New Orleans best bars reach far beyond Bourbon street, though the city might be best known for the thoroughfare. Take a seat at one of these bars for an excellent drink and a great night out.
Best bars in New Orleans
How do these rankings work?
1. The Spotted Cat Music Club
At The Spotted Cat, people go for the local jazz and stay for the drinks, which are reasonably priced, cold and served up quickly. Expect music every night and an intimate, standing room-only setting. Don’t forget to bring cash, too.
2. Piscobar
Attached to a hotel, Piscobar focuses on making New Orleans-inspired cocktails and pisco-based drinks. A little of the old and a little of the new combine to present a trend-forward yet unique bar. Visit the rooftop terrace on cool nights.
3. French 75
Attached to Arnaud’s Restaurant, a classic Creole restaurant dating to 1918, French 75 is an Old New Orleans charmer with an excellent drink menu. Though there is not a dress code, don’t show up in jeans. Try the namesake drink.
4. Bacchanal Fine Wine&Spirits
Step through the ragged exterior of Bacchanal to find racks of wine, providing plenty of choices, to pair with globally-inspired small plates and cheeses. Take a seat in the charming garden at the back of the shop to sip while listening to musicians play.
5. Chart Room
For a true New Orleans classic, there is no other place that has endured more than Chart Room. Go to the dive for tall pours and the jukebox. But if you are looking for a little hair of the dog, order a Bloody Mary alongside their chicken and waffles.
6. The John
The John is another classic New Orleans dive with a killer jukebox. The main appeal apart from the air conditioning during the summer and the cheap drinks is that this place never closes. Don’t forget to bring cash, and definitely take a seat on one of the toilets that serves as a bar stool.
7. Twelve Mile Limit
This bar has everything drinkers could want. Though somewhat sleeker than a typical dive, this low-key bar serves up killer cocktails and offers a wide choice of comfort food. Enjoy a laid back drink over pool at this neighborhood haunt.
