Top Bars in New Orleans – Most Viewed (2025)

Step into The Sazerac Bar at The Roosevelt, a legendary landmark in New Orleans’ Central Business District. Crafted from a single slab of African walnut and framed by vibrant Paul Ninas murals, the bar offers an Art Deco sanctuary dating back to 1938. More than just decor—the bar’s namesake cocktail, the Sazerac, is considered America’s first signature drink and served here with ritual precision. And if you're curious about invention origin stories, the legendary Ramos Gin Fizz was created right here by Henry C. Ramos at the hotel’s predecessor saloon. Wardrobe is upscale casual—gentlemen in bow ties or loafers, ladies in pearls or cocktail attire—though no strict dress code is enforced. The bartenders in crisp attire will walk you through their award-winning menu of classic and modern cocktails, fine wines, and rare spirits in a calm, elegant setting. Whether you're celebrating a milestone or softly settling into a seat at the bar, expect warm hospitality and gracious Southern ambiance. A favorite for locals and travellers seeking refined flavors and storied surroundings, The Sazerac Bar remains both a nostalgic destination and cocktail connoisseur’s paradise.

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.

Nestled in a restored 19th-century Creole cottage, Jewel of the South feels like stepping into a vintage New Orleans tavern that’s both timeless and surprisingly fresh. Under the stewardship of master bartender Chris Hannah—himself a steward of the city’s cocktail legacy—the venue honors past drinking traditions by reviving era-defining cocktails such as the Brandy Crusta and French 75 in artfully updated forms. Its name itself nods to a historic local bar, grounding its identity in the city’s storied past. Inside, exposed brick, warm woods, antique stemware, and abundant books create a cozy, rustic atmosphere that feels just worn-in enough to be comforting yet carefully curated. There’s even a secret garden courtyard that opens into this quiet sanctuary—perfect for savoring a quiet sip amid the bustle of the Quarter. But it’s not all nostalgia. The cocktail menu is dynamic, weaving in seasonal creations—like the aromatic Columbina (gin, cardamom pear cordial, lemon, thyme)—alongside heavier-hitting house signatures like The Night Tripper (bourbon, amaro, Strega, Peychaud’s bitters). These drinks strike a balance between elegance and Southern soul, sticking with you long after the last sip. Beyond the cocktails, the warmth of genuine hospitality radiates here. The raised bar, citrus-grove wallpapered lounge, and knowledgeable staff make for a welcoming, intimate experience. Whether you're a cocktail aficionado or just discovering New Orleans’ drinking history, the storytelling—through drinks, décor, and service—is as compelling as the flavors. This blend of thoughtful design, inventive drinking, and heartfelt hospitality has earned the bar major acclaim: it's ranked No. 4 in North America’s 50 Best Bars 2025 and No. 24 globally in 2024, and was named the nation’s Outstanding Bar at the 2024 James Beard Awards.

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.

Perched at the corner of Bourbon and Bienville, The Old Absinthe House is a living relic of New Orleans—where absinthe lore and literary legend intertwine. Originally built in 1806 as a grocery and commission house, it was first converted into a bar around the 1830s, eventually becoming renowned as “The Absinthe Room” by the 1870s under bartender Cayetano Ferrer, who created the legendary Absinthe Frappe. A haunt for bohemians and great minds, the bar was frequented by Mark Twain, Oscar Wilde, Franklin Roosevelt, Aleister Crowley, and Frank Sinatra. Legend even says that General Andrew Jackson and the pirate Jean Lafitte met here to plan the defense of New Orleans in the Battle of 1815. Surviving Prohibition and even near-destruction, the bar's legacy endures—celebrated today not just for its storied past, but for its vibrant present. It's a neon-lit, eclectically adorned retreat on Bourbon Street, beloved for its punchy cocktails, friendly bartenders, and historic charm.