New Orleans is a city rich in history and culture. When we visit destinations, we love exploring unique bars and restaurants to experience the local scene. The more history, the better as far as we're concerned. During our recent visit to New Orleans, we explored 10 of the best bars in New Orleans French Quarter.
10 of the Best Bars in New Orleans French Quarter
Tony Seville's The Pirate's Alley Cafe and Old Absinthe House
The original pirate hangout in Pirate Alley in Vieux Carre New Orleans, next to the Faulkner House, is home an absinthe bar. Absinthe, the mystical elixir is known for the last 200 years for its stimulating effects on creativity and its aphrodisiac qualities, is served via traditional absinthe fountains at Tony Seville's.
Address: 622 Pirate Alley, New Orleans, LA 70116
The Old Absinthe House
When was the last time you had a drink in a 200-year-old bar in the historic French Quarter? Jean Lafitte’s The Old Absinthe House is an historic landmark that serves absinthe from traditional absinthe fountains in the building built in 1807 that was once an importing firm during the war of 1812. Legend has it that Andrew Jackson commanded pirate outlaw Jean Lafitte’s help from the second story of this very building and pardoned his wily band of comrades, which led to the defeat of the British forces in the War of 1812. The now-famous tavern was reopened in 2004 and features Jean Lafitte’s name as well as the original moniker The Old Absinthe House.
Address: 240 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70112
Carousel Bar and Lounge at the Hotel Monteleone
Having a drink at a bar that spins seems like a must when in NOLA! It doesn't spin fast, but this will be one of the most unique and elegant drinking experiences you’ll ever have! The Carousel Bar and Lounge at the Hotel Monteleone is a revolving bar built from an old carousel in 1949. Order yourself a cocktail and then listen to some jazz at the piano in the lounge that overlooks historic Royal Street in the NOLA French Quarter.
Address: 214 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70130
Dickie Brennan’s Bourbon House
Dickie Brennan’s Bourbon House is a hot spot and historic place for seafood (including a killer raw oyster bar) in NOLA. You need to try their famous Frozen Bourbon Milk Punch, a thick, creamy blend of milk, ice cream, and Old Forester Bourbon. They have an incredible bourbon cocktail menu and seafood dishes for every palate, and they are home to the New Orleans Bourbon Society (NOBS). This is a must visit for any bourbon drinker.
Address: 144 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70130
Erin Rose Bar
Irish Pub meets sports bar. Grab a Killer Poboy and a drink. They make a fantastic Frozen Irish Coffee; you won’t be able to stop at one.
Address: 811 Conti St, New Orleans, LA 70112
The Sazerac Bar at the Roosevelt Hotel
Grab a classic Sazerac at the landmark Roosevelt Hotel with its old world vibe and dark wood interior. If you love all things classic, this is for you.
Address: 130 Roosevelt Way, New Orleans, LA 70112
SoBu at the W Hotel
SoBu stands for South of Bourbon. While I highly recommend SoBu’s famous Burlesque Brunch: Legs and Eggs. SoBu features a Creole bar with fabulous eats and beverages.
Address: 310 Chartres St, New Orleans, LA 70130
Tujague's Restaurant
Tujague's Restaurant is the second oldest restaurant in New Orleans. Since 1865, Tujague's Restaurant has been serving brunch, cocktails, and other Louisiana delights (legend has it this is the home of brunch as well as the Grasshopper cocktail). Stop in for cocktails before your evening ghost tour.
Address: 823 Decatur St Corner of Madison and Decatur, New Orleans, LA 70116
Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop Bar
Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop Bar is one of the oldest bars in the country. This dimly lit post-and-beam bar has been around since the 1700s and purportedly the oldest building used as a bar in the U.S. The building was believed to be used as the base of operations for smuggling brothers Jean and Pierre Lafitte in the late 1700s.
Address: 941 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70116
1908 at Pythian Market
I love the diversity of options at the Pythian Market, including options breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, and most importantly cocktails at 1908.
Address: 234 Loyola Ave, New Orleans, LA 70112
Pisco Bar & Rooftop at Catahoula Hotel
Who doesn’t love a good rooftop bar on a hot summer’s night? The Pisco Bar & Rooftop at Catahoula Hotel is perfection for a refreshing Chilcano beverage with friends or after work.
Address: 914 Union St, New Orleans, LA 70112
Photo courtesy of the Hilton website
Where to stay in New Orleans
If you're looking for a great hotel in New Orleans near all the action, but not right on Bourbon Street, the Homewood Suites by Hilton New Orleans French Quarter is my recommendation. As a family travel blogger, we're big fans of the Homewood Suites brand of hotels (and Hilton brands in general).
Photo courtesy of the Hilton website
The Homewood Suites by Hilton New Orleans French Quarter hosted me during my recent stay in New Orleans and their location could not have been more perfect.
Photo courtesy of the Hilton website
This newer Homewood Suites property is located on the edge of the famous French Quarter, just steps away from Bourbon Street, Jackson Square, Superdome, and the Saenger Theater. The hotel features family-friendly rooms, wi-fi, free breakfast, fitness facilities, pools, full kitchens, and free evening dinner Monday through Thursday, as well and free happy hour drinks Monday through Thursday.
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One of these days, I’ll get to New Orleans (hopefully for Mardi Gras! This makes me more excited about that opportunity!