Is there anything better than a perfect bar meal? Yes, many dining experiences exist. But sometimes your evening simply calls for a cocktail you didn’t mix or a plate of wings that makes you text your college roommate with nostalgic gratitude. Whether you seek craft cocktails, late-night bites, or a spot where the ambiance outshines the average pub fare, let this list be your guide through Shreveport’s vibrant bar scene.
Chianti Restaurant
$$ | (318) 868-8866 | WEBSITE
Think of this upscale Italian restaurant as one big dinner party in the heart of Shreveport’s dining scene. Despite being located in a bustling area, Chianti feels like a world unto itself: intimate, sophisticated, and overflowing with regulars in elegant attire enjoying the low lighting and comfortable seating. As far as the food goes, order the Pagello Albert, the scallopini al marsala with roasted potatoes and green beans, and as much of the phenomenal red snapper as you deem reasonable.
Straycat
$ | (318) 424-4747 | WEBSITE
Straycat is a small, laid-back spot in downtown Shreveport, perfect for winding down after exploring nearby attractions or just grabbing a casual drink. This downtown gem offers a solid selection of popular beers, including Abita options, and a relaxed atmosphere where you can actually hear your conversation without shouting. The staff is consistently kind and laid-back, matching the venue’s easygoing vibe.
Upstairs, the outside patio hosts live music, making it an ideal place to sip a reasonably priced $6-8 draft and soak in the atmosphere.
Bodacious Bar and Q
$ | (318) 425-9280 | WEBSITE
Bodacious Bar & Q’s patio area is an upgrade in ambiance and space—the vibrant atmosphere alone is a feast for the senses—but the main reason to come here is for the happy hour specials that are only available at their Shreveport location. Options include smoked wings with warm BBQ sauce, fried okra with a side of seasoning, and a Botato loaded with toppings, but just make sure to save a spot for the variety of margarita flavors.
Sidepocket Billards
$ | (318) 425-8112 | WEBSITE
This casual pool hall in Shreveport has the kind of evening scene where regulars shoot friendly games over cold beers and newcomers bond over shared dartboards. The game-playing is a major draw here, but it’s the solid bar food and welcoming staff that make it a standout. We recommend grabbing a burger and fries from the kitchen then throwing in a few rounds on the newly recovered pool tables or trying your luck at the video poker machines.
They sometimes have inconsistent opening hours, but get there on a weekend night before the best tables get taken.
Lake Street Bar
$$ | (318) 584-4817 | WEBSITE
Lake Street Bar in Shreveport can be a tricky spot on Thursday nights, but you can always opt for their Tuesday specials. The Shreveport bar has a comfortable patio that, starting at 5pm, offers a $12 ‘Tacos and Tequila’ deal. The spread comes with a plate of delicious nachos and tacos, or you can keep things simpler with a cigar and a cocktail from their friendly bartenders. Show up after 8pm, and Lake Street Bar does livelier stuff, too, like top-notch concerts and comedy shows.
Bourbon Bar
$ | (318) 848-7411 | WEBSITE
Yes, the Taquitos at Bourbon Bar are delicious, but this welcoming establishment in Shreveport is more than a one-note spot. First, the atmosphere here makes unwinding feel like a celebration—friendly staff including Lauren and Aleena create a warm environment where theme nights and games turn ordinary evenings into memorable gatherings. Plus, you can arrive straight from work or in your weekend casuals and chat with fellow patrons in the animal-friendly space.
Bourbon Bar has a cozy interior with comfortable seating, as well as a jukebox with a great variety of music, where you can select your favorite tunes while waiting for trivia to start on Tuesday nights. Whatever you do, stick around for the entertainment—the vibe is so inviting that leaving feels like an optional activity.
Daiquiri Express North
$ | (318) 489-4057 | WEBSITE
Don’t dismiss Daiquiri Express North as just another daiquiri spot in Shreveport. The impeccably clean bar and well-kept restrooms attract both after-work crowds grabbing happy hour deals and regulars who know Tuesday means karaoke night. But this place truly shines when you’re looking for consistently good drinks without breaking the bank. Knowledgeable staff help customers navigate the daiquiri options, though service can be hit or miss at peak times.
If you’re looking to enjoy solid drinks in a spotless environment, but not go completely overboard, Daiquiri Express North works perfectly as that reliable middle ground.
Tiki Bar & Grill
$ | (318) 868-6355 | WEBSITE
If a quiet, stuffy cocktail lounge is your idea of a boring night out, head to Tiki Bar & Grill. The evening scene at this neighborhood bar in Shreveport is all about laid-back fun, with friendly staff like Sam and Amber, cold beer on tap, and rock and roll music playing. Tiki Bar & Grill also has that Cheers vibe everyone loves, making it a great spot to grab a drink and shoot some pool.
Whether you’re a local regular or just passing through, it’s the perfect place to unwind and soak in the welcoming atmosphere.
Fat Calf Brasserie
$$ | (318) 351-2253 | WEBSITE
Lunch at Fat Calf Brasserie feels much like dinner, with the same comforting menu and patrons enjoying craft cocktails at the polished wood bar. Yet the midday crowd is lighter, the tempo more relaxed, and this Louisiana-inspired brasserie tucked away in Shreveport adds a few lunchtime touches we adore, including their wonderful peanut butter chocolate dessert served warm with a drizzle of salted caramel.
Pair this with a locally roasted pour-over coffee and consider your afternoon off to a delightful start.
Tejas Kitchen Bar Patio
$ | (318) 629-9292 | WEBSITE
Not only is this Shreveport favorite one of the few spots that still offers a build-your-own mimosa and Bloody Mary bar, its spacious patio functions as one of the biggest social gathering spots in the city. Expect hearty Southern staples like country fried steak with jalapeño gravy and perfectly cooked ribeye, and the endless delight that comes with customizing your own brunch drinks.
Wait times on the weekends can be counted by the half-hour, so if you’re short on patience, grab a seat at their cozy indoor bar. It’s the exact same menu.
The Noble Savage
$$ | (318) 828-2619 | WEBSITE
If we didn’t have anything better to do, we’d spend every Wednesday night for the rest of our lives at The Noble Savage, digging into their Chicken Parmesan special, and soaking up the live music that fills the downtown space. The food is solid—they’ve got standout muffalettas, crispy Brussels sprouts, and a limited but well-curated menu that reminds you why this place is a hidden gem. But that atmosphere. That’s why you come here.
Sand Bar
$ | (318) 212-1718 | WEBSITE
The Sand Bar in Shreveport has been the go-to spot for pool, drinks, and good times for years, and it’s still a blast. There’s almost always a crowd of people shooting pool, playing air hockey, or trying their luck at the poker machines. Trust that the tremendous selection of draft beers, bottled drinks, and typical liquor options are worth the visit—as are the friendly bartenders like Swoop who keep things lively.
Coyote’s Bar & Grill
$ | (318) 424-0650 | WEBSITE
Just off the main drag, Coyote’s Bar & Grill has all the laid-back charm and slightly rough edges you’d expect from a classic (and spirited) Louisiana dive bar: string lights over the patio, classic rock covers, and a solid chance of catching a karaoke regular belting out their favorite tune. It also helps that the vibe here is genuinely welcoming.
The outdoor area with its stage and fans is perfect for hanging out, the upcoming homemade shrimp boils promise some local flavor, and the Monday and Friday karaoke nights are the most reliably fun entertainment you’ll find in this part of town.
Sauvage
$$$ | (318) 606-2176 | WEBSITE
This Shreveport brunch spot has a relaxed bar area, ample parking in the surrounding complex, and a welcoming environment that feels genuinely accommodating. In other words, it’s the perfect setting for a casual, kid-friendly Sunday brunch that doesn’t involve pretentious crowds ruining your morning.
The menu includes a variety of delicious dishes from their regular offerings, but our favorite items are the heartier standouts, like a tender beef Wellington, flavorful Jägerschnitzel, and beautifully presented banana pudding.
Uptown Bar & Lounge
$$ | (318) 673-8338 | WEBSITE
A bar is nice, but a bar with exceptional dining in Shreveport? That’s the spot. Situated in the heart of town, Uptown offers a perfectly balanced menu of flavors and textures, but our advice is to explore the extensive drink selection and get to socializing. Nothing makes that cozy, inviting atmosphere better than a craft cocktail warming your spirit.
Strange Brew LLC
$ | (318) 222-2337 | WEBSITE
At Strange Brew LLC, you won’t have to deal with pretentious cocktail bars or overpriced craft beer scenes. Walk right into this welcoming bar starting at 5pm to order a local IPA or a classic whiskey sour, then grab a seat at the cozy bar or one of the high-top tables. After 9pm, the venue transforms with karaoke performances, live music, and a lively crowd enjoying pool games.
The only thing that might distract you from your drink is the infectious energy of strangers singing their hearts out on stage. We consider this the main attraction.
Daiquiri Express ShreveCity
$ | (318) 869-2220 | WEBSITE
When it comes to drive-thru daiquiris in Shreveport, it doesn’t get more convenient for most people than fast service, great quality drinks, and a menu filled with creative, frozen flavors. Daiquiri Express ShreveCity has all three in spades. Tucked into a perfect location for parents with kids, the efficient spot includes daily specials, two-for-one deals in the afternoons, and lots of happy hour fun.
The video poker is available and people definitely want you to notice their Numb Nuts with extra grenadine, but the atmosphere is sweet and smooth, the red velvet cake and banana split drinks are a must-try.
Bayou Thunder Saloon
$ | (318) 848-7732 | WEBSITE
This welcoming Shreveport saloon hasthe best karaoke nightin Louisiana, which means, at the bare minimum, you can belt out tunes on this spot’s lively Monday stage. Fortunately, the service at Bayou Thunder is great too, and a visit entails a $12 per person “plate” with an ice-cold drink and bar food for the table, like crispy boudin eggrolls and decent pub fare.
Some of Bayou Thunder’s regulars lean biker, with video poker enthusiasts or friendly bartenders making you feel like family, but we suggest starting your evening with the chill atmosphere so you can enjoy that always-full glass at the door.
Louisiana Daiquiri Cafe
$ | (318) 848-7002 | WEBSITE
Louisiana Daiquiri Cafe is a daiquiri destination (Saturday nights see the patio packed well before the DJ starts), but it’s important to remember this popular spot in Shreveport offers an excellent grown-and-sexy atmosphere as well. Get the top-shelf frozen daiquiris, margaritas, and whatever spirit caught your eye on the way to the bar. Ask for David or Lamar to ensure your night out is fun and lively.
Daiquiri Express Pines
$ | (318) 683-4770 | WEBSITE
This lively daiquiri spot in Shreveport is one of the best bars in Louisiana. And while their frozen cocktails are elite, the daily specials are no slouch either. If you’re by yourself midweek, go for a BOGO promotion, which gets you two drinks for the price of one (we love the creamy White Russian and the tropical Hurricane). For a weekend outing with friends, concentrate on the shareable stuff like the sweet Cotton Candy, zesty Lemon Drop, and seasonal Eggnog daiquiris.
The friendly and knowledgeable staff are happy to let you sample different options until you find the perfect drink, making it a convenient and affordable stop for locals and visitors alike.