The Best Family-Friendly Spots To Watch Football!
One question that constantly comes up in conversation with other parents is “Where are the most family friendly places to watch the big game?” The city comes alive on the weekends and its just our nature to want to include even the littlest of fans! So what are some of the best places to check out from the West Bank to the Northshore? We’ve got them here! Are we missing your favorite place? Please let us know so we can add it!
New Orleans Family-Friendly Breweries
Faubourg Brewing Company
This beloved New Orleans East brewery has multiple Black & Gold Watch Parties coming up for this Saints season! The brew park is absolutely massive and hosts a multitude of activities to keep the whole family entertained. Bring your own picnic blankets and chairs, get out there early, and prepare to enjoy your day. There are multiple projectors and TVs to catch the game on, with things like bocce ball, disc golf, corn hole, and giant Jenga keeping the kids busy! The event itself is also pet friendly. Don’t have a furry friend? No problem! Take Paws Rescue is out there at every event with adoptable dogs you can meet and maybe even fall in love with. Parish Third is there to keep everyone’s bellies happy and they are serving up their famous beers in their taproom with a giant projector, if you take a ride share make sure to show your bartender your receipt to save $10.
Second Line Brewing
This Mid City spot is perfect for the whole family on game day, including your four legged fur babies as well. The large indoor/outdoor beer garden can comfortably fit 200 people, has water stations for your dogs, and a bounce house every Sunday for the kids! Food trucks and specialty vendors pop up all the time, you can check the schedule here. One of the best things about going here is that if you have picky eaters, they allow you to bring in outside food. But trust me, the adults (and kids) may not want to miss out on delicious options like Cochon King BBQ! Their brews are delicious (the Grapefruit Radler is Mom’s absolute fav) and they have plenty of TVs to catch the game on.
Urban South Brewery
If you have never checked out this brightly colored, local Uptown brewery on a game day – you are in for a treat! Not only do they offer their delicious food truck Urban Smash that is always set up outside, they have other food specials on certain game days that you can check out on their Facebook (like their new Slap Ya Mama Wings & Oktoberfest) as well. Offering seasonal and specialty brews, there is always something new to try with each visit to Urban South. Not only is the warehouse turned brewery giant, they also offer a bounce house for the kids to play in while you watch the game. You can reserve tables for larger parties in advance, and they even offer a kid’s birthday party package!
Port Orleans Brewing Company
This is one of my family favorite Uptown spots to stop in when we have the kids with us! The laid back atmosphere of Port Orleans is my favorite, and they have a large inside seating area, but also the perfect outdoor patios as well. Kid friendly, they are always stocked with games and coloring books, and other random little toys to play with. They have plenty of TVs to watch the games on, and their food served up by Avo Taco is so good. Grab one of their well known beers with your tacos, Gleason IPA is of course a must try. Ask them about what local juices they have in stock for the kids, mine absolutely love the blueberry lemonade! They have an ever changing event calendar so make sure that you check it for all of their upcoming events.
East Bank Family-Friendly Football Spots
Blue Oak BBQ
Blue Oak BBQ is another great option in Mid City for a Saints day out with the family. They have a large patio outdoors to enjoy some of the most delicious BBQ & specialty drinks. There is enough room to let the kids stretch out and be kids, and there are plenty of TVs to watch the game on. With a covered patio, decked out with fans and misters, Blue Oak is the perfect spot to keep cool and cheer on our boys! Check their Facebook for any events that they have coming up.
Avenue Pub
This St. Charles Avenue favorite not only has a menu that is sure to please everyone in the family, but they also offer 40 beers on tap to satiate any pallet. With multiple TVs and a kid friendly vibe, this is a great place to check out on game day. They have the perfect private room “pubstairs” if you are looking to host something like a birthday party during football season.
Dave & Buster’s
Okay, now I can’t say that this is the most relaxing option on this list. BUT, the place has TVs everywhere you look and is undoubtedly a family fun atmosphere! Their menu is sprawling so you can’t go wrong food wise when you choose to spend game day here. Enjoy arcade games, virtual reality, and billiards while you enjoy some yummy food and drinks. They have different options and game packages so you can decide a budget before you leave. Just keep in mind it’s Poydras location if you choose to go down on a home game!
Manning’s Sports Bar & Grill
Located at Caesar’s Casino, this family friendly restaurant offers a unique experience for your biggest sports fans! With a casual atmosphere and great prices, when you got Manning’s expect to be immersed in the game. With giant screens and TVs throughout the entire place, you will have the perfect view no matter where you sit. What to really live it large? Check out their recliners where you can watch the game in theater styling seating where you can lounge in style. The menu has a gigantic selection of all the best game day foods. This is a great option for older kids too!
Loft 18
With two locations in Metairie and Mandeville, Loft 18 is a family friendly (till 7:00pm Thursday – Saturday) venue that is like none other. With 20 HD TVs and multiple projectors, this place is a great one to catch the game at! Featuring 5 full size multi game swing simulation bays, along with other games, booking a table here for the day is definitely going to be a good time for you and the kids. Their special game day menus look absolutely delicious – from wings to flatbreads to truffle fries, yum! Book a table if you are just looking to eat, and book a bay for the ultimate gaming experience during the game. This option is perfect for larger parties too!
Garrison Kitchen & Cocktails
This new Metairie Road addition is the perfect place to catch the games all weekend long! With a big screen never out of eyesight on the patio, the Garrison also offers private gazebo areas with their own TVs that you can reserve. Check out the delicious brunch or dinner menu, with their farm to table concept everything is super fresh and delicious. You can make reservations online – the outdoor area opens every Saturday & Sunday for brunch at 11am and they have specials for the LSU & Saints games. Have a group larger than 6? Call or email them to reserve a spot!
Walk On’s Sports Bistreaux
With a whopping 15 locations located within 100 miles of New Orleans, no matter where you are at in the Saint’s viewing area you should be able to find this family loved favorite! With the entire place covered in TVs, this sports bistreaux is perfect for parents and kids alike that want to watch the game in an exciting atmosphere. Get there early and try to grab a booth with a TV right above it (they do not take reservations, so plan accordingly) for a totally immersive game day. With an absolutely huge menu selection, there is literally something for everybody to eat. This is also the perfect stop if you are on your way to the Dome as there is a location right down the street!
Bobby Hebert’s Cajun Cannon
Conveniently located in Metairie on Veterans Blvd, New Orleans’ own Bobby Hebert has made a sports themed restaurant the can impress any fan. The menu is meant for foodies, with a wide range of delicious dishes but also offer a great kids menu as well. But you’re not just going there for the food on Saints Sunday are you? Well do not worry. Before the big game you can walk around and gawk at the highly impressive collection of sports memorabilia from some of the top athletes around the world. Game time? Watch it on the 90 inch screen, one of the other 30 TVs, and never miss a second because he even put big screens in the bathroom (major cool points for any kid!)
Ground Pat’i
With four locations in Gretna, Kenner, Houma, and Lafayette – Ground Pat’i is definitely a great place to check out to watch the game! The David Drive location moved to Rivertown and brought all the fun with them to their new spot. With some of the best burgers in town, entertainment for the kids, and tons of TVS this restaurant is awesome for families. One of our own NOLA Mom’s did an amazing review on Ground Pat’i, you can find it here!
West Bank
River Shack Gretna
If you are a West Banker like I am, not having to cross the GNO on game day is a huge perk to going to River Shack. Located in the beautiful area of old Gretna, this river front location is a prime destination for parents looking to let the kids run free. With a large turfed area just outside their patio, kids have plenty of room to play, cartwheel, and have a good time all in front of a huge mural. Their brunch menu is sooo good and is served until 2:00 PM which is perfect if you have breakfast lovers like I do. There are TVs everywhere you look and it is a fun laid back atmosphere that pairs well with football! Pro tip: ask for a piece of cardboard box and let your kids go sliding down the levee. If you’re brave enough, maybe even join them!
El Patron
In the mood for Mexican food on gameday? Look no further than this beloved local favorite on the West Bank. Recently moved to their new spot on Gretna Blvd, this restaurant has it all. An enormous menu, margaritas of all sizes, and a TV in almost every direction. I will be honest, I always love going here because it is so lively & loud, I never feel like my kids are getting side eyed. They have multiple different rooms and an outdoor patio. If you have a large group, you can rent their side room that would be perfect for a football birthday at any age!
Gattuso’s
Also located in Gretna, Gattuso’s is a neighborhood staple that should be on everyone’s list for a fun & relaxing Saturday Funday (they’re closed on Sundays)! With their expanded indoor area and their lush picnic table filled courtyard is the perfect spot to eat and watch the game. I love everything on their menu and my kids always enjoy going there! Check their event page for upcoming things going on, they always have special events when things are going on in the city that are family friendly.
Northshore
The Blind Tiger
Located in Madisonville & Slidell, TBT as it’s lovingly known is a favorite for big and little kids alike! With plenty of TVs, lots of area for the kids to play, and a laid back vibe; this is such a fun spot to spend game day. The Madisonville location changes their menu day to day but you can check out the one for Slidell here which is seafood heavy. Enjoy the water views, maybe enjoy a bushwhacker, and cheer on our boys in black & gold at this uniquely Southern restaurant.
The Chimes
Maybe it’s just the LSU Tiger in me, but The Chimes holds a special place in my heart especially when I think about football! Known for its family friendly atmosphere and scrumptious menu, is is the perfect place to go when you are looking for something laid back. Don’t think you will miss out on any excitement though, they have lots of TVs!
The Anchor
Located on the Tchefuncte riverfront in Madisonville, this Northshore favorite delivers for the entire family on game days! Every Sunday rain or shine The Anchor has their big game day celebration from 11am – 8pm. Bring the kids by to get some bites to eat, enjoy some of their signature drinks, and be prepared to have a good time. They have live music scheduled at the end of each Saints game, and with their huge outdoor patio expect your kids to have a blast dancing. The also have a pirate themed playground and offer small plates for your kids to snack on while they run around! And if all that isn’t enough, every boat lover will watching them come in and out of the marina. Find a more in depth review here from one of our New Orleans Moms!
Habanero’s
With multiple locations across the Northshore, and coming soon to the Southshore (find our full review here!) Habanero’s is great place to land on a game day with your entire crew. With it’s super fun aesthetic and energetic vibes, you will have plenty of TVs to watch your favorite team since they have always have the game on. Their menu is top notch and their kid’s menu has a wide variety of options for even the pickiest of eaters.
Hammond
Gnarly Barley Brewery
This quickly up and coming spot in Hammond is perfect to take in a game, in fact according to their event calendar – they will be playing all the games! They have a giant big screen that they play the game on along with other TVs throughout the taproom. Enjoy the large outside patio and the yard games to keep the kids entertained while you sip on one their delectable brews. Like this full review from one our own Moms says, offering up Capri Suns for the kids means they are speaking my language! The food sounds delicious as well, check out the menu here.
Kid free for the game?! There are SO many great local places to watch football in and around New Orleans. Here are some of our favorite 21+ spots:
Bayou Beer Garden – One of the best outdoor patios around with as many TVs as types of beer they have on tap! With Bayou Wine Garden right next door, this combo makes for a perfect date day for the game.
Wrong Iron – This is one of my personal favorites, I love how pretty the inside area is adorned with large wooden high tops perfect for larger groups. The outdoor area is shaded, offers loads of seating, and the food is delish.
Cooter Brown’s – Since 1977, this oyster & sports bar is known for being quite the experience to watch a Saints game at. If you have never checked it out, this Uptown spot boasts tons of beers on top and some of the best seafood and oysters that you will ever have.
Tchoup Yard – This outside beer garden meets surfer bar has over two dozen big screens throughout the outdoor area. With tons of seating, a fire pit, yard games, and delicious drinks it is up there on the list for a fun time watching football.
Lucy’s Retired Surfer Bar – If you have never watched a football game at Lucy’s, then participated in the chaos that ensues that area of the warehouse district, you absolutely must. Known for it’s laid back atmosphere, the vibe in Lucy’s on game day turns electric. Plus, the put cute mermaids in my drinks!
Covington Beer Garden – Grab a group and head to this Northshore spot that has plenty of local beers, specialty cocktails, and delicious bites by Bootlegger’s. With its large tap room boasting plenty of TVs and a spacious outdoor area, this is the perfect place to watch the game in Covington. Check their Facebook for all their weekly events!
