December 2 marks an important day for New Orleanians: National Bartender Day. This is also the perfect opportunity to get a cocktail while supporting a local business—and a local bartender. So mosey on over to these places to indulge in delicious cocktails. Don't forget to tip your bartender.
The hospitality industry is what keeps New Orleans running. And we wouldn't be able to enjoy our food and drinks without the great bartenders here in the city. Keep reading to find out the best places to grab a drink and tip your bartender for National Bartender Day.
Support Local Bartenders on National Bartender Day
1. Tropical Isle
Multiple Locations, (504) 523-1927
tropicalisle.com
Tropical Isle has multiple locations in the city, with most being on Bourbon Street. Tropical Isle is the originator of an iconic Bourbon Street drink, the Hand Grenade. Almost every location has a different theme, from a tropical getaway to the rodeo, but each serves Tropical Isle's trademarked drinks like the Hand Grenade, the Horny Gator, and the Tropical Itch.
2. The Jimani
141 Chartres St., (504) 524-0493
thejimani.com
The Jimani is a family-owned sports bar with plenty of drink options and food ranging from nachos to pizza. With over 60 beer options, both local and international, there's a drink for everyone here. The Jimani is a rare gem thanks to its extra late hours. Open from 11:30 a.m. to 4 a.m., even the kitchen stays open till close.
3. Sazerac House
101 Magazine St., (866) 729-3722
sazerachouse.com
Sazerac House is a distillery and museum focused on the evolution of bars and cocktails in New Orleans. Sazerac House offers special events and exclusive tastings run by talented bartenders. Throughout their tour of the building, guests can enjoy complimentary samples of the drinks made in-house. While not a traditional bar, this museum is great for lovers of a good cocktail and history alike.
4. Headquarters by Nice Guys NOLA
445 S Rampart St., (504) 217-6851
headquartersnola.com
Headquarters is a sibling location of Nice Guys NOLA and serves elevated versions of typical sports bar food, as well as Louisiana native dishes. Along with their food, Headquarters has tons of delicious cocktails, margaritas, shots, and even drink towers. It's unlikely that the bartenders can't make your drink of choice thanks to Headquarters' wide selection of liquor and mixers.
5. Public Belt
2 Poydras St., (504) 561-0500
hilton.com/en/hotels/msynhhh-hilton-new-orleans-riverside/dining
Public Belt is a piano bar in the Hilton Riverside named after the city's historic railroad. This beautifully decorated bar is cozy, luxurious, and a great place for an intimate drink. With high-quality liquor and classic New Orleans drinks like the Sazerac or specially crafted cocktails named after Storyville madames such as Lulu's Clever Hands, good times are to be had at Public Belt.
6. Boot Scootin' Rodeo
522 Bourbon St., (504) 552-2510
bootscootinnola.com
Boot Scootin' Rodeo is a country music bar with theming to boot. Have a seat in one of their saddle barstools and take a ride on the mechanical bull. Boot Scootin' Rodeo is Bourbon's original honky tonk and offers line dancing and plenty of whiskey.
7. The Jazz Playhouse
300 Bourbon St., 504-553-2299
thejazzplayhouse.com
The Jazz Playhouse is a bar inside The Royal Sonesta New Orleans hotel. This bar is in the heart of the French Quarter, so you'll get to experience the historic vibes of the French Quarter while stopping to get a drink and relax. Here, you can get a taste of the musical culture in New Orleans and listen to live jazz music by local artists. Enjoy some bites and cocktails, either jazz-inspired or a New Orleans classic with a twist.
8. Lots a Luck Tavern
203 Homedale St., (504) 483-0978
facebook.com/LotsaLuckNOLA
Lots a Luck Tavern is one of the best dives in the city, known almost exclusively among locals as a place for an affordable drink and a good time. Catch a game on one of their TVs, play a round of pool, or just sit back and relax. While it may not be one of the fanciest bar in the city, it has some of the most charm around.
9. Martine's Lounge
2347 Metairie Rd., Metairie, (504) 831-8637
facebook.com/martineslounge
Martine's Lounge has poker machines, pinball machines, and darts all in the atmosphere of a neighborhood bar. Martine's hosts trivia on Wednesdays and frequently serves different specialty cocktails. They also recently went smoke-free inside so everyone can enjoy sitting at the bar with their drink.
10. Le Bon Temps Roule
4801 Magazine St., (504)-897-3448
lbtrnola.com
Le Bon Temps Roule is a restaurant and bar known for having the best Bloody Marys in town. Open 24/7, the party never has to stop there. Most people think you have to be in the Quarter to get a drink at all hours of the night but Le Bon Temps Roule is right there on Magazine for all to enjoy.
Grab a drink and tip your bartender
Native New Orleanians love any reason to party. National Bartender Day is the perfect reason to go out and grab a drink. With plenty of bars in the city, there's no shortage of places to go support your local bartenders. Party with friends, but drink responsibly and don't forget to tip.
