Having a too-hot day in Louisiana? So are we. What better way to beat the heat and humidity than in the city that is considered the birthplace of cocktails? Whether it be NOLA classics like Sazeracs or Hurricanes or the multitude of frozen drinks around, New Orleanians know where to go for happy hour to stay cool and refreshed.
Here's our list of the 10 best places to spend happy hour in New Orleans, where you can beat the heat with some spectacular deals.
10 Best New Orleans Happy Hours
1. A Tavola
3413 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, LA, (504) 577-2235
atavo.la
Metairie's A Tavola restaurant is an Italian restaurant that will get you saying ti amo to every stranger next to you. Their happy hour specials are truly lovely, with martinis and meatballs for just $9.
With deals lasting from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. every day of the week, these $6 cocktails will keep you coming back. Their Salute Wednesdays include $7 and $8 cocktails including a Paloma and an Old Fashioned. Don't miss out on these sweet and tasty deals.
2. Pizza Domenica
Multiple Locations
pizzadomenica.com
You've had Pizza Domenica before, and you love it and wish to go back to it. If you've never been, then there's no better time to go and try it than during happy hour. This pizza's got moxie and the drinks do too.
Balling on a budget? Well enjoy pizza, beer, and wine all at 50% off Monday to Friday at 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Pizza Dominca is a charmer for locals and has to-die-for pizzas with an array of crusts to choose from. Good news, there's one near you! You can find locations in Uptown, Lakeview, and Mid-City.
3. Meril
424 Girod St., (504) 526-3745
bemeril.com
Cocktails, local beers, and dishes jam packed with flavor, Meril is the place to be happy for an hour or two. This Emeril Lagasse restaurant's happy hour is Monday to Thursday from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Friday to Sunday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Try their vast menu of fresh seafood, pastas, and long list of wines and draft. This seafood restaurant is a staple in New Orleans, so as they say, "eat, drink and be meril."
4. Bombay Club
830 Conti St., (504) 577-2237
bombayclubneworleans.com
Did someone say Bombay? This French Quarter classic should be frequented at any hour, but it's at its best from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesdays through Sundays when happy hour deals are in full swing.
Grab a glass of wine for just $4 or sip on a signature cocktail for $5. But whatever you do, don't miss out on the naan tacos or the gorgeous courtyard seating. These specials are sure to help you start out on the right foot for a night downtown, all without breaking the budget. You definitely want to be there.
5. Cure
4905 Freret St., (504) 302-2357
curenola.com
Nothing cures the summer heat quite like happy hour. Located on Freret Street in Uptown, Cure has just the solution for you everyday of the week.
This intimate and cozy spot, which offers both indoor and outdoor seating, boasts $8 craft cocktails, wines, beer, and a shot for those who stop by when the timing is right. Small bites and seasonal cocktails are also available for those who want to enjoy some treats off the happy hour menu.
6. Luke
333 St. Charles Ave., (504) 378-2840
lukeneworleans.com
This stunning St. Charles spot hosts one of the best happy hours the city has to offer—especially for fans of sea fare.
Every day from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., Luke serves up $1.50 raw bar oysters and a half-dozen fried oysters for $12. If that wasn't already enough, specialty cocktails, wine, and beer all go to half-price when it's happy hour. It doesn't get much better—or cheaper—than that.
7. Hermes Bar
713 St. Louis St., (504) 581-4422
antoines.com/hermes-bar
This Antoine's-associated French Quarter favorite is an absolute New Orleans classic offering some of the best drinks in the city, as well as some of the best happy hour deals.
Monday to Friday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., the Hermes Bar serves up speciality discounted cocktails, wine, and beer, and bar bites from one of the best kitchens in the city. With all that and some old-fashioned NOLA charm, this place will always have you coming back for more and paying less. Don't forget to try the Hermes Bar Street Cocktail while you're there.
8. Mister Oso
601 Tchoupitoulas St., (504) 335-1740
misterosonola.com
Led by owner and executive chef Blake Edmunds, Mister Oso brings the deliciousness of a Latin kitchen to NOLA's Warehouse District. This spot has a great ambience and is perfect for bringing your closest friends there to hang out.
Come over from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. everyday, except Wednesdays, to experience Mister Oso's delicious happy hour deals, including $6 Frito pie and mini guacamole. They even offer a late night happy hour!
9. The Vintage
3121 Magazine St., (504) 324-7144
thevintagenola.com
Nothing better than a happy hour that kicks off at 8 a.m. Every day, The Vintage on Magazine Street opens up with discounted drink specials from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., before going on happy hour hiatus until 3 p.m., when booze and bites go on sale until 6 p.m.
It's a lot to remember, but it's well worth the brain space. The craft cocktails, seasonal signatures, and irresistible small bites here are sure to put a smile on your face. Guess it's a happy hour after all.
10. Effervescence
1036 N. Rampart St., (504) 509-7644
nolabubbles.com
Bubbles and bites at a discounted price! Effervescence is the spot for just that, every Friday and Saturday from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. and Thursdays from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Though the hour be but short, it is fierce—offering $9 Aperol Spritz and high-end champagne bottles for just $60.
With
sleek and stunning indoor seating, as well as outdoor options for summer
afternoons, there aren't many places better to spend a New Orleans happy hour.
The Best Drink Deals in New Orleans to Keep Everyone Happy
New Orleans is a city that does its best to cater itself to people and allow everyone to have a great time while here. The best way to ensure people will have a good time is to provide them with great tasting drinks at a reasonable price. Luckily, the Crescent City is just the place for that.
The next time you're out and about in New Orleans after lunch and/or before supper, head out to any of these fine establishments and get some of the best NOLA happy hour experiences in the city.