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.

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.

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.

Located just steps from the bustle of the French Quarter yet feeling more like a neighbourhood hide-out, Bar Tonique opened in 2008 as one of the first freestanding craft cocktail bars in New Orleans. Its goal has always remained simple: provide well-made cocktails, a curated wine & craft beer list, and a welcoming environment without pretense. The space is humble but charming—wood-panelled walls, a central U-shaped bar, high ceilings and shelves stocked with thoughtful bottles. Instead of gaudy spectacle, you’ll find a spot where skilled bartenders quietly work their craft: fresh juices, house-made syrups, inventive takes on classics, and a friendly atmosphere that attracts locals as well as visitors. One of the draws is their happy hour (weekdays 12 pm–5 pm) which offers selected cocktails for around $6. Whether you’re after a proper Old Fashioned, a Dark & Stormy, or something tailored to your taste, they’ll deliver. Reviews highlight how the bartenders ask your preferences and craft something on the spot. If you want a cocktail bar that’s a little more relaxed than the frenetic tourist hotspots, where the drink quality matters and you can genuinely unwind, Bar Tonique fits the bill. Just note—it’s small and gets popular, so arriving early (especially for the U-shaped bar seats) is smart.

Established in 2014 by renowned cocktail historian and author Jeff “Beachbum” Berry, Latitude 29 is a high-end, full-service tiki lounge and restaurant nestled in the French Quarter of New Orleans. Located on the ground floor of the historic Bienville House Hotel (address below), the bar distinguishes itself not only by its elaborate, expert-crafted drinks, but by a mission: to revive and celebrate the golden era of tiki culture, pulling out authentic recipes from the 1930s to 1960s and presenting them with flair and precision. Walking inside, you’ll find sophisticated décor that blends mid-century modern with tropical escapism: tiki artifacts, carved statues, exotic mugs, ambient lighting and palm-inflected details. The vibe is polished but energetic, striking a balance between being a destination for the serious tiki aficionado and a must-visit for those simply seeking something fun and unique. The drink menu is the centerpiece: classics like the Mai Tai, Navy Grog and Zombie appear alongside innovative originals: “Latitude 29”, “Pontchartrain Pearl Diver”, and more — each painstakingly presented and steeped in tiki cocktail lore. The food menu echoes the cocktail bar’s ambition: “PolynAsian” cuisine that fuses tropical flavours with Louisiana sensibility — think lumpia, musubi, fried catfish bao, ribs, burgers and more. Gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian options are also available. Reservations are recommended (especially for dining areas) as the space is popular and has limited seating. Per reviews, waiting and walk-in access may be more challenging than it appears. Whether you’re a cocktail devotee, a lover of tiki culture, or just looking for a standout bar experience in New Orleans, Latitude 29 presents an immersive, elevated and playful voyage into rum-driven craft cocktails.

Hidden on Decatur Street just past the French Market in New Orleans, Cane & Table offers a refined twist on tropical cocktail culture. The bar embraces the idea of “proto-tiki” — cocktail creations that pre-date classic tiki full-fruition, grounded in the Caribbean and rooted in the city’s historical links to rum and sugar trade. Inside, you’ll find a mood of subtle elegance: colonial-inspired décor, high ceilings, a softly lit bar area, and a leafy courtyard patio in back — offering a sophisticated respite from more rowdy venues. The drink menu is the jewel: expect layered rum blends, creative takes on classics like the Mai Tai and Hurricane with house-made syrups and fresh exotic ingredients. One reviewer called it “a Tiki bar for people who don’t think that they like Tiki bars”. But Cane & Table isn’t just about drinks: the food programme is elevated as well. Caribbean-and–Cuban-influenced small plates and mains — think jerk-seasoned ribs, braised skirt steak, vibrant salads with yucca croutons — complement the strong cocktail game. Whether you're in for an expertly crafted rum cocktail, a plate of bold-flavoured food, or a chill corner in the Quarter away from the madness, Cane & Table delivers with style, flavour and authenticity. Do arrive with some time — drink slowly, savour the flavour, and enjoy the atmosphere.