Bar: Turtle Bay
Location: 1119 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70116
Score: 8.6/10
Heading back to New Orleans, a city that put my body to its limits, we’re taking a look at Turtle Bay. Located a few blocks from Bourbon Street, this provides the perfect escape from the craziness of Bourbon, while still offering a tremendous dive bar experience.
Turtle Bay is a true definition of a dive bar. Between the neon signs and retro beer posters, the design also provides a rustic and grimy feel that makes dive bars so great. The wooden bars, chairs, and tables along with the brick walls are all helping factors to this. This bar was seriously incredible. A lot of the great dives in New Orleans were on the smaller side. With a group of 10+ people, this was an issue at times. Luckily, Turtle Bay had a ton of seating. From a massive main bar area to a big patio, and a balcony. Turtle Bay had seating galore. Another great thing about Turtle Bay is their logo is bitchin. A turtle holding a beer and a piece of pizza. What more could you ask for? I wish I had seen them selling merchandise. I would have snagged a shirt for sure.
Along with the dive bar look, comes the dive bar feel and price at Turtle Bay. Being off Bourbon Street creates a sense of a bar focused more on the locals. You still get an awesome atmosphere that provides great service, while avoiding the huge crowds and idiotic behavior on Bourbon. A fully stocked bar that provides endless opportunities for drink choices, all while being extremely cheap, makes this a perfect drink all day. And all day. 24 hours, 7 days a week. Breakfast beers? Lunch and dinner beers. Sure. 5 am beers cause the other bars aren’t open. Absolutely.
While this does not go into the rating itself, this place had some of the best bar food I’ve had. While half of our table got burgers, the other half got wings, while we ate different food one thing in common was we were all severely hungover from the previous night out. A couple of cold beers and this food brought us right back. I still occasionally think about their wings from time to time. Another great thing about the bars in New Orleans is the plastic to-go cups that they give you since the city allows open containers. What I appreciated about this bar was the massive 32oz plastic cups. Quenched the thirst on a hot, humid New Orleans summer day.
Your next visit to New Orleans must include a visit to Turtle Bay. No matter what time of the day, find a reason to get over to Turtle Bay and enjoy a couple of cold ones.
Decor: Exact decor you would expect from a dive bar. Retro signs, neon lights, and other New Orleans memorabilia light the walls. A wood bar and seating with rock walls give it that rustic, grime feels you love to see in a dive bar.
Prices: Cheap prices make this a great spot to spend your entire day. Literally all 24 hours of it.
Service: Great service. Brought out orders quickly and had that Southern hospitality and charm.
Atmosphere: A very fun, but laid-back atmosphere makes it the perfect spot to escape the madness of Bourbon Street.
Cleanliness: Clean. Zero concerns.
Bonus Points: Open 24 hours.