Since its enchanting debut in 1949, the Carousel Bar & Lounge nestled within the legendary Hotel Monteleone has been New Orleans’ singular rotating bar and a hallmark of Crescent City charm. Inspired by a real carousel, its 25 intricately painted stools glide ever-so‑subtly on 2,000 steel rollers driven by a quarter‑horsepower motor, completing a full revolution every 15 minutes. The bar exudes a nostalgic, carousel-themed elegance—soft lighting, mirrored panels, a storybook carousel canopy, plus plush seating for additional tables beyond the rotating core. It’s both visually whimsical and steeped in tradition. The adjoining lounge area regularly hosts live entertainment (Thursday–Saturday), making it a hotspot for cocktails and conversations. More than a novelty, Carousel Bar is deeply embedded in New Orleans’ literary and cocktail heritage. Legendary writers—Hemingway, Faulkner, Williams, Capote—wrote or socialized here, and the bar has inspired cocktails like the famed Vieux Carré and The Goody. Sit at the bar and enjoy classics like the Sazerac or Vieux Carré, or take part in the “Carousel Bar Experience”—a premium hour-long immersive tour at 10 AM with cocktail and history presentation by Marvin Allen or Mike Dupree (around US $100). The bartenders are storytellers and craft cocktail specialists, offering both historic recipes and modern flair. Whether you’re on a rotating seat or in the lounge, the vibe is warm, elegant, and distinctly New Orleans—perfect for first-timers and locals alike seeking magic and literary echoes.
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