The Warehouse District and CBD areas of New Orleans are very different from the rest of the city. The industrial neighborhoods appear to shut down after business hours, but there are many lively bars if you know where to look. The happy hour specials are particularly great here too!
10 Best CBD and Warehouse District Bars
1. Ohm Lounge
601 Tchoupitoulas St., (504) 285-2798
ohmlounge.com
This local club/bar/lounge is perhaps the most visually stunning on this list. With a distinctly vibrant, Japanese aesthetic, Ohm Lounge on Tchoupitoulas is unlike many others. The uniquely lit and decorated establishment features well-made cocktails and even better vibes.
Reserve a VIP table for an even better experience while you listen to live DJ's and an ever-revolving list of live musical acts. Once you start hearing that music bump, not a single person in the group will be left sitting. You'll be sure to get on your feet (once you're done your drink) and enjoy yourself there.
2. Lucy's Retired Surfers Bar & Restaurant
701 Tchoupitoulas St., (504) 523-8995
lucyssurf.com
Despite its name, Lucy's Retired Surfers Bar is open to all, not just those who know how to "hang ten." The spot is distinctly beach-themed and serves food on top their creative cocktails, including tacos and burgers, but especially coastal-inspired food. It's almost specifically engineered as an easily-accessible spot for a great night out with friends.
Guests should also check out the accompanying courtyard and the brand new second story balcony at Lucy's for a change of scenery. When it comes to drinks, Lucy's features several frozen varieties and beers on tap, as well its famous Shark Attack cocktail. As they bring that toy shark out, prepare for a scene straight out of Jaws in your drink!
3. The Peacock Room
501 Tchoupitoulas St., (504) 324-3073
peacockroomnola.com
Located within the Hotel Fontenot in New Orleans, the Peacock Room offers a fun and fanciful take on a cocktail bar, merging a traditional, New Orleans socialite flair with a modern twist. With a distinct supply of spirits and Southern delicacies on the menu, guests can enjoy themselves with class.
The Peacock Room features Brunch, Lunch, and Dinner specials throughout the week, while the bar is closed on Tuesdays. Make sure to check their calendar before visiting as well; the location sometimes features live musical performances at night for that perfect New Orleans late-night vibe.
4. The District
711 Tchoupitoulas St. (504) 301-1476
districtnola.com
The District is popular with locals who come out to watch Saints games on the massive screens. The happy hour deals from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. every weekday also make this a popular after-work spot.
The District's food menu specializes in flatbread pizzas, quesadillas, and sliders. Service industry workers love that the kitchen is open until 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
5. Ernst Café
600 S. Peters St., (504) 525-8544
ernstcafe.com
The Ernst Café is the oldest continually operating bar in the Warehouse District. The pub grub bar and restaurant has been serving since 1902!
You can choose to sit inside the historic restaurant or outside on the shaded patio or balcony. Try out Ernst Café's famous Gumbo Bowl with a Patton's Hot Sausage Patty Po-Boy over a long, leisurely lunch. It is recommended to wash it down with the Ernst Cup bourbon cocktail.
6. Chandelier Bar
2 Canal St., (504) 434-5100
fourseasons.com/neworleans
Located at the Four Seasons Hotel, the Chandelier Bar is a refined and more upscale venue for patrons still looking for an exciting drinking experience. The spot celebrates the rich history of New Orleans with variations on its famous cocktails and culture.
The Chandelier Martini, located at the Chandelier Bar, is considered by many to be the best in the U.S., but the location also features New Orleans mainstays like the Sazerac and more themed-cocktails. To accompany their drinks, guests can also order from a variety of shareable snacks on the menu, including an opulent Caviar service and perhaps even some beignets.
7. Vic's Kangaroo Café
636 Tchoupitoulas St., (504) 524-4329
facebook.com/vicskangaroocafe
A uniquely Australian neighborhood pub, Vic's Kangaroo Café on Tchoupitoulas features a slew of Australian wines and fare. The location is especially popular with nearby service workers recently done with their shift, owing to its relaxed and comfortable atmosphere.
The spot is famous for their pizza and, notably, their Shepherd's Pie, which offers a fun variation on typical late-night bar food. Stop by for a well-made cocktail, and watch any number of local games during happy hour on Monday through Friday from 4 to 7 p.m.
8. Barrel Proof
1201 Magazine St.
drinkbarrelproof.com
Barrel Proof on Magazine establishes the standard when it comes to a cozy bar experience in New Orleans. Dimly-lit and completely enclosed, the intimate atmosphere is perfect for enjoying a night of drinks with friends (or perhaps meeting new ones).
The location stopped counting available whiskeys after 390, making this spot perfect for a completely personalized cocktail, of which there are plenty. Order up an old fashioned or a margarita, then stop by one of the numerous food pop-ups available at the location, 7 days a week.
9. Rosie's on the Roof
1000 Magazine St., (504) 528-1941
higginshotelnola.com
Rosie's on the Roof is inspired by Rosie the Riveter, the World War II campaign poster that inspired women to join defense industries. Rosie's on the Roof is on the rooftop of the World War II Museum's Higgins Hotel.
While overlooking the museum's ever-growing campus, you can sip a made-for-two The Riveter cocktail with rum, bitters, and fruit juice served in a 40 ounce Thermos. Don't forget to order the Riveter Fries to go along with it.
10. Manning's Sports Bar & Grill
519 Fulton St., (504) 593-8118
caesars.com/caesars-new-orleans
Named for the famous Saint's player Archie Manning, who's the father of Peyton and Eli, Manning's offers patrons a dream sports bar experience. Located in Caesars New Orleans, this spot offers an easy escape to watch your favorite game on one of the many available TVs while drinking and enjoying great and familiar game-day food with a distinct Cajun twist.
Visit "Archie's Room" for a more intimate experience with your friends, or visit several other unique sections within Manning's. There's an outdoor courtyard for a more open-air vibe or guests can visit the Stadium Club, which features a wrap-around balcony and a display of Archie's personal memorabilia.
Perfect CBD/Warehouse District Bars in NOLA
So if you're out for the evening and have had dinner in one of NOLA's restaurants with great patios, get an after-dinner drink at one of the Warehouse District/CBD/s cool bars.
You don't even have to walk that far to find
one. Park your car on Poydras Street and walk around the CBD to the east or the
Warehouse District to the west. You never know where you'll discover!
