Great Cocktails in the Big Easy
A go-to bar may be the staple you never knew you needed. Just think of every popular sit-com. The main character and company always have that one bar that they keep going back to, episode after episode. A place where, after a long day at work or a night out on the town, they can can sit back, order a round or two, and enjoy each other's company.
Those things are just as important in real life. Waiting for you in this list below are local New Orleans spots that might just be your new favorite spot for memories, laughs, and really, really great drinks.
1. Cure
4905 Freret St., (504) 302-2357
curenola.com
For a rustic yet sophisticated feel, Cure is your place. Their extensive cocktail menu makes them one of the most innovative bars in the city. Grab a seat and peruse a list of time-tested classics and original mixes. Standouts on Cure's summer seasonal menu include the Bangkok House Mai Tai and the Sunday with Memaw. Cure's hours are 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. from Sunday through Thursday and 3 p.m. to 12 a.m. on Friday and Saturday.
2. Jewel of the South
1026 St. Louis St., (504) 265-8816
jewelnola.com
Jewel of the South is living up to its name with cocktails that are each a gem in and of themselves. For drinks that will transport you to sandy beaches and blue skies, look no further than Jewel of the South's seasonal cocktail menu themed Santini at the Gate of the Tropics. Sip on a Sticky Rice Colada or a Starling Negroni for a fruity and refreshing experience. Jewel of the South is open for lunch Friday through Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and for dinner Wednesday through Monday from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.
3. Bar Tonique
820 N. Rampart St., (504) 324-6045
bartonique.com
Bar Tonique's casual neighborhood feel has made it a fan favorite for many years. They are committed to dependability, community, and good vibes. Rarely ever changing their menu or appearance, Bar Tonique is the neighborhood bar that is there for you whenever you're craving a relaxed atmosphere and a refreshing classic cocktail. The bar is open from 12 p.m. to 2 a.m. (or later) daily.
4. French 75 Bar
813 Bienville St., (504) 523-5433
arnaudsrestaurant.com
Located within Arnaud's Restaurant, French 75 Bar delves into New Orleans' French roots for an experience that is unmistakably classy. Offering handcrafted cocktails that feature the finest spirits and intentional ingredients, French 75 creates drinks that are as elegant as they are tasty. Try their namesake classic French 75 or unique cocktails such as the Empress or the Apple Fennel Cobbler. French 75 is open from 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sundays.
5. Sazerac Bar
130 Roosevelt Way, (504) 648-1200
therooseveltneworleans.com
Nestled in the historic Roosevelt Hotel, the Sazerac Bar has an inviting atmosphere perfect for guests of the hotel and walk-ins alike. Mahogany walls and warm lighting make the Sazerac Bar the perfect place to sit for hours and strike up conversations. The bar's namesake cocktail features Sazerac rye, Peychaud's, and Herbsaint. The Sazerac Bar is open from 4 p.m. to 12 a.m. Monday through Thursday, from 12 p.m. to 1 a.m. on Friday and Saturday, and from 12 p.m. to 12 a.m. on Sundays.
6. Bar R'evolution
777 Bienville St., (504) 553-2277
revolutionnola.com
Bar R'evolution is living up to its name with a cocktail menu that is wholly unique and, self-proclaimed, "spirit-forward." Bar R'evolution also features cocktails "From the Garden," which highlight the fresh, herbal tastes of summer. The bar is open from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Happy hour is daily from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
7. Nightbloom
3100 St. Claude Ave., (504) 459-2169
nightbloombar.com
If a late night cocktail is your thing, look no further than Nightbloom Bar. A neighborhood hub for simple yet delicious cocktails, Nightbloom is a quirky and casual spot perfect for weekdays and weekends. Whether you are rolling n before dinner or burning the midnight oil until close, Nightbloom has a cocktail for you! The bar's hours are 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. daily.
8. Hot Tin
2031 St. Charles Ave., (504) 323-1500
hottinbar.com
Hot Tin is perched atop the Pontchartrain Hotel with breathtaking views of downtown New Orleans and the Mississippi River. What better way to sip on a cocktail than with panoramic views of the Crescent City? Hot Tin's cocktail menu features innovative twists on classic drinks, such as the Pimm-Possible and the Sugarcane Old Fashioned. Hot Tin is open from 2 p.m. to 12 a.m. Sunday through Thursday and 2 p.m. to 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday.
9. Peacock Room
501 Tchoupitoulas St., (504) 324-3073
peacockroomnola.com
Bold in atmosphere and flavors, the Peacock Room offers an array of aviary-themed cocktails entitled the "Pride of the Flock." Standouts in this line of handcrafted drinks are the gin- and sherry-based Shoemakers and Hell Raisers and the vodka-based Flock This Way. The bar is open from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Monday and Wednesday, 4 p.m. to 12 a.m. on Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 12 a.m. on Saturdays, and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Sundays. The Peacock Room is closed on Tuesdays.
10. Bourbon "O" Bar
717 Orleans St., (855) 771-5214
bourbonorleans.com
Located in the Bourbon Orleans Hotel, Bourbon "O" Bar's intimate yet festive interior is the perfect match to its vibrant cocktails. The bar has menus dedicated to classic New Orleanian cocktails, as well as signature creations. Playful names, such as the Panic at the Pisco, are attributed to cocktails that are treats for the tastebuds. Bourbon "O" is open from 1 p.m. to 12 a.m. daily with live music from 4 p.m. on.
More Than a Cocktail
What makes New Orleans bars so special is not how delicious the drinks are (though they are pretty great) but the community you find within them. Though you don't have your own sit-com (I'm assuming?), you'll find that everybody can be the main character. You just need the right setting, the right company, and maybe a bit of liquid courage. I hope that on this list, you found yours.
