Here in the Big Easy, it's easy enough to walk down the street and find a picture perfect joint to get some good spirits with good company. There are lots of places to get delicious cocktails in New Orleans, but where do you go to find an upscale bar in New Orleans with a swanky atmosphere?
If you're on the hunt for our favorite upscale bars in New Orleans, here are our top 10 picks to get some swanky spirits in an elegant space.
The Best Upscale Bars in New Orleans
1. Bar Métier at the Maison Métier
544 Carondelet St., (504) 814-7720
barmetier.com
French infused Bar Métier is located in the Masion Métier hotel, near Lafayette Square in the French Quarter. This is probably one of the most beautifully interior-designed bars in the city. Every wall is red and is filled to the brim with books. It used to be a former library, so you can grab a book, a cocktail or coffee, and sit back and relax. Devour a small plate while you're at it.
Their délicieuse, creative cocktails are inspired by local herbal flavors, and they have locally roasted coffee too. They are open from Sunday to Thursday 4 p.m. to 12 a.m. as well as Fridays and Saturdays from 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. Join them for happy hour everyday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
2. Cure
4905 Freret St., (504) 302-2357
curenola.com
Are you a drink aficionado? Head to this chemistry-lab-of-a-bar for some sharp, crafty cocktails and drinks. This bar is qualified to have you, having won prestigious awards like "Best Cocktail Bars in the U.S." from Food & Wine and more.
Cure takes a different approach to classic cocktails, and they infuse creative flavors you might've never had before. Located on NOLA's hip and charming Freret Street, head over to Cure for a relaxed evening. Open Fridays and Saturdays from 3 p.m. to 12 a.m. and Sunday through Thursday from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.
3. Arnaud's French 75
813 Bienville St., (504) 523-5433
arnaudsrestaurant.com/bars/french-75
Arnaud's French 75 is imbedded with an elegant and classic New Orleans tone. "A true New Orleans Cocktail Bar" they claim, and rightfully so, since they use locally sourced ingredients and home-made syrups, drams, and liqueurs.
The bar was custom built in the late 1800s and is bursting with a vintage and fashioned spirit. Try their classic fixed cocktails, or their proud and premier cocktails. They have a beautiful list of French food as well including escargots en casserole, soufflé potatoes, marinated crab claws, and so much more.
4. The Carousel Bar & Lounge
214 Royal St., (504) 523-3341
hotelmonteleone.com
At the Carousel Bar & Lounge, guests are invited to take a spin where the whimsicality of a decades old tradition meets spirited modernity. This 25-seat rotating bar offers a healthy list of signature cocktails in a circus like atmosphere that's all grown up and includes live music.
Named one of Vogue's Top 20 Bars around the world, this more adult take on a nostalgic merry-go-round is an experience you can't miss. Consider ordering classic cocktails including the Vieux Carre and the Sazerac.
5. Effervescence
1036 N. Rampart St., (504) 509-7644
nolabubbles.com
Housed in a Victorian cottage dating back to the 1890s, this elegant sparkling wine lounge is a wonderful spot to sit back and celebrate the day to day. They even have a caviar bagel brunch on Sundays that is worth experiencing.
6. Bombay Club
830 Conti Street, (504) 577-2237
bombayclubneworleans.com
Bombay Club specializes in handcrafted cocktails, premium cigars, and local live music. Try their Royal Raspberry, Bonita Rose, or one of their many fruitful mocktails. They also have a stand-up menu with roasted pork belly tacos, pan-seared Gulf fish, shrimp & grits, and more.
The Bombay is a club that regularly hosts local performances and a full events calendar can be viewed online and on their social media page. The bar is open Wednesday to Sunday from 5 p.m. to 12 a.m. and happy hour is from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
7. The Sazerac Bar
130 Roosevelt Way, (504) 648-1200
therooseveltneworleans.com/dining
The Sazerac is New Orleans' official cocktail, and with a name like The Sazerac Bar, it's no surprise that this upscale lounge serves some of the best Sazeracs in the city.
With bars made of African walnut and walls covered by the work of Paul Ninas, stepping into the Sazerac Bar is like taking a trip back in time to classic, old school New Orleans. Hidden in the heart of the Roosevelt Hotel, the Sazerac Bar has been a spot for easy company, drinks, and conversation for decades, and they won't be stopping anytime soon. Open Friday to Sunday from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. and Monday to Thursday from 12 p.m. to 1 a.m.
8. Hot Tin
2031 St. Charles Ave., (504) 323-1500
hottinbar.com
Sitting on the roof of the Pontchartrain Hotel, Hot Tin is fun, young, and jumpy. With an intimate atmosphere and 270-degree view of the New Orleans' downtown skyline and the Mississippi River, Hot Tin is an absolute breath of fresh air where you can enjoy fun seasonal specialty cocktails or get your fix of some classics.
The interior takes inspiration from a 1940s artist space, complete with an emporium of curiosities from a unique past. Get up on the rooftop and soak up the glimmering city of New Orleans.
9. Jewel of the South
1026 St. Louis St., (504) 265-8816
jewelnola.com
With a passion for hospitality, Jewel of the South is an easy choice for one of the top 10 upscale bars in New Orleans, as well as in the United States. Complete with old brick walls and blue painted shutters, Jewel of the South is an ode to Southern architecture and a true hidden gem.
The cocktails flaunt a perfect pairing of seasonal flavors and ingredients with mastered techniques and a dedication to history and tradition, all in all making for an easy evening with good company in a swanky space. Go and experience what is considered by Eater to be one of the romantic restaurants in New Orleans.
10. Hermes Bar at Antoine's
713 St. Louis St., (504) 581-4422
antoines.com/hermes-bar
Part of the United States' oldest family run restaurant Antoine's, Hermes Bar keeps close to home with a true dedication to the history and traditions of the Crescent City.
Serving
up classic New Orleans cocktails, alongside a selection of wine and beer, Hermes Bar is a
vision to behold with a classic wood topped bar and tables, along with iconic
checkerboard flooring. The welcoming atmosphere makes for a great spot to relax with
good spirits and camaraderie while also enjoying the upscale character. Patrons can also catch live music on the weekends!
New Orleans' Upscale Bars to Enjoy
This list will get you started on some of our favorite NOLA upscale spots to stop in and sip a martini in your fancy clothes. When going to bars like these, it's better to experience them with other people. Consider any of these fantastic bars for a Valentine's date with your significant other, a friends' trip on the town, or even a treat for your parents on Mother's/Father's Day. Put visiting these upscale bars on your Nola Must-Do List.
Each of these places offer elegant settings with some of the most delicious cocktails you'll have in the entire city. Cheers!
