Nightlife in Louisiana's Playground!
Seven ways to enjoy nightlife in Southwest Louisiana.
From downtown experience to upscale bars, light-up bike cruising, trivia nights and live music, you're sure to have a blast! If daytime activities are more your speed, check out things to do in the daytime in Louisiana's Playground!
1. Downtown Lake Charles
Kick-off the evening with a Happy Hour (or two!). Watch as downtown comes alive while sipping specially-crafted cocktails with prime patio-seat views from local favorites like Pujo St. Café or Luna Bar & Grill. The Villa Harlequin is tucked away in a historic building with two stories or elegance and an upscale bar. Earlier in the evening, you can devour selections at Botsky’s Specialty Hot Dogs or check out another casual ambiance at Tia Juanita's Fish Camp. Right on the lake, sip a margarita and try not to fill up on chips and salsa at Laguna's! The culinary selections are a unique and essential part of the nightlife experience! Downtown also comes alive with the Spring Art Walk, Downtown at Sundown, the Gallery Promenade, Chuck Fest and more. You can also enjoy the historic architecture and soak in an exhibit or two before dinner at the 1911 Historic City Hall Arts & Cultural Center.
2. Restaurants with Live Music
Live music is always in the air around Lake Charles, and with that usually stirs the aroma of delicious Cajun cuisine being prepared nearby. For a family-friendly experience (where even the dog can tag along!), Rikenjaks Brewing offers southern comfort food and a selection of freshly-brewed craft beers. Looking for a native watering hole with a scenic Louisiana landscape? Loggerhead’s offers casual outdoor riverside dining. Paul's Rib Shack has incredible BBQ and outdoor entertainment to boot. There are so many choices! Check out restaurants with frequent live music.
3. Casino Resorts
Lake Charles is home to some of Louisiana’s best resorts and biggest names in entertainment. L’Auberge Casino Resort, Golden Nugget Lake Charles, and Delta Downs Racetrack Casino & Hotel keep the party going all night with an exciting mix of things to do! Try your luck on gaming floors that never close. Dance the night away at Blue Martini featuring live bands and DJs most nights of the week. For a more intimate atmosphere, Golden Nugget’s Rush Lounge, or the L Bar at L'Auberge are great selections. With each property only a beachside boardwalk stroll in proximity, you’ll find plenty of choices to eat, drink, and be merry- all around the clock!
4. Active Nightlife
Feeling a little active? Get your game on in Lake Charles with a fun selection of activities that can be enjoyed well into the night! Game2Life offers a unique evening of axe-throwing and laser tag competitions. Wiggle your toes in the white sand over a friendly game of volleyball at South Beach Bar & Grill, or light up the night with a lakeside bike ride by Lake City Cruisers.
5. Pubs & Upscale Bars
Lake Charles has a unique selection of pubs and upscale bars for those seeking a more elevated experience. MacFarlane’s Celtic Pub has the only bar in town with over 140 beers in stock and the widest selection of Irish whiskey and Scotch in Southwest Louisiana. Bodega Wine Dive, voted Best Wine Bar and Best Girls Night Out for 2021 is known for their vast wine list, cheeseboards, and pizza. For upscale cocktails and bars, check out the elegant Calla or the James 710. If patio sunsets are your thing, you won’t find a better place to catch one than Blue Martini at Golden Nugget Lake Charles. They offer a tapas-style menu with a list of specialty martinis you won’t find anywhere else!
6. Trivia Nights & Karaoke
Can you name two of the 5 most top-requested karaoke songs, both of which feature the name of a female? If so, you’re either great at trivia or just really, really like to hear yourself sing! Luckily, Lake Charles is the place for those seeking to test the limits of their knowledge or vocal range. Crying Eagle Brewery offers touch-free trivia every Tuesday night. Double-up with your smartest pals for Team Trivia Wednesdays at OBs, and catch some karaoke tunes every Thursday night at Rikenjaks.
7. Frozen Drinks & Drive-Thru Daiquiris
Out-of-state visitors traveling through Louisiana always want to know: are drive-thru daiquiri stands actually a thing? The answer is yes, and in Lake Charles, we’ve got plenty. Just like a fast-food restaurant, you drive-thru, place your order, and have a tasty frozen adult beverage in your hand in no time! Just don’t remove the tape from the lid - that’s what keeps it legal! Grab a premium “Pecan Pie” daiquiri from The Daiquiri Shack, or roll on through to Funky Monkey Daiquiris for their signature banana blend! Paradise Daquiris offers more than just the Mardi Gras King Cake frozen drink. You can also grab a bite to-go from their selection of burgers, po-boys, and if you’re lucky enough to catch them in season, crawfish!