Inside New Orleans After Hours with Tank from Tank and the Bangas

During the annual Jazz Fest in New Orleans, music enthusiasts face an abundance of choices as venues across the city feature a range of thrilling and iconic musical performances. Local Grammy-winning group Tank and the Bangas, presented by Rolling Stone and KOOL, stands out among these, delivering their vibrant blend of funk to an exuberant crowd at Republic NOLA on a recent weeknight.

Under the enchanting green neon ambiance, band fans enjoyed the industrial loft space, capturing memories at the interactive photo stage and relishing signature cocktails. The evening commenced with an electrifying set from The Psychodelics—a funk, rock, and pop fusion band hailing from Charleston, South Carolina—leading the audience into a lively atmosphere. Subsequently, Tank and the Bangas captivated the audience while adorned in coordinated neon rainbow outfits, performing tracks like "Quick," alongside the dynamic spoken-word poetry of frontwoman Tarriona "Tank" Ball.

In a pre-performance interview, Rolling Stone engaged with Tank to gather her exclusive recommendations for the best late-night locales for food, drink, and socializing in New Orleans. Her selections range from a hidden gem serving seafood to a stylish cocktail lounge boasting a diverse vinyl collection.

Despite often spending evenings at home watching Netflix and resting her voice, Tank explains that her ideal nights out commonly commence with dining at The Chloe, an upscale hotel and restaurant in uptown New Orleans. Here, guests can relax on sumptuous upholstered couches set against a backdrop of dark wood and bold wallpaper patterns. On pleasant nights, patrons have the option to dine on the lovely front patio along bustling St. Charles Avenue or at the serene poolside.

"They treat me so well there," Tank remarks about the service at The Chloe. For her meal, she often chooses the smoked pork belly lettuce cups, accompanied by mint, basil, chili mayo, and pickled onion, or the popular twin stack burger, which regularly vies for the title of best burger in the city.

For a change of pace, Tank heads to Clesi's Seafood Restaurant in Mid City, where dishes featuring gulf oysters, crab legs, wings, and boudin balls are staples. She particularly emphasizes the mouthwatering crawfish served in abundance during winter and spring, noting that March through May marks the peak season for this beloved shellfish.

"I'm obsessed," she enthuses. "The crawfish is so good... so juicy. They provide excellent service too. And there's this dip! I've never dipped my crawfish before, but baby, they have a very special dip."

Following dinner, Tank often visits Common House, a private social club that hosts talented DJs in a vibrant setting filled with creatives. Whenever her band's schedule permits, she curates a special event called "Poetry on the Porch with Tank and the Bangas" at the Emerald Door, a captivating garden and cultural space located in the Bywater neighborhood.

"Since I don't get out much, I thought I could bring the poets to me," Tank expresses. "We create something unique during those times in between tours. You really have to experience it."

Another popular destination for music and arts is the Dew Drop Inn, a historic venue in Central City that has welcomed legends such as Little Richard, Ray Charles, and Irma Thomas. Recently renovated and reopened, the Dew Drop boasts live music and events several nights a week, serving as a bar, hotel, and pool as well.

Even outside of performances, Tank actively seeks out fellow musicians and artists, frequently visiting friends at the various jazz clubs along Frenchman Street, while gradually making her way to the renowned dive bar, The John, for green tea shots from her favorite bartender. If she is yearning for a late-night snack, she heads to the food trucks located on nearby St. Claude Avenue.

"If no restaurants are open, I'm on the lookout for someone cooking right on the street," she shares. "There's bound to be something grilling... I'm talking oysters, sausages. Someone might even be boiling crawfish—though that's quite rare!"

Tank tends to favor the food truck Johnny's Jamaican Grill, which also operates a brick-and-mortar location in the Lower Garden District, for late-night jerk-seasoned meats and fish, curry chicken, and oxtail. After indulging in those flavors, she seeks a nightcap at NightBloom, where bartenders spin records by Sade and Erykah Badu while crafting inventive drinks, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, such as the signature "Miss V," a pineapple and mezcal twist on the margarita named after drag superstar Vanessa Vanjie Mateo.

Regardless of her destination, the vibrancy of the musical and artistic community remains at the forefront of Tank's experiences.

"When I go out, the vibe I seek in music is energetic, fresh, and innovative, featuring both new talent and seasoned artists who might just be coming off tour—a big star blending with everyone else. They're ready to impress on keys or bass, and you feel fortunate to witness their performance," she describes her ideal evening.

Fortunately, such nights are prevalent in New Orleans.