Music may be your main motivation for visiting New Orleans during Jazz Fest but don’t skip the city’s best bars. These are where you can enjoy colorful conversations with bartenders and locals while sipping wonderful cocktails. Plus, most NOLA bars have air conditioning, a godsend from the city’s inevitable semi-tropical heat and humidity.
Discover 11 bars to include on your next New Orleans bar crawl. This list includes iconic spots in the French Quarter, less touristic Bywater bars and a couple rooftop bars for good measure.
1. Carousel Bar & Lounge
The Carousel Bar has been spinning circles in the French Quarter since 1949. That’s the year when the Hotel Monteleone installed an ornate merry-go-round in the center of its lobby bar. It’s a cool spot to sip a classic cocktail – preferably one with roots in New Orleans.
Drink to Order: Vieux Carré
2. Arnaud’s French 75 Bar
Ideal for an intimate tête-à-tête, the bar at Arnaud’s French 75 represents old New Orleans at its finest. This iconic French Quarter bar shines with it long mahogany bar, striking animal print upholstery and a classic black & white tiled floor.
Drink to Order: French 75
3. Old Absinthe House
Despite its prime location in one of the city’s oldest buildings, the Old Absinthe House’s walls are haphazardly decorated and bartenders wear branded t-shirts. However, after surviving the War of 1812 as well as the Civil War and Prohibition, this French Quarter bar is one of the city’s most iconic watering holes.
Drink to Order: Absinthe Frappe
4. Napoleon House
Owned by the group that owns the iconic Brennan’s Restaurant, Napoleon House is as relevant today as it was two centuries ago. Crowds continue to fill its French Quarter storied building, many ordering refreshing Pimm’s Cup cocktails and wonderful toasted Muffalettas.
Drink to Order: Pimm’s Cup
5. Tujague’s
Established in 1856, Tujague’s Restaurant is New Orleans’ second oldest restaurant. Despite changes in ownership and a physical move over the years, the bar at Tujague’s retains its status as one of the most iconic spots to drink in the French Quarter.
Drink to Order: Grasshopper or Milk Punch
6. Molly’s at the Market
Located in the heart of the tourist zone, Molly’s at the Market attracts a motley crew of grizzled locals and eager vacationers from morning until morning. Its barebones decor features likenesses of William Butler Yeats and Napoleon Bonaparte eclectic memorabilia and an old school jukebox.
Drink to Order: Frozen Irish Coffee
7. Pat O’Brien’s
Stopping at Pat O’Brien’s is a must for anybody looking to complete a checklist of famous New Orleans drinks. Whether you choose to stay after checking off the Hurricane box is up to you. If you do, don’t miss the bar’s dueling pianos inside its 18th century building or its flaiming fountain on its outside patio.
Drink to Order: Hurricane
8. Bacchanal Wine & Fine Spirits
Located in the funky Bywater neighborhood, Bacchanal is a great spot to enjoy local music while sipping great wine. You can do this inside the bar or, better yet, while sitting outside. As for food, Bacchanal’s menu offers everything from cheese plates to tapas dishes like Gambas al Ajillo to whole grilled fish.
Drink to Order: Wine
9. Saint-Germain
Saint-Germain is a Bywater bistro with a small wine bar reminiscient of wine bars in Paris. Beyond wine, its cocktail program features spritzes, mezcal and, of course, St-Germain.
Drink to Order: Crafted Cocktail or Wine
10. Rosie’s On The Roof
Located on the top of The Higgins Hotel just a short walk from the French Quarter and right by the World War II Museum, Rosie’s on the Roof is a fun spot to enjoy tasty snacks and crafted cocktails. Rooftop bars are hot in New Orleans and this is a good one.
Drink to Order: The Riveter
11. Monkey Board
Located on the the 17th floor of The Troubadour Hotel, this rooftop bar offers a 360-degree view of the New Orleans skyline and a chance to enjoy drinks drink while watching a ‘golden hour’ sunset. The best drinks here are frozen and come in a range of colors.
Drink to Order: Frozen Daiquiri
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About the Authors
Daryl and Mindi Hirsch
Saveur Magazine’s BEST TRAVEL BLOG award winners Daryl and Mindi Hirsch share their culinary travel experiences and recipes on the 2foodtrippers website. Since launching the site in 2012, they’ve traveled to over 40 countries in their quest to bring readers a unique taste of the world.