A Local’s Opinion of the Best Bars in New Orleans

French 75 at the French 75 Bar

Our drinks in New Orleans are not just drinks. They are laced with our history and a peak into our culture. Throughout history, you see how much interest and time people have taken to create these concoctions, and we get to enjoy them even today. For a fantastic history of our most famous cocktails, hit the Sazerac House museum. You'll understand it on a much deeper level, and likely come away with some ideas for your next cocktail party. No need to try them all in one trip, but one or two would make for a good goal.

Sazerac

If there’s one drink that’s truly tied to New Orleans, it’s this one. It’s strong, a little herbal, and not for everyone, but it’s worth trying at least once just to say you did. The Sazerac House will give you a taste during the tour (which is free and on my list of free things to do in New Orleans).

Hurricane

Appropriately named for our region, this is the classic “you don’t realize how strong it is until it’s too late” drink. It’s fruity (too fruity for me - think sugar high), easy to drink, and very associated with the French Quarter, and specifically Pat O'Brien's. You'll hear about this if you're hanging around the French Quarter.

French 75

The French 75 is delicious. It's simple - made with gin, lemon, simple syrup, and champagne, and it's one of the easier cocktails to drink on a warm day. Because of the champagne base, it feels a little more elevated than some of the other options you’ll find around the city. I'm a huge fan of this one.

Vieux Carré

This one feels very “old New Orleans.” It’s a mix of different spirits (rye whiskey, cognac, vermouth, and a few herbal elements) and has a deeper, more complex flavor. Definitely more of a sit-down-and-sip kind of drink. You'd have to really like this vibe to like this drink.

Ramos Gin Fizz

This one is famous for how long it takes to make. It’s creamy, citrusy, and surprisingly light, but not every bar will make it, especially if they’re busy. Only order this from more upscale places. You're not getting this at a dive bar.

Frozen Daiquiris

You’ll see daiquiri shops all over the city, and yes, people actually drink them. I am not one of them. They’re not traditional in the cocktail sense, but they’re very much part of the New Orleans drinking scene. Our drive-through daiquiri shops really get tourists' motors running.

Closing time. This is one of the best parts about going out in New Orleans:

Bars don’t really have to close. New Orleans is one of the few places in the U.S. where bars can legally stay open 24 hours a day, depending on their license. So if you’re out late (or very late) you’ll still have options. Imagine growing up here like I did. Our parents never slept! That said, not every bar stays open all night.

• Some neighborhood bars close around 2–3 AM
• French Quarter bars tend to stay open much later (especially Bourbon Street)
• Hotel bars (like the Carousel Bar) usually keep more standard hours

If you’re planning a night out, you don’t need to stress too much about timing, but do check specific hours if there’s somewhere you really want to go. I'm not shutting down bars these days so this is not an issue for me.

Beachbum Berry's Latitude 29 at Christmas

Bouligny Tavern

Of all the bars in New Orleans, I think Bouligny Tavern is my favorite. The lighting is dim, the bar is long, and the drinks are good. As a local, this is top of my list of best bars in New Orleans. They also have delicious food, and a good size menu. The bar is owned by the restaurant next door as well, Lilette, a delicious French inspired restaurant.

The Columns Hotel

The Columns is a hotel bar. If you’ve never been to The Columns, you’re in for a treat. It’s a boutique hotel that has oodles of charm and coziness, and it’s one of my favorite happy hours in the city. Sitting out on the patio is my favorite spot, especially on a nice day. Look out onto St. Charles Avenue, listen to the streetcar roll by, and soak up being in New Orleans.

Cure

Cure is a fabulous place to go for a cocktail in this city. It's in one of my favorite neighborhoods (Freret/Uptown). They serve cocktails that are so good, and have a 7 day per week happy hour that includes my very favorite: the old fashioned. I’m a whiskey girl, so I’m always up for that when I go out with friends. Make it happy hour prices and you might be calling me an Uber home. Perch yourself at the bar and have some yummy light bites.

Barrel Proof

As I mentioned before, I am a whiskey girl. Barrel Proof makes my list as one of the best bars in New Orleans because it is a whiskey bar. It’s also in an area that is easy to access for locals and for visitors. During the Christmas festivities, they dress it up beautifully and make specialty cocktails just for the season of Christmas. Locals and visitors love this place on and off the holiday season, but you won’t have a problem getting in most times of the year.

Avegno

Avegno is not going to be on most best bars lists because it's super local, but now you know my secret. It's' attached to a high end restaurant that is also worth mentioning, Gautreau's, and is about as New Orleans as you can get. Walking in, you feel like you're stepping into a Paris brasserie. The wood floors, the wood bar, the brass accents...it's all reminiscent of my time in Paris, so naturally I love it. Their differentiator is their late night happy hour. If you're an early bird like me, you'll go for the regular hour and eat insanely good food and have a memorable cocktail. Highly recommend this place.

The Will and The Way

Jewel of the South

At the edge of the French Quarter, Jewel of the South is a beautifully appointed venue for drinks. Their food menu changes with the seasons, so I love grabbing a seat at the bar and having a few bites while I'm having my great cocktails and good conversations. Go for the amazing drinks, ambience, and infamous bartender Chris (if he's there). In the nicer months, I enjoy sitting out in the courtyard amongst the green foliage and vines along the brick wall. Whether you sit inside or outside, it’s such a great space and obviously one of my favorite and best bars in New Orleans. I’ve also gone there before shows at the Saenger Theater, which is located across the street.

The Will & The Way

One of my newer-to-me discoveries, I am a huge fan of The Will & The Way. It's near the Celestine Hotel (a perfect upscale quintessential French Quarter hotel) and owned by the same group. On a gorgeous day, I highly recommend sitting in the courtyard. What I love? I can also take my computer and work from here. Their food is delicious, and you can get anything from a beer to a fancy mocktail. I opt for the latter. You're just off Bourbon Street but couldn't be further from it inside.

French 75 Bar

A beautiful, old, moody bar located inside one of New Orleans' most iconic restaurants (Arnaud's) is the French 75 Bar. It's a very cozy space, outfitted just as you'd think a quintessential old bar would look. Located in the heart of the French Quarter, this is a fantastic spot to stop in and have, well, a French 75, or any other classic cocktails you want. The bar is beautifully decorated and you can't help but want to stay for a drink or two, whether at the bar or in one of the seating areas. There's not much standing room, so be sure to snag a spot and stay for a little bit, enjoying the feel of a very classic New Orleans establishment. Afterwards you can have dinner at Arnaud's with a delicious meal and fantastic service. This is a gem of a place!

Carousel Bar

Located inside one of the most beautiful French Quarter hotels, the Carousel Bar is so iconic and a must-see when you're visiting New Orleans. I can't guarantee you'll get a spot on the actual carousel platform, but it's worth a try. The whole vibe is on point for an old school New Orleans hotel. Listen to the live music playing, and soak up one of our best traditional New Orleans bars.

Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop

Lafitte's is just Lafitte's. It's far enough down Bourbon that you don't feel like you're in the super touristy area, which is nice. People love gathering outside with their drink of choice (and if you really want to get the full experience, get the purple drink). It's where I've spend many Mardi Gras mornings. Locals and visitors love to pop in here. The candlelight and darkness inside give you all the mood you need.

Beachbum Berry's Latitude 29

Tiki tiki! If you’re into boat drinks, Latitude 29 is the perfect place to belly up to the bar and enjoy them. I’m pretty sure everyone who works there is steep on the enthusiasm for tiki cocktails, so you might just get an earful if you show any interest or ask any questions. The last time I was there, my server and I nerded out on backyard tiki bars, which is a thing. As one of the best bars in New Orleans because of quirkiness, you’ll not be disappointed you popped in there. It’s such a great spot, and right in the French Quarter. Put it on your list, and do not expect a Pimms Cup to be served here.

Hangout Couch at Pluck

Sazerac Bar

There is hardly a sexier place to grab yourself a cocktail than The Sazerac Bar in The Roosevelt Hotel. It’s one of the most iconic places to sip your drink in the city as well, and welcomes anyone. My favorite time to go is the holidays to get a specialty Christmas cocktail, but I’ve been known to go on any old day of the week. The Sazerac Bar is definitely one of the best bars in New Orleans. Yes, it’s pricey. Also, it’s worth it for a drink or two. It's definitely worth a visit

Pluck Wine Bar

Pluck Wine Bar is absolutely my favorite place to get the most delicious wines in the city. Located in the Warehouse District, I discovered it years ago and have been back several times. It's the only place I wanted to spend my birthday because their wine and food is outstanding, and the location can't be beat. My favorite spot to sit there is on the hangout couch in the front, so if you like that vibe, be sure to make the reservation to book it. The staff is extremely knowledgeable, and one of the best things is that when you tell them how much you want to spend, they will always make a spectacular recommendation at a lower price. I can't recommend them enough, and I know you'll be wildly satisfied when you go there.

Twelve Mile Limit

This unassuming spot is such an interesting bar in New Orleans. I’ve been going to Twelve Mile Limit for years and I like it a little more each time. The patio space is limited, so if you want to sit outside on a nice day, know that you may or may not get lucky. It’s a dark space inside, and the cocktail menu is really good. They feature a different happy hour each day, which I love. Something for everyone. TML is in the heart of Mid City neighborhood, near another one of my favorite bars in New Orleans called Finn McCools. I'll cover that one next.

Finn McCools

Finn McCools is a bar I've been going to for years. It's where I watch my football (soccer) matches by myself with my beer, bellied up to the bar in front of one of their many televisions. You'll find lots of different sports fans here, from soccer to rugby, all jovial and enthusiastic. It's a really good time, and on a nice day, sit outside on Banks Street with some grub and your drink and enjoy the weather.

Live Music at Snug Harbor

Bacchanal

Bacchanal used to be a local’s haven. When the internet was a wee child, and influencers were not really a thing, we used to go there for a gritty backyard experience. For a long time, I’d rank this as one of the best bars in New Orleans across most people’s opinions. They’ve come a long way, and it’s on the map for so many who visit New Orleans. I couldn’t argue with this at all. You’ll get really good food, live music, and a good mix of locals and visitors alike. Even though the rest of the world has found out about it, we still like to go there because it’s that great. You likely won’t see me there at high time, but on a random afternoon or weekday, watch out!

Snug Harbor

If you're into music and food, Snug Harbor is the place to go. Going down to Frenchmen Street is comes with all kinds of choices, and as a local, it's one of my favorite spots to go. Being able to sit down for shows is key (can you tell I'm getting older?), and the fact that they serve food is a no-brainer. Dinner and dining = happiness in New Orleans. Any show is going to be great - our musicians that play here are all amazing. There's a traditional bar as well, so if you want one more drink, grab one for the road.

French 75 Bar Inside Arnaud's

My bar days have evolved over the years. This list is from a woman in her mid 40s, who loves an early cocktail and early night in. I love clean spaces and outstanding drinks and service, and the opportunity to meet interesting bartenders and people. At all of these places, you will find these things. New Orleans is filled with some of the best bars in the country, and we are lucky enough to boast so many. But alas, I had to narrow it down, and this is what you get from me. And I definitely think you’ll enjoy each and every one of them in its own right. Happy drinking, my friends.

If you liked this blog, you may also like the best coffee shops in New Orleans or must try foods in New Orleans. For some authentic New Orleans experiences according to me, click on that blog too.

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