Places to Drink in New Orleans: A Complete Guide
Discover the vibrant spirit of New Orleans through its timeless bars, energetic nightlife, and iconic handcrafted cocktails.
Visitors can explore drinking spots ranging from elegant lounges to lively music venues. You can also experience the art of making cocktails. Sip away while learning about the history and making of 3 New Orleans craft cocktails from the experts.
To have an organized itinerary and immersive experience, enjoy your tour trip with private food tours. You’ll be able to explore local bars and combine local cuisine with drinks for a fully immersive adventure.
Historic Bars in the French Quarter
The French Quarter is a local favorite, home to many of the city’s most iconic and historic bars. Some must-visit spots include Pat O’Brien’s, famous for its Hurricane cocktail and beautiful courtyard fountain. Arnaud’s French 75 Bar serves timeless cocktails in a classic, vintage atmosphere.
Jean Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop is one of the oldest bars, offering authentic historic ambiance with traditional drinks. Visitors on private food tours can pair bar visits with curated tastings of local cuisine and drinks.
Rooftop Bars with Stunning Views
Rooftop bars in New Orleans combine breathtaking city views with expertly crafted cocktails. Hot Tin on the Pontchartrain Hotel rooftop offers panoramic city and river views along with seasonal cocktails.
The Saint Hotel Rooftop Bar provides innovative drinks perfect for sunset cocktails or evening gatherings with friends. These venues are excellent stops, blending scenery and tasting experiences.
Live Music Bars and Jazz Clubs
Music lies at the heart of New Orleans’ culture, making live music bars some of the most fun places to drink in New Orleans. Fritzel’s European Jazz Pub offers jazz in an intimate setting with classic cocktails and cozy seating. The Spotted Cat Music Club features local jazz and blues paired with creative drink options in a lively atmosphere.
Bourbon Street’s Old Absinthe House mixes historic ambiance with vibrant nightlife. Guests can enjoy both music and local culinary flavors during their stops.
Speakeasies and Hidden Gems
Hidden speakeasies offer intimate atmospheres and craft cocktails for discerning visitors. Cure on Freret Street uses seasonal ingredients to craft unique cocktails that surprise the palate. Bar Tonique is a quaint bar with classic cocktails in a relaxed and inviting environment.
Loa Bar, inside the Eliza Jane Hotel, focuses on modern craft drinks with tropical influences for adventurous drinkers.
Beer, Wine, and Local Breweries
New Orleans has a thriving craft beer scene with diverse local flavors. NOLA Brewing offers a range of locally brewed beers in a spacious taproom perfect for tastings with friends.
Urban South Brewery provides seasonal releases and creative brews for visitors looking to explore new flavors and styles.
For wine enthusiasts, you can visit some of the famous spots like the French 75 Bar or Cure Lounge for carefully curated wine selections served in cozy, elegant settings.
Outdoor and Patio Bars
Outdoor bars provide relaxed atmospheres, fresh air, and scenic city views. Dat Dog’s patio offers casual drinks and local craft beers in a lively, social environment.
The Columns Hotel Bar features a porch perfect for cocktails and people-watching during warm evenings. Cane & Table Courtyard combines lush surroundings with refreshing cocktails, ideal for enjoying outside with friends.
Outdoor stops complement private food tours by offering scenic breaks and drink pairings.
Conclusion
It’s hard to find a place that has everything you need, from rooftop views and live jazz music to historic bars and elegant lounges. If you need that, then you need to visit New Orleans. And by pairing your visit with food tours, it’ll allow you to enjoy drinks alongside local cuisine for a complete sensory experience.
Planning evenings with private food tours ensures guests explore the best places to drink in New Orleans while enjoying culture, flavor, and vibrant city energy.