50 Best Cocktail Bars in New Orleans

“Bob Boudreau and I were in NOLA for 9 nights. Three of the nights we had reservations at other places with family. Our 1st night we looked up and found Jewel of the South. We loved it so much. we asked our nephew, his medical school advisor and his wife to join us. All three lived in NOLA and had never been here. All 5 of us would definitely go back in a heart beat. Great food. Great atmosphere. Great drinks. Great staff. GREAT ALL AROUND! FIVE STARS for Jewel of the South.“

“We were blown away on our first visit this morning!! Ryan is a talented mixologist in the bar creating beautiful, delicious and truly unique drinks. Our server Louis was incredibly charming and attentive, giving us excellent menu choices —as it was a hard decision. Every dish was a work of art—both in presentation and flavor. The whole experience was top-notch, and we can’t wait to come back!“

“Stumbled across this place while visiting and was one of my favorite restaurants! The drinks are absolutely amazing. Well balanced, fresh, and creative cocktails. Perfect interpretations of some New Orlean classics. The food was also perfection. Really complex flavors and some of the best plantains I’ve ever had. The website kind of undersells what they do. Really good vibe as well.“

“I don’t have a photo of it but the Kingston Lights was fabulous, so spicy and delicious!

Phenomenal cocktail selection, bartenders were knowledgeable but great service regardless of how hectic it was on a Sunday afternoon.“

“had an awesome experience. Logan and Ashley was great. whatever your paying them double it“

“I have been sending people to Bar Tonique for close to a year from my position as liquor vault manager at the Sazerac House. So many return to tell me what a great experience they had & to thank me for recommending it. I have left the position at Sazerac House & won't be sending any more from there, Good luck to all the craftsmen & women behind this truly wonderful place!“

“Really Great Holiday Decorations 🎼🌲💚❤️🎶“

“Fantastic Cuban food made fresh. Small menu, but it’s perfect, you don’t need more because what they have is yummy.“

“Attended our company holiday party at Arnaud’s and was blown away by the staff and even more so by the food. Everything and I mean everything was top shelf!!! 5stars plus all around“

“Had a solo dinner here tonight and received fantastic food and service. The beef fat griddled waygu and potato pave were sensational - pair it with the corn babies for an over the top experience. The bar was equally wonderful; the Autumn Oracle was especially noteworthy. Service was so loving and friendly; I lingered far longer than necessary just to savor and converse. If the persimmon ice cream is available, GET IT. PS — I see racists and homophobes have review-bombed these folks, so bring your queer dollars and support the family as they serve up amazing eats and inclusivity.“

“Fabulous cocktails. Gorgeous decor and delicious food. Polite professional staff and sumptuous seating. Need I say more ❤️ The “soleil” gin cocktail is divine 🙏🏻 Do it!“

“Excellent experience. Highly recommend. We tried almost half the menu, drinks and desserts included. Great all around.“

“We stopped by here during tales of the cocktail for a tasting event but we finally made it back by to try their regular cocktail menu and oh my god. It’s amazing. It’s small, you may walk right past it but DONT. It’s so worth the stop! Amy was an incredibly fun bartender, the live music was divine, and the cocktails were UNPARALLELED. I almost don’t want to rave too much about this place because I don’t want to not be able to get in, but I just can’t keep it to myself.“

“Absolutely Amazing! One of my favorite places“

“What an enchanting experience offering for a Sunday brunch. The decor-amazing. The menu-creative and flavorful.“

“I had a most enjoyable dining experience Lufa Nola this past Sunday. The food was delicious; the service was great & the atmosphere very serene & relaxing. I rate this restaurant & service as excellent with 5 stars. Therefore, I highly recommend it. Joyce D.“

“I DD’ed so I’m not sure on the atmosphere; and by the time food gets to you, it’s always a hit or miss… so, if it’s still good an hour later, that’s a win. Eggplant fries were well seasoned. Sweet potato fries were fresh. The shrimp po- boy was good, bread was fresh, just wish it had mayo or some kind of sauce. Side of lemon was a nice touch.“

“Excellent music, good (and cheap) drinks, chill and friendly atmosphere.“

“Best dive in New Orleans! A must visit when you come to the big easy!“

“Taylor was awesome knowledge about drinks and was perfect on suggestions when you told them your favorite flavors“

“Just wanted to say thanks David. We had a blast at your place. We caught the football 4th quarter, and had great cocktails. The staff member Anna was very friendly and did a A+ job shucking 3 dozen oysters that were perfectly done… clean and left the liquor in them. I was so pleased I tipped her $30 separate from the tip on the check / server. I just wished we lived there so we could return frequently. BIG Thank you for your hospitality. It was a highlight of our very awesome trip to NOLA.“

“Delicious espresso old fashioned!!“

“Visiting NOLA for the weekend with two children. We had brunch here before going to the zoo. The food was spectacular and the staff super friendly and helpful!“

“The Baseline: For a in hotel restaurant lounge it must have a good drink menu, excellent appetizers, and a stellar staff to bring out the experience.

Food: Just had drinks. The old fashion was well made and they are stiff drinks in New Orleans.

Service: Great service from the bartender. Fast and efficient.

Ambiance: Wow! The views are incredible and the feeling is relaxed which is a nice escape from the French Quarter.“

“Peychauds is one of my favorite places in the quarter! The bartender, V (from Montenegro), is simply amazing! He is incredibly friendly, makes you feel welcome immediately and makes great cocktails!“

“Great neighborhood bar to hang out“

“Amazing food , staff and ambiance.“

“From the amazing food. Awesome decor and A+++ from the staff. All around great experience will be back when in New Orleans. A must visit when in town. The fried bologna sandwich is probably the best sandwich I have ever had.“

“Bartenders are awesome!! Especially to out of town customers. They make you feel like one of the regulars, like a resident. Absolutely one of the best customer service I've ever had.“

“Had a stellar evening here after coming based on recommendations.

We arrived at happy hour time and chose to sit at the bar despite open tables (a great choice!). We were lucky enough to be sitting across from bartender Liz K, who was world-class.

She was able to make detailed, tailored recommendations based on our cocktail preferences and we were delighted by our drinks (we shared a total of 5). Standouts included the Fun Fact and the Mississippi Cup. She also helped us select some delicious bar bites, including the Chicken Liver Pate which was unbelievably delectable.

If you are a cocktail enthusiast looking for a large, exceptional menu, fresh ingredients, experienced and friendly bar staff, and delicious food in an upscale, intimate atmosphere - this is the spot for you!“

“My co-worker took me here, first time for me. I will say I felt comfortable and was treated with much love and respect from the patrons as well as the owner! The owner is an incredible person and gives back to his community! Very nice, strong daiquiris and excellent vibe. Thank you, Mr. Love for the introduction. It was an absolutely great time!“

“We did the Drink Lab cocktail making class upstairs first and it was AMAZING and worth the money! The history and education that are included with the class are A1. We had such a great time during the class that we spent the rest of the evening downstairs at Baroness of Baronne. All of the food, drinks, shots (gas mask shot) were great! GO!“

“An extraordinary dining experience……..take your time and enjoy!😉“

“Had a great time there. Staff is welcoming and friendly 👍“

“Great atmosphere and drinks. The DJ was amazing and music was on point.“

“Open for Christmas drinks! We stopped in for some birthday drinks! Not a bad place at all. Bartender was sweet and shared some deviled eggs!“

“IN MEMORY OF SOMEBODY SPECIAL !!!“

“Place is really cool! I've never had Sochu or Sake before and our bartender Fernando was really cool, he explained different drinks flavors very well. Aesthetically pleasing place as well. The bathroom is weird but cool with all the cats.“

“We came across this spot to grab a quick drink before bourbon st. We ended up coming back for 3 straight days and spent majority of our time at this bar. This is a spot that won’t ever make the top bars of New Orleans list but if you want to come and get a real, authentic New Orleans experience with people from here then this is the spot to go to. Julie, the bartender was so amazing. One of the sweetest, kindest people I’ve ever come across in my life. Her sister Stella hangs out there too and is just as incredible. The crowd of regulars was so incredibly friendly. Some of the kindest people you’ll ever find. Julie even cooked us up 2 home cooked meals served fresh right at the bar. Best meals we had on the whole trip. I promise go here for the food!!!!! Julie/Stella we love yall so much! Thank you for such an amazing time and being so welcoming. Love Kyle and the Boston Boys!“

“The guy there (I think he was the owner.. at least he talked like he was. Either that or he's been there a long time) was really cool and fun to talk to. He told me that they put voodoo on the daiquiris and that I'll be back for sure lol.“

“Superb happy hour and appetizers! And barkeeps!“

“I do indeed like this little hotel bar.

I’ve been wanting to visit and tonight was the night it finally happened.

Upon walking in, I noticed this spot is an actual lounge. There are board games, tv’s , a pool table— I love that vibe. Stopping in on a Friday I knew jt would be slow as Fridays in the city can be slow at hotel bars, everyone who is in town is most likely on Bourbon or other parts the city and not the bar at their hotel. I can’t remember the bar tenders name but he was kind and friendly. Although the drink I wanted to order couldn’t be made due to out of stock ingredients, I enjoyed two glasses of champagne.

Service, great!
Food, I can’t judge because the kitchen was closed.
Location, perfect.. CBD, two blocks away from Bourbon.

I can’t wait to go back next week to try the drink I have my eyes on.“

“We did the Drink Lab cocktail making class upstairs first and it was AMAZING and worth the money! The history and education that are included with the class are A1. We had such a great time during the class that we spent the rest of the evening downstairs at Baroness of Baronne. All of the food, drinks, shots (gas mask shot) were great! GO!“

“I love the chalmette location everyone is so nice every time!!!“

“Good drinks in a good atmosphere!!!“

“We had dinner here last night. The atmosphere is lovely and the food is wonderful. We ordered the 4 course dinner and each plate that came out was fabulous. The cocktails were great too and the service can't be beat. 5 stars!“

“Beautiful historic hotel within walking distance of Bourbon Street. Very friendly and helpful staff. Very lovely!“

“Absolutely amazing great food service and hookah’s. This place literally don’t miss. Came here on Mother’s Day with my kids we all ordered something different and taste each others food and when I say everything was sooo flavorful ? I’ve been back numerous times since. Again this place is a MUST VISIT.“