THE Best songs to request at Pat O'Brien's Dueling Piano Bar

There is no contest - Pat O'Brien's is, hands down, my all time favorite bar in New Orleans. With a dominance as one of the most popular bars in the city since it's opening in 1933, it's obvious that I'm not the only one that feels this way. Despite it's appeal to tourists, multiple chain locations and Bourbon Street entrance, the central truth to the New Orleans location of this bar is that is also powered by the deep love of a dedicated local crowd. In a city and culture that is designed around celebrating every day, it is the perfect pair. 

The history of the 1791 building at 718 St. Peter's street is palpable, especially in the dark piano bar. Originally home to the first French Theater Company in New Orleans, it feels like you're part of one of the longest running parties in the country.  Dying to be a part of the tradition, I was waiting at the gate with ID in hand at 12:00 am on my 21st birthday and It's been a whirlwind romance ever since. 

Me and my dad on my 21st birthday at Pat O'Briens

​The dueling piano bar is one of the most popular draws of Pat O'Briens (as it has been since it's start as a new idea in the 1940's).  Spending so much time in the piano bar has taught me a lot about what makes a great song request. Here's my advice - when you put your dollars inside a napkin and pass it to the pianist, make it worthwhile.  

Here's my hints for the best, high-quality requests you can make -

• Mr. Brightside – The Killers
• Just a Friend - Biz Markie
• No Diggity – Blackstreet
• Pony - Ginuwine
• I Write Sins Not Tragedies - Panic! at the Disco
• Every Morning – Sugar Ray
• Call me Maybe - Carly Rae Jepson
• Gin and Juice - Snoop Dog
• Blister in the Sun – Violent Femmes
• O.P.P. – Naughty by Nature
• Gold Digger – Kanye West
• What I Got - Sublime
• Miami – Will Smith
• I Want You to Want Me – Cheap Trick
• Benny and The Jets - Elton John 
• House of the Rising Sun - The Animals
• Crazy in Love – Beyonce feat. Jay-Z
• Uptown Funk – Mark Ronson
• Africa - Toto
• 3AM - Matchbox Twenty
• Semi-Charmed Life - Third Eye Blind
• Counting Stars - One Republic 
• September - Earth Wind & Fire

​Average Requests you can make that someone else is probably already requesting:
(Note: You can do better.)

• Hey Ya - Outkast
• Sweet Caroline – Neil Diamond
• Wagon Wheel – Old Crow Medicine Show
• Pour Some Sugar on Me – Def Leppard
• American Pie - Don McLean
• Jack and Diane - John Mellencamp
• Hey Jude - The Beatles
• Louie Louie - The Kingsmen Trio
• Proud Mary - Tina Turner
• Ice Ice Baby - Vanilla Ice
• Baby Got Back - Sir Mix A Lot 
• Margaritaville - Jimmy Buffet
• Brown Eyed Girl - Van Morrison
• Friends in Low Places - Garth Brooks
• Thriller/Billy Jean - Michael Jackson

Do us all a favor and don't request any of this:

• Your college fight song
• Don’t Stop Believin – Journey
• The Piano Man - Billy Joel
• Bohemian Rhapsody – Queen
• Sweet Home Alabama - Lynyrd Skynyrd 

In the immortal guiding words of this establishment: HAVE FUN!
Also, don't forget to celebrate Mr. Alvin like the national treasure he is.

Did I miss your top request? Share in the Comments below.
Chelsea