New Orleans is a city where drinking isn’t just a pastime—it’s a cultural cornerstone. From the wrought-iron balconies of the French Quarter to the oak-lined streets of Uptown, the cocktail scene here is steeped in history, ritual, and a certain rebellious creativity. Whether you’re craving a classic Sazerac or a modern tiki riff, the Crescent City delivers with unmatched atmosphere and craft.
The origins of the cocktail are deeply intertwined with this port town, where French, Spanish, and Caribbean influences collided. Legendary drinks like the Sazerac, the Ramos Gin Fizz, and the Vieux Carré were born behind the bars of this city. Today, a new generation of bartenders honors those traditions while pushing boundaries with house-made bitters, local herbs, and rare spirits.
Navigating the sheer number of watering holes can be overwhelming for a first-time visitor. Do you want a historic dive bar with sawdust on the floor or a candlelit speakeasy with velvet chairs? Perhaps you’re looking for a hotel bar where the bartender wears a bow tie and stirs your Old Fashioned for a full minute.
This guide cuts through the noise to highlight establishments that excel in both liquid quality and authentic New Orleans character. Each selection offers something distinct—whether it’s a signature drink, a legendary bartender, or a room that feels frozen in time. We’ve focused on places that prioritize technique and hospitality over tourist traps serving neon-hued sugar bombs.
Below, you’ll find a curated list of the 15 best cocktail bars in New Orleans, ranging from iconic institutions to modern innovators. These are the rooms where you should pull up a stool, strike up a conversation, and let the city’s liquid history wash over you.
High Grace NOLA
| Address | 733 St Peter, New Orleans, LA 70116 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Open 24 hours Tuesday: Open 24 hours Wednesday: Open 24 hours Thursday: Open 24 hours Friday: Open 24 hours Saturday: Open 24 hours Sunday: Open 24 hours |
| Phone | (504) 218-5649 |
If you're tired of the insane prices and tourist traps on Bourbon Street, duck into High Grace on St. Peter. It's a true gem that's just steps away in the Heart of the French Quarter. The prices here are genuinely responsible compared to everywhere else in the area, and they even offer a locals discount that brings regulars from all over New Orleans.
The Bartenders are what make the place special: Jason, Tana, and Tara are absolute pros (the owner Rob is pretty cool too). Friendly, fast, and always up for great conversation. Shout-out to them for keeping things fun.
Monday's are the real standout: 40% of the entire Bar AND Mocktail Monday for those looking to cut back. The Mocktail's are seriously impressive. Creative, flavorful, and beautifully presented. Here's one I loved:
The bartender Tana is one of the coolest people we met last weekend. The customers and our new friends were crazy and so fun. Good drinks. Nice bar. Can’t wait to visit again.
I’ve been to NOLA many times, my family lives in the French quarter. My boyfriend and I stopped in this bar on a whim. It was such a chill and welcoming atmosphere, the drinks were great and Waites was super friendly, funny, and made great conversation. Will definitely be back whenever I get to come back to this unique and beautiful little city. We ❤️ U too Waites!!
We came across this bar in New Orleans during our visit and went back multiple times! We had so much fun and the service was great! This will definitely be our main bar when we visit! It felt like going into a bar at home.
One of the best dive bars in nola and right off bourbon street!!!! Will not regret coming here especially when served by Waites, He’s the Best!!!!
Tragos Amargos
| Address | 930 Poydras St Ste 100b, New Orleans, LA 70112 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 5:00 – 11:00 PM Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: 5:00 – 11:00 PM Thursday: 5:00 – 11:00 PM Friday: 5:00 PM – 1:00 AM Saturday: 5:00 PM – 1:00 AM Sunday: 5:00 – 11:00 PM |
| Phone | (877) 665-2554 |
Just a vibe! The food is fantastic. The drinks are decent, though a bit strong for my taste, but the bartender was very attentive and caring. I'll definitely return!
This place has such an amazing vibe from the moment you walk in. The atmosphere is energetic but still comfortable, with great music that really sets the tone without being overwhelming. The servers were awesome — friendly, attentive, and genuinely made the experience feel welcoming and fun. The food and drinks came out quickly, everything tasted fresh, and you can tell the staff really cares about customer experience. It’s the kind of spot you can relax, enjoy good conversation, and stay longer than you planned because the environment is just that good. Definitely one of the better places around for great food, music, service, and overall atmosphere. Highly recommend checking it out if you want a place with good energy and a memorable experience.
Overall, I’d give this place a solid 3.5 stars.
The atmosphere is absolutely beautiful, unique, and one of the coolest dining spaces I’ve been to in New Orleans. The cocktails were great, and the vibe was definitely vibing all night.
The food was also a highlight. The crab croquettes were packed with flavor and are a must-order. My favorite dish, though, was the BBQ short rib tacos. They were melt-in-your-mouth tender, incredibly flavorful, and had the perfect little kick of spice. I’d come back just for those.
The reason for 3.5 stars instead of 5 was the reservation experience. We had a reservation for a birthday dinner with 8 people that was made weeks in advance, but when we arrived there was confusion about our seating and we were initially told we could only sit at the bar in a line. It took about 25 minutes to get everything sorted out before we were seated.
That said, the hostess was great… patient, professional, and incredibly helpful throughout the entire situation. She truly turned a frustrating experience into a manageable one..
I would recommend not going with group sizes over 4.
A couple things to know before you go: a 20% gratuity is automatically included, and hats are not permitted.
My recommendation: come for drinks, food, and the atmosphere. If you’re booking for a larger group, be very specific when making your reservation and confirm your seating arrangement ahead of time.
Despite the hiccup, we had a great time with great cocktails! I’m not in a rush to come back, it’s expensive for what it is, but I would return.
{detailed review on Yelp}
Ashante deserves ALL the praise because WOW… this woman knows how to take care of her guests. 👏🏽
From the moment we sat down, she was on it. Our drinks came out FAST, they were absolutely perfect, and she somehow managed to make the entire experience feel relaxed and fun while still being incredibly attentive.
But what really impressed me was how knowledgeable she was about the menu. She didn’t just hand us a menu and let us figure it out. She actually walked us through it and explained the different dishes, the meaning behind them, what we could expect, and the overall vibe of the menu. She made sure we understood what we were ordering, which made trying new things SO much more enjoyable.
And baby, we tried some things! 😂 We had the alligator hot dog and the Louisiana crab croquettes, and both were DELICIOUS (both recommended by her). Everything came out beautifully and tasted even better.
Ashante is also just genuinely sweet. She was attentive without hovering, knowledgeable without making us feel like we were asking too many questions, and somehow managed to make us feel like she really cared about whether we were enjoying ourselves.
That is what separates good service from GREAT service. She wasn’t just taking our order. She was guiding the experience, making recommendations, answering questions, paying attention to the little things, and making sure we left happy.
Ashante, you are absolutely amazing at what you do. You can tell you take pride in your work, and it shows in every interaction. If I owned a restaurant, I’d want a whole team of servers like her because THAT is the kind of person who makes guests want to come back.
10/10 service, 10/10 personality, 10/10 experience. Give this woman her flowers because she deserves EVERY SINGLE ONE. 👏🏽✨
I’ve been a regular at Tragos Amargos since the day they first opened their doors, and they consistently deliver a flawless 5-star experience every single time.
The leadership here sets a massive standard. The manager, Maggie, has incredible energy. She always goes out of her way to greet me the second I walk in and is constantly checking on our table to ensure we have everything we need.
The bar staff is absolutely top-notch. Even though I don't drink alcohol, Andres and Edwin completely crush the execution every visit. They mix up the absolute best mocktails in the city, frequently getting creative and crafting custom, off-menu drinks that are dialed in perfectly.
Between the unmatched hospitality, pristine energy, and world-class zero-proof drinks, Tragos Amargos is an absolute staple. If you haven't been yet, you are missing out!
Observatory Eleven Bar
| Address | 100 Iberville St, New Orleans, LA 70130 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM Tuesday: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM Thursday: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM Friday: 11:30 AM – 12:00 AM Saturday: 11:30 AM – 12:00 AM Sunday: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Phone | — |
A cute and pleasant bar with really delicious chocolate brownies and friendly staff. Special thanks to the staff for letting us charge our phone.
The only downside was that they don’t accept cash. I understand this is not the staff’s fault, but since this is a very touristy place, guests should have the option to pay with cash. We have been in New Orleans for 14 days, and this was the only place where we were not able to pay cash. For tourists, this is a huge downside.
The Baseline: For a in hotel restaurant lounge it must have a good drink menu, excellent appetizers, and a stellar staff to bring out the experience.
Food: Just had drinks. The old fashion was well made and they are stiff drinks in New Orleans.
Service: Great service from the bartender. Fast and efficient.
Ambiance: Wow! The views are incredible and the feeling is relaxed which is a nice escape from the French Quarter.
The experience my group recieved her was sure a wonderful experience! The drinks and food was one of the Best! If you are looking for some very good cocktails please see a bartender name Ms.B. She makes the Best cocktails ever.
Thanks Ms. B. For your wonderful service you are what’s makes New Orleans and Observatory 11 the best place to get good service and excellent cocktails worth being in the this great city.
Karla
The Observatory Eleven Bar is a beautiful place with a breathtaking view of the Mississippi River and the French Quarter. The drinks are good and service is okay. The food is nothing special but definitely adequate. The live music is especially good. Overall a really nice place.
The food was absolutely delicious. I did not expect the food to be so good coming from a bar in the middle of the lobby. But this is the Westin. Great environment. Great views. Great food selection. The bartender was knowledgeable and friendly. The pork belly was great and they make their own buns for the burger. It was different but it worked and you can't go wrong with truffle fries.
Fives
| Address | 529 St Ann St., New Orleans, LA 70116 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | — |
Stellar food, drinks, vibey and fun atmosphere. Could easily spend hours here. Little Gem Salad and Tomahawk Pork Chop were phenomenal. Solid martinis and friend got the cocktail sampler. Big fun at FIVES on a rainy Jazz Fest Friday
Best oysters outside of New England. All 4 Gulf oysters were amazing and you can tell the difference. Amazing service and fastest shuckers in the East. Luke was an absolute beast and an amazing server, he answered all of our menu questions and helped make our decisions. Can not recommend this place more if you’re looking for epic rawbar in a knowledgeable and inviting locations. 11/10
We needed to kill some time before we killed some more time, and ended up stopping in this bar for a quick drink. Serendipitous fortune led us to a pair of open bar seats, and we ended up having a few libations and some delicious tartare. The service here was also great, and the folks were classy. Overall - just fantastic vibes.
Stylish and welcoming cocktail and oyster bar facing Jackson square in the heart of New Orleans. The have a happy hour Monday to Thursday 3pm-6pm with discounted cocktails, wine, and oysters. I loved the Mexican firing squad's balance of sweet and spice, while their daquari had a lovely lemon flavor. The bartenders are friendly and welcoming. They have a few tables, but I preferred the view of the square afforded by sitting at the bar.
Cool raw bar. The Mexican firing squad cocktail is very good; on top of it, the glasses are so cool, look like art deco.
The tuna crudo dish was fresh, slightly spicy —which I love.
Music is chill at 2pm, but in a good way.
The bartender was super friendly. 10/10
The Gilded Perch
| Address | 7004 St Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA 70118 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 4:00 – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 4:00 – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 4:00 – 10:00 PM Thursday: 4:00 – 10:00 PM Friday: 2:00 – 10:00 PM Saturday: 2:00 – 10:00 PM Sunday: 2:00 – 8:00 PM |
| Phone | (504) 861-7564 |
This is a hidden gem. Such a fun, beautiful place to have a cocktail. It's like you were invited over to a wealthy friend's house in 1890. I love it! Not very many things around so it's a deliberate stop but absolutely worth it. It would be good for vibes even if the drinks were okay. They are great drinks which is even better!
The Gilded Perch is a great little bar to stop in for cocktails if you are in the area and definitely if you are staying in the hotel. This is a friendly bar with a definite local style, good drinks and great service. The decor is antique, but with a fun and lively flare. You can enjoy your drinks at the bar or out on the front porch.
Wonderful neighborhood fine near Audubon Park. Great staff. Friendly patrons. Nice cocktails. Very limited food options. This is a place to have a drink on the front porch. Not a place to have lunch or dinner.
What more to say besides what a gorgeous bar and amazing, lively bartenders. The Gilded Perch has quickly become a regular spot for me and love to bring friends and visitors when they come into town. It has that unique Uptown New Orleans charm where you feel as though the world is paused around you and you can truly relax under the oak trees watching the streetcar go past. You might come for the good drinks and the view, but the friendly bartenders will make you stay.
Had a great stop on our street car sipping social. Awesome cocktails and place to hang out.
The Will & The Way
| Address | 719 Toulouse St, New Orleans, LA 70130 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 12:00 PM – 1:00 AM Tuesday: 12:00 PM – 1:00 AM Wednesday: 12:00 PM – 1:00 AM Thursday: 12:00 PM – 1:00 AM Friday: 12:00 PM – 1:00 AM Saturday: 12:00 PM – 1:00 AM Sunday: 12:00 PM – 1:00 AM |
| Phone | (504) 354-1139 |
Stopped in here on my last night in New Orleans after craving something different from all the Cajun and Creole food—specifically burgers and wings. This spot was on the way back to my hotel, so it worked out perfectly.
The place has a lively, energetic vibe right when you walk in. One of the bartenders greeted me quickly, handed me a menu, and let me know to grab a seat and order at the bar. Service was casual but efficient.
I sat at the bar and ordered both a burger and wings. The burger came out first—juicy, flavorful, and served on a soft bun with fries. What stood out most was the rich, buttery taste of the patty, which made it feel extra indulgent.
The wings came out shortly after and were well worth the wait. They had a light, crispy coating with tender meat inside and a subtle curry flavor. The dipping sauce had a slight citrus note and paired really well without being overpowering.
Overall, a great spot if you’re looking for a break from traditional New Orleans cuisine and want something familiar but done really well. I’d definitely come back.
This was, hands down, our group's favorite meal of our trip to New Orleans; so much so that we ended up going back a second night for more snacks. My personal favorites were the double crunch salt-n-pepa wings, the Lousiana hot chicken, the loaded Korean hot fries, and the crispy Brussels sprouts. The portions were huge, and everything was delicious. One member of our group has a nut allergy, and the staff was incredibly attentive to that, which we appreciated deeply. Highly recommend this spot!
I finally made it to this place last weekend for my birthday weekend and I must say this is absolutely one of my favorite bars in the Quarter. The atmosphere is amazing, I loved the conversations I had with random people and the crowd that it draws in. The bartenders were all wonderful except for this one, but obviously he needs some more training on how to acknowledge people, and it did not disrupt my experience. A special thanks to the bartenders-Melissa, KP, Tom, Carro, Jssye, sorry if I misspelled their names, they all made my experience great. You also can't go wrong with the lamb tacos, the frozen drink and their special shots not to mention, the pricing is on point. I absolutely will be back and I will take friends with me. THANK YOU !
Absolutely loved this place, it became our "home bar" for our trip to New Orleans. Great food, great drinks, (our favorite Sazerac we had on the trip, and we were hunting for the best). Friendly staff that gave recommendations and helped us feel settled. And the environment seemed like the type of place I would come to often if I lived here. Definitely stopping in on our next visit.
This place was fantastic.. We had the Birria Tacos, Spicy Korean Loaded Fries, and the bananas foster Creme brulee... All were very tasty and cooked perfectly. The staff was very friendly, courteous, and made the experience so pleasant. We will definitely be back.
NightBloom
| Address | 3100 St Claude Ave, New Orleans, LA 70117 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 5:00 PM – 1:00 AM Tuesday: 5:00 PM – 1:00 AM Wednesday: 5:00 PM – 1:00 AM Thursday: 5:00 PM – 2:00 AM Friday: 5:00 PM – 2:00 AM Saturday: 5:00 PM – 2:00 AM Sunday: 5:00 PM – 1:00 AM |
| Phone | (504) 459-2169 |
I hosted a small event at Night Bloom Bar during Bayou Classic weekend. It was the perfect atmosphere for a night out in New Orleans. The space is open enough to move around and the cocktails are amazing. The staff was super friendly and my guest enjoyed the music. Great vibes all around!
We were hanging in Saturn Bar across the street, and when they closed the bartender recommended NightBloom as a spot to hit up afterward. We're glad we did - really nice atmosphere and kind service. The bar was a little crowded but they took time and care into putting together the cocktails, which were great. I forget the name of mine but it was described as having the vibe of a "late night walk" -- that nailed it! We will definitely be back!
Also shout-out to the doorman who was hilarious. Enjoy the bowling trip on your birthday, sir!
This bar was such a great spot! We grabbed a few drinks while waiting for our table at Sneaky Pickle. They don’t serve food, just drinks — but the drinks are fantastic.
I had a Negroni that was honestly the best I’ve ever had, and also tried one of their special cocktails — absolutely delicious.
The place wasn’t crowded when we arrived, but it filled up pretty quickly. Great vibe, great cocktails, totally worth a stop before dinner. Highly recommend!
Enjoyed some really elevated cocktails here! A jewel in the Bywater area. Bar tenders are nice and sociable! Great ambiance. I’ve been on dates there and solo. Always a vibe.
Moody cocktail bar that is a great addition to this part of town. Very spacious with a large bar and plenty of tables. The drinks are crafted to excellence. I tried the Miss Vanjie and F It I’m Having a Highball; both drinks are fantastic! Service is a little slow but the drinks are worth the patience.
Bar Tonique
| Address | 820 N Rampart St, New Orleans, LA 70116 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 12:00 PM – 2:00 AM Tuesday: 12:00 PM – 2:00 AM Wednesday: 12:00 PM – 2:00 AM Thursday: 12:00 PM – 2:00 AM Friday: 12:00 PM – 2:00 AM Saturday: 12:00 PM – 2:00 AM Sunday: 12:00 PM – 2:00 AM |
| Phone | — |
Was invited for cocktails at this little spot off Rampart and it’s a WHOLE VIBE!! All the liquors are affordable and between $8-$12 with some pricier options. The bartenders were warm friendly and fast! I 10/10 would
Recommend stopping by for an after work cocktail considering I work in the FQ I will def be back! Thanks Bar Tonique!
Went for saturday's Bloody Mary's. The tomato juice used seems homemade or at least quite artisanal, which gives it a nice flavour. That being said, being a cocktail bar I was expecting some more work/mixing into it, more than just pouring the mix, vodka and ice and there you go.
8dls a piece btw
Popped into Bar Tonique on a hot August day when it felt like 107° outside. It was a wonderful reprieve from the muggy New Orleans heat. Desmond took care of us with that amazing NOLA hospitality. We got a Daiquiri and Pimm’s cup and he gave us a sample of the frozen Gin Fizz created by the man himself! We immediately ordered one before we continued on our booze and food crawl that can only be done in this beautiful city. Come visit Des and have a great cocktail or 3!
Visiting New Orleans for five days and Bar Tonique was on my list of places to try. I actually hit several of the big name bars in town. Bar Tonique was the only one I revisited. The drinks are incredible. I loved the vast menu. The best part may have been the price. You won't find the 18,19,20 dollar drinks here, but I tell you what, they could be simply because the quality is that remarkable. Jaycee the bartender is awesome! She knows her stuff. We watched her masterfully pump out drinks on a crazy Saturday night. It was truly impressive. We will be back when we make our way to New Orleans again!
This neighborhood bar offered an array of craft cocktails that were affordable compared to other places that offer similar varieties. The entire establishment is pretty small so plan to arrive early if you want a seat. It was a nice little experience coming into the neighborhood to grab a craft cocktail before dinner. The service was a little slow mainly because it was very busy and there was only one bartender slinging drinks; however the overall experience was very good.
Octavia Cocktail Lounge
| Address | 8 Canal St, New Orleans, LA 70130 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 4:00 PM – 2:00 AM Tuesday: 4:00 PM – 2:00 AM Wednesday: 4:00 PM – 2:00 AM Thursday: 4:00 PM – 2:00 AM Friday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 AM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 AM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 AM |
| Phone | (800) 427-7247 |
Alejandro was our bartender and he was hospitable, knowledgeable and very personable. He was busy, but took his time with our party of four and made amazing drinks for us. He also took pictures of us and allowed us to take his picture with our wine stopper. We will patronize this bar whenever he is working. Thank you, Alejandro!
All in all I’ve been here to the New Orleans casino once a month. Butttt I will say JOVAN was hands down thee best server we’ve ever had!! I come a lot for work and we have a cocktail hour but she takes care of us with such professionalism and accuracy. It is what makes us come back here a again and again. So a huge shoutout and thank you to her!! Jovan you’re doing great!!
We stayed at Ceasars this past weekend and stopped by Octavia bar. Our bartender, Jovan, was great! She was friendly, super fast, and her drinks were delicious. We look forward to seeing her again on our next trip to NOLA.
Alejandro was a masterful mixologist and very consistent. I travel 250 days out of the year so I know food and drinks. He was very personable. Latayna was professional yet entertaining as the bar manager.
Brooke the bartender at Octavia was attentive, friendly, efficient and very talented in her drink making. Brooke by far is the most welcoming Caesars employee that we have met this visit
Loa Bar
| Address | 221 Camp St, New Orleans, LA 70130 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 5:00 – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 5:00 – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 5:00 – 10:00 PM Thursday: 5:00 – 10:00 PM Friday: 4:00 – 11:00 PM Saturday: 4:00 – 11:00 PM Sunday: 5:00 – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | (504) 553-9550 |
What a gem! Great spot to bring coworkers due to the abundant comfy seating, perfect vibe, elegant setting, and nicely-priced menu. Hilary in particular is incredibly knowledgeable, kind, and went to such great effort to make me a special drink! A++ all around!
This has been by far one of my most favorite bars in NOLA! I love staying at this hotel, but even when I stay ant another I always come to this bar. Its intimate, soft, and amazing. The bartenders are true artists with their drinks. They're knowledgeable, personable and make you feel right at home. HIGHLY RECOMMEND
Awesome bar and lovingly made drinks. Hilary (bartender/manager) put her heart into crafting flavorful and exceptionally great cockails. She also went out of her way to ask our preferences and develop mixed drinks for us. So good we went back before we left NoLA.
We also got to meet the owner of the bar ans hotel, Sean. He is a true steward of the city, he embodies the spirit of New Orleans and he pointed us in many right directions while in NoLA. We will be back during our next trip, 100%!
The music was a little loud for my taste, but the cocktails were delicious and the vibe otherwise was great. It's tucked inside a hotel, so it's small and thus a bit more intimate. Had a great time.
Stellar bar experience. Service was second to none! Made us a few fun and unique house specialties and one amazing proper London Martini.
Salon Salon
| Address | 544 Carondelet St, New Orleans, LA 70130 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM Tuesday: 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM Wednesday: 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM Thursday: 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM Friday: 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM Saturday: 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM Sunday: 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM |
| Phone | (504) 814-7711 |
Excellent date night spot! We were able to walk in on a Thursday night after dinner but reservations are clearly recommended. There was live music at the perfect volume to enjoy but still hold a conversation. Drinks were great, I got the Stonewall Spritz (proceeds donated to a local LGBTQ organization!) and my husband got an espresso drink.
1000/10 experience. I love the unique design that this bar offers. The drinks were amazing and strong. The fried bread was so good it took everything in me not to order more. Thank you to Michael for fitting us in although we didn’t have a reservation. They also gave me a dessert for my birthday which made the whole experience even more special. Thank you Michael and Kendall!
You’d never find it with the naked eye but Salon Salon is tucked deep into the back of an alleyway off Carondelet Street. The entrance is nice with an overhead and plants lining the walk down into the lounge. Once you’re in you’re greeted by a hostess, who was actually a bit snarky and rude when seating us for our reservation (also said by another guest we spoke to). The actual space itself is moody, dimly lit with red accents throughout. It has a polished feel and the environment is incredibly intimate.
Our waitress was very nice and made ordering with a party of 10 seamless. For our order we got a banana Negroni and a glass of white wine. The wine was great, crisp and sweet. The Negroni was strong and bold with the banana peeking through the drink with flavor. They also offer a few bites off their menu but we opted not to grab one there. The whole experience was fun and everyone liked their drinks. It’s a great place to relax and get some drinks but the experience with the hostess was a bit off-putting. A great option if you’re looking for a quiet, more refined cocktail lounge to enjoy a drink in NOLA.
If you're looking for a great spot for a date night or catching up with friends, Salon Salon is the place to be. The vibe here is absolutely immaculate. I highly recommend making a reservation in advance, though we got lucky and were seated immediately on a slower night. While the food is just okay, the real draw here is the bar. I definitely recommend coming mostly for the drinks! They also offer fantastic non-alcoholic options, making it a highly inclusive spot for anyone who wants to skip the booze but still join in on the fun.
I simply stumbled across Salon Salon online and I'm so glad I did! We showed up from the sidewalk entrance without reservations and only had to wait under maybe five minutes to be seated due to upcoming reservations. The atmosphere was moody, enticing, and decadent and the staff was all very friendly and helpful. The host was accommodating and warm while the bartender was clearly a professional and pleasant to chat with. I had a Daisy Chain off the house cocktail menu, which was perfection, and the pork rillettes. It was a great experience and only a couple of minutes away so we will definitely be back!
Cure
| Address | 4905 Freret St, New Orleans, LA 70115 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 4:00 – 11:00 PM Tuesday: 4:00 – 11:00 PM Wednesday: 4:00 – 11:00 PM Thursday: 4:00 – 11:00 PM Friday: 3:00 PM – 12:00 AM Saturday: 3:00 PM – 12:00 AM Sunday: 4:00 – 11:00 PM |
| Phone | (504) 302-2357 |
Fantastic cocktails!
The bar has a great atmosphere with plenty of seating at the bar and tables. There is a large variety of fun and creative cocktails to choose from. If you're into spirits, they also have you covered. I can see why it is one of the best bars in New Orleans.
I would strongly recommend avoiding this place. From the outset, the experience fell short of expectations. When I asked the waitress for a recommendation, it was clear she was not very familiar with the menu, which made navigating the options difficult.
The “reserved” cocktail section, in particular, was extremely overpriced relative to the quality delivered. The drinks lacked any real sense of craftsmanship or thoughtful curation—they were overly sugary, unbalanced, and ultimately bland. Presentation and execution both missed the mark, suggesting a lack of attention to detail behind the bar.
Overall, the experience simply did not justify the cost. The quality aligns with the lower ratings reflected in its Google reviews. In a city like New Orleans, where there are countless outstanding dining and cocktail options, this is one place I would not recommend spending your time or money.
My friends and I stopped into Cure for drinks and apps before dinner, and it was such a great spot to kick off the night. The drinks were tasty and well-crafted, and the apps were light and flavorful. Just note that they’re definitely small plates—perfect for sharing, but I’d say 4 people max per dish if you’re splitting.
Chill vibe, great drinks, and a nice way to start the evening!
I’m from Houston for my birthday. Was excited to try this place being on the top 50 bars on the North America list. Unfortunately, I was deeply disappointed. First, we called to make sure we didn’t have to make reservations to come in, they said “we lock the doors at 10:30.” Which cool I get it you close at 11 pm but it felt like a very crass response. But when we left the bar at 10:30 a party of 10 walked in and sat without trouble. The drinks were very unremarkable. I had a cocktail with champagne, Japanese sake, balsamic and strawberries that really only tasted like I ordered a glass of champagne. The staff were also not particularly warm, airing on making me feel uncomfortable. I appreciate goth music but please take the sad slow ones off the playlist. Overall a soul sucking experience. Luckily my uber driver lifted my spirits after this crap shoot spot.
A cool place. Nicely decorated. Went there with several friends. Doesn't appear to be a college hangout. More of a young adult and middle age bar. The drinks were good and the wait staff was attentive. The only negative was the background music. It was instrumental type music playing on a speaker system. It was incredibly loud. It was hard to hear people talking that were sitting in our booth. We asked if it could be turned down some but I don't think anything was done. Seemed like it never changed. I recommend to give it a shot.
The Double Club
| Address | 307 Chartres St, New Orleans, LA 70130 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 2:00 PM – 12:00 AM Wednesday: 2:00 PM – 12:00 AM Thursday: 2:00 PM – 12:00 AM Friday: 2:00 PM – 2:00 AM Saturday: 2:00 PM – 2:00 AM Sunday: 2:00 PM – 12:00 AM |
| Phone | (504) 224-9843 |
This is the coolest place!! The ambiance is amazing, the food is really good and Dominic is very friendly!! My friend and I went there last night to celebrate my birthday. He played some metal for me and gave me a tasty Jell-O shot!
The vibes are immaculate! Dropped in here to meet up with some friends who saw it on Instagram. Had a great drink downstairs (moderately priced). They have a (new?) speakeasy situation happening upstairs. It was an oddly dead night so my crew spent our entire time up there and had a great evening. The drink menu upstairs is more expensive and fancier than downstairs, but it matches the vibe. Darren was our bartender and he took such great care of us! Oddly enough I did end up getting double charged (ha) but I was able to email the contact from their Instagram bio and get the issue resolved quickly with no fuss. Cannot wait to return to this spot next time we are in town.
If you’re looking for a delightful dining experience in the heart of the French Quarter, look no further than The Double Club. My wife and I recently dined there and fell in love with its unique atmosphere, which strikes a perfect balance between vibrant and welcoming.
As someone who uses a specialized wheelchair, I truly appreciated the staff’s eagerness to assist us. They went above and beyond to ensure that I could comfortably access the establishment, making us feel right at home.
Our waiter, whom I believe was named Ryan, along with James, provided excellent service that added to our overall experience. As for the food, it was nothing short of outstanding. I tried the club sandwich, and it was incredible—the smoky, flavorful bacon made it a memorable dish. My wife chose the Philly melt and absolutely loved it; the flavors were rich and satisfying.
The Double Club is not only a fantastic spot for a delicious dinner but also a great place to grab drinks. I can definitely envision hosting an event like a bachelor or bachelorette party here, as the ambience is perfect for celebrations.
In short, do yourself a favor and visit The Double Club—you won’t regret it!
Came in for a quick drink and stayed much longer thanks to the super cool bartenders and overall vibe. Me & my lady debated whether the place is a dive or cocktail bar. It’s the best version of both.
She got her fancy clear horchata cocktail - while I got to pound a couple Pony Boys. Will stop by every trip now!
The Double Club is a damn good time. Rolled in, grabbed seats at the bar, and Liz handled everything — drinks, food, vibes — like a pro. Super friendly, never missed a beat, and made us feel right at home. We went with the West Coast tacos (carne asada + chicken) and the pulled pork sandwich, and honestly… it was all awesome. Big flavors, cooked right, and not shy about portions. The tacos hit hard and the pulled pork was messy in the best way. Drinks were strong (as they should be), the atmosphere was top notch, and the service sealed it. This place knows what it’s doing. If you’re local or just passing through, The Double Club is absolutely worth a stop!
The Carousel Bar & Lounge
| Address | 214 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70130 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM Friday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM |
| Phone | (504) 523-3341 |
On vacation in New Orleans, LA and we were told we just had to check out the novelty bar, The Carousel Lounge inside the Hotel Montelone!
Atmosphere/Appearance: It's EXTREMELY BUSY and very loud in here. Lol. As mentioned above, the bar is located inside the hotel so once you walk in through the front door you enter the lobby then head to the right. It's a first-come, first-serve situation (at least it was for us at the time). So of course, the carousel bar is the highlight. It's a slow rotating bar rail and it's adorable. Lol. Almost the entire bar is eyeing any available spots so you have to be quick, but be respectful. However, there are tables and such sprinkled throughout the bar where you can hangout at as you stalk the actual carousel. My wife and I sat in the window which made for some excellent people watching. Lol. Eventually after what felt like an hour or we did spot some spots on the carousel, my wife held them for me as I closed the check then finally got to sit... and SPIN! The bar completes a full revolution every 15 minutes so you definitely won't get dizzy.
Service: We had no issues here whatsoever. The staff is just super busy all over the place, but they didn't miss a beat.
Food: For my first drink I checked out their Oaxacan Midnight which was like a tequila play on the Old Fashioned. It was delicious, a bit lighter than an Old Fashioned, but certainly stood on it's own. For our first appetizer bar bite we tried the Blue Crab & Corn Beignet which didn't come out as I was expecting. Lol. I'm not mad, I just pictured the big, fluffy things from Cafe Du Monde, but maybe stuffed with goodies! These were more like fritter than I absolutely loved so much I ordered a 2nd plate. Lastly we tried the BBQ Shrimp which was grilled to perfection with a good snap, excellent flavor and good char along with a tangy, cream sauce on top.
Value: It's pricey. Food and drinks were decent, but a SMIDGE overpriced, but... they know you're going to pay because you're on vacation, you're a tourist and you wanna be in this novelty bar. Lol. Regardless, I had a blast and you can say you did too whenever you check this place out!
In conclusion, I've now been there, done that. Lol. I don't have to do it again, but if you're in the area, check this place out. It's a good time.
Fun, fun, fun! I loved this bar and sitting in one of these fabulous bar stool chairs chatting with other fellow travelers!
We each ordered two drinks during the two hours we were here. At first find one seat and then another several seats down... negotiated a person to switch seats so we could sit together.
The Vieux Carré was strong and satisfying. The bartender took awhile to open up to us but when another fun couple sat next to us, we had a fabulous time!
Have patience to get a seat as this is a very BUSY touristy place.
This is a fun spot, if you can grab a spot by the bar. It is first come, first served, so just grab the seats by the lounge and move to the bar when spots open up. It rotates slowly, so you won’t get dizzy…
The cocktail list looked interesting, but the two we had tasted pretty standard, inline with what you’d expect from a hotel bar (it is inside Hotel Monteleone). There is a small bar bites menu - the Cubano was tasty but a bit overpriced at $18.
The service was okay. We ended up getting water from our server that brought us food as the bartenders were too busy making cocktails. There was a jazz band playing on Thursday night when we visited.
We decided on this bar as the last drink for our visit. The server suggested the fleur de lis, a great switch up since I was only sipping on espresso martinis this week. We opted to not sit at bar since I have motion sickness but the window spot we chose near jazz band was perfect.
Great experience and a classy, fun vibe. The carousel bar is unique but the venue itself is fun regardless of sitting at the bar. We liked the live jazz music and simple menu. It’s a great place to drop by for drinks and appetizers!
THE TELL ME BAR
| Address | 1235 St Thomas St, New Orleans, LA 70130 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 4:00 – 11:00 PM Tuesday: 4:00 – 11:00 PM Wednesday: 4:00 – 11:00 PM Thursday: 4:00 – 11:00 PM Friday: 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM Saturday: 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM Sunday: 4:00 – 11:00 PM |
| Phone | — |
Can be a little hard to find, but tell me is a super cute spot once you finally make it there! They have a really great wine selection and a really fun variety of conservas to make a board with.
It's a vibe! Multiple areas to mingle or secluded yourself amongst a broad selection of wine with the option of by the glass or the bottle. The wine selection is organized by regions, which is pretty vast. A notable French selection to include Bordeaux to Corsica. There's even a wide selection of Champagne. There are multiple Italian and Germany/Austria bottles. I remember seeing the popular orange wine and a few African regions. To follow, they also offer a decent sherry selection, a dessert in a glass.
Fantastic spot. Perfect date spot. Perfect solo spot. Overall just really great place to be. Highly recommend.
Great selection of wines by the bottle and a limited but varied choice of wines by the glass. Really well decorated space and layout with comfortable seating. The street leading down to the space looks like you’ve potentially made a questionable choice as you walk down, but the adventurousness is rewarded as you turn the corner!
My favorite spot in Nola for a glass of wine! The decor and atmosphere is impeccable! 10/10. Amazing service and all of the food pop-ups I have experienced at this bar have been delicious and incredible! Great djs, music and entertainment. Could not say enough about how much I enjoy this wine bar!
Essential Tips for Enjoying New Orleans Cocktails
Before you set out on your tasting tour, it helps to understand the local drinking culture. New Orleans is one of the few places in America where you can legally walk the streets with a drink in hand, but that doesn’t mean etiquette goes out the window. A little preparation will help you appreciate the craftsmanship and avoid the common pitfalls of the tourist trail.
Pace yourself with the classics. Many signature New Orleans drinks, like the Sazerac or the Vieux Carré, are spirit-forward and deceptively strong. The heat and humidity can amplify the effects of alcohol quickly. Rather than rushing through five bars in one night, choose two or three quality spots and savor each drink slowly with a glass of water in between.
Dress the part for upscale hotel bars. While most of the city is casual, some of the historic hotel bars (such as those in the French Quarter) enforce a relaxed but smart dress code in the evenings. Leave the beachwear and flip-flops at your hotel if you plan to visit a white-tablecloth lounge. A collared shirt or a nice dress will ensure you fit in seamlessly with the ambiance.
Don’t be afraid to sit at the bar. The magic of New Orleans cocktail culture lives in the conversation between guest and bartender. Sitting at the rail gives you a front-row seat to the craft and often results in personalized recommendations. Bartenders here are storytellers, historians, and mixologists rolled into one—engage them respectfully, and you’ll unlock a deeper layer of the city.
Embrace the go-cup culture responsibly. While it is legal to take your drink to go in designated plastic cups, be mindful of where you are walking. Stick to the busy, well-lit streets of the French Quarter or Frenchmen Street. Do not carry open containers into other businesses unless they explicitly welcome them, and always dispose of your cup properly.
Know your base spirit. Before you order, consider whether you prefer whiskey, gin, rum, or brandy. If you are unsure, ask for a bartender’s choice and tell them one flavor you dislike. This is the fastest way to discover a new favorite without wasting money on a drink you won’t finish.
The beauty of New Orleans is that every bar has a story, and every story is best told over a well-made drink. Whether you find yourself in a 200-year-old tavern or a sleek new lounge, the spirit of hospitality remains the same. Take your time, soak in the atmosphere, and let the city’s rhythm guide your evening.
As you wander from one establishment to the next, remember that the best cocktail is not necessarily the most expensive or the most complicated—it is the one served with genuine care in a place that makes you feel at home. Cheers to your journey through the most storied drinking city in America.
