Howl at the Moon is a dueling-piano bar chain where two pianists take song requests and play live
Howl at the Moon operates in about a dozen U.S. cities — Las Vegas, New Orleans, Atlantic City, Chicago, and others — as a nightlife venue built around two pianists playing simultaneously. Unlike a typical piano bar where one musician plays background music, both pianists here take requests from the crowd, play the same song or different songs at the same time, and interact with guests throughout the night. The atmosphere is high-energy and participatory: people shout out requests, tip the pianists, and sing along.
Each location is independently owned and operated, so cover charges, drink minimums, hours, and what nights feature live music vary by city and venue. There is no single Howl at the Moon phone number or website that covers all locations — you need to contact the specific bar in your city directly or search for its local website.
Key Takeaways
- Howl at the Moon locations charge a cover fee to enter, which typically ranges from $10 to $25 depending on the night and city, though some nights may be free.
- Many locations impose a drink minimum once you are inside, meaning you must spend a set amount on beverages — usually $10 to $20 per person — or pay the difference when you leave.
- Live piano music runs most nights but may start later in the evening (9 p.m. or 10 p.m.) and may not run on slower weeknights, so call ahead to confirm.
- Tipping the pianists directly is expected and common; many guests hand cash to the performers or request songs by including a tip.
Cover charges and how they work at different locations
Cover charges at Howl at the Moon are not standardized across the chain. A location in Las Vegas may charge differently than one in New Orleans or Chicago. Typical cover fees range from $10 to $25 per person, but some venues waive the cover on certain nights — often early in the week or before a set time in the evening.
The cover charge is separate from what you spend on drinks. You pay it at the door to enter the venue, and it goes toward the cost of the live entertainment. Some locations offer discounts if you arrive before a certain hour, such as no cover before 9 p.m. on a Tuesday. The best way to find out what your local Howl at the Moon charges is to call the venue directly or check its website or social media pages, which often post current pricing and any promotions.
Drink minimums: what they are and how they are enforced
A drink minimum is a requirement that each person in the venue spend a minimum amount on alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages during their visit. At Howl at the Moon locations, drink minimums typically range from $10 to $20 per person, though this varies. If you spend less than the minimum, you pay the difference in cash when you leave or when you settle your tab.
Drink minimums are most common on weekends and busy nights. Some slower weeknights may not have a minimum, or the minimum may be lower. Soft drinks, water, and non-alcoholic beverages usually count toward the minimum, so you do not have to drink alcohol to meet it. The venue will tell you the minimum when you arrive or when you pay your cover charge — ask if you are unsure.
How to request songs and interact with the pianists
Requesting a song at Howl at the Moon is straightforward: you can shout out a request from your seat or table, or you can approach the stage and speak directly to one of the pianists during a break. Many guests hand the pianist a tip — usually $5 to $20 in cash — along with their request. The tip increases the likelihood that your song will be played soon rather than added to a long queue.
The pianists take requests all night and play a mix of classic rock, pop, country, and standards. They often banter with the crowd, take jokes, and play off the energy in the room. If you want to sing along or even sing a duet with one of the pianists, you can ask — some venues encourage this, while others may have different policies. The interactive nature of the venue is part of what sets it apart from a traditional piano bar.
What to know about hours and which nights have live music
Howl at the Moon locations do not all keep the same hours or run live music every night. Most venues operate in the evenings and late night, typically opening around 5 p.m. or 6 p.m. and staying open until midnight or later. Live piano music usually starts around 9 p.m. or 10 p.m., not when the bar opens.
Weekends (Friday and Saturday) almost always have live music. Weeknights may have reduced hours or no live music at all, depending on the location and the season. Some venues run live music Thursday through Sunday but are closed or operate as a regular bar on other nights. Because schedules change and vary by location, call ahead before you go, especially if you are planning a weeknight visit or traveling to a location you have not been to before.
Dress code and what to bring
Most Howl at the Moon locations enforce a casual-to-smart-casual dress code. Typical rules prohibit athletic wear (gym clothes, basketball shorts), tank tops, and flip-flops. Business casual or nicer casual clothing — jeans, collared shirts, closed-toe shoes — is usually acceptable. Some locations may be stricter, especially on weekends, so check the venue's website or call to confirm what is and is not allowed.
Bring cash for cover charges, drink minimums, and tips for the pianists. While most venues accept credit cards for your drink tab, having cash on hand makes it easier to tip the performers and pay any remaining balance on your drink minimum when you leave. If you plan to request songs, having a few dollars in cash to hand to the pianists along with your request is standard practice.
How to find your local Howl at the Moon and confirm details
Howl at the Moon locations are in Las Vegas, New Orleans, Atlantic City, Chicago, San Antonio, Myrtle Beach, and a few other cities. Each venue is independently owned, so there is no single corporate phone number or website that covers all of them. To find the location nearest you, search online for "Howl at the Moon" plus your city name.
Once you find the venue, call the bar directly or check its Facebook page or website for current cover charges, drink minimums, hours, and which nights feature live music. Prices and policies change seasonally and by day of the week, so what you find online may not reflect what is happening this weekend. A quick phone call takes five minutes and saves you from showing up to find the cover is higher than you expected or the live music does not start until 11 p.m.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to buy drinks if I pay the cover charge?
If there is a drink minimum in place that night, yes — you must spend at least that amount on beverages or pay the difference. If there is no drink minimum (which some slower nights may not have), you can enter and stay without buying anything beyond the cover charge. Call ahead to ask whether a drink minimum applies on the night you plan to visit.
Can I bring my own bottle or outside drinks?
No. Like most bars and nightclubs, Howl at the Moon does not allow outside alcohol. You must purchase all drinks from the venue. Non-alcoholic beverages purchased elsewhere are also typically not permitted.
What if the pianists do not play my song request?
The pianists take requests all night, but they cannot play every song. They may not know a song, it may not fit the vibe of the moment, or the queue may be too long. Tipping increases your chances of being played sooner, but there is no may provide. If your song does not get played, you can request another one later in the night.
Is there a minimum age to enter?
Most Howl at the Moon locations are 21-and-over venues because alcohol is served. Some may allow younger guests if accompanied by an adult, but this varies by location. Call the specific venue to ask about their age policy before you arrive.
Can I make a reservation or buy tickets in advance?
Some locations may accept reservations for groups or large parties, but most operate on a first-come, first-served basis for walk-ins. Ticket sales and advance reservations vary by venue. Contact your local Howl at the Moon directly to ask whether you can reserve a table or purchase tickets ahead of time.