10 Best Bars in the French Quarter
The French Quarter is the pulsing soul of New Orleans nightlife. Whether you're a seasoned local or a wide-eyed visitor, the Quarter offers a bar scene that's as historic, eccentric, and unfiltered as the city itself.
1. Tropical Isle
Multiple Locations, (504) 529-4109
No trip to Bourbon Street is complete without a stop at Tropical Isle, home of the world-famous Hand Grenade—New Orleans' strongest drink. Known for its signature neon-green cocktail, this multi-level bar chain draws crowds to its various French Quarter locations.
Each spot offers live music, balcony views, and signature drinks such as the Shark Attack, Horny Gator, and Tropical Itch. The "Top of the Trop" balcony at 721 Bourbon overlooks St. Louis Cathedral and is available for private rentals during events including Mardi Gras and Halloween.
2. Boot Scootin' Rodeo
522 Bourbon St., (504) 552-2510
Boot Scootin' Rodeo brings the Wild West to the heart of the French Quarter with the largest oak dance floor on Bourbon Street. This two-story, country-themed bar is built for movement—line dancing, two-stepping, mechanical bull riding, and more.
The upstairs balcony offers prime Bourbon Street views, while the second-floor mechanical bull is one of the bar's biggest draws—rides run about $10 for two turns. There's also cornhole, giant Connect Four, beer pong, and plenty of room to move around.
3. Pat O'Brien's
718 St. Peter St., (504) 525‑4823
Since 1933, Pat O'Brien's has been a cornerstone of French Quarter nightlife and the original home of the world-famous Hurricane cocktail. Set inside a historic 18th-century building, the bar offers multiple spaces, including the lively main bar, a lush courtyard with a central fountain, and the legendary piano lounge that introduced the first dueling pianos to New Orleans.
The piano lounge hosts nightly shows, with audience-requested songs played on two baby grand pianos by rotating musicians. Seating is first-come, and guests are encouraged to send tips with their requests for a more interactive experience. In addition, Pat O'Brien's offers a full-service restaurant, take-home souvenir glasses, and private event spaces, including balcony rentals overlooking Bourbon Street.
4. MRB Bar & Kitchen
515 St. Philip St., (504) 524‑2558
MRB, standing for "Mississippi River Bottom," offers everything you could want in a French Quarter bar: strong drinks, spicy food, sports, and a courtyard escape. Open daily until 4 a.m., this casual hangout has a divey charm and one of the Quarter's best oyster grills, serving raw and chargrilled oysters, as well as the signature Oysters St. Philip.
The back kitchen also turns out standout gumbo with potato salad, Cajun pork rinds, crawfish mac, and a fried green tomato sandwich that regulars rave about. The drink menu leans affordable with $3 domestics, $9 specialty cocktails such as the Watermelon Smash, and $10 frozen drinks, along with daily happy hour specials from 11 a.m. to midnight.
5. Bourbon 'O'
730 Bourbon St., (504) 523-2222
Tucked into the Bourbon Orleans Hotel, just steps from Jackson Square, Bourbon 'O' is a stylish cocktail lounge offering a more refined escape from the typical Bourbon Street chaos. Known for its expertly shaken Six-Minute Ramos Gin Fizz and nightly live jazz, this classy bar draws hotel guests and locals alike with its low lighting, polished bartenders, and creative signature drinks, including the Devil's Advocate and Panic at the Pisco.
The drink menu is stacked with New Orleans classics, including the Sazerac, French 75, and Vieux Carré, alongside seasonal cocktails and a deep wine and beer list. The vibe stays mellow during the day, then turns lively at night when the band gets going and the couches and bar seats fill up fast.
6. High Grace
733 St. Peter St., (504) 218‑5649
Open around the clock, High Grace puts a fresh spin on the classic French Quarter dive. Located just off Bourbon Street, this 24-hour spot is known for its standout drinks, including the Lavender Lemonade—served frozen or on the rocks—and the tequila-based Trial by Fire.
Inside, guests will find a neon-lit bar with drink towers, loud music, and free popcorn served all day. The space includes a jukebox, large TVs, and occasional karaoke. High Grace's bartenders are known for quick service, drawing both locals and out-of-towners throughout the week.
7. Patrick's Bar Vin
730 Bienville St., (504) 200‑3180
Tucked inside Hotel Mazarin just off Bourbon Street, Patrick's Bar Vin is a wine-focused hideaway run by Belgian-born bon vivant Patrick van Hoorebeek. Named one of the top 10 wine bars in the U.S. by Gayot and Fox News, the bar draws locals, Krewe of Cork members, and travelers looking for a refined glass away from the party crowd. The courtyard offers quiet outdoor seating, while the interior is filled with personal touches and wine memorabilia.
The menu features a deep selection of wines by the glass and bottle, plus Belgian beers and house cocktails such as Patrick's Best-Kept Secret. PP Boy, a fountain modeled after Brussels' Manneken Pis, is dressed year-round in themed outfits and greets guests by the door.
8. Jewel of the South
1026 St. Louis St., (504) 265-8816
Located in a restored 1830s Creole cottage, Jewel of the South is a cocktail bar and restaurant run by James Beard Award winner Chris Hannah and Chef Philip Whitmarsh. The bar has been named one of the World's 50 Best and was recently awarded Best Bar in the South USA. The cocktail menu features both historic revivals and seasonal originals, including Hannah's signature Brandy Crusta and creative spins such as the Chili Mango Colada and Bologna Negroni.
The kitchen turns out high-end dishes, including foie gras pie, wagyu beef tongue, and crawfish raviolo, with a focus on unique cuts and rich flavors. There's also a "Casual Caviar" happy hour on Wednesdays. Guests can reserve seating inside the intimate dining room or out in the quiet courtyard. Walk-ins are welcome, but reservations are encouraged.
9. Carousel Bar
214 Royal St., (504) 523-3341
Located inside Hotel Monteleone, the Carousel Bar has been spinning since 1949 as the only rotating bar in New Orleans. The 25-seat counter slowly turns on steel rollers, completing a full circle every 15 minutes, while bartenders stay put in the center. The whimsical setup, inspired by a carnival carousel, draws tourists and cocktail enthusiasts from around the world.
The menu includes classics such as the Vieux Carré, originally invented there, as well as Pimm's Cups, Ramos Gin Fizzes, and Espresso Martinis. A second bar and lounge area offers more seating, and live music runs Thursday through Saturday. Guests under 21 aren't admitted after 6 p.m., and seating at the carousel is first-come, first-served.
10. Saddle Bar
715 Bienville St., (504) 313-1113
At the edge of the French Quarter, Saddle Bar mixes country grit with no-frills drinking and rowdy entertainment. The two-level saloon, which pours a steady flow of whiskey, beer, and colorful house shots, keeps the energy high with wall-to-wall country music.
Upstairs, you'll find the famous "cock ride," a full bar, beer pong, and balcony views of the Quarter. Downstairs, saddle barstools and license-plate walls set the scene for cold beer and Southern grit.
The Best Bars in the Heart of the Vieux Carré
From classic cocktail lounges to late-night dance halls, the French Quarter offers a bar for every mood and taste. These 10 spots represent some of the most distinct, reliable, and well-loved drinking destinations in the Vieux Carré. Each one brings its own flavor to the city's most iconic neighborhood.
