
Best Bars & Nightlife in New Orleans, United States
1. Carousel Bar & Lounge
Revolving bar inside the Hotel Monteleone offering live jazz and cocktails with a unique spinning atmosphere.
- Rotating Bar: One-of-a-kind rotating bar experience that provides a 360-degree view of the room.
- Live Jazz Music: Offers live jazz music performances, keeping with New Orleans' rich musical heritage.
- Historic Hotel Atmosphere: Located in the historic Hotel Monteleone, it offers a charming and authentic atmosphere.
2. Tropical Isle Hurricane Hirsch's
Famous bar serving the famous Hand Grenade cocktail in the French Quarter. Known for its vibrant, party atmosphere.
- Hand Grenade Cocktails: Serves the unique and potent Hand Grenade cocktail, a popular drink in New Orleans.
- Party Atmosphere: Known for its lively atmosphere and festive decorations, especially during Mardi Gras season.
- Unique Souvenirs: Offers unique souvenir cups and gear, making it a popular spot for tourists.
3. Café du Monde
Famous coffee shop in the French Quarter serving beignets and café au lait since 1862.
- Historic Coffee Shop: One of the oldest cafés in New Orleans, known for its history and charm.
- Beignets & Café Au Lait: Famous for serving delicious beignets (square doughnuts) and café au lait (coffee with hot milk).
- Open 24/7: Operates 24 hours a day, making it an ideal spot for late-night snacks.
4. Three Muses
Art gallery and live music venue in the French Quarter with an extensive cocktail menu.
- Live Music Venue: Features live music performances by local artists across various genres.
- Art Gallery: Displays work from local and regional artists, adding to the unique atmosphere.
- Craft Cocktails: Offers a diverse cocktail menu with house-made ingredients, focusing on quality drinks.
5. The Sazerac Bar
Located in the historic Roosevelt Hotel, it's a classic New Orleans bar known for its Sazerac cocktail.
- Classic Bar: One of the oldest bars in New Orleans, offering an authentic and sophisticated atmosphere.
- Sazerac Cocktails: Famous for its Sazerac cocktail, a New Orleans original that's been enjoyed since the 1800s.
- Historic Hotel Atmosphere: Located in the historic Roosevelt Hotel, it offers a charming and opulent atmosphere.
6. Pat O'Brien's
Iconic bar in the French Quarter known for its signature Hurricane cocktail and dueling pianos.
- Signature Hurricane Cocktails: Serves the famous Hurricane cocktail, a popular drink in New Orleans.
- Dueling Pianos: Features dueling pianos where patrons can request songs and sing along.
- Iconic Building: Located in a historic building, it's an iconic part of the New Orleans landscape.
7. Bar Tonique
Craft cocktail bar focusing on classic recipes and using fresh, local ingredients.
- Fresh & Local Ingredients: Uses fresh, locally-sourced ingredients to create its craft cocktails.
- Classic Cocktail Recipes: Offers a selection of classic cocktails made with precision and care.
- Intimate Atmosphere: Provides an intimate, speakeasy-style atmosphere for patrons to enjoy their drinks.
8. The Napoleon House
Historic restaurant and bar offering sandwiches, muffulettas, and absinthe in the French Quarter.
- Historic Restaurant: One of the oldest restaurants in New Orleans, known for its history and charm.
- Muffuletta Sandwiches: Famous for its muffuletta sandwiches, a traditional New Orleans sandwich made with olive salad.
- Absinthe Bar: Offers absinthe in the traditional manner, adding to the unique atmosphere.
9. Cocktail Chronicles
Interactive cocktail museum showcasing the history of New Orleans' iconic drinks.
- Cocktail History Museum: Provides a deep dive into the history and evolution of New Orleans' famous cocktails.
- Interactive Exhibits: Offers interactive exhibits that allow visitors to mix their own cocktails.
- Cocktail Tastings: Provides guided tastings of classic New Orleans cocktails.
10. The Columns Hotel
Historic hotel bar offering classic drinks and live jazz in the Garden District.
- Historic Hotel Atmosphere: Located in a historic home, it offers an elegant and charming atmosphere.
- Live Jazz Music: Features live jazz music performances, keeping with New Orleans' rich musical heritage.
- Classic Cocktails: Offers a selection of classic cocktails, perfect for enjoying in a historic setting.
11. The Spotted Cat Music Club
Live jazz venue in the French Quarter with a casual and welcoming atmosphere.
- Casual Live Jazz Venue: Provides an intimate setting for live jazz performances, without the typical cover charge.
- Local Talent: Features local and regional jazz musicians, showcasing New Orleans' talent.
- Welcoming Atmosphere: Offers a welcoming atmosphere where visitors can relax and enjoy the music.
12. The Old Absinthe House
Historic bar in the French Quarter serving absinthe and other drinks in a lively atmosphere.
- Historic Bar: One of the oldest bars in New Orleans, known for its history and charm.
- Absinthe Drinks: Famous for serving absinthe, a traditional New Orleans drink.
- Lively Atmosphere: Offers a lively atmosphere with music and friendly staff, making it a popular spot.
13. The Rum House
Tiki bar in the French Quarter offering exotic cocktails and tropical ambiance.
- Exotic Cocktails: Offers a variety of exotic, rum-based cocktails with a tropical twist.
- Tropical Ambiance: Creates a tropical atmosphere with tiki decorations and live music.
- Unique Cocktail Menu: Provides a unique cocktail menu that changes regularly, keeping things fresh.
14. The Saint
Nightclub in the Warehouse District offering DJs, live music, and a vibrant dance floor.
- DJs & Live Music: Features local and international DJs, as well as live music performances.
- Vibrant Dance Floor: Offers a spacious dance floor for visitors to let loose and enjoy the music.
- Upscale Atmosphere: Provides an upscale atmosphere with VIP areas and bottle service options.
15. Manning's Restaurant & Tavern
Sports bar in the French Quarter offering Creole cuisine, drinks, and live sports coverage.
- Creole Cuisine: Serves traditional Creole dishes alongside a variety of drinks.
- Live Sports Coverage: Offers live sports coverage, making it a popular spot for sports fans.
- Historic Building: Located in a historic building, it offers an authentic and charming atmosphere.