working the Zurich Classic in April

Question

We are 2 older professional guys coming in to work the golf tournament. Not interested in Bourbon St . We are looking at Kenner and Metairie areas. We will have free time at night and like sports bars, breweries and live music. Any suggestions on either area. Looking at the Ramada in Metairie and The Clarion in Kenner.

Answer

It sounds like you're planning a fun and active trip to the Zurich Classic in New Orleans! Since you're not keen on Bourbon Street, but still enjoy sports bars, breweries, and live music, both Kenner and Metairie are good choices for your stay. Here’s an overview of what you can expect in both areas and some recommendations for your evenings:

Kenner Area:

Pros:

Close to the Airport and the Tournament: Kenner is near Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, which makes it convenient for getting around and heading to the Zurich Classic tournament. It's also relatively close to the Bayou, offering some local charm without being too far from the action.
Local Hangouts: Kenner is home to several excellent local spots where you can enjoy a good meal, sports, and live music. While it’s not as bustling as the French Quarter, it has a few laid-back spots for after-hours relaxation.

Recommendations in Kenner:

Drago's Seafood Restaurant: Known for its charbroiled oysters, this local seafood joint has a casual vibe with a great bar area. It’s a good spot for catching up with friends, enjoying some drinks, and watching a game.
Big Easy Sportsplex: If you're a fan of sports, this indoor sports bar offers a lively atmosphere with plenty of screens for watching games and a good selection of beers on tap.
The Clarion Hotel (your hotel option): This hotel is a solid choice, offering easy access to the airport and tournament. After a long day of work, you can unwind in its lounge area or head to nearby sports bars or local eateries.

Metairie Area:

Pros:

More Dining and Drink Options: Metairie offers a variety of dining and bar options, making it a great spot for those looking for a range of experiences from casual spots to more upscale options. It’s also just a short drive from the tournament venue.
Local Vibe: While not as touristy as New Orleans proper, Metairie offers a relaxed atmosphere with good access to local watering holes, breweries, and bars.

Recommendations in Metairie:

Parlay’s Bar & Grill: A favorite local sports bar that offers a variety of food and drinks, perfect for watching the game. They often have live music and a good selection of beers.
Bayou Beer Garden: A great spot for beer lovers with a relaxed, outdoor atmosphere. It’s a cool place to catch some live music and enjoy a drink.
Ramada Inn (your hotel option): This hotel is centrally located in Metairie, so it's convenient to local spots. If you're looking for something low-key after a day at the tournament, there are plenty of local spots nearby to check out.
Dat Dog Metairie: If you're in the mood for a fun, casual place to eat and drink, Dat Dog is a local chain serving creative hot dogs and craft beers. It’s a popular hangout spot with live music on occasion.

General Tips for Both Areas:

Live Music: New Orleans is known for live music, and while Kenner and Metairie are quieter, there are still some spots where you can enjoy great music. Both areas are relatively short drives to New Orleans proper, where the live music scene is bustling.
Transportation: While both Kenner and Metairie have their share of local options, consider using rideshare services (Uber/Lyft) or renting a car to get around, especially if you plan to head into the French Quarter or other nightlife areas in New Orleans.
Relaxed Vibe: Both areas offer a more relaxed vibe compared to downtown New Orleans, which might be ideal for unwinding after a busy day at the tournament.

Final Thoughts:

Both the Ramada in Metairie and the Clarion in Kenner are good options, offering easy access to the Zurich Classic and a selection of nearby sports bars, breweries, and dining options. If you prefer a quieter, more local experience, Metairie might be a better choice. However, if you’re looking for something a bit closer to the airport and tournament location, Kenner is a great option. Regardless, you’ll find plenty to do in both areas, with plenty of opportunities to enjoy sports, good food, and live music after hours.