Everybody knows that New Orleans has some of the best bars—and most creative drinks—in the country. The infamous "Drive-Through Daiquiris," and huge, colorful, Hurricanes, there is always a new drink to try here in the Big Easy. Bourbon Street specifically, and the French Quarter broadly, are home to some of the most fun, and delicious, bars in the city.
10 Best French Quarter Bars
1. Tropical Isle
Multiple Locations
tropicalisle.com
Home of the "Hand Grenade," which is proclaimed to be New Orleans' most powerful drink, Tropical Isle is a great bar to stop at whether you are strolling the French Quarter or are spending an evening in New Orleans.
There are so many classic and famous drinks to try: Shark Attack, Cable Guy Bloody Mary, or Tropical Itch. Boasting live entertainment nightly across their multiple locations, there is always a reason to head down to Tropical Isle, grab a delicious cocktail, and listen to some great live music.
2. Pat O'Brien's
718 St. Peter St., (504) 525-4823
patobriens.com
A classic speakeasy turned business since 1933, Pat O'Briens boasts multiple bars to choose from. Consider drinking at the main bar or the outdoor patio with a gorgeous fountain and Louisiana foliage, as well as their Piano Lounge, which boasts unique ragtime style performances.
Hosting a large menu with fantastic options, Pat O'Briens serves classic New Orleans-style cocktails that can give you a taste of the Big Easy. Including the Hurricane, the Cyclone, the Cat-5 Margarita, and many more, there are plenty of options to choose from.
3. The Jimani
141 Chartres St., (504) 524-0493
thejimani.com
Since 1971, the Jimani has been a mix of casual and refined. Boasting a copper bar counter and a dozen tables, the Jimani's door is always open with people coming in and out. Serving over 100 different types of beer, it is a great place to have a drink with a friend or enjoy the Saints game!
Serving delicious food inlcuding their Jimmy J's Big Ass Nachos, Boudin Bites, and fun build-your-own burger, head on over and grab a good bite to eat. Known for their kind wait-staff and great ambience, the Jimani is ready to welcome you for a casual Friday night!
4. Bar Tonique
820 N. Rampart St.
bartonique.com
Bar Tonique provides guests a wonderfully cozy atmosphere with classic brick walls and their own fireplace. It became New Orleans' first free-standing craft cocktail bar after its opening in 2008.
The establishment prides itself on being a minority-owned business and strives to prioritize inclusivity and diversity in all they do. It's no wonder this bar has maintained such a safe, welcoming, and comfortable presence after all these years. Bar Tonique is open daily from 12 p.m. to 2 a.m., with hours sometimes running even later in the night. It is the perfect stop for anyone looking to try a new cocktail or looking to delve into their selection of carefully curated wine.
5. Bourbon O Bar
730 Bourbon St., (855) 771-5214
bourbonorleans.com
A truly vibrant New Orleans style bar, Bourbon O Bar is located right on Bourbon street and has a warm and inviting atmosphere. Candlelight and incredibly cozy, the Bourbon O Bar is friendly and easy going. With nightly live entertainment and historic charm, you'll be delighted stepping into this spot.
Serving a wide selection of drinks including the classic Louisiana Hurricane, Sazerac, and French 75, as well as light bites such as their artisan charcuterie board and truffle fries, the Bourbon O Bar is a great place to relax, unwind, and catch up with friends. It's moody and warm environment makes it the perfect bar to visit during the cooler months.
6. French 75 Bar
813 Bienville St., (504) 523-5433
arnaudsrestaurant.com
Proclaimed by Esquire Magazine to be one of the top five bars in the country, the French 75 Bar is a classic and authentic New Orleans cocktail bar. Boasting a rich history in a beautifully antiquated building, the bar was custom built in the late 1800s and encapsulates that vintage feeling. Mixing French and Louisiana style, it's ambience is unlike any other.
Theres not better place to try the iconic French 75 or another decadent cocktail from their impressive list, including the Makulu Makai, Guyaba Colada, and the St. Victoria—just to name a few. They also serve a delicious selection of treats from 5:30 p.m. until 10:00 p.m., like their soufflé potatoes, deviled eggs, and boudin wontons.
7. Molly's at the Market
1107 Decatur St., (504) 525-5169
facebook.com/mollysdecatur
Established in 1974, Molly's at the Market has a wide array of cocktails and beer selections for guests to try during their next bar crawl. Best known for their famous Frozen Irish Coffee, this bar is the perfect Irish pub for those looking for a more laid-back vibe.
Open every day from 10 a.m. to 6 a.m., there will always be a time to fit Molly's at the Market into your schedule.
8. Patrick's Bar Vin
730 Bienville St., (504) 200-3180
patricksbarvin.com
Patrick's Bar Vin offers an elegant yet comfy atmosphere, as well as a beautiful courtyard for guests to enjoy. This location has been named one of the top 10 wine bars in the country by both Gayot and Fox News.
They don't just provide a carefully curated selection of wine. Patrick's Bar Vin has a selection of beers and signature cocktails for guests to choose from. Wines served at the bar are also paired with small plates of food for guests to enjoy. With the perfect mixture of wine and delicious dishes, all served in an enjoyable atmosphere, Patrick's Bar Vin has rightfully become a top-notch establishment in the Crescent City.
9. The Dungeon
738 Toulouse St.
thedungeonneworleans.com
Mysterious and slightly eerie, The Dungeon opened in 1969 and has only been known by word of mouth. Built on classic rock and roll, the bar is allegedly haunted by a famous vampire. A two-story, gothic-style bar, The Dungeon is decorated with spooky items and will make you feel as though you stepped into a haunted house.
Their speciality drinks include the Witches Brew and Dragon's Blood. If your willing to enter this mysterious and somewhat spooky bar you won't be disappointed!
10. Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop Bar
941 Bourbon St., (504) 593-9761
lafittesblacksmithshop.com
Having been built between 1722 and 1732, Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop Bar is thought to be the oldest structure used as a bar in the United States. Named after legendary New Orleans hero Jean Lafitte, the culture of New Orleans is embedded in every aspect of Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop Bar.
Located at the heart of Bourbon Street, this bar provides guests with a true New Orleans experience. Whether you're a tourist or a long-time resident of the city, Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop Bar is a must-see.
A True French Quarter Bar Crawl Experience
Bar crawlin' and bar hoppin' is what we do best in New Orleans! Try one or try all of these bars on your walk through the French Quarter and experience some of the most famous drinks in the country.
