Milan Lounge

This is were a true dive bar transitions into a Neighborhood bar. From the outside, most would walk by, but the neighbors don't, and you shouldn't either if you want the latest skinny on the area. Drinks are great, our bartender was a delight. don't leave without ordering a shot of Malort.

What happened? We made a special trip because I've loved this place for 20+ years! The bartender at opening 3pm on Wed. March 20 made us feel as if we were in his way while he watched TV. He sat at the end of bar watching TV after the huge task of opening 2 bud cans for us. No wonder no other customers came in. We drank them and left. He never looked or way again. It was uncomfortably quiet and dreary. Not sure why the review is asking about food.. there was no food and no draft beer.

It's no secret this place is a dive bar. I'm a fan of dive bars and high-end bars alike. This is the quintessential dive bar with friendly service, reasonable drink prices and a cast of characters that are friendly and welcoming. Stopped in here on the recommendation of a former local- and went twice even though it was about 20 minutes from my hotel. If you're expecting Old Style because it's a Cubs bar, forget it because they can't get it in NOLA.

So,got into an argument over Mardi Gras weekend with someone there and then argument with my boyfriend there.I got put out and told I could not come back which I totally understand.I’ve found out since then that there are other people who have done worse who are allowed to come back in.I was also told I can come back but I can’t go inside I can only come and support who is cooking.Which I won’t.Also would like to note that Paige,the owner has no clue on how to properly run a business either.She has her picks and chooses,nothing wrong with that,but just watch what you do and say around there.And not to mention their WiFi is always out and during Mardi Gras couldn’t keep up with supply.Just a bad experience at the one small bar uptown on Milan.

I stopped in a long time ago but just need to leave a review. We came from out of town trying to get away from the tourist spots. This is the place. Great neighborhood bar. Lovely patrons. We stayed here for hours. Bartenders are the best. Love Wheaties!!!

Neighborhood bar with bartenders who insert themselves into private conservations when they feel left out or disagree with you. Basically 17 year olds getting offended by nonsense that doesn’t concern them, this bar attracts people who want cheap drinks and people who never made it past the 12th grade emotionally.

Met a friend here for convo and drinks and the vibe was cool,could tell it's a neighborhood spot and everyone was kosher

Tucked in a neighborhood, you'd only know if you know this dive bar exists. And I love a rando find with an interesting cast of characters. This has all that. Would have given 5 stars,but beer pricing was off-putting at an unfriendly $6.50 for an Abita in a plastic cup. Guess that's the "you don't live here no more" price. Cool.

I witnessed the primary bartender of this establishment bully another patron because he turned off the juke box wanting to listen to only one band for two hours and she asked for different music laughingly, and he got massively aggressive. Not okay. This is after new ownership.

Awesome neighborhood bar where all are welcome. While no real food the drinks are great and a true New Orleans experience in a neighborhood vibe. If you want great service and connection to real New Orleans this is your place.

Uptown is the home of the last of the late night dive bars. Milan is another of the long lineage of New Orleans neighborhood bars with its own unique charm. Who knows what uptown friends you will run into here and as always the later the better. The nights are hot and the beer is cold at the Milan.

Best dive bar in New Orleans for those in the know. If you're looking for a fancy cocktail, look elsewhere, there're more of a beer and a shot kinda place with a late night service industry crowd. Tucked away in a safe little neighborhood just off the streetcar line. Great spot for an afternoon drink too opening at 3 on weekdays and noon on the weekends. During Mardi Gras, they've got clean, free bathrooms right off the parade routes. Can't beat em for their inexpensive, heavy pours. Pro tip: they've got frozen pizzas there that come out of their little oven surprisingly great.

To paraphrase Steinbeck: The Milan Lounge is a poem, a stink, a grating noise, a quality of light, a tone, a habit, a nostalgia, a dream. The Milan is the gathered and scattered, tin and iron and rust and splintered wood, chipped pavement and weeds. Its patrons are, as the man once said, "whores, pimps, gamblers and sons of bitches," by which he meant Everybody. Had the man looked through another cracked glass window, he might have said, "Saints and angels and martyrs and holymen" and he would have meant the same thing.

This place is the epitome of a new Orleans dive bar. And I mean that in the best way. It's also a Chicago Cubs bar, which has gotten them national recognition since the cubbies made history this fall. Kevin is a awesome owner, which makes this bar a home away from home for all the locals around the area.

Fabulous little dive bar, wonderful service! Matt our bartender made great drinks with some snappy repartee. Will be back when I visit again!

You know you hear about everyone else's "Cheers" bar and how they are always welcome but for me it's the honest to God truth. I used to live right around the street from this bar and would always come here. Yeah it's a dive bar (big whoop, want to fight about it?) but it's my dive bar! It's my local spot and I have made friends here that always welcome me when I come through the door. Through the Milan golf scramble, Saints games on Sunday, and hopefully wining last man standing on st pattys day, I always enjoy coming here. There are a LOT of bars here but the Milan is my bar. No matter where I end up in this great city, The Milan Lounge will always be my second home. Salute!

I stepped inside the Milan for the 1st time in years this past weekend and, right, it hasn't changed. Tiny hole in the wall bar that serves cheap drinks. Really who isn't a fan of that? Do not expect fanciness. Order a straight pour or regular mixed drink or a beer. Cash only but there is an ATM inside Since it's carnival season, the door was standing wide open and they had made containers of hurricanes and trays of jello shots (and, yes, I bought jello shots for my Mom but she said they were too vodka-y. My Mom, the gourmand of jello shots) The bar is as smoky as ever (which is why I'm not a regular) so it will be interesting to see how it fairs after the smoking ban. Also because it's carnival, there is a food truck parked outside everyday of parades. This year it's the Cluck Truck.

I just moved here from Chicago, and I was super stoked to check out a Cubs bar because I am a rather large Cubs fan. It's a small, divey, neighborhood spot. It's nothing super duper special, except there are some key points why this place is great. Their spirits and beer selection are impressive. Walking into a divey spot, I always assume I'm going to have to settle for a beverage. But I was pleasantly surprised. Well done, guys. The bartenders that I've met are very friendly and welcoming, too. Plus they're faster than the average New Orleans bartender pace, which is ALSO great. No food, but they have a menu folder that you can order food for delivery from. I think sometimes they have food on a table near the door, but I don't think I've been there when that happened.. I have a feeling I'll be a regular at this bar, ESPECIALLY during Cubs season. Check this place out.

Now here is a no-nonsense neighborhood bar that you might find impossible to leave once you plant your a$$ on a stool. You've gotta ring the door bell to be let in. This makes you feel kind of special, doesn't it? They like me, they really like me... The drinks are cheap. The bartender is nice. The regulars will probably buy you a drink at some point. You can watch people play drunk darts from a safe enough distance. Bam! It's dawn... Don't say I didn't warn you.

It's a dive bar. The staff are incredibly friendly and chatty. We walked in at midnight on a week night and the bartender was actually excited to see us and glad to have more company. He mentioned that he stays open until 2 am every weeknight even if nobody is in there. If regulars are in, he is happy to stay open as long as they like. The bartender also gave us some bar mix and peanuts to munch on.

This is the second bar in NO that I've been to with a buzzer at the door. I think it's a little strange, but whatever. Some friends and I went over here after the Twelfth night parade. It was a nice, intimate neighborhood bar. I wasn't drinking anymore at this point so I can't speak about the drinks, but my friends seemed to enjoy theirs. I do have to say that I don't understand why bars and darts go together, because to me it just sounds like a bad idea, but if you're into that, they've got darts here. It was too smoky for me and I had to Febreze my clothes and wash my hair twice when I got home, but I blame the authorities, not necessarily the bar, for allowing smoking in enclosed spaces.

I don't want to review this place. But I can't hog all the greatness that is Milan lounge to myself. This bar is small and if it's busy it's cramped. You won't know this place exists unless you're looking for it. But once you're buzzed in you are in the best locals bar in uptown. Vincent is the best. Enjoy.

Great Uptown neighborhood bar. After not stepping foot in the place for months, I showed up tonight with some friends and the very friendly bartendress recognized us immediately and wanted to know where the hell we had been! The tourists don't know about this place, and this ain't somewhere to go to see or be seen, and if you're real worried about looking cool you probably need to go somewhere else. Really great service with a smile every time, lots of Cubs stuff on the walls, and they are serious about darts here (I've never been around during a full-on darts game, but they sell all the stuff you could ever possibly need or want for a darts game at this bar). Just a great little neighborhood joint; unpretentious, real, friendly, relaxed.

I wandered over to the Milan Lounge to watch the Pirates play the Cubs because my internet was down. I hesitated slightly because I wasn't sure how welcoming the crowd would be towards fans of the opposing team, but I could not have asked for a better crowd to watch the game with. The owner was tending bar and welcomed me immediately and pointed out that there was free food for all. While I did not get a chance to try any of the food provided, the drink selection was good and very reasonably priced. I would definitely recommend this bar to anyone looking to watch a baseball game, especially if it involves the Cubs, or even to anyone looking for a nice, local bar with a friendly crowd.

If Jimbo's (on the southside of Chicago) had a bizzaro-world brother in the South, it'd be Milan's. I love this place. I love the feel of this bar, as it's decked out in all Cubs garb, from ceiling to floor! Seriously, some of the bars in Wrigleyville don't have a clue after seeing the memorabilia here! Also, we had to ring the doorbell to get in. How awesome is that? I came to visit my friend who lives here, but grew up with me in the Chicago suburbs, to watch the Cubs play the Sox. Huge game for me, as I haven't missed being at a Cubs/Sox series in 9 years. Yeah, I'm hard core. I love me my Cubs!!! Anywhoo...the day we went, the game was on Fox, and of course, we got blacked out and had to watch the stupid Yankees play the awesome Red Sox (I know they are my AL team!). All in all, I'd be back, Cub game or not.

Quintessential dive bar. Cheap drinks, awesome bartender. It's friendly and filled with locals, and they have a surprisingly good Bloody Mary. My only complaint is the smoking--it was BAD. I think we were the only ones in there without a cigarette in hand when we entered. It's the sort of place where you have to shower when you get home so you don't stink up your bed with smoky hair. Ugh, don't miss that!

You know that bar where everyone knows your name? Yes it's this one. I usually go with some regulars, so the bartenders treat me as a regular too. I've never gone by myself, but i'm pretty sure they would treat me the same way, with friendly service. It really is a neighborhood bar. You have to be buzzed in, and once in, seats are easy to find. Others in the bar like to chat everyone up, so you will never feel alone here. The only downside is that they allow smoking in here.

A neighborhood hole-in-the wall bar filled with eccentric, talkative "regulars." I absolutely love bars like this; full of character and filled with characters. A lady with a German Shepherd walked in and parked at the bar right beside me. She introduced her dog as "Charlie Black," and then proceeded to tell me and my friend her life story. And then insisted on knowing ours. But for some reason it wasn't the least bit annoying. In this place, it made perfect sense. Four stars. Not for amenities, but for uniqueness!

Waited 20 minutes no bartender in sight...got up and walked out. Wanted to kick off our honeymoon with a drink and relaxation in a close bar but was met with disappointment.

I was with my friend in NOLA leaving Maison, and in some bizarre series of events which involved riding in the trunk of someones car, we ended up here. It's a little building in the middle of a neighborhood which I actually thought was closed. If it wasn't for my brother writhing in the street about his back, I would have loved to have been able to stay here for a while. It's clearly the neighborhood watering hole. The atmosphere was a perfect dive bar, and I am a huge fan of dives. When I walked in, there were approximately six other people at the bar and it was really quiet. The bartender was an extremely nice lady, she took our drink orders and had them filled quickly. It seemed like she knew everyone else in the bar, and there was a very friendly atmosphere about the place. I would have loved to stay here for a lot longer, but as for reasons mentioned earlier, it was not in the cards. If you like small, friendly dive bars, you will probably like this place a lot. If you are not, then you probably should go somewhere else. If I'm ever in the area again, I will definitely stop by one more time.

In the great tradition of New Orleans dive bars, I present to you, the Milan Lounge. Its small, like 3 or 4 tables and a long bar, but that seems to be the point. No wait staff, just a bartender who often has a dazed look about him. Its run by a refugee from the South Side of Chicago and there are ancient Cubs stuff on the walls. The bathrooms are not for the faint hearted, but really, its a dive bar with cheap booze and lots of local characters. I like it as it was low on the drunken frat boys meter and more a local place for people in the area. the local ordinances related to no smoking seems to be ignored here so if thats an issue, steer clear of this place. Food options seem to be limited to Zapps chips and tobacco products, but if your looking for a typical NOLA dive bar with lots of character, this is a place to check out. Located in a neighborhood that is not so bad, so street parking is a safe option.

You have to get buzzed in to get inside this place. They are fanatics about the Cubs and darts here and I really don't care for either but the bar is still a decent place to grab a drink. For whatever reasons this bar seems to be one of my least frequented spots to stop in to booze Uptown; not that it is a bad place I just often forget that it exists. The service has always been great and there always seems to be at least a small group hanging out (except during Mardi Gras time when it gets crazy after the parades). This is certainly an interesting place to visit and have some fun times.

I live around the corner from this place so naturally it is my go-to bar and frankly, a saving grace in an area heavily populated with university nuts. It looks a little bit like a run-down chinese restaurant from the front and a little out of place in the middle of a fancy-homed neighborhood. You must ring a doorbell to be "let in" the place which I love because it makes me feel like I'm part of a special club. Who doesn't want to be part of THE club?! This spot is rarely packed, but I'm also usually here on a week night. The beer is cheap, atmosphere is chill, and the patrons are friendly as hell. No bar food, but if you get the munchies they have an array of small bagged chips you used to have in your school lunch - my personal favorite are nacho cheese Doritos...duh. Chex-mix are a close second. I will say, the place isn't quite the same without Sarah, the sweet, little lady bartender around. The new guy is warming up to me, but I miss talking about gardening with Sarah while she drinks out of her big, flowered coffee mug.

This was the best place ever to see the Cubs win the World Series! Being from Chicago and on vacation in NOLA, our Segway guide (also a Chicago native) recommend this Chicago Cubs dive bar for the game. It was packed and hot inside but super fun. Loved the staff throwing out bags of cracker jacks during the 7th inning stretch. Milan crew and fellow Cubs fans, thanks for making the iconic game even more epic!

Good Uptown bar, which seems out of place. Milan reminds me of many local pubs around Chicago (Bucktown). I guess its the Chicago Cubs decor, which gives it that warm and fuzzy feeling. If you like darts, this is the place to be. Buyer beware the bar is quite small so don't be surprised if you're dodging darts while chugging a Smithwicks. Besides that the bartenders are friendly and the drinks are reasonably priced.

oh! Milan Lounge of my heart. I'm not a regular here yet...but I'd like to be. It's dark, dingy, cluttered with weird paraphernalia that's been there lord knows how long...sometimes there are sports on the tv, sometimes the jukebox is playing the old school rhythm & blues of your soul--you walk in, it could be anything. It's bizarre, comfortable, and it's your neighborhood bar! Vive le Lounge Milan!

Like Uptown dive bar. Open what seems like all night. It's a Cubs bar so take note. Has a billboard of a jester's head above the ring-the-doorbell entrance. Cool spot, though. A dive bar for sure but a good one. Was there til just before 4 am and it still had a handful of locals. Next time in the Cubs were playing as well as LSU. The bar was, literally divided in two, between two TV's LSU and Cubs. It was cool and made the experience fun. The place was packed then. They have darts and on one occasion had a vegetable spread of healthy food no doubt gotten from a supermarket. Very likable. Parking is no doubt a bitch, but this is a place to make note of should you spend a fair amount of time in NOLA and want a more authentic experience....and are a Cubs fan !

Ridiculously divey, friendly regulars, great bartenders, and frozen snickers! You'll double love it if you're a Cubs fan! A bit hard to find - the front of the bar is just a window, so we drove past it twice. Keep your eyes peeled! PS - Ask for the fig vodka. Sounds gross, is amazing.

Places like this are the beating heart of the storied New Orleans neighborhoods. I lived down the street from it for a while and later moved just around the corner. Milan Lounge skews two ways: First, as I mentioned above, it is a classic neighborhood bar. On many nights everyone in there will be from the neighborhood - often with nothing else in common but that, making for an eclectic gumbo of characters. If a game of any import is on it's not uncommon to find yourself in the middle of an impromptu pot-luck with various neighbors bringing in dips and oysters and pies. Just to keep you on your toes, Milan Lounge also skews rather dramatically towards the displaced Chicagoans that find themselves in New Orleans. Indeed, a large mirror above the bar proudly declares it to be "Wrigley Field South". Any Chicago game that makes it's way to New Orleans cable is an event extraordinaire. The place will be absolutely packed. Victory will be soaring while defeat will illicit moans loud enough to hear from the porch of my old apartment almost a block away. One can score a decent cigar there as well.

Staff is friendly. Quintessential local uptown bar. The best time to go to this bar is after the parades end during Mardi Gras. Great vibe. Great drinks. No matter what time you go 7pm or 4:43am, you get great customer service.

Decent hole in the wall in Uptown. VERY cheap drinks and a dart board if you like that kind of activity. If youre not a smoker, this place is probably not for you.

The local dive bar where everyone knows your name. You have to get buzzed in and you can smoke inside which is awesome. Great place to stop by on your way home from work. Drinks are very reasonable and they have darts. Tony is a gem...he's worth the stop alone. This place is one of my favorites... and not just because I only have a couple blocks to stumble home. Lol

Neighborhood place. General mix of people, cheap drinks, darts. A lot of restaurant workers stop off late night. I was spotted here many a night with my stripped server uniform dirty and tired. I may have bought my first legal drink here. The whole buzzer on the door thing freaks me out.

Milan is a good spot for a dive bar. In a very fun location in the city and a great time during Mardi Gras!

No frills unadulterated bar. The last bastion of hope in this neighborhood. Mondays and Tuesdays, I find the bartender to be exceptional.

Neighborhood bar of awesome locals welcoming to respectful visitors.

one of my new orleans favorites. sarah, the usual nighttime bartender, is a gem. this place can turn a bad night to good in less than a sip.