Cure

Since opening in 2009, Cure, founded by Neal Bodenheimer and Matthew Kohnke, has redefined modern cocktail culture in New Orleans by transforming a 1903 firehouse into a sophisticated, yet approachable, destination for cocktail lovers. Its warm interior—marked by brick walls, arched windows, and a majestic backbar—is both elegant and inviting. The bar is known for its spirited balance of utterly classic cocktails (like the city’s iconic Sazerac) alongside quirky, modern originals. Drinks such as the renowned Gunshop Fizz—a fizzy, bitters-heavy highball—and the seasonal Rum Penicillin, a rum-based twist on the Penicillin, showcase Cure’s flair for innovation. Cure continues to earn accolades, including a 2018 James Beard Award for Outstanding Bar Program, features by Esquire, Food & Wine, and a place among North America’s 50 Best Bars, ranked No. 50 in 2025. Pair your drinks with delightful small plates—options like deviled eggs, pimento cheese toast, and smoked trout dip accompany the cocktails perfectly. The bar’s hospitality attracts both seasoned cocktail aficionados and newcomers, making each visit feel thoughtful and engaging.