This is a live music pub with a venerable history. On the tour circuit, The Louisiana has seen many big acts before they were famous, including the White Stripes and System of a Down. It wears the famous associations lightly though, there is still the atmosphere of being a normal pub where live shows are put on upstairs. I recommend scouring the list of upcoming gigs for a name you like and buying a ticket. Don't go expecting that you'll see the next big thing, though. Just hope for something decent - this place is still small enough for musicians of questionable calibre to get a gig. It's a rock venue, so not smart or swish. Not at all grotty though, the outside has just been given a new lick of paint. Good for a party as well, I remember having a very good New Years here. All in all, The Louisiana is a Bristol fixture and exceptionally good for live music. read more

The Louisiana - Pubs Near Me - Bristol, BST

This is a pretty decent little pub within spitting distance of the city centre (no mean feat in itself), though its main claim to fame is the tiny room upstairs, which has put on some of the biggest bands in the world before they hit big (The Killers, The Strokes, etc). I possibly chose badly, having seen The Wombats and Keane here for next to nothing in the past, and while this doesn't afford me massive bragging rights, it's still an undeniable pleasure to see a band who are clearly on the up in sweaty little room with less than 100 other people. The downstairs is also vibrant with a constant flow of gig-goers streaming in and out, and the smoking bit out the front (some benches) have apparently recently been renovated. read more

The Louisiana - Pubs Near Me - Bristol, BST

A hop, skip and a jump away from the city's centre (or more accurately, a 15 minute brisk walk) is The Louisiana. A very grand sounding name, for what looks like a pretty down-trodden venue. But don't judge a book by its cover, because the musical delights it holds more than makes up for it. Upstairs from the cosy pub you'll find a room so small you might be amazed to hear it's played host to such big names as The White Stripes, Amy Winehouse and The Kings of Leon. The wallpaper might be peeling and the carpet might be rolling up at the edges but the place reeks of student nights and misspent youths. It's the best place in town to hear new live music, and if by chance a headliner rolls up to The Louisiana make sure you book early! The bar itself is a bit of a letdown - very expensive and pretty limited. Even though it's a friendly crowd and comfy space I wouldn't make the trip over the bridge unless you were planning on seeing a band. But if you do - you're in for a good 'un! read more

The Louisiana - Pubs Near Me - Bristol, BST

An intimate venue for upcoming performers, the Louie is an essential pit stop on the Bristol gig scene. I don't think I've ever spent more than a tenner going to see a gig here and it can't be beaten for atmosphere. The pub itself is large, spread over the ground floor with toilets, a piano and fully stocked bar. The actual gig venue is upstairs, in a tiny little room that always manages to pack people in, no matter how many show up. The stage itself probably isn't much bigger than a king-size bed and the little bar at the back of the room means you don't have to miss out on the action when you finish your pint. The great thing about the Louie is its intimacy - from the gig space to the fact that you'll often catch bands loading up their tiny van at the end of the night - no giant tour buses here. The downside to that, if you're a little on the short side, is that you're more than likely to be nose to armpit with your fellow revellers and the flat level of the venue and stage means that you won't see much unless you're at the front of the crowd. read more

The Louisiana is one of the trendy gig venues in Bristol where you can go along to see either local or independent bands in an intimate setting! The gig room is upstairs and is pretty small - think the size of the Croft - but the ambience and acoustics are brilliant. I went here to see a guy called Sam Isaac play, and it was actually one of the best gigs I have been to in Bristol - and I have been to a few believe me! I loved the location, but note that it's not the sort of place that bigger more famous bands play, you'll have to check out the o2 for those. The place itself is actually a pub downstairs which attracts locals and students a like. If you fancy a great live music evening then check out their listings on www.bristolticketshop.co.uk. read more

Pop over the bridge to find this corner pub which has a live music room upstairs. The pub itself is friendly with lots of cosy corners and a chatty young crowd. Upstairs is a basic square room for gigs, which gets hot and crowded but that's what makes it good! They manage to pull in lots of local bands as well as up and coming names - just last year you could catch Gogol Bordello here which is quite an achievement since the band itself would have taken up half the room! Imelda May has also recently played here and shot her music video here. Be warned, tickets sell out quick for top bands as there is little space - we're talking maybe 120 capacity. You can get tockets from the Bristol Ticket Shop. read more

I love live music; I especially love catching the next big thing when they are just starting out. You know, still driving a van with all their own equipment to their gigs, setting it all up themselves and then sticking around after the gig for a pint with the people who came to see them. The Louisiana embodies everything I love about seeing new music. The venue is owned and run by a lovely couple who even cook for the bands before they perform! How lovely is that! You can usually find the band tucking into a homemade lasagne somewhere in the pub somewhere before the show. This venue books some truly amazing bands. I usually find Friday nights are the best as for somewhere around £7 you are treated to two or three of the best bands touring the country. There's even a great little bar perfectly positioned near enough to the music, so if you need a drink while the band is playing you don't miss a thing! This is the type of venue you would of seen The Arctic Monkeys or The Libertines in for £6; when they were putting on the best shows of their careers. It offers some real 'I was there' moments. You just wish John Peel was still around so you might find him hidden somewhere at the back, sipping his glass of red wine and nodding his head along with the music. It offers a really intimate, loud and memorable experience. I have shaken the hands of some of the best new musicians in the country in this venue and most have even been good enough to have a chat and a drink with me after their shows (not like they had any dressing rooms to go and hide in). read more

A friendly and relaxed bar, the major selling point of which is the room upstairs, which has been turned into a music venue that could definitely be described as 'cosy'. I don't know what the exact capacity upstairs is but it's not a big area, so if there's a band you fancy seeing playing there, you know for sure it will be an 'intimate' little gig- and sometimes those are the best kind. If there's a band you like, this is one of the best venues you could go and see them play at. read more

A lovely live music venue in the centre is the Louisiana, a steamboat-themed pub serving alcohol and a varied nightly music program. Upstairs is a great place to see up-and-coming bands from around the UK, as well as Bristol-based acts that don't really get a chance in other places, which is great to see. Downstairs, there is a friendly, spacious bar that you don't need to pay to get in to, where most people like to chill out before/after a gig. read more

The upstairs of the Louisiana is a great place to catch some small upcoming artists. I've seen Sebadoh, The Keys, Hail! Perestroika amongst others here, and I've always had a good time. The sound is good if you're standing in the right place and the bar prices are reasonable. The downstairs is a more spacious bar with plenty of seating. You might want to pull cash from a cash point before getting here though, as there's a £10 minimum spend on the bar and a charge-for cashpoint within the bar if you aren't spending so much. There are no cashpoints nearby either. read more

We went there to see a London band that had a few records out, but not much word of mouth outside of London. The venue has a bar downstairs with loads of tables and chairs, but the actual performance area is the small upstairs. I think the place may hold 50 people max, and that may be pushing it. It's very cosy. A small stage is at one end, barely a foot off the floor. The sound was decent as was the lighting. The bands managed to pack the place out. No seating available upstairs. It's a good place to see an up-and-coming band. read more

The Louisiana is an extremely cool, vibey venue in Bristol. The staff is friendly and helpful. The bands that they book are tremendous. It's styled like an old-school steam boat and I really enjoyed that. read more

Just to the south of the centre, over the swing bridge is the Louisiana. This pub come music venue is very popular amongst the gig watching crowds of Bristol and you are more than likely going to hear a decent band here most nights of the week. The main bar is downstairs and the live music room upstairs, usually with a fee to enter. that said, there is also a bar upstairs once you get there. the drinks prices are a little on the expensive side for a pub being a slight distance from the centre of town, although it is worth the extra few pence for a pint of Red Stripe on tap! read more

My absolute favourite live music venue in Bristol, The Louie is a truly legendary place where you get to see (more or less indie/alternative) bands you're likely to hear about in a few months or so. Probably gets around 100 peeps in the small upstairs gig room. They put on live music every night (except Sundays I think) but I recommend you do some research before as the acts can be quite varied, rock/pop/folk/electronic/acoustic etc. A cosy and friendly place with good sound and a proper PA. The carpets in the gig room gives a livingroom feel and people sometimes sit on the floor during the more quiet gigs. They've recently put in some decent stage lights and sorted out the air con as well. Usually about £5-6 to get in to the gigs but the downstairs where the more social area is, is free. And the Sunday roast is sweeeet. read more

Really good venue for upcoming perfomers and bands. We have been here a couple of times to see bands and have always felt it has a great atmosphere. The 'gig room' is located upstairs. Quite a small room and can get very hot if a lot of people turn up. Ticket and drink prices are reasonale and staff and polite and friendly. . read more

Possibly one of the smallest gig venues in Bristol, yet this doesn't stop it attracting the relatively big names albeit before they gain widespread recognition. Think Mumford and Sons, Delays and Wild Beasts. In fact, it's a great place to go just to grab a drink as the downstairs is a normal cool laid back pub. Some people think this is a bit of a trek from the city centre, but it's not really. It's just a five minute walk over the bridge. It's also a good place to head to for a pre Thekla drink. The venue itself is very small, it can be chaos walking up and down the stairs before and after gigs and if you're over 6ft you may want to watch your head. Nevertheless, although very loud, the sound is pretty good and it's a great place to get involved - the band will always hear your heckles and any mosh pits will by default, include most of the room. read more

The Louisiana a pub styled on an 18th century paddle steamer. A fantastic location being just a short walk from the centre. I have come along to The Louisiana many times in the past to see various bands of various standards. Music upstairs pub on the ground floor. And on a Sunday carvery on the ground floor. The meat was beautifully cooked, and you were given the choice of beef, turkey or baabaa with a bit veg and yorkie pud slung on for good measure. Out of group we tried all the meats and they were all spot on. The veg to was delicious and fresh. Sitting downstairs you also get the opportunity to see which famous bands have played at this iconic venue as they have there names proudly displayed. I spotted Kings of Leon, Muse and Coldplay to name but few ! The beer is well priced and the Guiness is gorgeous. In fact as I'm writing this I have decided that I shall have to return later today for round two. So ta ta read more

This is one of the best places for live music in Bristol. The bands they attract are usually of the indie/alternative type so if that's your thing and you're in Bristol, then this place is ideal. Only slight down side is the size of the gig room. Being upstairs from the main bar in an oddly carpeted room (though that may have changed) it is a tad on the small side, holding no more than 70 people I reckon. When you're pushing numbers in excess of 100 in the room it can get a little cramped at times, but I guess if you're into the Indie scene, you're used to that kind of thing. The bar itself is a bit expensive considering you're slightly off the beaten track, so I really wouldn't recommend going there unless you're going for the live music. If a drink is all you're after, then go some place else is my advice. read more

The Louisiana has developed a reputation that is be envied by pubs and bars across the country for the acts they have hosted, as you can see from the other reviews. Its run down mask, is just that a mask, scratch the surface and you will see that there is a reason why it has attracted those destined for stardom its character is too great to deny, and despite its aged look it has the cocky rebelliousness of a teenager. You have to go if you have any appreciation of music, so keep an eye on their schedule and don't miss out. read more

I had a really nice time in this place. Friendly staff and a great sound in the venue part upstairs. Well worth a visit. Even when it was full it didn't feel crowded as there was a good amount of space. read more

If you like your gigs too have an intimate feel to them then the Louisiana is your venue , the outside looks like a picture of a New Orleans saloon , with inside providing a great pub atmosphere to warm you up for the gig. The upstairs has a bar facility and ticketing. The venue is small but you get to actually see the performers and hear the music up close , which is awesome. read more

Fab place and great music! Friendly staff and cheap entrance fee to see the live bands.

The Loui as it is affectionately known is such a special little place. The Editors and The White Stripes played here while they were still little known bands and it is often the place to watch for hosting acts before they make it big. I've seen the Semi-finalists, Kate Nash, The Sunshine Underground and Port O'Brien here. It is also now a fixture as a venue in the Dot to Dot Festival and its line-up is aways intriguing. Downstairs is a good-sized pub with plenty of seating while upstairs is a tiny little music venue with a miniscule bar. But that is part of its charm. They also never overbook it so you don't feel like you will die because it is too rammed. However it does get incredibly hot and pongy in the warmer months. Bristol's resident self-styled music aficianado (Big Jeff) can always be found here in the front row, obscuring everybody else's view with his ridiculous mop of hair and maniacal dancing. Great ciders on tap and a great team behind the music bookings make this one of the best music venues in the city. read more