If you’re in New Orleans to have a good time, you’ve come to the right place. As a New Orleans local who has been out and about in the dating scene, I can tell you just how vibrant this city is. So if New Orleans hookups are what you’re looking for, you’ve come to the right place. With the help of fellow locals and dating experts, we’ll tell you how to get started.
But first, let’s talk about online dating. New Orleans hookup apps and sites are the way to go if you want to make your quest for casual connections easy and convenient. Where should you start? With these amazing hookup apps and sites that have never let us down!
Site Our Experience Our Rating Free Trial Link 
Experience Highlights Try AFF For Free 
Tinder Highlights Try Tinder 
Experience Highlights Try Passion
What can I say about New Orleans that hasn’t been said a million times before? There’s nowhere else like NOLA. This is a city where people come to start new lives, to awaken passions, and, naturally, to party. It’s a sexy city, which is why online hookup options are so common. The bar scene is pretty good too. In fact, it was ranked as the second best on the planet in a study by 888poker.
As great as this city is, let’s face it, sometimes it feels like everyone is getting laid here but you. The abundance of festivals and the non-stop flow of tourists should make this an easy place to hook up, but it isn’t always so. Even Tulane students go through dry spells. The problem for most people is that they're looking in all the wrong places (like, say, out in Covington) to get laid in New Orleans.
Whether you’re in the 9th Ward or in Uptown, the same principle applies: You need the right tools. That’s what I'm here to supply. Our local experts have determined the best New Orleans hookup spots to check out. These are the online platforms and watering holes where getting laid is all but guaranteed.
There are nearly 400,000 residents in this city according to the latest Census, and that doesn’t count the constant stream of visitors. Stop sitting on your couch and get in the game. Check them out, and then let us know how it went in the comments.
Methodology for Finding the Ideal Spots to Hook Up in New Orleans
The thing with finding hookups is that it's not something you can be good at in a matter of days, especially if you're new to the city. Good thing our team of experts at Heart Insider frequently collaborate to keep our list of recommendations as updated as possible. Here's how we found the best places to find New Orleans hookups:
- We start off by doing research online about which spots get the most buzz when it comes to finding hookups. We then create a list of places that seem popular enough to put on our list.
- We enlist the help of our ground crew--locals who know the city well and know how to find hookups. They go to each location to see if it really is easy to meet women and talk to them. They then use their charm to find hookups at each spot.
- Every spot is vetted by a number of our experts, all looking for the most conducive places to find hookups.
- At the same time, our experts also use a variety of hookup apps and sites to see what the online dating scene is like in every city.
- After rigorous testing, we create our ultimate list of hookup hotspots in the city. Every few months, we update our recommendations to remove closed venues and replace them with new ones that we think you'll love.
Table of Contents
Our favorite spots to find New Orleans hookups
Whether it’s Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest or one of the countless other festivals, the best New Orleans hookup hotspots are constantly popping with new faces. That’s why I love these, and you will too.
The Rusty Nail is the right kind of neighborhood bar where you can get laid in New Orleans
@therustynail
Let me tell you about one of my favorite hidden gems, The Rusty Nail. It might not scream "hookup bar" at first glance, but that's exactly what makes it so special. I've spent countless evenings on their spacious patio, sipping half-priced happy hour wine and striking up conversations with intriguing strangers. One memorable night, I met someone who shared my love for jazz, and we ended up dancing the night away. Trust me, The Rusty Nail is where you want to be.
Between its spacious patio area, fun events and half-priced happy hour wine bottles, this Warehouse District bar draws great crowds. It’s not packed with tourists, but it’s also not so under the radar that only local bar rats hang out. That ideal mix means it’s easy to strike up a conversation with an attractive stranger and let the dominoes fall from there. Safe to say it's the best bar to get laid in New Orleans.
What Other People Are Saying About The Rusty Nail
Tom Fabjance - Google Maps
“Great dive bar with darts. You’ll love it. I did.”
AFF is your best chance to find a hookup in NOLA (try it free)
Dating apps can be a reliable source of hook-ups across the United States these days. There’s an estimated 59 million Americans using them, according to Statista, and more than a quarter have used dating apps for casual relationships.
If that’s what you’re looking for, you need to check out AFF. It's been in the top spot on our annual list of the best hookup options online three years running and for good reason. This is the one option in town where normal guys (not the super handsome guys that do well everywhere) can get some solid results.
Most guys are going to have the best options by far on AFF compared to any other option.
Many women are only looking for hookups online these days so you need to be doing the same or else you're really going to be missing out. Tinder is pretty bad for most guys but AFF is different. With over 60 million members (a lot of whom are in New Orleans) there are a LOT of options available. It's also completely focused on hookups instead of relationships.
To give you a more detailed look at how AFF works and how it performs for regular guys, you can also have a look at our Adult FriendFinder review.
When you combine a ton of users and a clear focus you get a lot of hookups. Check out their free trial below and see for yourself. There isn't an easier way to find hookups right now, especially for regular guys. Stop missing out!
What people think of AFF
Alison B. - Sitejabber
"Been on there off and on 10 or so Years. Been to SEVERAL meets and parties! I've made tons of fun friends and have more fun clubbing and swinging with them then any other peer genre! Too many nasty old, fat, desperate mean with high expectations. True sex addicts and swingers love this site and it works well for them."
u/notunek - Reddit
"I've only been on AFF for 3 weeks now, but have had a lot of activity. Of course it is easier for females than males to get lots of messages and offers. You have to be thick-skinned because many of the males are very explicit in what they want. It bothered me at first and was a turn-off. I don't mind frank talk about sex, but it's rude in my mind not to introduce yourself, give some details and get to "know" each other a little before you ask if she likes DBA...
There are many men that are looking for a relationship and also those looking for NSA. I got a bunch of men in town for a couple of days on business."
The best New Orleans pickup bars I've tried
Looking for sexy girls on your night out? If so, try these bars, where you’ll be able to approach many of them!
Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop Bar is one of the trendiest spots to drink in the French Quarter
commons.wikipedia.org
If you’re looking to meet girls in the French Quarter, then this popular dive bar is the right place for you. Located near the Historic Voodoo Museum, it attracts both tourists and locals. It’s a piano bar and there is a skilled pianist who will play any song you want from an incredibly vast repertoire. Perfect if you want to serenade a girl you like! The atmosphere reminds me of a vintage dive bar, and the venue is candlelit most of the time. Combine your favorite drink with the romantic ambience and you can charm anyone!
One evening, I found myself at Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop Bar. I was bored and a little lonely, so I went alone. With its candlelit atmosphere and a pianist who can play anything, I found that the romantic atmosphere put almost everyone (even me) in the mood for a little somethin' somethin'. Yes, I sang one Tony Bennet tune and yes, that was more than enough to get me lucky. This place oozes charm and sets the mood for even more of those encounters.
What Other People Are Saying About Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop Bar
Russ Hillegass - Google Maps
“The MOST incredible bar experience I've ever had! The history and culture that is contained within its walls is amazing. The ambiance is very dark but quite inviting. The piano just oozes elegance and instantly infuses joy and happiness.”
Erin Rose is one spot where you can get laid
erinrosebar.com
There was a time when locals willingly went to Bourbon Street. Erin Rose, despite its proximity to Bourbon Street, retains that old-school charm that used to define the French Quarter. I've seen it packed with Saints fans and locals on game days, and it's always buzzing late into the night. If you're looking to end the night with some great company, Erin Rose is the place to be.
Whatever is going on in the city, you’re sure to find Erin Rose hopping, especially late. After midnight, the service industry workers get a special discount on beers, so you know they have fun. Whether you’re one of them, or you just know servers are a wild bunch, get down to Erin Rose if you’re looking to end the night with some company.
What Other People Are Saying About Erin Rose
Justin Clark - Google Maps
“This place is the hidden gem of the city. The frozen Irish coffee is one of the best drinks in the city and it's cheap (~$6). On top of that, the inside of this place feels authentically different than every other bar in the area.”
Honorable mentions
Here are other great bars where you can meet girls:
The hookup apps in New Orleans dating coaches prefer
A huge number of hookups start online now. You don't have spend all day on the apps but spending 10-20 minutes a week sending messages can really pay off. These are the best hookup apps in the city right now:
| Site | Our Experience | Our Rating | Free Trial Link |
|---|---|---|---|
Best Hookup Site Right Now | Experience Highlights
| 9 | Try AFF For Free |
Great If You're Handsome | Tinder Highlights
| 8 | Try Tinder |
2nd Best For Most Guys | Experience Highlights
| 8 | Try Passion |
How to stay safe on hookup apps in New Orleans
More than $9 million dollars was lost to romance scammers in Louisiana in 2022, according to data gathered by Social Catfish, with the average loss amounting to around $5,000 per victim.
This list of quick tips can help you avoid faling victim to this horrid scam.
- Keep your personal details private to avoid identity fraud.
- Communicate with verified profiles only.
- Do a reverse image search on your matches pictures to check for catfishing.
- Arrange a video call before arranging a date to double-check what they actually look like and whether you have chemistry.
- Watch out for super-attractive profile who seem really into you, but have a convenient excuse why they can’t meet straight away.
- Most imporantly, don’t send money to people you don’t know from the internet.
“If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is," says Slidell Police Chief Randy Fandal "Never give out personal information over the phone, through e-mail, cash checks for other individuals, or wire large amounts of money to someone you don’t know. 99.9 percent of the time, it’s a scam.”
The best clubs for finding hook ups in New Orleans
Our city has many clubs where you can meet hot girls. Here are some our favorite nightlife haunts:
The Metropolitan is one of the best places to meet girls
@TheMetropolitanNightclub
With its beautiful decor and nice drinks, this dance club is one of the most popular in the city. It’s also one of the best places to find New Orleans hook ups. From time to time, it hosts popular local DJs that attract many people, which sometimes includes sexy Atlanta girls!
There are multiple floor levels with multiple bars, so you’ll never have to wait too much in order to get a drink even if the venue is crowded. There is also a VIP seated area in case you want to treat yourself and your friends on a special occasion. You’ll also find three dancing rooms with different types of music. Personally, I veer towards the EDM stage, but the RnB area is where I've met some of the hottest NOLA girls in the bar scene, hands down. So whether you’re an EDM lover or more into hip hop, you’ll find a dance floor to show off your moves!
What Other People Are Saying About The Metropolitan
Savannah Barr - Google Maps
“Had a blast in the VIP section. Clean bathrooms, great service and honestly a beautiful building inside. Will definitely be going again.”
Republic NOLA is another excellent dance club to have fun and find New Orleans hookups
@RepublicNOLA
Republic is another great place to meet single girls in New Orleans, especially if you're like me and you love a wild night out. It’s located in the Warehouse District, and it has a gorgeous balcony area with a gorgeous view. It’s small and intimate, but there’s enough room to dance to the music you like. I've attended some music events here, and they happen several times throughout the year, so it attracts girls who love many different music genres. Maybe you’ll meet someone who loves the same local artists as you! Even sexy singles looking for Baton Rouge hookups find their way here when they're out of town.
Next to the bar is a large screen where you can see the music show right from the stage. So you don’t lose a single moment of the performance while you’re ordering drinks.
What Other People Are Saying About Republic NORA
Joey Apple - Google Maps
“Great venue! The house lights and video wall were operated by an expert at keeping the vibe right. They had a huge line-array sound system but it never felt too loud or overbearing.”
The Spotted Cat brings the good times every time
@Spotted-Cat-Music-Club-192525186022
Any list of bars in our city has to include at least one Jazz club, so I might as well include the coolest one: The Spotted Cat Music Club. Musicians play at this Frenchmen Street institution every day of the week, so you know there are always people around. This place is so iconic, everyone in the city comes here, and I do mean everyone.
This cash-only bar is a great, low-stakes hangout where people listen to music, throw back some drinks and meet strangers. It happens all the time. Something about the ever-present jazz and affordable drinks makes people want to make new friends. It’s basically the whole spirit of NOLA, which makes The Spotted Cat a fitting addition to our list.
What Other People Are Saying About The Spotted Cat
Alejo R - Google Maps
“Fantastic music, you should visit. While the bar was bustling, the wait times were surprisingly short, and the bartenders managed to maintain a friendly and personable approach.”
Honorable mentions
Here are other great clubs to meet girls:
Best places to meet sexy New Orleans girls during the day
A little daytime hookup hunting might just be what you need if the usual bars and online options aren't working out for you.
French Truck Coffee is a popular coffee shop in the French Quarter
@FrenchTruckCoffee
Looking for a popular coffee shop to hang out with girls in the French Quarter? If so, French Truck Coffee is the place for you. Here you’ll find many local girls who just want a quiet place to study, work or relax with a nice, warm drink. If you're like me and prefer low-pressure daytime encounters, French Truck Coffee provides you with the perfect venue. I've met some girls studying, working, or simply enjoying a warm drink when I hang out here on a random weekday afternoon. The casual atmosphere provides the perfect backdrop for striking up a conversation. I've had some great chats with interesting individuals here.
The shop serves local coffee, croissants and other delicious items. The atmosphere is casual, so you can approach without much pressure. There is also a large seating space, which is quiet enough for you to have a meaningful conversation with the girl you like.
What Other People Are Saying About French Truck Coffee
Sean M - Google Maps
“French truck has amazing products. The people who work are extremely personable- remembering names and orders as well as general interests.”
Ochsner Fitness Center is another great place to meet hot girls looking for New Orleans hookups
@OchsnerFitness
The big pro of gyms is that I always find girls with hot, toned bodies — who wouldn’t want that? If you want to be fit yourself, check out Ochsner Fitness Center. It’s one of the most popular gyms in New Orleans, so you’ll be able to pick up many girls there! Try out their various workout classes and you might be working out next to someone hot.
It’s definitely one of the best places to find hookups in New Orleans, even if it’s often overlooked by guys who are looking for a significant other. The gym is run by Ochsner Health Systems, a non-profit healthcare provider, so it’s quite trustworthy.
What Other People Are Saying About Ochsner Fitness Center
Leah Martin - Google Maps
“This gym view is breathtaking. It's so beautiful when the sun sets.”
Café Du Monde is a great place to approach by day
@Cafedumonde
Some guys just don’t feel comfortable approaching in the typical bar or club scene, and with good reason. In these settings, there’s a lot of competition. In a bar or club, girls expect a lot of guys to approach them. So these ladies can have their guard pretty high.
If this sounds like you, try a popular coffee shop like Café du Monde. In there, you’ll find many college students doing their homework as well as girls working on their laptops. It’s a good low-pressure environment to approach if you’re shy. As a nice plus, beignets and caffeinated drinks at this place are amazing!
What Other People Are Saying About Cafe Du Monde
Bolo Borkowski - Google Maps
“Nestled in the heart of New Orleans, Café du Monde is a culinary haven that effortlessly blends exquisite flavors with a vibrant atmosphere.”
Other great hookup spots to get laid in New Orleans
Our city has the best bar scene in the country, obviously. How could it not when you can literally walk from one bar to the next without putting down your drink? Still, knowing where to go for a sexy night (or afternoon) means sorting through the noise to find a few more places worth checking out.
Bar Tonique is what NOLA is all about
@bartoniqueneworleans
Bar Tonique embodies the spirit of New Orleans. With daily drink specials and a lengthy happy hour, it's always buzzing with lively patrons. I've often met people from the service industry here, and they know how to have a good time. If you're looking to get laid tonight, Bar Tonique is a top choice. Even women who want to get laid in Baton Rouge find their way here.
Bar Tonique is a cocktail lounge without the pretense, and that welcoming environment is why it’s always busy. As one of the best bars in the city, hookup or otherwise, people are in here for a good time, and the bar delivers. If you’re looking to get laid in New Orleans tonight, get down to Tonique. You won’t be alone for long.
What Other People Are Saying About Bar Tornique
Michael Richardson - Google Maps
“Came across this dope bar one late night in New Orleans and it did not disappoint. Very chill and low key with great drinks.”
Tinder tends to work better for handsome guys
Tinder is the most popular dating app in Louisiana, according to research by datingnews.com. If you’re wondering whether it actually works, well, the short answer is yes. The long answer is that you’re more likely to score if you have great photos. If you think a bit about the swiping process, it all makes sense. A girl only sees your profile pic when she has to choose if she’s going to swipe left or right on you. This is the main reason why you need to be handsome or at least have amazing photos to be successful.
While Tinder historically has had a reputation as a hook-up, that seems to be slowly changing with time. “One camp thinks of Tinder as an an app that facilitates casual hook ups. It’s the Grindr of the straight world,” says sating writer Lauretta Charlton. “The second camp thinks that Tinder is OKCupid for people who don’t have time to answer dozens of biographical questions about their ideal partner.”
Either way, consider that on Tinder you’ll have to face a lot of competition. Girls get overwhelmed with messages from guys. And the sad truth is that they tend to only reply to the handsome ones or the ones who are super witty. So either start taking better photos or learn how to craft an amazing Tinder bio!
What people are saying about Tinder
George Gaudet - Google Play
“With a complete profile and a Premium Account, expect to get more matches. The Super Like Feature is by far the easiest way to stand out more. Good platform all around. Needs a Live feature though. 5 Stars.”
Concetta C. - SiteJabber
“I find nice people who are interesting to talk to. I enjoy making new friends here. Thanks to the developers.”
In the summer, you can meet girls at Tales of the Cocktail
@TalesoftheCocktail
This festival, traditionally held in July, celebrates the creation of the first cocktail ever in New Orleans. Legend has it that a pharmacist in our city made the first cocktail as a cure for an upset stomach. Now I'd say it’s a good cure for an upset love life!
The festival includes several events like lectures about the fascinating world of cocktails, seminars, shaking demos and many more. In addition, the best restaurants from the city offer excellent food paired with exotic cocktails. So it’s definitely an event you don’t want to miss. It attracts girls from all over Louisiana and it’s typically very crowded. Big crowds plus amazing cocktails makes for a chance to get lucky!
What Other People Are Saying About Tales Of The Cocktail
Suzie2108 - TripAdvisor
“Our tour guide was great fun, lovely crowd of people from around the world. A great time was had by all.”
Frequently Asked Questions about dating in New Orleans
Where can I find women to date in New Orleans?
There are plenty of great bars in nightclubs in New Orleans to meet women including The Rusty Nail, Erin Rose and Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop Bar.
“Get ready for some late nights,” says local blogger Kezia Kamenetz. “For someone from Louisiana, there’s always a good reason to keep the party going.”
How is the dating scene in New Orleans?
It’s easy to have a great time as a single guy in New Orleans. It has been ranked amnong the top 10 cities in the world following a Travel and Leisure study
You’ll have a great time not only because of the abundance of great spots to meet women, but the quality of the women themselves.
“New Orleanians are a laid-back group,” says travel writer Lindsay Hilton. “There’s no judgment here and the only requirement is that everyone has a good time.
“If you live in the Big Easy, you’ll know it to be one of the most romantic places on the face of the planet,” adds local blogger Scott Gold. “People fall in love with the city, and then fall in love with other people who have fallen in love with the city.”
It’s also worth mentioning that New Orleans ranked as the 7th loneliest city in the United States, according to data published by the Chamber of Commerce, which revealed the percentage of single-person households in U.S cities. So, you’re bound to bump into a healthy amount of singles while you’re out and about.
“Go ahead and be upfront if you have a crush. People from Louisiana don’t like to beat around the bush,” Kamanetz advises.
Is there a hook-up culture in New Orleans?
There is a noticeable element of hook-up culture in New Orleans. This is partly driven by the rampant party culture and the huge numbers of tourists touching down for a few days. “It is hard to find real love when half the people you chat up end up leaving at the end of the weekend,” says dating writer Matt Seymour. “The drinking and celebratory nature of events can also lead to situations focused more on hookups rather than finding compatible romance.”
Is dating in New Orleans expensive?
The Black Tux blog recently published a major study detailing the average cost of a date in 50 major cities. New Orleans ranked 22nd, meaning you can expect to spend more or less the same as an average American while dating here.
This article may contain affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission. This commission comes at no additional cost to you.
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Contributing Authors:
Joe Elvin
Joe Elvin is an internationally known confidence and dating coach with nearly a decade of experience. He is the successful author of several dating and confidence books that have helped thousands of men find success. While traveling the world Joe consistently finds new and valuable ways to meet and attract women. Joe has a Bachelor’s Degree in Multimedia Journalism from Bournemouth University and he has been featured in many large publications including AskMen, TSB Magazine and The Good Men Project.
As one of the most prolific writers on Heart Insider, Joe has reviewed over a hundred dating apps. He is the site’s foremost authority when it comes to selecting what dating app works for whom. From an app’s mechanics to its algorithm to telltale signs that a dating app is a scam, Joe’s is able to expertly discern between dating apps that provide value and those that don’t.
Ash Wright
Ash Wright is a dating coach for Heart Insider focused on helping men completely turn their lives and dating prospects around. He was once a World of Warcraft addict who hated leaving the house, a lot has changed since then. After watching the steady success of others, hitting the gym for some added self-confidence and forcing himself to get out there to trial things for himself, life has never been better. After many years of barely leaving the house, he embarked on a self-improvement journey that eventually led to tremendous success with women. He now teaches many of the skills he learned first-hand to other men in similar positions.
Ash has a Bachelor of Science from the University of Calgary and incorporates many of the psychological principles he’s learned into what he teaches his students.
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