, I always have just an OK experience. The downstairs area is large and open. The bar takes up almost the entire left wall so there are plenty of spots to sit if that's your thing. Upstairs is kind of oddly laid out, but the balcony is the best reason to come to this bar. There is something special about sitting on a balcony in New Orleans and people watching. Besides the balcony, there is a very good selection of beers. I like that the taps are close to the bar so you can stare at the taps and pick the prettiest handle if you are so inclined (I am not). I know others have complained about rude bartenders, but every time I have been they have been great. The reason this bar will not become one of my regular haunts is the crowd. They seem kind of stand offish and too cool for school. I don't normally let this bother me, but I definitely did not feel very welcome. In summary, this is a cool bar with uncool regulars.
(3)
Jen L.

It's just that OK. The crowd could definitely make or break the evening. I wouldn't order anything to challenging here, but the beer & liquor selection seemed good. Also the space is big and airy enough to escape most of the lingering cigarette smoke. +1 star for the balcony on a beautiful cool! night in June. -1 for a somewhat cranky bartender. AND we're back at 3.
(3)
Colin A.

Decent enough spot to grab a drink. Nothing too special. The balcony is really nice when the weather is nice. I live in the neighborhood, so I've been a few times, wouldn't go out of my way for it really though.
(3)
Kevin M.

AVOID THIS RESTAURANT/BAR! After shopping along magazine I ducked into the Balcony Bar to get a "gourmet burger". I asked the bartender for a menu and coke while I looked it over. She mumbled something at me. I told her I didn't here her could she please repeat it. She said "in the back up the stairs". I had no idea what that meant. I asked her "do i need to order upstairs in the back?". She said "yes and $1.50 for the coke. I handed her my CC. She said there is $10min on CC. I tried to explain I was about to order a $11.00 burger. Her reply was "different register the coke will be $10. I will NEVER try this pathetic restaurant again. No customer service.
(1)
Gloria C.

After a bit of evening shopping on Magazine Street, we were trying to kill some time before dinner at Jacques-Imo's, and looked up to see a charming little balcony beckoning us to come have a drink or two. I think Balcony Bar is better than just "OK", because of its character as an older, simple, no frills bar where you can get a drink quick and nosh on some bar food while overlooking a cute lil hood. The girly beer drinker in me liked them even more for having Woodchuck on draft (I know, I know...Woodchuck *probably* doesn't count as beer, but it does to me). I thought the female bartender was extremely nice and welcoming, even though we probably screamed "tourist!" and it doesn't seem like a spot that wants a lot of tourist attention. We ended up drinking on the balcony for a few hours until it was time for dinner, and I sort of regret not coming back here after dinner to see how live it got. Next time, fa sho, Balcony Bar.
(4)
Sara U.

Good times to be had. It is old and creaky but spacious, so it's not asses to elbows in there. The bartenders upstairs are always friendly and attentive. I was indecisive about what I wanted to guzzle so the bartender reco'd her signature secret drink. It was orangey and spritey and potent. It's fun to stand out on the balcony and see what's going on out on Magazine Street. Also, the pizza is really pretty damn good. You order it and then you go in the kitchen area to pick it up. For some reason I like that. One weird thing - they are now smoke free but they have a ciggy machine downstairs!
(4)
Elizabeth C.

I think the best part is when a drunk girl nonchalantly hurls over the side of the balcony narrowly missing the guy taking out the trash. No really, that happened. TWICE. Once while I was on the balcony (no, it wasn't me), and a second time when I was walking past Balcony on the way to Rendezvous. I still don't know whether to be horrified or I LOVE that I don't have to clean up after myself. Every half hour or so someone comes by to remove the empty glasses and beer bottles. Usually at bars, that's my job. This isn't a dancing bar. This is a loud, meet up with your friends and drink while hollering over the music bar. I ordered a double gin & pineapple and the whole drink tasted like straight gin... so I ordered beers after that... Pretty sure if you can mess up a gin and pineapple you shouldn't be making drinks.
(3)
Coleman V.

I don't know why African Americans support this establishment. The juke box has NOT ONE album from a black or African American artist. Hmm, can we say institutional racism? This means that the owners probably want to keep your presence to a minimum. However, the cheese fries are good.
(2)
Shannon S.

This bar has gone smoke free and vastly improved their beer tap system upstairs so I've become a much more regular customer with those great additions!!!
(3)
Emily W.

The food here is pretty good and love sitting on the balcony watching magazine street. Gets really busy on the weekends, would recommend going on a weekday.
(4)
Jessie G.

This place was ridiculous. The bar had maybe a dozen people in it. My wife and I went to the bar to get menus. Bartender completely ignored us. We moved to the dead center of the bar and again completely ignored. We sat down at one of the many empty tables thinking there might be a waiter. Nope. Went back up to the bar and again completely ignored. We were dressed nice and there was no reason to act like we were invisible. Don't waste your time.
(1)
Neelam P.

Decent bar with a good beer selection and not too far from the streetcar stop. We sat on the balcony and enjoyed some some fresh air and a nice view of Magazine street. Great option on a nice day!
(3)
Molly B.

As far as the bartenders go I've been totally unimpressed. I always have to wait around for them to finish chatting, texting, or whatever it is that is distracting them from doing their job. Pay cash if you can because you'll be waiting awhile to close your tab when it's that time. I had decent service downstairs one night so maybe it's just one or two bartenders. However, their late night food makes up for the lousy service. The hummus wrap is amazing! Thanks for having vegetarian options so when I'm drunk I don't make worse decisions! Their door guys are always overly nice, too. Maybe they should switch with a bartender or two?
(3)
Joi B.

Never order a drink prepared by a bartender who replies, "Unfortunately," after being asked if they make such drinks there. Balcony Bar should be 4-stars. After all, it's a bar in New Orleans. Automatic 3-stars as long as it's not a brightly lit frozen daiquiri joint on Decatur or Bourbon. But, 4-stars it is not. First the good: Balcony Bar oozes charm. After all, you there are two fantastic levels of ultimate old saloon atmosphere. For the second floor bar, go up the winding wooden staircase that is so old, the middle of the stairs is forever imprinted with the footsteps of drinkers past. Venture past the kitchen (laugh at the photos of food they promise is delicious) and you can sit on the balcony, a perfect spot for a warm fall Saturday afternoon during Halloween weekend, which overlooks Magazine and Harmony Streets. Now the bad: Do not order a bloody mary here. I didn't think it was possible to get a horrible bloody mary in this city, but you can at Balcony Bar. I didn't even finish mine. I get the whole, "I want to just pour you a shot or throw you a beer," thing, but I don't tolerate it very well, especially on an afternoon when the bar is hardly packed. If a bartender won't take pride in their drinks, well, you'd do best to move on and go to a bar where they do. I can say this, because I've busted my ass to pour the perfect martini when my bar was three people deep. So, if you want a beer and a balcony, this is the bar to go to. If you want anything but this (or maybe a shot) go elsewhere.
(3)
Stephen K.

Keep your expectations low and this bar works out great. I'm here a couple of times a year, usually early evening when it is not too crowded and possible to find a seat on the balcony. Two story dive bar, relatively cheap drinks and an awesome balcony. Or, more accurately, a dive balcony with a birds-eye view of Magazine St.. I don't know the history of the building, but the architecture is classic and I always think this would have been a fantastic house at some point. The help has always been friendly. Prices are very reasonable. Buy something in a bottle and watch over the riffraff waiting to eat at the Rum House. Buy several drinks if you are planning to use the bathrooms. Not really sure how to rate "Dive Bars" - More stars for more cruddy? More stars for cheaper drinks? More stars because I am willing to go back? Anyhow, I landed at 3 - its all about the balcony.
(3)
Eileen D.

Checked this place out at 5:30 on a Friday. Maybe it was happy hour prices, but beers were only $2.50. I made the mistake of spilling mine all over myself and the bartender replaced it for free. Plus the balcony is legit, esp in warm weather.
(4)
Louise e. A.

Balcony Bar & Cafe Reason: You don't want to impress the bar and the bar doesn't want to impress you back. Drink: $2 Highlifes. Only the champagne of beers for this champagne of bars. Drank: $2 Mickey's. Malt liquor (double the pleasure!) + puzzles under the cap (double the fun!) Drunk: Whatever else they sell at Balcony Bar for $2. (I'm assuming the bartenders adore me here.) mindless musings: The Rum House catching on fire. Plenty of late night couples disputes. A shooting star. These are just a few of the things I've had the pleasure viewing atop the balcony of this fine establishment. You will find these things and much more if you choose to enjoy Balcony Bar while: - out on the balcony, overlooking Magazine Street, enjoying the fine Louisiana weather well into the night, accompanied by your favorite friends and favorite beers. And you won't find these things and you will find much less if you choose to experience Balcony Bar while: - on the inside of Balcony Bar. Literally, unless you're walking in to retrieve your pizza (anything but plain cheese is great) there is absolutely no reason to subject yourself to the innards of this bar. I wanted to post this sentence next: It's not like there's actually blood and fish guts strewn about but it's reminiscent of a fish that has been gutted and left to rot. But I won't. It's just that personally; Balcony Bar doesn't return me any favors aside from a great balcony and decent pizza. The rest of the bar isn't awful as much as it's just incredibly laid back. It's definitely not somewhere that you will find a hopping party hiding around the corner. If you're rebellious, mysterious, or an older patron, you will likely enjoy the downstairs area. And if you're a hipster, young professional or generally a younger-aged patron, you will likely skim right through the downstairs area and head up to your perching post on the balcony. I'm not sure if it's because the stairs are too steep and scary for the former bunch but it's a little eerie how stark the difference is between the downstairs and upstairs areas of this place. I.e.: dance parties upstairs are likely to be welcomed while dance parties in the middle of downstairs are likely to result in criticizing stares. (Even after you decide to head back inside for one more drink after waiting for a cab for 30 minutes, and you now have six Mickey's to drink because of the $10 minimum, and your group is desperate to find a way to pass the time, and it's only 11pm but your first drink was had at a 2:30 LSU kick off... No matter how positively impressive you think your dance moves are at this moment... the downstairs crowd will still not be grateful for the dance party you are trying to create. Trust me.) So to recap this unusually uninspiring establishment on Magazine Street - it's not going to rock your world like some of the other Nola bars I have spotlighted on this blog. BUT with some bias, I biweekly, with breaks in between, am bunched up beside my besties bringin down brews on the beautiful balcony at Balcony Bar. I can't explain the madness. Perhaps I have an affinity for the letter B. Or by chance it's an awkward obsession with balconies (as I have somehow mentioned them 12 times in this post alone). But it's likely that I keep going back because Balcony Bar easily reiterates my favorite saying: "In the end it's not where you are but who you're with that really matters" - DMB(alcony) "Laissez les bon temps rouler" - Barbara Bush (a loyal LoveOurCityNOLA team member) Insider Tips: (1) Not that you don't carry it with you anyway, but be sure to have your ID on hand as there is a doorman most nights of the week and he is perfectly comfortable with rejecting your entrance. Even those who are small, quick, Mexican and squeaked in through the back door have been recognized three hours later and promptly kicked out. (2)Also we're all lucky it hasn't happened yet, so please follow the trend of not falling down the incredibly steep stairs and dying.
(4)
Stephen R.

The only good thing about this bar is--you guessed it--the balcony! There used to be a pool table, that punching bag for a dollar/measuring your manhood machine that ate all my cash and it made for a pretty decent scene. Since I have been back in subsequent visits I have been ignored, my friends mom was verbally harassed by a staff member for asking "what beers do you have on tap". He said "these effing beers right here" because he was trying to pay attention to the Saints game. Anyway, I end up here with drunken friends that shout things like "Rendezvous is too smokey. Balcony Barrrrr!" It usually makes for a good time heckling people on the streets below. Beyond that, low quality service/prices aren't cheap/they took the fun away. Bad JuJu on Balcony.
(2)
Dana D.

I just got a response from this gal: yelp.com/user_details?usâ€¦ regarding my reiveiw of the balcony bar. HER: For your review of: Balcony Bar & Cafe You totally make some great points here...Welcome to Yelp! Looking forward to reading more from you :) Maybe next try writing a review of a place you do recommend? Positive reviews are more fun to write, I promise! --------------------------------------------------Â--------------------------------------------------Â--------- ME: Sorry my response might be a bit on the bitchy side, but: A: I do write great reviews for places that deserve it, I have been in the service industry for a long long time, More than 17 years, and I know a thing or two about decent food and drink service. Did my time in food delivery too. B: If you do get a less than stellar review, especially from a person who's not picky. Take it to heart and maybe do something about it. It might actually be helpful to your business. C: Positive reviews are way more fun to write, I agree. I WANT good places to eat, and to send people to. However, when you don't get what you order from a place, and get charged extra for it, that business might want to take a look at the problem. This is either in the kitchen or with the person taking orders. Unless they want unhappy customers over and over again, they should especially want to win over the business of the local service industry. We deal with hundreds of people per day and send them to places to eat. Over and over again, all day. I can be a blessing, or a goddamned billboard sending people away, every day. This isn't a popularity contest, and it's not personal... Sorry Joy 'Yelper Darling B'. It's what it is. I want to be happy 'everything's great, great food, great service, fantastic!, but when it's really awful, I'm gonna say something. It was really awful. Get it together guys, you can do better than this! I WANT to order from you again, I WANT to send you people, but this last order just plain sucked.
(2)
Kendra B.

Honestly, not the hugest fan of the balcony bar - but when theres like a 2 hr wait for taco Tuesday at yum house across the street, the balcony bar is a nice place to grab a couple of drinks at a not overly crowded bar. Also the buzzer for rum house works here.
(3)
Jane S.

I hate this place. I have no idea what people see in it. What's the big deal? It's a cheesy-looking sports bar with uncomfortable seating. Woo Hoo, there's a balcony. Hence the name. I've got news for you: if you're a bar and a fucking balcony is your only selling point, you're doing it wrong. I gave it two stars because at least I've never gotten food poisoning from this place. Then again, I don't think I've ever had the food there. But I do know people who've gotten food poisoning from their crappy food.
(2)
Matthew B.

Violently threatened to be removed from the bar without warning while finishing beers from "last call" I should clarify - the offender was not working there at the moment but seemed friendly with those that were, and they did nothing to stop it. The guy looked like Zach deputy.
(1)
Carly B.

Been here a bunch of times now and I always arrive thinking yes! Balcony Bar! Cheap drinks, alright food and good music. And then EVERYTIME I'm reminded how terrible the service is. Bartender with short blonde hair is just really rude. If you don't want to work then don't! There are so many awesome bartenders in New Orleans and it seems like Balcony purposefully tries to hire the most disgruntled ones. I'm giving up on this hole in the wall and it's awful service. I'll take my service to many of the other bars with friendly NOLA bartenders over balcony any day.
(1)
Ryan C.

Nice place to stop by for a round or two before you call it a night. I love the balcony upstairs. It offers great views of Magazine st. I haven't had a chance to try everything on the menu yet but the few items I have had have been excellent. Can't wait to try something new.
(4)
Rene D.

It's a bar. Really, two bars: street level, where there's frat or thuggish looking guys with minimal social skills pretending to play pool/look cool; and upstairs - by climbing those treacherous stairs and you'll discover it's a raucous, free-wheeling place to hang with friends or drink on the cheap. My friends ordered cheese fries, which showed up with a huge pile of mozzarella on top of fries. Inedible after the 1st two minutes because the layer of cheese became, for lack of a better description. 'dairy armour'. Drink specials every day. Balcony for those who smoke/ogle people who walk by. Jukebox is stellar. Not a place to order a martini, but you can try...
(3)
Loretta H.

Late night food selection is alright here, the service is a little lacking in the food department but forgivable as when I was there it was two women stuck in the kitchen for I am assuming what was way too long. But holy service industry the bartender that was behind the bar the night of Dec. 23rd upstairs was a piece of work. Awful attitude from the moment we ordered. When I went to pay the tab about an hour later she was visibly wasted/loaded which just exacerbated her issue with us. I paid for my $9 tab with a $10 and decided to walk away without automatically tipping to see how she would react. Without missing a beat, she screamed "Seriously? Yeah I love you too. I fucking LOVE not getting tipped" across the bar at me. So, yeah, she wasn't getting any extra money from me. And the management at Balcony Bar should really re-evaluate their team.
(1)
Candice M.

Late night eats! Mean man bar upstairs. He's about his business. Just a bar to go to when you run out of options.
(3)
Roberto M.

Looking for late night food in Nola? That's surely what I was looking for when I ordered from Balcony Bar and Cafe at around midnight. Called in an order for a couple of chicken Caesar wraps with tomato and Caesar dressing on the side. The person I spoke with on the phone seemed to be listening and confirming back to me that he had heard what I was saying to him. I picked up the food and it wasn't until I got home that I realized there was neither tomatoes nor Caesar dressing. Not only was there no Caesar dressing on the side but NO dressing. Period. To top it off, the food was extremely overpriced for the quality of it. Without some Tony's seasoning, this food may have much more difficult to eat. Do not waste your money here thinking you will get decent food. It isn't...Overall it was a unfavorable dining experience and the food was mediocre. I will not be ordering food from them again. Not during the day. Not late night. Not ever.
(2)
Feira T.

It's quite simple... I do not like the bartenders here. Very rude and lazy towards a LOCAL crowd. The worst crowd they would get are the college kids who don't tip. I bartend as well, I've been doing so for 9yrs. I deal with a horrible crowd on bourbon. I deal with the people who are not from here and don't tip. Get your shit together, Balcony!
(2)
Nathaniel S.

Recent experiences demand I update. One Star - Great location on Magazine Two Stars - Cheap drinks Three Stars - Love hanging out on the balcony. Minus One Star - pretty standard cheap mixed drinks and the upstairs can get rather crowded on busy nights. MINUES TWO STARS - Recently I have had several unpleasant experiences with two of the bartenders working upstairs on Fridays and Saturdays. I understand these are busy days and I have also experienced similar chaos while working in the service industry. This does not excuse the male bartender with the hat repeatedly being downright RUDE to customers. For example, one night, not particularly busy at all, I ordered an Abita Amber. I sat down at a table, as I usually do with friends at Balcony Bar, and started drinking my Amber. It was flat. Something was seriously off with said beer. I decided to return it in favor of another pour. Not wanting to be rude I stated, in a humble manner, that "I think this beer is flat" to which he responded "Well, is it?" Yes... yes it was. He continued to pour flat beer for my other friends that night without replacing the keg. Caveat... there is a female bartender who works the second floor and is absolutely great. She remembers me, which is understandable since I am there regularly and tip well considering I am a teacher.
(2)
Michael S.

Cheap drinks. Good people. Fantastic balcony. Great bartenders. This is one of my favorite local bars in New Orleans. Balcony has a great happy hour and always has some form of beer on special for $2 (you just cant find that at too many places). The bartenders are always extremely nice, and typically nice enough tp push happhour back 30-45 minutes. If it's a nice night out, the balcony is a great place to unwind with a beer or two.
(4)
Jeff C.

An enigma wrapped in a mystery.... that's how I would describe the Balcony. Does anybody else ever notice that the downstairs area crowd is soooo different from the upstairs area crowd???? I just find it amusing! Usually when I am out on Magazine for the night, for some reason I always wind up here last. Which isn't a bad thing at all. For some reason I'm just drawn to it late at night. The beer selection is decent, however being a whiskey drinker, I get a little bit miffed with the drink prices to cup size ratio. I don't want to feel like I'm doing a shot of Jack and coke when I order a WHOLE drink. grrrrr. All in all I would say I still like the bar and the open kitchen is always good for late night calories!
(3)
Jules B.

Great for a weeknight, late-night hangout with friends. It's right across the street from the Bulldog, which gets insane on Wednesday nights, so my friends and I like to opt for Balcony Bar over it. The pizzas are also a best-kept secret, and you might not guess it, but they definitely rank above other bar food options in the area. Cheap drinks, good pizza, balcony!, perfect location on Magazine, pool tables... Can't really go wrong.
(3)
Rodney H.

It doesn't compare to many bars within the city, but it's a chill place to spend a weeknight drinking. It's not worth the crowds on the weekends. Good drink specials, which is a big plus, and the balcony is a nice place to hang out and take in Magazine St. However, those stairs are killer. I had a friend tumble all the way down them and had to spend the rest of the night in a hospital. Not really the bar's fault, though...
(3)
Brooke B.

If you know me, you know I'm a fan of bars. I am the kind of person that feels that every bar has its place. Where is Balcony Bar's place is in my heart. This bar is equivalent to comfort food for me. No matter what time of day, no matter how large or small the crowd, no matter if I'm alone or with 15 friends, I always feel comfortable here. Friendly patrons and bartenders make this an easy place to hang out even when you walk in along. (Arguably, though, that could be said of nearly every bar in the city. New Orleans is known for its openness and acceptance.) There are televisions for watching sports or whatever and a pretty good jukebox too. They have amazing bar food from quesadillas, pizza, hot wings and a lot more. There is a wide liquor selection, and the drink specials can't really be beat. I once sat at this bar for about 4 hours in the middle of the day, and paid a $12 bar tab. And we all know, I'm not a slow drinker. I like to sit upstairs, either at the bar, or outside on their amazing balcony overlooking Magazine Street. But there is more seating, as well as pool tables on the first floor. They do allow smoking, but other than that, it's a great bar to drink, people watch and just have a good time.
(5)
Jen P.

Balcony bar is a combination of cheap drinks, everybody I know, and the chance to sit on a balcony and drink (which is one of my favorite and most dangerous pastimes). Other pros include good, greasy food, a prime location by every other place that I hang out, a large area in doors for the rainy/cold days, a decent amount of restrooms, and daily/ happy hour specials that make drinking even cheaper. The fake-cons include the fact that it is smokey and that I will run into everyone I know within 20 minutes of being there. Depending on my level of intoxication, those can be turned around pretty quickly. The only real con (and the reason behind the four stars rather than five) is that the service at the bar is slow on the weekends and they can be very abrupt when you are trying to close your tab.
(4)
Carolyn J.

When you get a balcony of people to start chanting in glee, I call that a fun neighborhood bar. Beer is cheap, people are friendly. Great mingle scene, the balcony makes the bar. If staying in the Garden District, this drinking hole won't disappoint.
(4)
Jill S.

This is one of my go-to spots for a laid-back night, a good retreat after Bulldog is closed and the conversation's still going. I've never eaten anything here, and I don't have high expectations for the cuisine. I've also never hung out downstairs, which is always more empty than upstairs. Pool tables and games if that's your thing. Up that rickety staircase, it's loud and bustling. Grab some real-estate at the square bar in the middle of the room while a friend starts scoping out the balcony outside. If you can't land a spot on the balcony, it's not worth staying, but somehow a spot always magically opens up before you've finished your first drink. Then kill a few hours enjoying the company and the view.
(4)
Erin V.

This is fun bar, great selection of drinks, lots of space! I like upstairs the best, on the balcony of course, but inside is well ventilated and with lots of pool tables and casual atmosphere. The food is typical bar food, not the best. I had chicken fingers and they were only good because I had a few beers. You have to order upstairs and pick it up upstairs- no waiter service. The fries weren't great either... But you come here for the bar and chill atmosphere so all of that worked for me. Great selection of local beers also which is a must! Because of the high ceilings the noise level is manageable and you can actually carry on a conversation.
(4)
Bill F.

Ordered carry out from here while staying at Spring Hill Downtown. The calzones are delicious and huge especially the spinach one! Saved half in fridge for next day. Artichoke and spinach dip was only so-so. Recommend for an easy breezy stay in the hotel room dine.
(3)
Mark C.

Was there on a busy night, def a local hang out. No tourists really. Giving 1 star cause the bartender was an DB - he couldn't get a can open so he smashed it with a bottle opener, which soaked my face. Didn't apologize or offer a napkin - but obviously saw what happened. Kept on his marry way. I stood there glaring at him with grapefruit juice dripping down my face.... wanted to do a little more, but being non native, I let it slide... until now - 1 STAR EEK! Me Thinks NOT
(1)
Ellen C.

Haven't been here in years, but I used to frequent this place quite regularly as my school buddies particularly found solace and glee at the Balcony Bar. The downstairs of this bar is to be avoided at all costs. Unless you really like pool. And creepy locals. When bypassing this area to reach rather treacherous and steep stairs leading to the more "hip" upstairs, be wary of the locals leering and jeering . . . trying to "holler" and possibly slash your throat. Just kidding on the latter, it's totally safe! It's just not typical the prime crowd for a younger adult. The upstairs is all about the students. I don't think it's really a top destination for the locals, as I used to run into pretty much all of my classmates here. A lot of undergrad kiddos too, of course, but not too much of the fraternity-esque crowd. The upstairs consist of a main bar area two partitioned (i think?) rooms and of course the balcony area. And there is the kitchen, ready to serve up some greasy late night bar treats. The wait is sometimes unbearable for any of the good stuff and I'm not sure if it's worth it as I've only had the fries. But when my friends were drunk and hungry, they would not waver for the sandwiches, pizzas, etc. It does tend to get somewhat crowded here from time to time, but never anything claustrophobia-inducing. The bartenders are usually pretty all right (no waitresses) and the drinks are decently priced. This wasn't my favorite place when I lived in New Orleans just because it was heavily frequented by students and I'm an old freaking lady. But it was certainly bearable and never minded meeting my friends up here. I really would have to say, out of all the Magazine Street bars, I probably doled out the most time and money to Balcony. I don't think I would necessarily make it a point to visit here ever again, but hey, it's not too bad.
(3)
Alexis A.

This bar has no shortage of characters, both working in it, and patronizing it. It can be annoying (and the balcony can be down right scary) when it's crowded, but drinks are decent, and they have some good grub. There's a kitchen tucked back by the bathrooms on the second floor (can't order from the bars). The pizza is good. I'm not a fan of the hot wings. The loaded chili fries are pretty rediculous (ultimate drunk food), and the other stuff I've tried is average (cheese stix, poppers). The kitchen staff requires patience, as do some of the bartenders, but it's worth it!
(4)
Dana D.

Balcony Bar is 2 blocks away from home...so, its great being able to walk (or stumble) home. Get a beer, simple cocktail (like cranberry & vodka) or a shot. If you are looking for fancy, go to a snazzy hotel bar or an upscale bar. Bars like this are not classy & sophisticated, and thats all the charm. This place is a 2 story, 'dive-y' bar with an excellent location on Magazine, and 2 bars. The stairs are somewhat steep, so the drunk & clumsy might wanna stay downstairs. I have enjoyed bachelorette parties, New Years and other random weekend nights here and enjoy the laid back feeling here.
(3)
Rico C.

Rico like Balcony for reason of always $1.50 different beer when I go. Drink many Red Stripe one night and small tiny black man with bullet belt want to be my friend for pool table. Rico like to go upstair to sit outside and put whistle on wimmen walkin on Magazine. Only think Rico no like is stairs. I fall two weeks and amigo with bullet belt help me. Might bar girl there like Rico?
(4)
Adam O.

Magazine St gets my vote for my favorite street in New Orleans. If I found a job in New Orleans I would have to make sure I lived within striking distance. One of the places that I always end up going is Balcony Bar. They have pretty good food, especially considering it is a bar. The bartenders... while not the most friendly people in the world... and maybe not always the most attentive... are pretty alright. The jukebox is fantastic, and there is something to be said about being able to hang out on a balcony overlooking Magazine St.
(4)
Richard H.

Balcony is what it is, and doesn't try to break outside of that. They have a sweet spot on Magazine st, .. Some damn good philly cheese steak pizza (among others, that's just my preference;) and reasonable drink prices. Lately though, Bar service upstairs can get difficult on weekends due to crowd, we do however get delivery regularly, and will continue to do so as long as they are consistent, which so far they have been. Check 'em out.
(4)
Paul R.

Geez, here is another New Orleans joint that I am divided about. It's not bad but....let's just say that I usually only end up here if friends of mine want to go. Expound on the details of this statement? I surely will.... The Balcony Bar certainly has its charm as it's become a staple for New Orleans Uptown dwellers and what better location than on Magazine St., where the cute boutique shops always look so inviting. If the weather permits, the sidewalks are congested with urbanites looking to spend some money and have a good time. Balcony Bar doesn't disappoint the locals, either. Their door is ALWAYS open and if you've got money, they've got a remedy for all your ills in the form of an intoxicating mixture. Take as directed by the bartender. I've been here several times since I first found it in 2005 through some New Orleans natives. I think if you're used to the type of distinguished climate that, say, Polo Lounge or even Whiskey Blue might offer, this might not be your brand of nest. It's a cheap thrill; a great place if you're already in the area to drop in, take a load off and relax with a cool beverage amongst friends. Hell, you could even wander in alone and trade banter with the locals. Now, there is a treat. I've never spent much time, if any, in the downstairs portion of this bar. Why?? Well, there is an abundance of smoke. It's like they replaced the air in there with smog from LA. The air is blue, no joke. You actually have to duck down under the clouds sometimes to see who you're speaking to or who has called you out. Most of the fellows you find in here are on the scary side, too. Ragged jean shorts, stained wife beater, busted croc sandals....you name it. Plus, they give you that 'evil eye'. You know what I'm talking about. Those cheesy spaghetti westerns where the hero drops in from a city up North; tumbleweeds rolling by as he ties off his horse. He steps through the swinging saloon doors and the drunkard on the harpsichord suddenly ceases the music, poker players drop their cards and all faces turn toward him in a chilling fashion. Then, the 'evil eye' makes its appearance. As if to ask 'what's up with this fella'?! He's only saved by a native of those parts, sometimes a scantily clad damsel who grabs him by the arm, ushering him upstairs while saying 'now, don't you mind them now, ya' here? You c'mon up these stairs and have a drink!' At least, that's how I feel when I'm downstairs. Oh yeah, don't interrupt the pool game going on, either because there is ALWAYS one going on. Which brings me to upstairs. These stairs are narrow, short and go straight up. They should have a hostess at the foot of the stairwell that hands out complementary picks, grappling hooks, rope and boots. This is a steep incline. I can actually feel a change in air pressure upon my ascent. Stick to the handrail, continue to look down as missing a step can be easy and possibly fatal for you and others that are RIGHT BEHIND YOU! Once you get to the second floor, you receive a bumper sticker staking the claim that you 'made it to the top!' Just kidding on that last bit. Upstairs is where they make the tavern food and another bar is located in the center of the floor. I've often found the customers to be much different from the ghouls below and that's a good thing. There is a nice iron balcony that wraps around the outside of this bar and I have to say, on a beautiful night, it's a real pleasure to hang out up there. Cool breeze, good friends, good drink, nice people. It's a lot of fun and it's here where this bar really begins to shine. I have a gripe, though. For the sake of the gods, fix your bathrooms!! These bathrooms upstairs (are there any downstairs??) are terrifying. Maybe the women's restrooms are better. The men's restroom is a disgrace. I mean, I've seen better restrooms in the deep end of the Quarter. You know what I'm talking about! There isn't even a door! They give you this giant plank of wood that has all kinds of obscenities written on it, phone numbers calling for both genders and pictures to match! The intention is that if you want any sort of privacy, you pull that plank of wood behind you as it (sort of) cuts you off from the bar customers just behind it. God forbid anyone goes number 2. Check, please! This is a traditional New Orleans Uptown staple that everyone should check out at least once in their lives. I used to have an affinity for it when I lived in Uptown (on St. Mary St.) but since I've been frequenting other places, this one has fallen down the list. It's just a place you need to go and experience, where the drinks are eclectic as the people who buy them and the doors never close!
(3)
Kellan F.

This place is full of shit the menu says it it open till 4am but it really is not the people are very rude there and do not really care about what they do and really don't know what their menu says so I suggest never ordering food or anything from them if I have ever talked to ruder people in my life I do not know when but if you ever have the chance avoid this place at all cost rudest and worst place to encounter people in New Orleans!!! I strongly suggest avoiding this place if you are trying not to have a bad time in New Orleans if you are trying to hit up all the places where rude people work with bad attitudes about where they work this is the place.
(1)
Mike P.

Came here with a bunch of friends because the first bar we were at was a little to crowded. We only ordered drinks but it was a nice enough place. We sat upstairs and it wasnt to bad at all. It didnt take long to get drinks and they were mixed well. I would'nt mind coming back if i was in the area.
(3)
Valerie L.

Awesome food, great staff. Walked in because they serve super late. Cheap food, cheap drinks. Great food, strong drinks. Staff was super friendly and fun to joke around with.
(4)
Zachary A.

as far as my previous reviews standing, yes, except all the pool tables and other games are gone. More seating. Better Jukebox (internet; largely unfiltered). The Turks in the kitchen are funny and awesome.
(5)
Ashley S.

First bar I went to during my weekend in New Orleans. Well first bar to drink at. Went here first and had a good time. Drinks were quick and cheap; the crowd was half in costumes half not. I enjoyed that there was a upstairs as well as a downstairs. Minus a star for the frattyness, minus a star for the staircase which the sober me had a difficult time walking down.
(3)
John P.

Watched Super Bowl 44 here and stopped in on the Saturday night before. Not a "sports bar" by any means, but the TVs were big and the place was packed. Wonder why? :) Saturday was a college-kid crowd so I was skeptical, but the game-watching experience was good. Nice old Magazine street setting, and a great Balcony (another surprise!) from which to watch the limited uptown mayhem after the Tracy Porter interception in the 4th Quarter. Everyone was friendly, food was served in a reasonable length of time, overall good experience.
(4)
Lisa V.

We live in the neighborhood,2 blocks from the Balcony Bar. Usually we go to the Bulldog but because of the Balcony Bar's Non-Smoking Policy we decided to go here on 12-1-2012 around 11:50PM. There was a man outside who had been thrown out of the Bulldog many times. His name is "Richard" & we watched as he begged for drinks & inappropriately touched women outside. My female friend & I sat in a Booth & continued to watch as her preyed on women when their boyfriends left to get a beer or go to the bathroom. We reported it to the bartenders, security, & even to a guy who was now working at the Balcony who had worked at he Bull bog. My friend even sat in a booth with a young 21 year old women who we observed him molesting. She sat there to get him to stop touching this young woman. The woman thanked her. She said she didn't know what to do. One of the bartenders came to our booth to defend "Richard". We tried to place an order with this bartender earlier except my friend stated she couldn't "grasp" the order. We closed out with whatever she could "grasp". "Richard" also touched my friend in inappropriate ways as well as at least 3 other women. The bartender who could not "grasp" the order for a Purple Haze mixed with an Andygator came to our booth to defend "Richard" ,a homeless alcoholic, as the "King" of Magazine Street. Keep in Mind that the Bulldog will not let "Richard" in their door & this was not our first encounter with "Richard". I refused to continue this conversation with the Bartender & "Richard". We left after she incoherently tried to explain "Richard's" place in their bar. We live blocks away but we will never return. Ironically it was the female bartender defending "Richard". We spoke to Security, a guy who works there who previously worked at the Bulldog, & the other female bartender. In the end, "Richard" the homeless man who was assaulting women won out. I guess we should have called 911 but going home to our 7th Street Home seemed easier. So women,be careful. Don't go here or you will be victimized. Just ask anyone at the Bulldog, less than a block away about this guy & the way he begs for drinks & fondles young women. Security & the Female Bartenders will not protect you!!!
(1)
Rocky K.

Drunk, messy, fratty, sometimes douchey crowd. The balcony itself is enjoyable. A group of us came and it was nice to sit outside to simmer down after Mardi Gras mess. The cooks came out and started flirting with our, well, drunk and messy friend. It was entertaining, but our friend/acquaintance got annoying real quick.
(3)
Sean M.

I'm writing a review purely from a take-out experience. Horrible, horrible service. I ordered a pizza around 12:30 AM tonight, and they said it would take 45 minutes max. One hour later, nothing. Called in, the guy said it would be another five or ten minutes. Thirty minutes pass..nothing. So I call again-- and apparently he has no clue where the driver went. Canceled the meal promptly- DON'T order out from here. Apparently they're under new management so that could be one reason for such lackluster service.
(1)
Erica F.

I have ordered from here several times and also had drinks on a Friday night. I love that they are open late all the time since i work downtown overnight and many places that deliver are greasy drunk food. Never any problems with the food I order and always still hot. I highly recommend this to all the Hotel guests that ask me for a late night place!! Thanks Balcony Bar.. loving the new menu also!!
(4)
C. R.

Super great late night snack.Ordered a pizza and wings.Great customer service as welll.
(4)
Johan B.

Awesome pizza and they deliver late. Only three stars cause they allow smoking inside.
(3)
Ryan W.

This place has failed to serve me an acceptable drink after many attempts. They don't know how to mkae any cocktails. They can't make a decent mixed drink like Mt. Gay and tonic; they just poor cheap liquor at high prices undiluted. (I suppose this is good if all you care about is getting trashed on the cheap) They can't even give me a decent beer. I ordered an Abita fall fest, they served me a flat beer that tasted likie it cmae out of someon'e arm pit. When I suggesteed that their keg might have gone bad they denied it and poored me another pint from the same expired keg, "to make up for it"
(1)
Shawanda M.

middle of the day...$4 margaritas. sitting at a bar w/friends. bartender is doing shots. jukebox. we're the ONLY people using the jukebox to play everything from: the chili peppers, the temptations, erykah badu, the cranberries...the list of random music goes on. fun times.
(4)
Lindsay H.

reviewing the bar... so i'm trying to network with 100 people in 3 months. i like to invite my new BFF's to "the balcony of The Balcony" on Wednesday nights. it's easy, catchy AND the best part... Drink Specials! The place kinda turns collegy after 9pm so I head there around happy hour. It's great because I can buy others a drink without breaking the bank! Tip: $10 minimum on credit cards for drinks. Separate $10 minimum on credit cards for food.
(4)
Russell W.

When it's not too crowded, the balcony bar is a great place to grab a drink and just drink. I've had a lot of memorably nights just sitting on the balcony with friends, watching the people magazine street scurry about as the beer blankets your soul. There are usually a bunch of interesting characters that show up so it's fun for people watchers too.
(4)
Betsy S.

The veggie pizza has saved this place for me. There is no reason to stay here if you aren't on the balcony, but once you're out there, it's great :)
(3)
Julian V.

Extremely awesome pizza. It is the greasiest most delicious mess you could eat on Magazine St. Unfortunately, this bar's vibe just doesn't do it for me. If you want to watch Saints games, go up the street to the Rendezvous instead. Also, I don't think they clean their lines often. My beer sometimes tastes funky from this place.
(3)
Scotty S.

The food is awful, but if you can stand it, it's a decent bar. Food: Sucks. Everything here is absolutely awful excluding things like cheese fries, which no one could mess up. Their ham is in the shape of rectangular prisms... not very suitable for sandwiches. I just got a pizza with old rotten tasting cheese. The supervisor/manager guy... lied to me... i said "can i get a coke here" and he said "no," then the delivery driver pulled out like 5 cokes for a delivery. This place just doesn't really care about your business. Bar: i could understand if you like this place, but I hate it. The balcony part is pretty cool... the whole bar is pretty cool, but if the beer is skunky as hell... don't even think about getting a new beer, the mean british guy (who also doesn't mind throwing napkins in your face) will flat out refuse to get you a new beer (like he has stake in this anyway). One night, I calmly asked a female bartender if there was any way to get a refund for the juke box and she flat out screamed at me. I said "look, i'm just trying to figure out if there is a way to do it, because it just swallowed $5 and stopped working" and she was like "DON'T YELL AT ME" and i was like "WELL I'M YELLING NOW B*****" then I walked out. I think she was on uppers. Bottom line, this place sucks, but if you have good times with good friends... you can't deny it... until 3 years of experience exposes to you how crappy this place really is.
(1)
Jeff C.

The balcony is the only thing this place has going for it. The bar downstairs and the bar upstairs are your usual run of the mill local dives with a pool table. The woman behind the bar was less than friendly. She wasn't rude, but she made you feel like you were bothering her to order a beer. The big problem I had with this place is that they have DIRTY TAP LINES. You can taste it in the beer, which totally ruins it. I thought maybe it was just the first beer I ordered but I ordered a different beer for my second and my wife order two different beers as well and all 4 of them had that nasty dirty tap line taste. It's a shame because they had a nice selection on tap.
(2)
Elaine S.

Late night here is a must. It can get crowded so get there and hold your spot on the balcony.The cheese fries are the bomb! You have to walk around to the side of the balcony to pick up your food - good to know in advance since drinks are always flowing...
(5)
Jamie C.

Balcony Bar has many draws for a late-night bar crowd. One, a great seating area on a balcony overlooking Magazine Street that miraculousy seems to have a breeze on even the hottest summer days. Two, a great location down the street from other bars on Magazine, allowing one to actually bar hop without taking a cab or risking driving (For anyone not in New Orleans, this is rare unless you are downtown). Three, a downstairs area with pool tables and plenty of sports to watch. Four, great drink deals, including $1 High Life (Who can saw no to the champagne of beers?) But what brings me to Balcony is the Food. Or, more specifically, the cheese fries. These long, crspy fries are covered in a mix of cheeses and spices and left under fire to grill to perfection. I demand that my friends and I not only order these fries during every trip to Balcony Bar, but also make multiple orders, because no one is touching my fries. This was the bar where I first discovered my love of New Orleans Bar + Cheese Fries Combo. The other food is tasty as well. The Calzone can feed about 7 people, but it is definitely worth fighting over. The Balcony Burger, smothered in Peppers, green and hot, and cheese is so delicious I have been known to get it delivered to my house even before consuming alcohol. (And, yes, they deliver until 4 am, but sometimes getting them to answer the phone is difficult). The only warning I have for balcony bar is the crowd. It may not bother some, but I cannot go there without seeing about 10 people I know. If you want to sit on the balcony and chat with a friend, expect to be interrupted many times. But if you are not as anti-social and rude as me, you should be fine. The upstairs bar can get kind of busy so I would suggest grabbing drinks downstairs before making your way to the balcony. Just don't forget if you open a tab (the Credit Card Minimum is $10). Or better yet, bring cash, unless you want to purchase 10 high lifes for friends and neighbors to reach the minimum.
(3)
Danielle J.

this place is about 2 blocks from my boyfriends house and cheap as hell, yet i cannot stand this establishment. it is beyond dirty, crappy drinks, and the place inevitably smells like vomit upon entry. another annoyance, i once ordered a salad for delivery (yes, not the best choice from a dive bar) and specified something fairly basic, like NO MUSHROOMS, NONE, and of course the salad arrived filled with the shit i asked to exclude. As i was drunk and hungry, we walked back to get another, correctly made salad. First the kitchen people tried to just pick out the mushrooms and whatever else i wanted excluded from the salad, but when they saw that wouldnt fly they claimed to remake it, correctly. after walking out with the salad thinking there was NO WAY they could F it up again, i notice that sure enough, all the same crap i said to leave out was in there, again. i last was dragged here while waiting for byblos tables on martini night, and had to restrain myself from screaming as we walked upstairs through all the vomit scents.
(1)
a p.

the ONLY good thing about this bar is the balcony, if you can get a spot. i'm a local - there are MUCH better bars that serve good cheap drinks (good being the key word), without the obnoxious frat crowd. it's dirty, too smoky inside, has the crappiest mixed drinks and the worst food. i would give the food a NEGATIVE rating if i could. i honestly don't know how they get away with serving microwave junk food at new york prices. oh wait, i know - they serve it to really drunk people at 3 in the morning! you would seriously have to be really wasted to eat it - like a lucky dog. the whole thing is brilliant in a con artist kind of way. the owners are definitely laughing all the way to the bank over that.
(2)
Iska B.

This is yet another place I managed to stumble into during my drunken Mardi Gras experience. The bouncer was so drunk himself that he barely looked at my ID and said, "Hey you're cute you can come in!". Right. So the balcony part of Balcony is probably what makes it so unique. In comparison to Boston (where I had come from) the balmy 50 degree weather that night made me feel like sitting outside on the balcony and I felt pretty cool sitting out there drinking my beer. It's a large space with multiple bars and big-screen TVs. A cool place overall.
(4)
Katie H.

good bar food, cheap drinks, nice balcony. What more can you ask for? As another yelper mentioned, stick to the second floor...much different clientele than the first floor.
(3)
Jason W.

Home to the only balcony on Magazine Street, The Balcony Bar is home to many different types of visitors...yuppies, hipsters, frat boys and sorority girls and my personal favorite, beat-down alcoholics. Experience the dichotomy that exists between the first and second floor (the second floor is my personal favorite. Great food, great jukebox, great drink specials. Just be careful of the stairs. They're a mother fucker.
(5)
Dana D.

Balcony Bar is 2 blocks away from home...so, its great being able to walk (or stumble) home. Get a beer, simple cocktail (like cranberry & vodka) or a shot. If you are looking for fancy, go to a snazzy hotel bar or an upscale bar. Bars like this are not classy & sophisticated, and thats all the charm. This place is a 2 story, 'dive-y' bar with an excellent location on Magazine, and 2 bars. The stairs are somewhat steep, so the drunk & clumsy might wanna stay downstairs. I have enjoyed bachelorette parties, New Years and other random weekend nights here and enjoy the laid back feeling here.
(3)
Rico C.

Rico like Balcony for reason of always $1.50 different beer when I go. Drink many Red Stripe one night and small tiny black man with bullet belt want to be my friend for pool table. Rico like to go upstair to sit outside and put whistle on wimmen walkin on Magazine. Only think Rico no like is stairs. I fall two weeks and amigo with bullet belt help me. Might bar girl there like Rico?
(4)
Adam O.

Magazine St gets my vote for my favorite street in New Orleans. If I found a job in New Orleans I would have to make sure I lived within striking distance. One of the places that I always end up going is Balcony Bar. They have pretty good food, especially considering it is a bar. The bartenders... while not the most friendly people in the world... and maybe not always the most attentive... are pretty alright. The jukebox is fantastic, and there is something to be said about being able to hang out on a balcony overlooking Magazine St.
(4)
Richard H.

Balcony is what it is, and doesn't try to break outside of that. They have a sweet spot on Magazine st, .. Some damn good philly cheese steak pizza (among others, that's just my preference;) and reasonable drink prices. Lately though, Bar service upstairs can get difficult on weekends due to crowd, we do however get delivery regularly, and will continue to do so as long as they are consistent, which so far they have been. Check 'em out.
(4)
Paul R.

Geez, here is another New Orleans joint that I am divided about. It's not bad but....let's just say that I usually only end up here if friends of mine want to go. Expound on the details of this statement? I surely will.... The Balcony Bar certainly has its charm as it's become a staple for New Orleans Uptown dwellers and what better location than on Magazine St., where the cute boutique shops always look so inviting. If the weather permits, the sidewalks are congested with urbanites looking to spend some money and have a good time. Balcony Bar doesn't disappoint the locals, either. Their door is ALWAYS open and if you've got money, they've got a remedy for all your ills in the form of an intoxicating mixture. Take as directed by the bartender. I've been here several times since I first found it in 2005 through some New Orleans natives. I think if you're used to the type of distinguished climate that, say, Polo Lounge or even Whiskey Blue might offer, this might not be your brand of nest. It's a cheap thrill; a great place if you're already in the area to drop in, take a load off and relax with a cool beverage amongst friends. Hell, you could even wander in alone and trade banter with the locals. Now, there is a treat. I've never spent much time, if any, in the downstairs portion of this bar. Why?? Well, there is an abundance of smoke. It's like they replaced the air in there with smog from LA. The air is blue, no joke. You actually have to duck down under the clouds sometimes to see who you're speaking to or who has called you out. Most of the fellows you find in here are on the scary side, too. Ragged jean shorts, stained wife beater, busted croc sandals....you name it. Plus, they give you that 'evil eye'. You know what I'm talking about. Those cheesy spaghetti westerns where the hero drops in from a city up North; tumbleweeds rolling by as he ties off his horse. He steps through the swinging saloon doors and the drunkard on the harpsichord suddenly ceases the music, poker players drop their cards and all faces turn toward him in a chilling fashion. Then, the 'evil eye' makes its appearance. As if to ask 'what's up with this fella'?! He's only saved by a native of those parts, sometimes a scantily clad damsel who grabs him by the arm, ushering him upstairs while saying 'now, don't you mind them now, ya' here? You c'mon up these stairs and have a drink!' At least, that's how I feel when I'm downstairs. Oh yeah, don't interrupt the pool game going on, either because there is ALWAYS one going on. Which brings me to upstairs. These stairs are narrow, short and go straight up. They should have a hostess at the foot of the stairwell that hands out complementary picks, grappling hooks, rope and boots. This is a steep incline. I can actually feel a change in air pressure upon my ascent. Stick to the handrail, continue to look down as missing a step can be easy and possibly fatal for you and others that are RIGHT BEHIND YOU! Once you get to the second floor, you receive a bumper sticker staking the claim that you 'made it to the top!' Just kidding on that last bit. Upstairs is where they make the tavern food and another bar is located in the center of the floor. I've often found the customers to be much different from the ghouls below and that's a good thing. There is a nice iron balcony that wraps around the outside of this bar and I have to say, on a beautiful night, it's a real pleasure to hang out up there. Cool breeze, good friends, good drink, nice people. It's a lot of fun and it's here where this bar really begins to shine. I have a gripe, though. For the sake of the gods, fix your bathrooms!! These bathrooms upstairs (are there any downstairs??) are terrifying. Maybe the women's restrooms are better. The men's restroom is a disgrace. I mean, I've seen better restrooms in the deep end of the Quarter. You know what I'm talking about! There isn't even a door! They give you this giant plank of wood that has all kinds of obscenities written on it, phone numbers calling for both genders and pictures to match! The intention is that if you want any sort of privacy, you pull that plank of wood behind you as it (sort of) cuts you off from the bar customers just behind it. God forbid anyone goes number 2. Check, please! This is a traditional New Orleans Uptown staple that everyone should check out at least once in their lives. I used to have an affinity for it when I lived in Uptown (on St. Mary St.) but since I've been frequenting other places, this one has fallen down the list. It's just a place you need to go and experience, where the drinks are eclectic as the people who buy them and the doors never close!
(3)
Kellan F.

This place is full of shit the menu says it it open till 4am but it really is not the people are very rude there and do not really care about what they do and really don't know what their menu says so I suggest never ordering food or anything from them if I have ever talked to ruder people in my life I do not know when but if you ever have the chance avoid this place at all cost rudest and worst place to encounter people in New Orleans!!! I strongly suggest avoiding this place if you are trying not to have a bad time in New Orleans if you are trying to hit up all the places where rude people work with bad attitudes about where they work this is the place.
(1)
Mike P.

Came here with a bunch of friends because the first bar we were at was a little to crowded. We only ordered drinks but it was a nice enough place. We sat upstairs and it wasnt to bad at all. It didnt take long to get drinks and they were mixed well. I would'nt mind coming back if i was in the area.
(3)
Valerie L.

Awesome food, great staff. Walked in because they serve super late. Cheap food, cheap drinks. Great food, strong drinks. Staff was super friendly and fun to joke around with.
(4)
Zachary A.

as far as my previous reviews standing, yes, except all the pool tables and other games are gone. More seating. Better Jukebox (internet; largely unfiltered). The Turks in the kitchen are funny and awesome.
(5)
Ashley S.

First bar I went to during my weekend in New Orleans. Well first bar to drink at. Went here first and had a good time. Drinks were quick and cheap; the crowd was half in costumes half not. I enjoyed that there was a upstairs as well as a downstairs. Minus a star for the frattyness, minus a star for the staircase which the sober me had a difficult time walking down.
(3)
John P.

Watched Super Bowl 44 here and stopped in on the Saturday night before. Not a "sports bar" by any means, but the TVs were big and the place was packed. Wonder why? :) Saturday was a college-kid crowd so I was skeptical, but the game-watching experience was good. Nice old Magazine street setting, and a great Balcony (another surprise!) from which to watch the limited uptown mayhem after the Tracy Porter interception in the 4th Quarter. Everyone was friendly, food was served in a reasonable length of time, overall good experience.
(4)
C. R.

Super great late night snack.Ordered a pizza and wings.Great customer service as welll.
(4)
Johan B.

Awesome pizza and they deliver late. Only three stars cause they allow smoking inside.
(3)
Lisa V.

We live in the neighborhood,2 blocks from the Balcony Bar. Usually we go to the Bulldog but because of the Balcony Bar's Non-Smoking Policy we decided to go here on 12-1-2012 around 11:50PM. There was a man outside who had been thrown out of the Bulldog many times. His name is "Richard" & we watched as he begged for drinks & inappropriately touched women outside. My female friend & I sat in a Booth & continued to watch as her preyed on women when their boyfriends left to get a beer or go to the bathroom. We reported it to the bartenders, security, & even to a guy who was now working at the Balcony who had worked at he Bull bog. My friend even sat in a booth with a young 21 year old women who we observed him molesting. She sat there to get him to stop touching this young woman. The woman thanked her. She said she didn't know what to do. One of the bartenders came to our booth to defend "Richard". We tried to place an order with this bartender earlier except my friend stated she couldn't "grasp" the order. We closed out with whatever she could "grasp". "Richard" also touched my friend in inappropriate ways as well as at least 3 other women. The bartender who could not "grasp" the order for a Purple Haze mixed with an Andygator came to our booth to defend "Richard" ,a homeless alcoholic, as the "King" of Magazine Street. Keep in Mind that the Bulldog will not let "Richard" in their door & this was not our first encounter with "Richard". I refused to continue this conversation with the Bartender & "Richard". We left after she incoherently tried to explain "Richard's" place in their bar. We live blocks away but we will never return. Ironically it was the female bartender defending "Richard". We spoke to Security, a guy who works there who previously worked at the Bulldog, & the other female bartender. In the end, "Richard" the homeless man who was assaulting women won out. I guess we should have called 911 but going home to our 7th Street Home seemed easier. So women,be careful. Don't go here or you will be victimized. Just ask anyone at the Bulldog, less than a block away about this guy & the way he begs for drinks & fondles young women. Security & the Female Bartenders will not protect you!!!
(1)
Rocky K.

Drunk, messy, fratty, sometimes douchey crowd. The balcony itself is enjoyable. A group of us came and it was nice to sit outside to simmer down after Mardi Gras mess. The cooks came out and started flirting with our, well, drunk and messy friend. It was entertaining, but our friend/acquaintance got annoying real quick.
(3)
Sean M.

I'm writing a review purely from a take-out experience. Horrible, horrible service. I ordered a pizza around 12:30 AM tonight, and they said it would take 45 minutes max. One hour later, nothing. Called in, the guy said it would be another five or ten minutes. Thirty minutes pass..nothing. So I call again-- and apparently he has no clue where the driver went. Canceled the meal promptly- DON'T order out from here. Apparently they're under new management so that could be one reason for such lackluster service.
(1)
Erica F.

I have ordered from here several times and also had drinks on a Friday night. I love that they are open late all the time since i work downtown overnight and many places that deliver are greasy drunk food. Never any problems with the food I order and always still hot. I highly recommend this to all the Hotel guests that ask me for a late night place!! Thanks Balcony Bar.. loving the new menu also!!
(4)
Ryan W.

This place has failed to serve me an acceptable drink after many attempts. They don't know how to mkae any cocktails. They can't make a decent mixed drink like Mt. Gay and tonic; they just poor cheap liquor at high prices undiluted. (I suppose this is good if all you care about is getting trashed on the cheap) They can't even give me a decent beer. I ordered an Abita fall fest, they served me a flat beer that tasted likie it cmae out of someon'e arm pit. When I suggesteed that their keg might have gone bad they denied it and poored me another pint from the same expired keg, "to make up for it"
(1)
Shawanda M.

middle of the day...$4 margaritas. sitting at a bar w/friends. bartender is doing shots. jukebox. we're the ONLY people using the jukebox to play everything from: the chili peppers, the temptations, erykah badu, the cranberries...the list of random music goes on. fun times.
(4)
Lindsay H.

reviewing the bar... so i'm trying to network with 100 people in 3 months. i like to invite my new BFF's to "the balcony of The Balcony" on Wednesday nights. it's easy, catchy AND the best part... Drink Specials! The place kinda turns collegy after 9pm so I head there around happy hour. It's great because I can buy others a drink without breaking the bank! Tip: $10 minimum on credit cards for drinks. Separate $10 minimum on credit cards for food.
(4)
Russell W.

When it's not too crowded, the balcony bar is a great place to grab a drink and just drink. I've had a lot of memorably nights just sitting on the balcony with friends, watching the people magazine street scurry about as the beer blankets your soul. There are usually a bunch of interesting characters that show up so it's fun for people watchers too.
(4)
Betsy S.

The veggie pizza has saved this place for me. There is no reason to stay here if you aren't on the balcony, but once you're out there, it's great :)
(3)
Julian V.

Extremely awesome pizza. It is the greasiest most delicious mess you could eat on Magazine St. Unfortunately, this bar's vibe just doesn't do it for me. If you want to watch Saints games, go up the street to the Rendezvous instead. Also, I don't think they clean their lines often. My beer sometimes tastes funky from this place.
(3)
Katie H.

good bar food, cheap drinks, nice balcony. What more can you ask for? As another yelper mentioned, stick to the second floor...much different clientele than the first floor.
(3)
Jason W.

Home to the only balcony on Magazine Street, The Balcony Bar is home to many different types of visitors...yuppies, hipsters, frat boys and sorority girls and my personal favorite, beat-down alcoholics. Experience the dichotomy that exists between the first and second floor (the second floor is my personal favorite. Great food, great jukebox, great drink specials. Just be careful of the stairs. They're a mother fucker.
(5)
Scotty S.

The food is awful, but if you can stand it, it's a decent bar. Food: Sucks. Everything here is absolutely awful excluding things like cheese fries, which no one could mess up. Their ham is in the shape of rectangular prisms... not very suitable for sandwiches. I just got a pizza with old rotten tasting cheese. The supervisor/manager guy... lied to me... i said "can i get a coke here" and he said "no," then the delivery driver pulled out like 5 cokes for a delivery. This place just doesn't really care about your business. Bar: i could understand if you like this place, but I hate it. The balcony part is pretty cool... the whole bar is pretty cool, but if the beer is skunky as hell... don't even think about getting a new beer, the mean british guy (who also doesn't mind throwing napkins in your face) will flat out refuse to get you a new beer (like he has stake in this anyway). One night, I calmly asked a female bartender if there was any way to get a refund for the juke box and she flat out screamed at me. I said "look, i'm just trying to figure out if there is a way to do it, because it just swallowed $5 and stopped working" and she was like "DON'T YELL AT ME" and i was like "WELL I'M YELLING NOW B*****" then I walked out. I think she was on uppers. Bottom line, this place sucks, but if you have good times with good friends... you can't deny it... until 3 years of experience exposes to you how crappy this place really is.
(1)
Jamie C.

Balcony Bar has many draws for a late-night bar crowd. One, a great seating area on a balcony overlooking Magazine Street that miraculousy seems to have a breeze on even the hottest summer days. Two, a great location down the street from other bars on Magazine, allowing one to actually bar hop without taking a cab or risking driving (For anyone not in New Orleans, this is rare unless you are downtown). Three, a downstairs area with pool tables and plenty of sports to watch. Four, great drink deals, including $1 High Life (Who can saw no to the champagne of beers?) But what brings me to Balcony is the Food. Or, more specifically, the cheese fries. These long, crspy fries are covered in a mix of cheeses and spices and left under fire to grill to perfection. I demand that my friends and I not only order these fries during every trip to Balcony Bar, but also make multiple orders, because no one is touching my fries. This was the bar where I first discovered my love of New Orleans Bar + Cheese Fries Combo. The other food is tasty as well. The Calzone can feed about 7 people, but it is definitely worth fighting over. The Balcony Burger, smothered in Peppers, green and hot, and cheese is so delicious I have been known to get it delivered to my house even before consuming alcohol. (And, yes, they deliver until 4 am, but sometimes getting them to answer the phone is difficult). The only warning I have for balcony bar is the crowd. It may not bother some, but I cannot go there without seeing about 10 people I know. If you want to sit on the balcony and chat with a friend, expect to be interrupted many times. But if you are not as anti-social and rude as me, you should be fine. The upstairs bar can get kind of busy so I would suggest grabbing drinks downstairs before making your way to the balcony. Just don't forget if you open a tab (the Credit Card Minimum is $10). Or better yet, bring cash, unless you want to purchase 10 high lifes for friends and neighbors to reach the minimum.
(3)
Danielle J.

this place is about 2 blocks from my boyfriends house and cheap as hell, yet i cannot stand this establishment. it is beyond dirty, crappy drinks, and the place inevitably smells like vomit upon entry. another annoyance, i once ordered a salad for delivery (yes, not the best choice from a dive bar) and specified something fairly basic, like NO MUSHROOMS, NONE, and of course the salad arrived filled with the shit i asked to exclude. As i was drunk and hungry, we walked back to get another, correctly made salad. First the kitchen people tried to just pick out the mushrooms and whatever else i wanted excluded from the salad, but when they saw that wouldnt fly they claimed to remake it, correctly. after walking out with the salad thinking there was NO WAY they could F it up again, i notice that sure enough, all the same crap i said to leave out was in there, again. i last was dragged here while waiting for byblos tables on martini night, and had to restrain myself from screaming as we walked upstairs through all the vomit scents.
(1)
Jeff C.

The balcony is the only thing this place has going for it. The bar downstairs and the bar upstairs are your usual run of the mill local dives with a pool table. The woman behind the bar was less than friendly. She wasn't rude, but she made you feel like you were bothering her to order a beer. The big problem I had with this place is that they have DIRTY TAP LINES. You can taste it in the beer, which totally ruins it. I thought maybe it was just the first beer I ordered but I ordered a different beer for my second and my wife order two different beers as well and all 4 of them had that nasty dirty tap line taste. It's a shame because they had a nice selection on tap.
(2)
Elaine S.

Late night here is a must. It can get crowded so get there and hold your spot on the balcony.The cheese fries are the bomb! You have to walk around to the side of the balcony to pick up your food - good to know in advance since drinks are always flowing...
(5)
a p.

the ONLY good thing about this bar is the balcony, if you can get a spot. i'm a local - there are MUCH better bars that serve good cheap drinks (good being the key word), without the obnoxious frat crowd. it's dirty, too smoky inside, has the crappiest mixed drinks and the worst food. i would give the food a NEGATIVE rating if i could. i honestly don't know how they get away with serving microwave junk food at new york prices. oh wait, i know - they serve it to really drunk people at 3 in the morning! you would seriously have to be really wasted to eat it - like a lucky dog. the whole thing is brilliant in a con artist kind of way. the owners are definitely laughing all the way to the bank over that.
(2)
Iska B.

This is yet another place I managed to stumble into during my drunken Mardi Gras experience. The bouncer was so drunk himself that he barely looked at my ID and said, "Hey you're cute you can come in!". Right. So the balcony part of Balcony is probably what makes it so unique. In comparison to Boston (where I had come from) the balmy 50 degree weather that night made me feel like sitting outside on the balcony and I felt pretty cool sitting out there drinking my beer. It's a large space with multiple bars and big-screen TVs. A cool place overall.
(4)
Jess C.

Go see Rachel for a Margarita at happy hour(s) or any hour! She made a great margarita! Their happy hour is $2.50 margarita or a biggin for $5 along with other drink specials but we never made it past the margaritas. We did order the bacony sticks which were like a pizza and actually pretty tasty we finished it off completely. Bar food at its core but delish! We have already planned out happy hour hop for this coming week because we enjoyed ourselves so much at each of these businesses! Keep up the great Happy Hour Balcony! We love ya'll! Can't beat the view and the prices!
(4)
Garick G.

Ideal atmosphere for sports watching. Roll in 30 mins before the game, grab a table and act a fool. Most people come for the balcony, which leaves ample seating indoors. They just updated their food menu. Surprise! It's still bar food. Despite its square footage and prime location, Balcony Bar is still a dive. They don't do drink specials - "You're going to drink anyway, why should we have a special?" and they'll probably roll their eyes if you order a famous New Orleans cocktail. Balcony Bar is where the locals go to drink cheap drinks and laugh out loud with their friends. I'd fully expect a one-time visitor to give this place a thumbs down. But Balcony Bar has a lot of charm, even if's not immediately noticeable.
(4)
Marielle S.

Balcony Bar has improved greatly since my last review. The crowd is MUCH improved thanks to an awesome door guy. The place gets a good crowd without being TOO crowded. There is no smoking (I know that there is no smoking in every bar now, but Balcony Bar has been no smoking for two years). And the best part is the beer- the owners have really made an effort to add a lot of local beer on tap which I am always a fan of. As a result of there being better beer, the place isn't as "fratty" anymore and you can actually sit down and have a conversation and not feel weird. While Balcony Bar still isn't my first stop if I am looking for a good time, it's not a bar that I avoid as I once did.
(4)
Caroline K.

Not too impressed. Came here with a group of friends tonight and the bar tender was horrible. So slow and got pretty much every drink wrong. It's not the end of the world, we're mainly here for the atmosphere. The bar tender ended up getting into a loud argument with a guest and made everyone else uncomfortable, we went to sit out side and all of the tables are covered in trash and old food from previous guests. They are not very busy and the rude bar tender seems to be getting in the way of the other bar tender. This is a prime spot for going out in NOLA, and there are way better options. We ended up going to Rum house across the street and having a way better experience.
(1)
Bobby C.

This place was fun. Came here on a Lundi Gras and to get away from the tourist crowds on Canal. My local friend took me here saying it ain't happening on Bourbon. The Garden District reminds me of the Eastside in Los Angeles. The crowds were manager;e and we even snagged a seat on the balcony which is why you're at this bar. Great views, a round for 3 under $20 and nice service.
(4)
Aaron A.

Cool spot on Magazine Street. They have an awesome happy hour! 4-9. The food is okay. Just your average bar food, nothing special but still good.
(3)
TheRilla ..

Came back this past Sunday to sit out on the balcony and have cigar. Waited for a while despite being one of two people seated at the bar. Ordered a round of drinks, and carried them out to the other folks in my party. All was well until one of the young ladies noticed her white wine had a lipstick ring that wend around the ENTIRE glass. I guess I'm just a sucker for ambience and a good outdoor area. I'll be back, but I'll eat before I come, and I'll pack my flask!
(2)
Stephanie D.

Come for the drinks stay for the patio. Whether it's St. Paddy's weekend or just a cool summer night this place is super clutch! Great selection of beers on tap. Nice long happy hour with really cheap well drinks and they offer Spicey pickle backs ! These things are super tasty. Cuts the booze well and goes down smoothly! They changed the kitchen chef recently and food/ menu has changed immensely for the better. I like to come here with friends, but if you describe yourself as more of a lone wolf come on in anyway and you'll be sure to find a new conversation partner easy ! Look for me at the corner table on the upstairs patio
(4)
Laura B.

Pretty straight forward, right? We came here for the view from the balcony & that's what we got! Actually the bartender upstairs was pretty nice & made drink recommendations while we joked about how I'm from Utah.
(5)
Elexa D.

A legit, reliable local, and I love their late night food menu (which even they delivers. Super dank!) Only complaint is the occasionally overcrowded & therefore slow service. Maybe I caught her on an off night, but VERA, the dour upstairs bar tend, has a lot to learn about customer service. The B- bar service is forgivable given the place's eponymously glorious feature--its Balcony. Grab a table & enjoy some prime Magazine St people watching or simply indulge in a pitcher & tasty pizza. Just don't forget the bug spray!
(3)
Lindy W.

We spent 3 days in new Orleans and 2 of the at the balcony bar because the bar tenders we fabulous. Josh was a super nice dude that makes the absolute best bloody Mary anywhere. And I mean anywhere because trust me, when you are in Nola you need a bloody mary
(5)
Nikkie N.

I ordered a dark and stormy and the bartender gave me some beer concoction with Guinness. I wasn't a fan but drank it down anyways. Did I order wrong? iunno. Had the gyro wrap.. Wasn't a fan either! Not enough gyro and too much wrap! Plus, it's so pesky opening all them damn ketchup packs. It's more sanitary though, I guess. Besides all the stuff I'm not a fan about, the balcony is a great place to be on nice summer days ! The view is awesome and gives this place 3 stars alone.
(3)
Shenea M.

Woke up after a hard night of drinking and my first thought was Balcony. Josh. Blood mary. Sorry I don't form proper sentences hungover but you get the gist haha. Josh hands down makes the best Bloody Mary, perfectly spicy with a few secrets I've been trying to figure out. Can't think of a better way to spend my Saturday morning. And by morning I mean noon haha. Hangover food and amazing bloody Mary's!! Do your self a favor and sit at the bar with Josh
(5)
Keith P.

If you eat here get pizza, it's mediocre but the best choice on the entire menu. The service people aren't friendly, the bathrooms are dirty and the food isn't very good. Kind of a cool place to drink if you get a spot on the balcony and over look the other busy places on Magazine St (just keep in mind those places are busy for a reason and you were seemingly lucky enough to get a spot on the balcony)...
(2)
Mike N.

Been here a handful of times and I have yet to walk away semi happy with my experience. Bartenders are rude at best. The idiots working the floor are no better. They've always had problems with their carbonation systems--I.e. flat beer and flat mixers. I've only returned after my first bad experience because usually my group of friends will insist on this shit hole. Luckily, after a cockroach crawled across the bar in front of us, they will not be back either. My friend killed the roach by smashing it with a napkin. She jokingly asked if she'd get a free shot for every roach she killed. The response was that "it's New Orleans" and that she needs to get used to it. That may be (and probably is) true, but when a customer just kills a roach on top of your bar, don't be a dick to them. The one star is for location. I'd love to see this place run under different management. It really is a cool place for a bar. Sadly, some places get enough business without having to care all that much.
(1)
Darin C.

Good food but the prices are now ridiculous due to new management. Eat somewhere else. Kind of funny actually.
(1)
Bryan S.

Rude staff best avoided. Brought a group of friends from Canada here because we were starving and few places were open, my friends were denied entry by the doorman because he would not accept my friends' Canadian IDs as proof they were of drinking age. I would expect this from some out of the way redneck bar in the country, but New Orleans!? Very disappointed and ashamed of this bar and I will never bring a group there again.
(1)
Megan M.

Merp. Maybe I set my expectations too high. The bartender was a dingbat. I believe that was her own self-assessment. she was glued to her cell phone, texting away, the entire time. But she was at least friendly. So they get one star there. The food situation is obnoxious. Order over there, then guess when your food is ready and go back. Then have really sub-par bar food. [blegh] Oh and the guy in the kitchen was a huge ray of sunshine. Huge. The only other star is for prices (although my roommate noticed a few beers that he thought were way overpriced) and lack of smoke indoors. Oh, the balcony is great too... Maybe once it warms up a bit we'll come back just to enjoy it.
(2)
Chris F.

I'm a big fan of the Balcony Bar. Where it fits for me is a weeknight or weekend afternoon. The Balcony Bar is a really cool old house. A really big old house. It is very interesting inside, but I always go for that balcony to observe the happenings on Magazine. The food is very passable, although knowing when your food is ready is sort of a pain. It is just bar food, but above average bar food. The pizzas are pretty good and they have a large assortment of fried foods. It does get packed on Friday and Saturday nights. The crowd then definitely skews college aged. I'm not much of one for crowds and also don't care for constant reminders of how far removed from college I am. Especially when those reminders are wearing neon YOLO shirts. I've heard bad things about the bartenders, but haven't had any issues myself. They aren't exactly rays of sunshine, but they aren't scumbags either. A few months ago they popped up a big white Ten Commandments style list of dress code and rules. Can someone say West Side Story style Dance Rumble?
(4)
DaJuan W.

I ordered a Shrimp Po-Boy that on the on-line menu said it was 9.99 but I was told it was 16.00. The excuse was management has turned over so many times that they can't keep up with updating the Menu. I gave it a chance. Clearly not worth the 16.00 or even the 9.99 as advertised on-line. The bread was hard and not toasted. The fries were old and cold. The shrimp was cold and sparse. The dressings were light too...(two pickles, one tomato slice, and wilted lettuce). Delivery guy was suppose to bring updated menus that did not happen. Horrible
(1)
Natasha C.

I loved this place! Randomly stopped in while on Magazine street for a drink and we never made it upstairs. The downstairs bartender was great (plus sexy as hell)! He made great Bloody Mary's that had us coming back the next day for more! The atmosphere was relaxed yet lively.. Great combo. I would say it was a classy dive! Shout out to JOSH - Bloody Mary's will never be the same!!
(5)
Ashley G.

Great place to grab a drink after work! Service industry receives happy hour prices all the time (hellooo $1.50 domestics!). I truly enjoy this joint, and the bartenders are helpful and kind. Downside? Well, it's just a dirty little bar. With cold beer, though. So who's complaining?
(4)
John T.

Food is decent. It is open late which is really really hard to find in NOLA. The kitchen staff leaves a lot to be desired. They can be very slow at times and the cashier def doesnt want to be there. I go there to get food late night cuz their aren't many options not to find a soul mate or someone to open up a business with. the bar itself seems popular but i never go there. you can sit outside on the balcony (obviously). that is really nice. go there for late night drunk food.
(3)
Marc M.

A good portion of my first night in New Orleans was in this bar and the group I was with was all having a great time, for the most part, out on the spacious balcony. The fun couldn't even be slowed down by the unfortunate young lady who couldn't quite hold her alcohol down if you know what I mean. The party just powered right on through and she even rallied to finish out the night. Great atmosphere, lots of space, and alcohol. Pretty much all the essentials for a great party!
(4)
Rubio R.

So I only ended up eating here because it was .2 miles from where we were and it was the only place that was open.I guess as far as bars go it was fine so that's why I gave it 2 stars and not 1.The service was just REALLY slow upstairs when we ordered our food.WE were 1 of 4 people that were waiting for our food and they took an 1 1/2 hours for a burger,some cheese sticks, and a Chicken Parmesan Sandwich. I've never eaten a Chicken Parmesan Sandwich that was made up of lunch meat(I guess it was supposed to be chicken lunch meat),toasted french bread & Marinara sauce.To my knowledge a Chicken Parmesan Sandwich is a lightly breaded chicken breast with melted Parmesan cheese on it & I'm definitely not a chef.The burger was really dry and overcooked and tasteless and the fries were really dry too.I was hoping the food would at least be good since we waited so long.At least the cheese sticks were ok.
(2)
JT E.

2 stars for good pizza, loses 3 for terrible bartender. I've been in the service industry for several years and don't remember having seen one this bad ever. Whoever you have working upstairs on Sundays needs to pump gas, not serve people. Been coming here for almost 10 years, won't be returning anytime soon.
(2)
Mel M.

My 2nd trip to NOLA and Balcony Bar & Cafe was a happy memory. Learned of a new favorite drink called a Shandy and ordered Shrimp Po'Boy and fries. 5 star to the Shandy, 4 stars to Balcony dining on Magazine St and 5 stars to the cool fella's who cooked my dinner. Shout out to Squirls and his buddy! Best fries ever!
(4)
Jordan S.

The drinks are good & strong, bartenders are cool, and the greasy food is tasty drunk-food, but the kitchen is slooooow. Just now, I stood there for over 5 minutes while the cook talked to a friend who was in front of me in line (she wasn't ordering, just chatting). No one asked me what I wanted to order--they barely acknowledged me. Good thing NOLA has go-cups; I'm going to the food truck down the street...
(2)
Derrick A.

They get 2 stars because delivery was quick and he food was pretty good (the burgers are huge) but they, just like so many places in New Orleans, had a terrible attitude over the phone and got our order wrong. Two burgers, different toppings... easy right? Apparently not. My burger was the wrong one completely and it didn't have the bacon and jalapenos I ordered. My friend got the burger he ordered but they added my toppings to his. How hard is it to take an order for two burgers? This is a typical problem in this city but you'd think when most of your business at that hour comes from deliveries (it was midnight, after getting off work) you could take a delivery order correctly.
(2)
J.d. S.

I was just here four days ago and tonight the bartender on duty made sure myself and my friends got home safe. I believe his name was Thomas. Either way, this place is outstanding and the employees are far past amazing. Thank you balcony bar for always making my experience outstanding. Much love and respect. J.d.
(5)
Sandra P.

Ugh. This review only relates to their delivery. I had a late check in to my hotel and room service was closed for the night. The front desk agent recommended the Balcony Bar. Since I didn't want a pizza they seemed to have a good bit of options to choose from. Service - The person on the phone was the highlight - she was friendly and polite. Food - Mediocre. Quesadilla, wings and a watery hummus plate - YUCK. I got one chicken wing with NO MEAT on it... it was just a bone. Gross. In my mind I suspected that the delivery person are it on the way over. :[ Value - Meh. I went to bed hungry. Perhaps dine-in is better but for delivery to local hotels... I can't recommend it.
(2)
Sara E.

Just tried to get into the bar at 8:30pm on a Friday night with my two male friends and the bouncer wouldn't let us in because he Said my friends pants were too low! I'm talking about two preppy guys. There were less than 10 people in the bar so apparently they don't need the business.
(1)
John L. H.

Balcony Bar has been different every time I have been. I've been here when it is incredibly packed, and when it is completely empty. Regardless of when I have been, I always have just an OK experience. The downstairs area is large and open. The bar takes up almost the entire left wall so there are plenty of spots to sit if that's your thing. Upstairs is kind of oddly laid out, but the balcony is the best reason to come to this bar. There is something special about sitting on a balcony in New Orleans and people watching. Besides the balcony, there is a very good selection of beers. I like that the taps are close to the bar so you can stare at the taps and pick the prettiest handle if you are so inclined (I am not). I know others have complained about rude bartenders, but every time I have been they have been great. The reason this bar will not become one of my regular haunts is the crowd. They seem kind of stand offish and too cool for school. I don't normally let this bother me, but I definitely did not feel very welcome. In summary, this is a cool bar with uncool regulars.
(3)
Jen L.

It's just that OK. The crowd could definitely make or break the evening. I wouldn't order anything to challenging here, but the beer & liquor selection seemed good. Also the space is big and airy enough to escape most of the lingering cigarette smoke. +1 star for the balcony on a beautiful cool! night in June. -1 for a somewhat cranky bartender. AND we're back at 3.
(3)
Colin A.

Decent enough spot to grab a drink. Nothing too special. The balcony is really nice when the weather is nice. I live in the neighborhood, so I've been a few times, wouldn't go out of my way for it really though.
(3)
Kevin M.

AVOID THIS RESTAURANT/BAR! After shopping along magazine I ducked into the Balcony Bar to get a "gourmet burger". I asked the bartender for a menu and coke while I looked it over. She mumbled something at me. I told her I didn't here her could she please repeat it. She said "in the back up the stairs". I had no idea what that meant. I asked her "do i need to order upstairs in the back?". She said "yes and $1.50 for the coke. I handed her my CC. She said there is $10min on CC. I tried to explain I was about to order a $11.00 burger. Her reply was "different register the coke will be $10. I will NEVER try this pathetic restaurant again. No customer service.
(1)
Gloria C.

After a bit of evening shopping on Magazine Street, we were trying to kill some time before dinner at Jacques-Imo's, and looked up to see a charming little balcony beckoning us to come have a drink or two. I think Balcony Bar is better than just "OK", because of its character as an older, simple, no frills bar where you can get a drink quick and nosh on some bar food while overlooking a cute lil hood. The girly beer drinker in me liked them even more for having Woodchuck on draft (I know, I know...Woodchuck *probably* doesn't count as beer, but it does to me). I thought the female bartender was extremely nice and welcoming, even though we probably screamed "tourist!" and it doesn't seem like a spot that wants a lot of tourist attention. We ended up drinking on the balcony for a few hours until it was time for dinner, and I sort of regret not coming back here after dinner to see how live it got. Next time, fa sho, Balcony Bar.
(4)
Sara U.

Good times to be had. It is old and creaky but spacious, so it's not asses to elbows in there. The bartenders upstairs are always friendly and attentive. I was indecisive about what I wanted to guzzle so the bartender reco'd her signature secret drink. It was orangey and spritey and potent. It's fun to stand out on the balcony and see what's going on out on Magazine Street. Also, the pizza is really pretty damn good. You order it and then you go in the kitchen area to pick it up. For some reason I like that. One weird thing - they are now smoke free but they have a ciggy machine downstairs!
(4)
Elizabeth C.

I think the best part is when a drunk girl nonchalantly hurls over the side of the balcony narrowly missing the guy taking out the trash. No really, that happened. TWICE. Once while I was on the balcony (no, it wasn't me), and a second time when I was walking past Balcony on the way to Rendezvous. I still don't know whether to be horrified or I LOVE that I don't have to clean up after myself. Every half hour or so someone comes by to remove the empty glasses and beer bottles. Usually at bars, that's my job. This isn't a dancing bar. This is a loud, meet up with your friends and drink while hollering over the music bar. I ordered a double gin & pineapple and the whole drink tasted like straight gin... so I ordered beers after that... Pretty sure if you can mess up a gin and pineapple you shouldn't be making drinks.
(3)
Coleman V.

I don't know why African Americans support this establishment. The juke box has NOT ONE album from a black or African American artist. Hmm, can we say institutional racism? This means that the owners probably want to keep your presence to a minimum. However, the cheese fries are good.
(2)
Shannon S.

This bar has gone smoke free and vastly improved their beer tap system upstairs so I've become a much more regular customer with those great additions!!!
(3)
Emily W.

The food here is pretty good and love sitting on the balcony watching magazine street. Gets really busy on the weekends, would recommend going on a weekday.
(4)
Jessie G.

This place was ridiculous. The bar had maybe a dozen people in it. My wife and I went to the bar to get menus. Bartender completely ignored us. We moved to the dead center of the bar and again completely ignored. We sat down at one of the many empty tables thinking there might be a waiter. Nope. Went back up to the bar and again completely ignored. We were dressed nice and there was no reason to act like we were invisible. Don't waste your time.
(1)
Neelam P.

Decent bar with a good beer selection and not too far from the streetcar stop. We sat on the balcony and enjoyed some some fresh air and a nice view of Magazine street. Great option on a nice day!
(3)
Molly B.

As far as the bartenders go I've been totally unimpressed. I always have to wait around for them to finish chatting, texting, or whatever it is that is distracting them from doing their job. Pay cash if you can because you'll be waiting awhile to close your tab when it's that time. I had decent service downstairs one night so maybe it's just one or two bartenders. However, their late night food makes up for the lousy service. The hummus wrap is amazing! Thanks for having vegetarian options so when I'm drunk I don't make worse decisions! Their door guys are always overly nice, too. Maybe they should switch with a bartender or two?
(3)
Joi B.

Never order a drink prepared by a bartender who replies, "Unfortunately," after being asked if they make such drinks there. Balcony Bar should be 4-stars. After all, it's a bar in New Orleans. Automatic 3-stars as long as it's not a brightly lit frozen daiquiri joint on Decatur or Bourbon. But, 4-stars it is not. First the good: Balcony Bar oozes charm. After all, you there are two fantastic levels of ultimate old saloon atmosphere. For the second floor bar, go up the winding wooden staircase that is so old, the middle of the stairs is forever imprinted with the footsteps of drinkers past. Venture past the kitchen (laugh at the photos of food they promise is delicious) and you can sit on the balcony, a perfect spot for a warm fall Saturday afternoon during Halloween weekend, which overlooks Magazine and Harmony Streets. Now the bad: Do not order a bloody mary here. I didn't think it was possible to get a horrible bloody mary in this city, but you can at Balcony Bar. I didn't even finish mine. I get the whole, "I want to just pour you a shot or throw you a beer," thing, but I don't tolerate it very well, especially on an afternoon when the bar is hardly packed. If a bartender won't take pride in their drinks, well, you'd do best to move on and go to a bar where they do. I can say this, because I've busted my ass to pour the perfect martini when my bar was three people deep. So, if you want a beer and a balcony, this is the bar to go to. If you want anything but this (or maybe a shot) go elsewhere.
(3)
Stephen K.

Keep your expectations low and this bar works out great. I'm here a couple of times a year, usually early evening when it is not too crowded and possible to find a seat on the balcony. Two story dive bar, relatively cheap drinks and an awesome balcony. Or, more accurately, a dive balcony with a birds-eye view of Magazine St.. I don't know the history of the building, but the architecture is classic and I always think this would have been a fantastic house at some point. The help has always been friendly. Prices are very reasonable. Buy something in a bottle and watch over the riffraff waiting to eat at the Rum House. Buy several drinks if you are planning to use the bathrooms. Not really sure how to rate "Dive Bars" - More stars for more cruddy? More stars for cheaper drinks? More stars because I am willing to go back? Anyhow, I landed at 3 - its all about the balcony.
(3)
Eileen D.

Checked this place out at 5:30 on a Friday. Maybe it was happy hour prices, but beers were only $2.50. I made the mistake of spilling mine all over myself and the bartender replaced it for free. Plus the balcony is legit, esp in warm weather.
(4)
Stephen R.

The only good thing about this bar is--you guessed it--the balcony! There used to be a pool table, that punching bag for a dollar/measuring your manhood machine that ate all my cash and it made for a pretty decent scene. Since I have been back in subsequent visits I have been ignored, my friends mom was verbally harassed by a staff member for asking "what beers do you have on tap". He said "these effing beers right here" because he was trying to pay attention to the Saints game. Anyway, I end up here with drunken friends that shout things like "Rendezvous is too smokey. Balcony Barrrrr!" It usually makes for a good time heckling people on the streets below. Beyond that, low quality service/prices aren't cheap/they took the fun away. Bad JuJu on Balcony.
(2)
Carly B.

Been here a bunch of times now and I always arrive thinking yes! Balcony Bar! Cheap drinks, alright food and good music. And then EVERYTIME I'm reminded how terrible the service is. Bartender with short blonde hair is just really rude. If you don't want to work then don't! There are so many awesome bartenders in New Orleans and it seems like Balcony purposefully tries to hire the most disgruntled ones. I'm giving up on this hole in the wall and it's awful service. I'll take my service to many of the other bars with friendly NOLA bartenders over balcony any day.
(1)
Ryan C.

Nice place to stop by for a round or two before you call it a night. I love the balcony upstairs. It offers great views of Magazine st. I haven't had a chance to try everything on the menu yet but the few items I have had have been excellent. Can't wait to try something new.
(4)
Dana D.

I just got a response from this gal: yelp.com/user_details?usâ€¦ regarding my reiveiw of the balcony bar. HER: For your review of: Balcony Bar & Cafe You totally make some great points here...Welcome to Yelp! Looking forward to reading more from you :) Maybe next try writing a review of a place you do recommend? Positive reviews are more fun to write, I promise! --------------------------------------------------Â--------------------------------------------------Â--------- ME: Sorry my response might be a bit on the bitchy side, but: A: I do write great reviews for places that deserve it, I have been in the service industry for a long long time, More than 17 years, and I know a thing or two about decent food and drink service. Did my time in food delivery too. B: If you do get a less than stellar review, especially from a person who's not picky. Take it to heart and maybe do something about it. It might actually be helpful to your business. C: Positive reviews are way more fun to write, I agree. I WANT good places to eat, and to send people to. However, when you don't get what you order from a place, and get charged extra for it, that business might want to take a look at the problem. This is either in the kitchen or with the person taking orders. Unless they want unhappy customers over and over again, they should especially want to win over the business of the local service industry. We deal with hundreds of people per day and send them to places to eat. Over and over again, all day. I can be a blessing, or a goddamned billboard sending people away, every day. This isn't a popularity contest, and it's not personal... Sorry Joy 'Yelper Darling B'. It's what it is. I want to be happy 'everything's great, great food, great service, fantastic!, but when it's really awful, I'm gonna say something. It was really awful. Get it together guys, you can do better than this! I WANT to order from you again, I WANT to send you people, but this last order just plain sucked.
(2)
Kendra B.

Honestly, not the hugest fan of the balcony bar - but when theres like a 2 hr wait for taco Tuesday at yum house across the street, the balcony bar is a nice place to grab a couple of drinks at a not overly crowded bar. Also the buzzer for rum house works here.
(3)
Jane S.

I hate this place. I have no idea what people see in it. What's the big deal? It's a cheesy-looking sports bar with uncomfortable seating. Woo Hoo, there's a balcony. Hence the name. I've got news for you: if you're a bar and a fucking balcony is your only selling point, you're doing it wrong. I gave it two stars because at least I've never gotten food poisoning from this place. Then again, I don't think I've ever had the food there. But I do know people who've gotten food poisoning from their crappy food.
(2)
Matthew B.

Violently threatened to be removed from the bar without warning while finishing beers from "last call" I should clarify - the offender was not working there at the moment but seemed friendly with those that were, and they did nothing to stop it. The guy looked like Zach deputy.
(1)
Rene D.

It's a bar. Really, two bars: street level, where there's frat or thuggish looking guys with minimal social skills pretending to play pool/look cool; and upstairs - by climbing those treacherous stairs and you'll discover it's a raucous, free-wheeling place to hang with friends or drink on the cheap. My friends ordered cheese fries, which showed up with a huge pile of mozzarella on top of fries. Inedible after the 1st two minutes because the layer of cheese became, for lack of a better description. 'dairy armour'. Drink specials every day. Balcony for those who smoke/ogle people who walk by. Jukebox is stellar. Not a place to order a martini, but you can try...
(3)
Loretta H.

Late night food selection is alright here, the service is a little lacking in the food department but forgivable as when I was there it was two women stuck in the kitchen for I am assuming what was way too long. But holy service industry the bartender that was behind the bar the night of Dec. 23rd upstairs was a piece of work. Awful attitude from the moment we ordered. When I went to pay the tab about an hour later she was visibly wasted/loaded which just exacerbated her issue with us. I paid for my $9 tab with a $10 and decided to walk away without automatically tipping to see how she would react. Without missing a beat, she screamed "Seriously? Yeah I love you too. I fucking LOVE not getting tipped" across the bar at me. So, yeah, she wasn't getting any extra money from me. And the management at Balcony Bar should really re-evaluate their team.
(1)
Candice M.

Late night eats! Mean man bar upstairs. He's about his business. Just a bar to go to when you run out of options.
(3)
Roberto M.

Looking for late night food in Nola? That's surely what I was looking for when I ordered from Balcony Bar and Cafe at around midnight. Called in an order for a couple of chicken Caesar wraps with tomato and Caesar dressing on the side. The person I spoke with on the phone seemed to be listening and confirming back to me that he had heard what I was saying to him. I picked up the food and it wasn't until I got home that I realized there was neither tomatoes nor Caesar dressing. Not only was there no Caesar dressing on the side but NO dressing. Period. To top it off, the food was extremely overpriced for the quality of it. Without some Tony's seasoning, this food may have much more difficult to eat. Do not waste your money here thinking you will get decent food. It isn't...Overall it was a unfavorable dining experience and the food was mediocre. I will not be ordering food from them again. Not during the day. Not late night. Not ever.
(2)
Feira T.

It's quite simple... I do not like the bartenders here. Very rude and lazy towards a LOCAL crowd. The worst crowd they would get are the college kids who don't tip. I bartend as well, I've been doing so for 9yrs. I deal with a horrible crowd on bourbon. I deal with the people who are not from here and don't tip. Get your shit together, Balcony!
(2)
Nathaniel S.

Recent experiences demand I update. One Star - Great location on Magazine Two Stars - Cheap drinks Three Stars - Love hanging out on the balcony. Minus One Star - pretty standard cheap mixed drinks and the upstairs can get rather crowded on busy nights. MINUES TWO STARS - Recently I have had several unpleasant experiences with two of the bartenders working upstairs on Fridays and Saturdays. I understand these are busy days and I have also experienced similar chaos while working in the service industry. This does not excuse the male bartender with the hat repeatedly being downright RUDE to customers. For example, one night, not particularly busy at all, I ordered an Abita Amber. I sat down at a table, as I usually do with friends at Balcony Bar, and started drinking my Amber. It was flat. Something was seriously off with said beer. I decided to return it in favor of another pour. Not wanting to be rude I stated, in a humble manner, that "I think this beer is flat" to which he responded "Well, is it?" Yes... yes it was. He continued to pour flat beer for my other friends that night without replacing the keg. Caveat... there is a female bartender who works the second floor and is absolutely great. She remembers me, which is understandable since I am there regularly and tip well considering I am a teacher.
(2)
Michael S.

Cheap drinks. Good people. Fantastic balcony. Great bartenders. This is one of my favorite local bars in New Orleans. Balcony has a great happy hour and always has some form of beer on special for $2 (you just cant find that at too many places). The bartenders are always extremely nice, and typically nice enough tp push happhour back 30-45 minutes. If it's a nice night out, the balcony is a great place to unwind with a beer or two.
(4)
Jeff C.

An enigma wrapped in a mystery.... that's how I would describe the Balcony. Does anybody else ever notice that the downstairs area crowd is soooo different from the upstairs area crowd???? I just find it amusing! Usually when I am out on Magazine for the night, for some reason I always wind up here last. Which isn't a bad thing at all. For some reason I'm just drawn to it late at night. The beer selection is decent, however being a whiskey drinker, I get a little bit miffed with the drink prices to cup size ratio. I don't want to feel like I'm doing a shot of Jack and coke when I order a WHOLE drink. grrrrr. All in all I would say I still like the bar and the open kitchen is always good for late night calories!
(3)
Jules B.

Great for a weeknight, late-night hangout with friends. It's right across the street from the Bulldog, which gets insane on Wednesday nights, so my friends and I like to opt for Balcony Bar over it. The pizzas are also a best-kept secret, and you might not guess it, but they definitely rank above other bar food options in the area. Cheap drinks, good pizza, balcony!, perfect location on Magazine, pool tables... Can't really go wrong.
(3)
Rodney H.

It doesn't compare to many bars within the city, but it's a chill place to spend a weeknight drinking. It's not worth the crowds on the weekends. Good drink specials, which is a big plus, and the balcony is a nice place to hang out and take in Magazine St. However, those stairs are killer. I had a friend tumble all the way down them and had to spend the rest of the night in a hospital. Not really the bar's fault, though...
(3)
Brooke B.

If you know me, you know I'm a fan of bars. I am the kind of person that feels that every bar has its place. Where is Balcony Bar's place is in my heart. This bar is equivalent to comfort food for me. No matter what time of day, no matter how large or small the crowd, no matter if I'm alone or with 15 friends, I always feel comfortable here. Friendly patrons and bartenders make this an easy place to hang out even when you walk in along. (Arguably, though, that could be said of nearly every bar in the city. New Orleans is known for its openness and acceptance.) There are televisions for watching sports or whatever and a pretty good jukebox too. They have amazing bar food from quesadillas, pizza, hot wings and a lot more. There is a wide liquor selection, and the drink specials can't really be beat. I once sat at this bar for about 4 hours in the middle of the day, and paid a $12 bar tab. And we all know, I'm not a slow drinker. I like to sit upstairs, either at the bar, or outside on their amazing balcony overlooking Magazine Street. But there is more seating, as well as pool tables on the first floor. They do allow smoking, but other than that, it's a great bar to drink, people watch and just have a good time.
(5)
Jen P.

Balcony bar is a combination of cheap drinks, everybody I know, and the chance to sit on a balcony and drink (which is one of my favorite and most dangerous pastimes). Other pros include good, greasy food, a prime location by every other place that I hang out, a large area in doors for the rainy/cold days, a decent amount of restrooms, and daily/ happy hour specials that make drinking even cheaper. The fake-cons include the fact that it is smokey and that I will run into everyone I know within 20 minutes of being there. Depending on my level of intoxication, those can be turned around pretty quickly. The only real con (and the reason behind the four stars rather than five) is that the service at the bar is slow on the weekends and they can be very abrupt when you are trying to close your tab.
(4)
Carolyn J.

When you get a balcony of people to start chanting in glee, I call that a fun neighborhood bar. Beer is cheap, people are friendly. Great mingle scene, the balcony makes the bar. If staying in the Garden District, this drinking hole won't disappoint.
(4)
Jill S.

This is one of my go-to spots for a laid-back night, a good retreat after Bulldog is closed and the conversation's still going. I've never eaten anything here, and I don't have high expectations for the cuisine. I've also never hung out downstairs, which is always more empty than upstairs. Pool tables and games if that's your thing. Up that rickety staircase, it's loud and bustling. Grab some real-estate at the square bar in the middle of the room while a friend starts scoping out the balcony outside. If you can't land a spot on the balcony, it's not worth staying, but somehow a spot always magically opens up before you've finished your first drink. Then kill a few hours enjoying the company and the view.
(4)
Erin V.

This is fun bar, great selection of drinks, lots of space! I like upstairs the best, on the balcony of course, but inside is well ventilated and with lots of pool tables and casual atmosphere. The food is typical bar food, not the best. I had chicken fingers and they were only good because I had a few beers. You have to order upstairs and pick it up upstairs- no waiter service. The fries weren't great either... But you come here for the bar and chill atmosphere so all of that worked for me. Great selection of local beers also which is a must! Because of the high ceilings the noise level is manageable and you can actually carry on a conversation.
(4)
Bill F.

Ordered carry out from here while staying at Spring Hill Downtown. The calzones are delicious and huge especially the spinach one! Saved half in fridge for next day. Artichoke and spinach dip was only so-so. Recommend for an easy breezy stay in the hotel room dine.
(3)
Mark C.

Was there on a busy night, def a local hang out. No tourists really. Giving 1 star cause the bartender was an DB - he couldn't get a can open so he smashed it with a bottle opener, which soaked my face. Didn't apologize or offer a napkin - but obviously saw what happened. Kept on his marry way. I stood there glaring at him with grapefruit juice dripping down my face.... wanted to do a little more, but being non native, I let it slide... until now - 1 STAR EEK! Me Thinks NOT
(1)
Louise e. A.

Balcony Bar & Cafe Reason: You don't want to impress the bar and the bar doesn't want to impress you back. Drink: $2 Highlifes. Only the champagne of beers for this champagne of bars. Drank: $2 Mickey's. Malt liquor (double the pleasure!) + puzzles under the cap (double the fun!) Drunk: Whatever else they sell at Balcony Bar for $2. (I'm assuming the bartenders adore me here.) mindless musings: The Rum House catching on fire. Plenty of late night couples disputes. A shooting star. These are just a few of the things I've had the pleasure viewing atop the balcony of this fine establishment. You will find these things and much more if you choose to enjoy Balcony Bar while: - out on the balcony, overlooking Magazine Street, enjoying the fine Louisiana weather well into the night, accompanied by your favorite friends and favorite beers. And you won't find these things and you will find much less if you choose to experience Balcony Bar while: - on the inside of Balcony Bar. Literally, unless you're walking in to retrieve your pizza (anything but plain cheese is great) there is absolutely no reason to subject yourself to the innards of this bar. I wanted to post this sentence next: It's not like there's actually blood and fish guts strewn about but it's reminiscent of a fish that has been gutted and left to rot. But I won't. It's just that personally; Balcony Bar doesn't return me any favors aside from a great balcony and decent pizza. The rest of the bar isn't awful as much as it's just incredibly laid back. It's definitely not somewhere that you will find a hopping party hiding around the corner. If you're rebellious, mysterious, or an older patron, you will likely enjoy the downstairs area. And if you're a hipster, young professional or generally a younger-aged patron, you will likely skim right through the downstairs area and head up to your perching post on the balcony. I'm not sure if it's because the stairs are too steep and scary for the former bunch but it's a little eerie how stark the difference is between the downstairs and upstairs areas of this place. I.e.: dance parties upstairs are likely to be welcomed while dance parties in the middle of downstairs are likely to result in criticizing stares. (Even after you decide to head back inside for one more drink after waiting for a cab for 30 minutes, and you now have six Mickey's to drink because of the $10 minimum, and your group is desperate to find a way to pass the time, and it's only 11pm but your first drink was had at a 2:30 LSU kick off... No matter how positively impressive you think your dance moves are at this moment... the downstairs crowd will still not be grateful for the dance party you are trying to create. Trust me.) So to recap this unusually uninspiring establishment on Magazine Street - it's not going to rock your world like some of the other Nola bars I have spotlighted on this blog. BUT with some bias, I biweekly, with breaks in between, am bunched up beside my besties bringin down brews on the beautiful balcony at Balcony Bar. I can't explain the madness. Perhaps I have an affinity for the letter B. Or by chance it's an awkward obsession with balconies (as I have somehow mentioned them 12 times in this post alone). But it's likely that I keep going back because Balcony Bar easily reiterates my favorite saying: "In the end it's not where you are but who you're with that really matters" - DMB(alcony) "Laissez les bon temps rouler" - Barbara Bush (a loyal LoveOurCityNOLA team member) Insider Tips: (1) Not that you don't carry it with you anyway, but be sure to have your ID on hand as there is a doorman most nights of the week and he is perfectly comfortable with rejecting your entrance. Even those who are small, quick, Mexican and squeaked in through the back door have been recognized three hours later and promptly kicked out. (2)Also we're all lucky it hasn't happened yet, so please follow the trend of not falling down the incredibly steep stairs and dying.
(4)
Ellen C.

Haven't been here in years, but I used to frequent this place quite regularly as my school buddies particularly found solace and glee at the Balcony Bar. The downstairs of this bar is to be avoided at all costs. Unless you really like pool. And creepy locals. When bypassing this area to reach rather treacherous and steep stairs leading to the more "hip" upstairs, be wary of the locals leering and jeering . . . trying to "holler" and possibly slash your throat. Just kidding on the latter, it's totally safe! It's just not typical the prime crowd for a younger adult. The upstairs is all about the students. I don't think it's really a top destination for the locals, as I used to run into pretty much all of my classmates here. A lot of undergrad kiddos too, of course, but not too much of the fraternity-esque crowd. The upstairs consist of a main bar area two partitioned (i think?) rooms and of course the balcony area. And there is the kitchen, ready to serve up some greasy late night bar treats. The wait is sometimes unbearable for any of the good stuff and I'm not sure if it's worth it as I've only had the fries. But when my friends were drunk and hungry, they would not waver for the sandwiches, pizzas, etc. It does tend to get somewhat crowded here from time to time, but never anything claustrophobia-inducing. The bartenders are usually pretty all right (no waitresses) and the drinks are decently priced. This wasn't my favorite place when I lived in New Orleans just because it was heavily frequented by students and I'm an old freaking lady. But it was certainly bearable and never minded meeting my friends up here. I really would have to say, out of all the Magazine Street bars, I probably doled out the most time and money to Balcony. I don't think I would necessarily make it a point to visit here ever again, but hey, it's not too bad.
(3)
Alexis A.

This bar has no shortage of characters, both working in it, and patronizing it. It can be annoying (and the balcony can be down right scary) when it's crowded, but drinks are decent, and they have some good grub. There's a kitchen tucked back by the bathrooms on the second floor (can't order from the bars). The pizza is good. I'm not a fan of the hot wings. The loaded chili fries are pretty rediculous (ultimate drunk food), and the other stuff I've tried is average (cheese stix, poppers). The kitchen staff requires patience, as do some of the bartenders, but it's worth it!
(4)

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Address : 3201 Magazine St
New Orleans, LA, 70115
Phone (504) 894-8888
Website https://www.balconynola.com
Click To Get Directions

Opening Hours

Mon :4:00 pm - 2:00pm

Specialities

Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : Yes
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Late Night
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : No
Good for Kids : No
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Divey
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Full Bar
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : Free
Has TV : Yes
Dogs Allowed : No
Waiter Service : No
Caters : Yes

Claim Restaurant

Italian Cuisine

The immense popularity of Italian cuisine globally isn't unknown. You can find an Italian Pizzeria around every corner of almost every city in the United States. Not to forget that in every house, people enjoy mac and cheese as comfort food. But it would be wrong to believe that Italian food starts with pizza and ends with good pasta as this Mediterranean country has much more to offer other than these two dishes. In Italian Cuisine, there is a high use of fresh tomatoes, all kinds of herbs, great quality of cheese, all types of meat, seafood and fresh handmade pasta. Many find it hard to believe that Italians have been making noodles long back.

Italian and Greek cuisines are always mistaken to be same, but they are poles apart. The primary difference between the two cuisines is the use of cheese in most of the Italian dishes. Italians love to cultivate their own cheese and process them as per their food requirement. It is believed that some cheese is so expensive that cheese producers secure them in lockers.

If you are bored eating the same old pasta or pizza, you can try some of the authentic Italian dishes like Risotto, Polenta, Ribollita, Lasagna, Fiorentina Steak, Bottarga, Ossobuco, Carbonara, Focaccia, Arancini and Supplì. Another item which Italians love to relish every morning is a good cup of Italian Coffee. Once you taste a freshly brewed cup of Italian Coffee, you might not visit Starbucks ever again. Authentic Italian food is made with heart and soul, so go find a restaurant where you can relish Italian cuisine in your city.

Pizza

Pizza is a famous Italian dish savored around the world. The entire credit for the popularity of Pizza in the United States goes to the chain of pizzerias all over the country. While the base and the texture of Pizza remains same across the globe, it's the toppings that differs from country to country. In the United States, you will find the top pizzerias serving pizzas with the toppings of mainly beef, bacon, chicken, ham, and sausage for the non-vegetarians. Other than these famous meat options, Pizzas with veg toppings such as mushrooms, pepperonis, garlic, tomatoes, spinach, etc. are also famous in most restaurants in the United States.

Irrespective of your locality, you will find a variety of different restaurants in your cities offering pizzas of all different types. Pizza is hot favorite among people of all ages in the United States. A large size pizza is enough to feed a family of 3 or 4 at large. Pizza is also the most preferred food whenever a group of friends is hanging out together. Pizza gained popularity in the United States after the American soldiers stationed in Italy returned from World War II.

Over the years, different pizzerias in the United States have developed their own respective regional variations. Pizza gained popularity as the iconic dish in the United States in the second half of the 20^th century. Whether you prefer thin or thick crust pizza, you can find a pizza of your preference at the best pizza restaurants in your city.

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Balcony Bar & Cafe

3201 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA, 70115

Balcony Bar & Cafe Menu

Appetizers

Salads

Lasagna & Pasta

Sandwiches, Wraps and Quesadillas

Burgers

Desserts

Drinks

Healthy Meal suggestions for Balcony Bar & Cafe

Appetizers

Salads

Lasagna & Pasta

Sandwiches, Wraps and Quesadillas

Burgers

Desserts

Drinks

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