A down-home neighborhood joint worlds away from flashy chain establishments with live music and good red beans.

by Contributor

The Scene
Tucked into the historic Bywater residential neighborhood, Vaughan's is about as authentic as you could possibly hope for. Despite its location in an iffy section of town, this is one of the friendliest places on the map, with reasonably cheap drinks and free red beans and rice.

The Sounds
Vaughan's is famous for Thursday nights, when the affable Kermit Ruffins and his Barbecue Swingers hold court when they're not on the road; Kermit is likely to be cooking up hot sausage and chicken on his own grill (in the bed of his truck) between sets. Local and visiting jazz luminaries are apt to drop in and jam with the band. Although the bar is open the rest of the week, there's only live music on Thursdays. But it's those Thursday nights make this spot a local music landmark.