The Best Upscale Bars in New Orleans
New Orleans may be famous for its lively nightlife, but the city's bar scene goes far beyond frozen drinks and crowded Bourbon Street spots. Throughout the city, upscale bars offer carefully crafted cocktails, impressive wine and spirits selections, historic settings, and some of the best views in New Orleans.
Whether you're looking for a date-night destination, a pre-dinner cocktail, or somewhere to enjoy a nightcap, these 10 upscale New Orleans bars are worth a visit.
1. Cure
4905 Freret St., (504) 302-2357
Cure has helped shape New Orleans' modern craft cocktail scene since opening on Freret Street in 2009. The James Beard Award-winning bar focuses on classic cocktails alongside creative takes on familiar favorites, with seasonal selections and zero-proof drinks also available. Its stylish indoor space and outdoor courtyard make Cure a fitting choice for date nights, pre-dinner drinks, or an evening centered around cocktails.
2. Peacock Room
501 Tchoupitoulas St., (504) 324-3073
Located inside the Kimpton Hotel Fontenot, the Peacock Room combines an upscale cocktail bar with a colorful and playful atmosphere. Bold patterns, rich textures, and peacock-inspired décor give the space its distinctive look, while the menu offers cocktails alongside Southern-inspired dishes and shareable plates. The room becomes moodier as the evening goes on, making it an especially good stop for cocktails or a stylish night out.
3. Arnaud's French 75 Bar
813 Bienville St., (504) 523-5433
Tucked inside the historic Arnaud's Restaurant, the French 75 Bar brings an old-school New Orleans feel to an upscale cocktail experience. Its namesake French 75 combines Cognac, sugar, lemon juice, and Champagne, while the menu also includes classics such as the Sazerac and Vieux Carré. The late-1800s vintage bar and polished atmosphere make it an ideal stop before dinner or for anyone wanting to experience the city's cocktail history.
4. The Carousel Bar & Lounge
214 Royal St., (504) 681-4444
The Carousel Bar & Lounge inside Hotel Monteleone has been spinning since 1949, completing a full rotation about every 15 minutes. Guests can enjoy classic and craft cocktails while seated at the famous revolving bar or throughout the surrounding lounge, which also hosts live music seven nights a week. Try the Vieux Carré, the hotel's signature cocktail, while taking in one of the French Quarter's most recognizable bar experiences.
5. Polo Lounge
300 Gravier St., (504) 523-6000
The Polo Club at The Windsor Court offers a more traditional take on an upscale New Orleans lounge. Located on the hotel's second floor, the space is inspired by a private English club with dark wood, soft leather furnishings, and an extensive selection of spirits, including one of the city's largest Cognac collections. Classic cocktails, elevated pub fare, and live local jazz make it a relaxing spot for a pre-dinner drink or nightcap.
6. Patrick's Bar Vin
730 Bienville St., (504) 200-3180
Wine takes center stage at Patrick's Bar Vin, a cozy French Quarter bar tucked inside Hotel Mazarin. The bar offers an extensive wine selection along with Belgian beers and signature cocktails, while its private courtyards provide a quieter escape from nearby Bourbon Street. The relaxed but elegant atmosphere has made it a favorite among wine lovers and earned it Where Y'at's 2026 Best of the Big Easy title for Best Place to Drink Wine in New Orleans.
7. Sazerac Bar
130 Roosevelt Way, (504) 648-1200
Located inside The Roosevelt New Orleans, the Sazerac Bar pairs cocktail history with the elegance of one of the city's best-known hotels. Visitors can sit along its African walnut bar beneath murals by artist Paul Ninas while enjoying its signature Sazerac, made with rye whiskey, Peychaud's Bitters, and Herbsaint. The menu also features other classics, seasonal cocktails, fine wines, and rare Cognacs for those looking to try something beyond its namesake drink.
8. Hot Tin
2031 St. Charles Ave., (504) 323-1500
Sitting atop the Pontchartrain Hotel, Hot Tin combines craft cocktails with panoramic views of downtown New Orleans and the Mississippi River. The rooftop bar was designed after a 1940s artist's loft, with an eclectic interior, comfortable lounge seating, and outdoor terraces overlooking the city. Grab a cocktail and head outside around sunset for one of the most memorable views along St. Charles Avenue.
9. Jewel of the South
1026 St. Louis St., (504) 265-8816
Jewel of the South brings creative cocktails and upscale dining together inside a historic French Quarter setting. Its cocktail program mixes classic techniques with seasonal flavors, with drinks such as the Brandy Crusta and Jewel Sazerac appearing alongside more inventive creations. The bar has earned both a James Beard Award for Outstanding Bar and recognition as one of the World's 50 Best Bars, making it a standout destination for serious cocktail fans.
10. Hermes Bar at Antoine's
725 St. Louis St., (504) 581-4422
Part of the historic Antoine's Restaurant, Hermes Bar offers an elegant French Quarter setting for cocktails before or after a meal. The bar provides visitors with a more casual way to experience the atmosphere of one of New Orleans' oldest restaurants while still enjoying the restaurant's classic style and hospitality. Its St. Louis Street location also makes Hermes Bar an easy stop during an evening in the French Quarter.
