As bars are beginning to reopen in the city, there’s nothing that I enjoy more than heading out to enjoy a cocktail (or a few) whether I’m meeting a girlfriend to catch up or pregaming a date night with my S.O. While the classic cocktail bars in the city aren’t to be overlooked, here are some of my everyday go-to’s for a night out.
The Chloe
4125 St Charles Ave, New Orleans
The newest boutique hotel in Nola is a combination of old world glamour and modern charm. They offer outdoor seating on their cute patio and front porch overlooking Saint Charles Avenue and a menu that includes seasonally inspired cocktails and cuisine. We can’t wait for the chance to check out their rooms!
The Elysian Bar
2317 Burgundy St, New Orleans
If you haven’t yet been to The Elysian Bar, you have to get there. The restaurant and bar are housed in a former rectory and the church is used for private events as well as additional dining space with their new Church Brunch! Their cocktails and food are both divine.
Double Dealer
29 Roosevelt Way, New Orleans
Double Dealer is a speakeasy that opened shortly before the pandemic in the basement of the Orpheum Theater. Unfortunately, they haven’t been able to open back up yet, but I highly recommend a visit when they do. The 1920’s inspired speakeasy has something to offer for everyone when it comes to cocktails from classics and creations inspired by the literary journal from which it gets its name.
Cure
4905 Freret St, New Orleans
Perhaps New Orleans’ first trendy cocktail bar and unofficial Bumble date bar (lol), Cure is a great place to grab a cocktail. Their cocktail menu has to be one of the lengthiest in town. Perusing the menu is a fun process in itself!
Claret
1320 Magazine St, New Orleans
Claret’s outdoor patio is the perfect place for a drink and a cheese board. One of my favorite parts about Claret is their awesome happy hour Monday- Thursday from 4 to 6 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 2 to 6 p.m. You can choose from cocktails like their refreshing spritz, an old fashioned, their house punch or a glass of wine if that’s what you are in the mood for.
Bouligny
3641 Magazine St, New Orleans
Bouligny Tavern is a chic gastropub with lengthy wine and cocktail list and yummy small plates like the gouda beignets. They offer seating indoor in their romantic, dimly lit bar, on their small side patio as well as at a couple of tables on their front porch.
The Columns
3811 St Charles Ave, New Orleans
I’ve always loved the ambiance of The Columns. Their sprawling Southern front porch overlooking Saint Charles Avenue is hard to beat and now that they have undergone a serious upgrade, the vibe is even more refined. Cocktails like their Whiskey Smash and Pimm’s Cup have been upgraded as well as their food menu.
Hot Tin
2031 St Charles Ave, New Orleans
This chic cocktail bar is the perfect place to unwind with a drink. The rooftop lounge sits atop The Pontchartrain Hotel and offers a breathtaking view of the city at night. The hotel’s restaurant Jack Rose (one of our faves) has currently added full service to the rooftop as well.
Cavan
3607 Magazine St, New Orleans
One of my personal neighborhood favorites, Cavan is located in a gorgeous Garden District mansion. They have two beautiful bars inside of the restaurant as well as outdoor seating on their front porch and patio and an amazing happy hour!
Delechaise
3442 St Charles Ave, New Orleans
Delechaise is mostly known as a neighborhood wine bar & bistro, but it’s also a great place to have a cocktail either in the cozy bar or on the patio overlooking Saint Charles Avenue.
Longway Tavern
719 Toulouse St, New Orleans
Longway Tavern is my favorite hidden gem in the French Quarter. It’s a restaurant in addition to a cocktail bar and the food is just as amazing as the atmosphere and cocktails. Their dark upscale pub vibe is perfect for a date night with your boo or babes.
Jewel of the South
1026 St Louis St, New Orleans
Jewel of the South is a French Quarter cocktail bar that made their debut about a year ago. It’s not surprising that the cocktail menu is one of the best in town as it’s helmed by one of the city’s most renowned bartenders, Chris Hannah. Since the pandemic began, they are not open for typical service, but are offering ticketed “cocktail hours” designed for groups between two and eight.
Bar Marilou
544 Carondelet St, New Orleans
Prepare to be transported to a Parisian speakeasy at Bar Marilou, hidden beside the new Maison De La Luz hotel. Their current Deux Fois Deux streamlined menu is a $45 tasting featuring two signature cocktails paired with two small plates.
