The best cocktail bars in New Orleans offer a range of experiences, from historic to modern, casual to sophisticated. The city recently celebrated its 300th birthday and is home to some of the country's oldest bars. It's also the birthplace of the cocktail.
Many masterful mixologists tend to bars throughout the city; you only need to know where to look. This list is based on my experience of visiting the city about a half-dozen times. Beyond drink quality, I picked places for their history, design, ambiance, and friendliness. To keep it simple, I've grouped the bars according to whether or not they're in the French Quarter. Otherwise, they're in no specific order.
Table of Contents
Best Cocktail Bars in the French Quarter
1. Jewel of the South
Jewel of the South opened in March 2019 while I was visiting New Orleans for the second time. Housed in an old Creole cottage at the northwest edge of the French Quarter, the bar and restaurant are run by Chris Hannah and Nick Detrich, two of the city's top bartenders.
Their inspiration dates back to the 1850s when an Italian immigrant, Joseph Santini, opened Jewel of the South in the Central Business District. Santini also invented the brandy crusta, which introduced fresh citrus to cocktails. The brandy crusta is made with cognac, lemon juice, curacao, maraschino liqueur, and bitters. The rim of the glass is dipped in sugar and garnished with lemon peel.
On my first visit to what's become one of the best cocktail bars in New Orleans, I tried the sherry cobbler and the roffignac, both beautifully presented. When I returned to NOLA later that year, I sat on the patio with a new friend, savoring a marigold-infused Aperol spritz and the Barbadian gin punch (a 17th-century drink from Barbados). Jewel of the South ranked #49 on the 2023 World's Best Bars list and #5 among North America's Best Bars the same year.
Hours:
- Wednesday to Monday, 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. (drinks and dinner)
- Saturday and Sunday, 11: 30 a.m. to 2 p.m. (drinks and lunch)
1026 Saint Louis Street, French Quarter, jewelnola.com
Related: Best Bars in Nashville
2. Carousel Bar & Lounge
On September 3, 1949, the Carousel Bar and Lounge opened at the Hotel Monteleone, becoming New Orleans' first rotating bar. While it may seem like a gimmick today, the bar was previously visited by literary luminaries like Ernest Hemingway, William Faulkner, and Tennessee Williams. The signature drink at Carousel Bar is the Vieux Carre, a whiskey-based cocktail created in 1938.
The bar makes a complete rotation every 15 minutes. It's open from 11 a.m. to midnight daily. Arrive a half-hour before it opens for your best shot at a seat. Otherwise, sit at one of the tables along the walls and wait patiently for a stool to open up at one of the best cocktail bars in New Orleans.
214 Royal St, French Quarter, hotelmonteleone.com
3. Tujague's
Founded in 1856, Tujague's features the oldest standing bar in the United States and the second-oldest restaurant in New Orleans. Only Antoine's is older. A dessert cocktail called the grasshopper was invented here in the early 20th century. The grasshopper is made by shaking equal parts creme de menthe and creme de cacao, heavy cream, and ice. The chilled liquid is then strained into a glass. Tujague's had been at the 823 Decatur Street location for one hundred years. However, it moved to nearby 429 Decatur St in 2020 to remain competitive.
Hours:
- Monday to Thursday, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
- Friday, 11 a.m. to 2:30 a.m.
- Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
- Sunday, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
429 Decatur Street, French Quarter, tujaguesrestaurant.com
Related: New Orleans Cocktail Tour
4. Old Absinthe House
It's worth braving Bourbon Street to check out Jean Lafitte's Old Absinthe Bar. Dating back to 1807, it's one of the oldest cocktail bars in New Orleans. Originally a corner shop, the ground floor was converted into a saloon in 1815. It was renamed "The Absinthe Room" in 1874 when Cayetano Ferrer developed the absinthe frappe.
The original bar at The Absinthe House was moved to another location during Prohibition and is now located in Belle Epoque, an adjacent absinthe lounge with a speakeasy vibe. In addition to absinthe cocktails, Belle Epoque serves a full dinner menu. The Absinthe House is open at 9 a.m. daily and closes between 2 a.m. to 4 a.m., depending on the night.
240 Bourbon St, French Quarter, ruebourbon.com
5. 21st Amendment
Speaking of Prohibition, the 21st Amendment Bar at La Louisiane Hotel was established in 1933 and dedicated to its repeal. From the 1950s to the 1980s, the bar was owned by Diamond Jim Moran and Carlos Marcello, two local mobsters. In recognition of such a history, black and white photos of well-known wise guys hang from the walls.
The cocktail menu features a mix of classic and seasonal drinks starting at $12. The 21st Amendment Bar is open from 6 p.m. to midnight Monday through Wednesday and from 3 p.m. to midnight Thursday through Sunday. It's one of my favorite spots for live jazz music in New Orleans.
725 Iberville St, French Quarter, 21stamendmentlalouisiane.com
6. Empire Bar / Broussard's
The Empire Bar at Broussard's is another bar from the Prohibition era. Broussard's Restaurant was opened in 1920 by Joseph Broussard, a local chef trained in Paris, and his wife, Rosalie. Chef Broussard's fine dining establishment, which focused on Creole and French cuisine, was on the ground floor. The couple lived in an apartment above it.
At Empire Bar, I enjoyed a delicious Crimson and Clover cocktail with Hendrick's gin, Aperol, a housemade strawberry shrub, and sparkling wine. Broussard's offers guests access to one of the best open-air courtyards in the French Quarter. So, I took my cocktail outside to enjoy the fresh air.
Cafe Brulot Diabolique
When a waiter dropped off the after-dinner menu, I noticed Broussard's serves Cafe Brulot Diabolique ("Devilishly Burned Coffee"). This coffee-based cocktail was invented at Antoine's, one of the best restaurants in New Orleans, and only a handful of restaurants in town offer it. The show happens tableside, which was made all the better by being outdoors at night.
The waiter skillfully prepared and flambeed the drink, which included coffee, brandy, sugar, cinnamon, cloves, and orange. Due to the time required to make it, this drink requires at least two people. As I was alone, I asked nicely and offered to pay the total cost of $18. The waiter kindly agreed. Once the flames were out, I was left to sip this fantastic coffee cocktail under the stars. The second cup tastes better as the flavors have had more time to meld together.
Hours:
- Thursday, 3 p.m. - 10 p.m.
- Friday and Saturday, 3 p.m. - 11 p.m.
819 Conti St, French Quarter, broussards.com
7. Bar Tonique
At the northern edge of the French Quarter, facing Louis Armstrong Park, is Bar Tonique. This small, brick-walled craft cocktail bar is a casual, affordable spot with an excellent reputation. All of the ingredients used in their great cocktails are made from scratch. I had my first Pimm's Cup at Bar Tonique, open daily from 12 p.m. to 2 a.m.
820 N Rampart St, French Quarter, bartonique.com
8. Pat O'Brien's
On my first trip to New Orleans, I made it a point to check out Pat O'Brien's in the heart of the French Quarter. It's the bar where the sweet, rum-based hurricane was invented. Pat O'Brien initially operated a speakeasy during Prohibition. In 1942, he partnered with a friend and purchased the 230-year-old building that currently houses Pat O'Brien's.
The larger bar allowed him to install two baby grand pianos, introducing dueling pianos as entertainment for his patrons. Soon after, the hurricane was invented due to the flow of rum from the Caribbean. Pat O'Brien's has opened additional locations in San Antonio, TX, and Orlando, FL. Thanks to its famously strong drinks and dueling pianos, Pat O'Brien's is one of the most popular cocktail bars in New Orleans.
Hours:
- Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday, noon to midnight
- Friday and Saturday, 12 p.m. to 2 a.m.
718 St Peter, French Quarter, patobriens.com
9. Napoleon House
The Napoleon House takes its name from an offer made by the first mayor of New Orleans, Nicholas Girod, to allow the former French Emperor to live there in exile. On May 5, 1821, Bonaparte died of arsenic poisoning on the remote South Atlantic island of Saint Helena before the plan could be enacted. More than 200 years later, the historic building is known for popularizing the Pimm's Cup, a cocktail that originated in 1840s London.
The original recipe uses Pimm's No. 1, a mild gin-based liqueur, lemonade, lemon-lime soda, and a cucumber for garnish. Napoleon House offers a seasonal Pimm's Cup and an Englishman's with Bombay Dry Gin, housemade lemonade, lemon-lime soda, and cucumber. When I stopped into this great place with Kel for their signature drink, we were seated at a table in a graffiti-filled nook at the back of the bar. I found the original Pimm's Cup easy to drink and quite refreshing, which is perhaps why it's the drink of choice at Wimbledon.
Hours:
- Monday to Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
500 Chartres St, French Quarter, napoleonhouse.com
10. Chandelier Bar
The Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans opened in 2021 after a $500 million renovation of the former World Trade Center building. Step inside the entrance to this luxury hotel on the banks of the Mississippi River, and you'll see straight through to the stunning Chandelier Bar. Hanging over the bar is a sparkling 15,000-piece crystal chandelier strung together by more than three miles of wiring. The impressive feature was crafted from Bohemia crystals by Preciosa Lighting in the Czech Republic in collaboration with Bill Rooney Studio.
Beneath the intricate lighting, an oval-shaped marble bar awaits those ready for a drink. The surrounding green marble columns are original to the building. The Chandelier Bar's menu was designed by Beverage Manager Hadi Ktiri (formerly French 75 Bar at Arnaud's) and emphasizes classic New Orleans cocktails made with premium ingredients.
The menu is divided into sections: Modern Cocktails, Trending and Seasonal, Reserve Cocktails, and Chandelier Classics. Non-alcoholic options are available, too. I ordered a French 75 (Cognac, lemon, sugar, Champagne) from the Classics, while Kel picked the Sex and the City-inspired Chandelier Cosmopolitan (vodka, dry curacao, lime, cranberry cordial).
If I had all afternoon to spend there, I'd have tried the deliciously purple World's Fair Fizz (gin, lime, wildflower honey, orange blossom water, egg whites, butterfly pea flower tea, Champagne) and several others. Champagne, wines, and beer are available, as are snacks. Go luxe with caviar service, or do like the women next to us and order a couple of warm chocolate chip cookies with sea salt. Delivered on a silver platter, they looked divine!
Hours:
- Sunday to Wednesday, 10 a.m. to midnight
- Thursday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 1 a.m.
2 Canal St, Four Seasons Hotel, New Orleans, fourseasons.com
11. Cane and Table
Caribbean cocktail connoisseurs will surely appreciate Cane and Table's ambiance and rum-fueled menu. The restaurant was a 2015 James Beard Foundation semifinalist for Outstanding Bar Program. The interior has a shabby chic quality, complete with exposed brick walls and chandeliers, while the leafy back patio is a great spot for drinks in the open air.
My introduction to the hurricane may have been at Pat O'Brien's, where it originated, but the best rendition I've experienced has been at Cane and Table. Their Hurricane and Table recipe uses an all-natural housemade fassinola (a fruit-flavored syrup popular in the 1930s), fresh citrus, and rum. It's a lighter, more refreshing approach to one of NOLA's classic drinks. A small Carribean-inspired dinner menu is available nightly, as is brunch on the weekends.
Hours:
- Monday and Wednesday to Friday, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
- Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
1113 Decatur St, French Quarter, New Orleans, caneandtablenola.com
Best Cocktail Bars Outside the French Quarter
12. Sazerac Bar
In 1838, Antoine Peychaud created the Sazerac at his New Orleans apothecary, and with that, the cocktail concept was born. The official cocktail of New Orleans is made with Sazerac Rye Whiskey, Peychaud's Bitters, sugar, and Herbsaint (an anise-flavored liqueur). Today, there's no better place to try one of these classic New Orleans cocktails than at the Sazerac Bar at The Roosevelt, a Waldorf Astoria Hotel.
The experience begins when you enter the opulent lobby and take the elevator to one of the Big Easy's best cocktail bars. An African walnut bar runs the length of the bar on the right side, tables fill the left side, and there's plenty of space in between.
I saddled up to the bar, ordered the signature Sazerac for $18, and promptly realized I was not fond of it. Not that there was anything wrong with the preparation, mind you. The cordial bartender said my reaction wasn't uncommon and offered to mix me up something else instead. Appreciating the courteous service, I ordered a Ramos Gin Fizz, a 19th-century cocktail I knew would be more to my liking. Hayman's Old Time Gin was mixed with lime, lemon, sugar, egg whites, cream, orange flower water, and seltzer. The frothy mixed drink was like a liquid dessert.
Hours:
- Daily, 12 p.m. - 1 a.m.
130 Roosevelt Way, The Roosevelt New Orleans, therooseveltneworleans.com
13. Bar Marilou
The fashionable Bar Marilou is a French-style bar in Maison de la Luz, a new luxury hotel in the Warehouse District. Built-in bookcases are stocked with a selection of hand-picked books. The menu at one of the best new cocktail bars in New Orleans is full of original drinks ranging from $9 to $14, with a few in larger sizes for sharing. I had a tequila slushee on my visit. Hotel guests can also access a small hidden lounge in the wall between the lobby and bar. Whether staying at the hotel or looking for a unique happy hour spot, Bar Marilou is a terrific place to start your night.
Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday, 4 p.m. to midnight
- Friday and Saturday, 4 pm. to 1 a.m.
544 Carondelet St, Central Business District, instagram.com/barmarilou
14. Revel Cafe & Bar
I knew something was different about the Revel Cafe & Bar bartender when he told me about my drink's history, a Corpse Reviver No 2. I enjoyed his storytelling and ordered an absinthe Suissesse, a typical New Orleans brunch cocktail with Herbsaint, Orzata (almond syrup), and cream. And I would've stayed for more, but it wasn't even 1 p.m. yet; I still had a full day and night ahead of me. I later learned the talkative bartender was Revel's owner, Louisiana-native Chris McMillian, a fourth-generation bartender, historian, and co-founder of The Museum of the American Cocktail.
Hours:
- Tuesday to Saturday, 4 p.m. - 11 p.m.
133 N Carrollton Ave, Mid-City, revelcafeandbar.com
15. Hot Tin
For an incredible view of downtown New Orleans, head to Hot Tin on the roof of the Pontchartrain Hotel. This bright and airy rooftop bar looks like an artist's loft. Soak up the sun at one of the best bars in New Orleans with a view. Signature drinks such as the Wolf in Lamb's Clothing (gin, lemon, basil, honey, Lambrusco) cost $12, while most classic cocktails cost $10 apiece.
Hours
- Sunday to Thursday, 2 p.m. - midnight
- Friday to Saturday, 2 p.m. - 1 a.m.
2031 St Charles Ave, Central City, hottinbar.com
16. The Columns
Constructed in 1883 on St Charles Avenue, just west of the Garden District, the Columns Hotel offers visitors a taste of old-world elegance. Initially the private residence of a tobacco merchant, this Italianate mansion later operated as a boarding house before being turned into a hotel in the 1950s. In 2019, the hotel was acquired by a new owner and underwent a complete renovation, including expanding the gardens and adding a roof deck.
Inside the first-floor bar, one is also drawn to an ornate metal and wood fireplace, which I believe is original to the hotel. Chef Paul Terrebonne currently manages the restaurant.
Hours
- Monday to Thursday, 12 p.m. - 10 p.m.
- Friday and Saturday, 11:30 a.m. - 11 p.m.
- Sunday, 11:30 a.m. - 10 p.m.
3811 St Charles Avenue, Mid-City, thecolumns.com
17. Cure
In 2009, Cure opened in a former firehouse on Freret Street, a 20-minute drive west of the French Quarter bars. Their innovative craft cocktails and skillful bartenders won them a prestigious James Beard Award for Outstanding Bar Program in 2018. Cure's drink menu is split into seasonal cocktails, "cocktails we love," and higher-priced reserve ones. The seasonal section includes tasting notes and the bartender who created the recipe.
On a visit to Crescent City, I went to Cure but couldn't decide what to order. The friendly bartender asked me what I liked and then mixed up precisely that in a drink with no name. Cure ranked #36 on the 2023 World's Best Bars list.
Hours
- Sunday to Thursday, 4 p.m. - 11 p.m.
- Friday and Saturday, 4 p.m. - 1 a.m.
4905 Freret St, curenola.com
18. Paradise Lounge
Inside the Hotel Saint Vincent, a former orphanage turned luxury hotel that opened in 2021, is the beautifully decorated Paradise Lounge. I learned about this new Lower Garden District hotel bar from Southern Living magazine and stopped by on my fall 2023 trip to New Orleans. The tropical theme invites visitors to grab a seat and stay awhile. Even on an overcast day, the room is filled with natural light. An outdoor patio is also available.
Tempted by several offerings, I ultimately took the bartender's advice and ordered the Birds of Paradise (Ford's London Dry Gin, Lillet Blanc, Giffard Apricot, lemon, basil). It was one of the best cocktails I've had in the city. Kel, for her part, ordered the pink and foamy La Rosa Sour (vodka, Malfy Rosa Gin, Ramazzotti Rosato, lemon, strawberry, egg white), which we both liked.
Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday, 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.
- Friday and Saturday, 8 a.m. to 1 a.m.
Conclusion
Wrapping up our spirited journey through the Big Easy, it's clear that finding the best cocktail bars in New Orleans isn't just an activity. It's an adventure. Each French Quarter bar we've passed through offers a unique twist on mixology steeped in the culture of New Orleans. Beyond the Quarter's best places, you can explore the Central Business District, Garden District, and Uptown. Whether you're in for the classics or the avant-garde, your perfect pour awaits. Here's to high spirits and the timeless charm of New Orleans.
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My visit to the Chandelier Bar was hosted by Four Seasons.
