Quick answer
New Orleans cocktail bars range from $10-$24, with Jewel of the South being a top recommendation for its refined Sazerac. The best time to visit is during the shoulder seasons (October–November and March–April, excluding festivals) for pleasant weather and manageable crowds. New Orleans invented cocktail culture, and its drinking scene has only gotten better, with a new wave of craft cocktail bars joining the historic legends.
- Best overall
- Jewel of the South
- Top pick
- Jewel of the South
Top verdicts
- Jewel of the South: The consensus best cocktail bar in New Orleans.
- Cure: The bar that kicked off New Orleans' modern craft cocktail movement.
- Cane & Table: Old Havana meets the French Quarter.
New Orleans didn't just adopt cocktail culture — it invented it. The Sazerac, the Ramos Gin Fizz, the Vieux Carré, the Hurricane — all born here. And the city's drinking scene has only gotten better, with a new wave of craft cocktail bars joining the historic legends.
Area map
1. Jewel of the South
All 12 spots at a glance
| # | Name | Style | Price | Area |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jewel of the South | North America's 50 Best Bars | $15–$22 per cocktail | 1026 St Louis St, New Orleans, LA 70112 |
| 2 | Cure | Pioneering Craft Cocktails | $14–$20 per cocktail | 4905 Freret St, New Orleans, LA 70115 |
| 3 | Cane & Table | Rum-Forward | $12–$18 per cocktail | 1113 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70116 |
| 4 | The Carousel Bar & Lounge | Historic Landmark | $15–$20 per cocktail | 214 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70130 |
| 5 | French 75 Bar | James Beard Award | $16–$24 per cocktail | 813 Bienville St, New Orleans, LA 70112 |
| 6 | The Sazerac Bar | Historic Hotel Bar | $16–$22 per cocktail | 130 Roosevelt Way, New Orleans, LA 70130 |
| 7 | Beachbum Berry's Latitude 29 | Tiki / Tropical | $14–$18 per cocktail | 321 N Peters St, New Orleans, LA 70130 |
| 8 | Bar Tonique | Neighborhood Craft Bar | $10–$16 per cocktail | 820 N Rampart St, New Orleans, LA 70116 |
| 9 | Manolito | Cuban-Inspired | $12–$18 per cocktail | 508 Dumaine St, New Orleans, LA 70116 |
| 10 | Loa Bar | Boutique Hotel Bar | $14–$20 per cocktail | 221 Camp St, New Orleans, LA 70130 |
| 11 | Revel Café & Bar | Women-Owned Gem | $12–$18 per cocktail | 133 N Carrollton Ave, New Orleans, LA 70119 |
| 12 | Sazerac House | Museum / Free Tastings | $12–$18 | 101 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70130 |
1Jewel of the South
North America's 50 Best Bars
Verdict: The consensus best cocktail bar in New Orleans.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- North America's 50 Best Bars in 1026 St Louis St, New Orleans, LA 70112
- Strengths
- Known for North America's 50 Best Bars · 1026 St Louis St, New Orleans, LA 70112
- Price / value
- $15–$22 per cocktail
- Why it made the list
- The consensus best cocktail bar in New Orleans. Chris Hannah — a Southern cocktail pioneer — built this as a temple to NOLA drinking culture, and Reddit agrees it's the real deal.
- What to order
- The Sazerac — Chris Hannah's version is considered the finest in the city, made with house-blended rye, Peychaud's bitters, and a perfect absinthe rinse. Also try the Brandy Crusta, the obscure 1850s cocktail Hannah helped revive.
🕐 Opening hours
Mon5 PM–12 AM
Tue5 PM–12 AM
Wed5 PM–12 AM
Thu5 PM–12 AM
Fri5 PM–1 AM
Sat11 AM–1 AM
Sun11 AM–12 AM
“This is the finest Sazerac in New Orleans and one of the best cocktails anywhere.”
— Editor's note
“Jewel of the South, hands down. Chris Hannah is a legend and the cocktails are impeccable.”
— Editor's note
2Cure
Pioneering Craft Cocktails
Verdict: The bar that kicked off New Orleans' modern craft cocktail movement.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Pioneering Craft Cocktails in 4905 Freret St, New Orleans, LA 70115
- Strengths
- Known for Pioneering Craft Cocktails · 4905 Freret St, New Orleans, LA 70115
- Price / value
- $14–$20 per cocktail
- Why it made the list
- The bar that kicked off New Orleans' modern craft cocktail movement. A converted firehouse on Freret Street that proved NOLA could do more than Hurricanes and Hand Grenades.
- What to order
- The seasonal menu rotates, but Cure's bartenders excel at spirit-forward classics with a twist. Ask for their take on an Old Fashioned or let the bartender choose — they're exceptionally good at reading preferences.
🕐 Opening hours
Mon5 PM–12 AM
Tue5 PM–12 AM
Wed5 PM–12 AM
Thu5 PM–12 AM
Fri5 PM–2 AM
Sat5 PM–2 AM
Sun5 PM–12 AM
“Cure is the bar that started the craft cocktail revolution in New Orleans. Still one of the best.”
— Editor's note
“For high-end cocktails, definitely Cure. The whole Freret Street corridor has great bars now.”
— Editor's note
3Cane & Table
Rum-Forward
Verdict: Old Havana meets the French Quarter.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Rum-Forward in 1113 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70116
- Strengths
- Known for Rum-Forward · 1113 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70116
- Price / value
- $12–$18 per cocktail
- Why it made the list
- Old Havana meets the French Quarter. Cane & Table's rum-forward cocktail program is one of the most distinctive in the city — equal parts colonial romance and serious mixology.
- What to order
- The Jamaica Queens — a rum-based stunner that's been on the menu since day one. Their daiquiri variations are outstanding. Pair cocktails with the empanadas or the Cuban sandwich.
🕐 Opening hours
Mon4 PM–12 AM
Tue4 PM–12 AM
Wed4 PM–12 AM
Thu4 PM–12 AM
Fri4 PM–2 AM
Sat11 AM–2 AM
Sun11 AM–12 AM
“Cane & Table is an actual excellent cocktail bar that is not a tourist trap.”
— Editor's note
“The Jamaica Queens I had at Cane & Table was incredible. Rum-forward cocktails done right.”
— Editor's note
4The Carousel Bar & Lounge
Historic Landmark
Verdict: The most iconic bar in New Orleans.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Historic Landmark in 214 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70130
- Strengths
- Known for Historic Landmark · 214 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70130
- Price / value
- $15–$20 per cocktail
- Why it made the list
- The most iconic bar in New Orleans. A 25-seat revolving carousel inside the Hotel Monteleone that's been spinning since 1949. Touristy? Sure. But the cocktails are legit and the experience is unforgettable.
- What to order
- The Vieux Carré — this is allegedly where it was invented. Also try a Sazerac or Ramos Gin Fizz for the full New Orleans classics experience. Sit at the actual rotating carousel bar.
🕐 Opening hours
Mon11 AM–12 AM
Tue11 AM–12 AM
Wed11 AM–12 AM
Thu11 AM–12 AM
Fri11 AM–1 AM
Sat11 AM–1 AM
Sun11 AM–12 AM
“The Carousel Bar at Monteleone is never to be underestimated. Iconic.”
— Editor's note
“For New Orleans history: Carousel Bar — alleged home of the Vieux Carré.”
— Editor's note
5French 75 Bar
James Beard Award
Verdict: James Beard Outstanding Bar winner inside one of New Orleans' oldest Creole restaurants.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- James Beard Award in 813 Bienville St, New Orleans, LA 70112
- Strengths
- Known for James Beard Award · 813 Bienville St, New Orleans, LA 70112
- Price / value
- $16–$24 per cocktail
- Why it made the list
- James Beard Outstanding Bar winner inside one of New Orleans' oldest Creole restaurants. Tin ceilings, live jazz, and cognac-based French 75s make this the most elegant cocktail experience in the city.
- What to order
- The namesake French 75 — cognac-based, not gin, as New Orleans tradition demands. Their Ramos Gin Fizz is exceptional, shaken for a full 12 minutes by hand.
🕐 Opening hours
Mon5:30 PM–10 PM
Tue5:30 PM–10 PM
Wed5:30 PM–10 PM
Thu5:30 PM–10 PM
Fri5:30 PM–11 PM
Sat5:30 PM–11 PM
Sun10 AM–2 PM, 5:30–10 PM
“French 75 Bar takes home James Beard Outstanding Bar Award. Deservedly.”
— Editor's note
“For classic New Orleans, either Sazerac Bar, French 75, or Carousel Bar.”
— Editor's note
6The Sazerac Bar
Historic Hotel Bar
Verdict: The most glamorous bar in New Orleans.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Historic Hotel Bar in 130 Roosevelt Way, New Orleans, LA 70130
- Strengths
- Known for Historic Hotel Bar · 130 Roosevelt Way, New Orleans, LA 70130
- Price / value
- $16–$22 per cocktail
- Why it made the list
- The most glamorous bar in New Orleans. Art Deco perfection inside the grand Roosevelt Hotel — where Huey Long held court and the Ramos Gin Fizz was once shaken by a team of 35 bartenders.
- What to order
- The Sazerac — made with Sazerac rye whiskey, Peychaud's bitters, sugar, and an absinthe-rinsed glass. This is the bar named after the cocktail (or the cocktail named after the bar).
🕐 Opening hours
Mon6 PM–12 AM
Tue6 PM–12 AM
Wed6 PM–12 AM
Thu6 PM–12 AM
Fri12 PM–1 AM
Sat12 PM–1 AM
Sun12 PM–12 AM
“The Sazerac Bar in the Roosevelt Hotel — the art deco room alone is worth the visit.”
— Editor's note
“Sazerac Bar is stunning. Old-world glamour, plush banquettes, and a drink that lives up to the name.”
— Editor's note
7Beachbum Berry's Latitude 29
Tiki / Tropical
Verdict: The world's foremost tiki historian opened his own bar in NOLA and it's exactly as good as you'd hope.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Tiki / Tropical in 321 N Peters St, New Orleans, LA 70130
- Strengths
- Known for Tiki / Tropical · 321 N Peters St, New Orleans, LA 70130
- Price / value
- $14–$18 per cocktail
- Why it made the list
- The world's foremost tiki historian opened his own bar in NOLA and it's exactly as good as you'd hope. Historically accurate tropical cocktails in a space that avoids cheesy tiki clichés.
- What to order
- The Missionary's Downfall — blended with fresh mint, peach, lime, and rum. Or the Navy Grog, a three-rum powerhouse excavated from lost tiki history.
🕐 Opening hours
Mon11 AM–10 PM
Tue11 AM–10 PM
Wed11 AM–10 PM
Thu11 AM–10 PM
Fri11 AM–11 PM
Sat10 AM–11 PM
Sun10 AM–10 PM
“Latitude 29 is a must. Beachbum Berry literally wrote the book on tiki cocktails and this is his bar.”
— Editor's note
“Latitude 29 — pretty drinks, and the food is genuinely good too, not just bar snacks.”
— Editor's note
8Bar Tonique
Neighborhood Craft Bar
Verdict: The bar industry's bar.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Neighborhood Craft Bar in 820 N Rampart St, New Orleans, LA 70116
- Strengths
- Known for Neighborhood Craft Bar · 820 N Rampart St, New Orleans, LA 70116
- Price / value
- $10–$16 per cocktail
- Why it made the list
- The bar industry's bar. Where NOLA bartenders drink on their nights off. No-frills brick interior, fireplace, housemade everything, and cocktails that punch way above the price point.
- What to order
- Whatever the bartender recommends — Bar Tonique's staff are among the most knowledgeable in the city. Housemade ingredients elevate everything. The Last Word is a reliable standout.
🕐 Opening hours
Mon4 PM–2 AM
Tue4 PM–2 AM
Wed4 PM–2 AM
Thu4 PM–2 AM
Fri2 PM–3 AM
Sat2 PM–3 AM
Sun2 PM–2 AM
🌐 Website
“Bar Tonique was so fun! Found it randomly on my first visit to New Orleans and had a blast.”
— Editor's note
“Bar Tonique, Jewel of the South, Peacock Room — those are the real cocktail bars.”
— Editor's note
9Manolito
Cuban-Inspired
Verdict: A love letter to Havana in the French Quarter.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Cuban-Inspired in 508 Dumaine St, New Orleans, LA 70116
- Strengths
- Known for Cuban-Inspired · 508 Dumaine St, New Orleans, LA 70116
- Price / value
- $12–$18 per cocktail
- Why it made the list
- A love letter to Havana in the French Quarter. Manolito's intimate two-story space, Cuban cuisine, and rum-forward frozen cocktails make it one of the most charming bars in the city.
- What to order
- The frozen daiquiri — done properly, not the slushy machine version. Manolito's take on the classic Cuban cocktail is a revelation. Their mojitos use premium aged rum.
🕐 Opening hours
MonClosed
Tue4 PM–12 AM
Wed4 PM–12 AM
Thu4 PM–12 AM
Fri4 PM–2 AM
Sat12 PM–2 AM
Sun12 PM–12 AM
“Cure, Latitude 29, Jewel of the South, Manolito — those are the ones.”
— Editor's note
“Manolito has great Cuban-inspired cocktails. The frozen drinks are legit.”
— Editor's note
10Loa Bar
Boutique Hotel Bar
Verdict: A hidden jewel inside the International House Hotel.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Boutique Hotel Bar in 221 Camp St, New Orleans, LA 70130
- Strengths
- Known for Boutique Hotel Bar · 221 Camp St, New Orleans, LA 70130
- Price / value
- $14–$20 per cocktail
- Why it made the list
- A hidden jewel inside the International House Hotel. Loa's intimate, voodoo-themed atmosphere and inventive seasonal cocktails make it one of the highest-rated bars in the city — and one of the least crowded.
- What to order
- Ask the bartender for their current seasonal favorite. Known for artistically presented drinks with unexpected flavor combinations and voodoo-inspired names.
🕐 Opening hours
Mon5 PM–11 PM
Tue5 PM–11 PM
Wed5 PM–11 PM
Thu5 PM–11 PM
Fri4 PM–12 AM
Sat4 PM–12 AM
Sun4 PM–11 PM
“Loa Bar at the International House Hotel — seriously underrated. Beautiful space, creative cocktails.”
— Editor's note
“For high-end cocktails, Cure or Loa. Both are top-flight.”
— Editor's note
11Revel Café & Bar
Women-Owned Gem
Verdict: A neighborhood gem on Carrollton that locals fiercely protect.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Women-Owned Gem in 133 N Carrollton Ave, New Orleans, LA 70119
- Strengths
- Known for Women-Owned Gem · 133 N Carrollton Ave, New Orleans, LA 70119
- Price / value
- $12–$18 per cocktail
- Why it made the list
- A neighborhood gem on Carrollton that locals fiercely protect. Women-owned, bi-level, with a cocktail program that punches above its weight and a casual-chic vibe that makes you want to stay all night.
- What to order
- Try their seasonal craft cocktails — creative without being pretentious. The wine list is also excellent. Pair with their American small plates.
🕐 Opening hours
MonClosed
Tue4 PM–11 PM
Wed4 PM–11 PM
Thu4 PM–11 PM
Fri4 PM–12 AM
Sat10 AM–12 AM
Sun10 AM–10 PM
“Revel, Cure, Latitude 29, Jewel of the South, Manolito — those are the ones worth going to.”
— Editor's note
“Revel is a wonderful neighborhood bar with serious cocktail chops. Women-owned and great vibes.”
— Editor's note
12Sazerac House
Museum / Free Tastings
Verdict: Part museum, part distillery, part cocktail education center — and it's free.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Museum / Free Tastings in 101 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70130
- Strengths
- Known for Museum / Free Tastings · 101 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70130
- Price / value
- $12–$18
- Why it made the list
- Part museum, part distillery, part cocktail education center — and it's free. The Sazerac House tells the story of New Orleans' cocktail culture better than any bar, with generous tastings to prove the point.
- What to order
- The free self-guided tour includes cocktail samples — try the Sazerac and the Peychaud's Bitters demonstration. The gift shop has barrel-aged cocktails and limited-edition spirits.
🕐 Opening hours
Mon10 AM–5 PM
Tue10 AM–5 PM
Wed10 AM–5 PM
Thu10 AM–5 PM
Fri10 AM–5 PM
Sat10 AM–5 PM
Sun12 PM–5 PM
“Sazerac House is basically a New Orleans cocktail culture museum, with free self-guided tours and cocktail samples.”
— Editor's note
“Definitely do the Sazerac House — it's free, the history is fascinating, and the tastings are generous.”
— Editor's note
Frequently asked questions
What cocktail was invented in New Orleans?
New Orleans is the birthplace of several iconic cocktails. The Sazerac — rye whiskey, Peychaud's bitters, sugar, and an absinthe-rinsed glass — is considered America's first cocktail, created in the 1850s. The Ramos Gin Fizz was invented at the Imperial Cabinet Saloon in 1888. The Vieux Carré was created at the Carousel Bar in the 1930s. And the Hurricane was popularized at Pat O'Brien's during World War II.
How much do cocktails cost in New Orleans?
Craft cocktails at New Orleans' top bars typically run $14–$22, comparable to other major US cities. Neighborhood spots like Bar Tonique serve world-class drinks for $10–$16. Happy hour deals are common — many bars offer $8–$10 craft cocktails from 4–7 PM. Bourbon Street frozen drinks run $10–$15 but are generally low quality.
What is the best neighborhood for cocktail bars in New Orleans?
The French Quarter has the highest concentration, including Jewel of the South, Carousel Bar, French 75, Cane & Table, Latitude 29, and Manolito — all walkable. The CBD has Sazerac Bar, Loa, and Sazerac House. Freret Street in Uptown (where Cure is) has a growing corridor. Mid-City has neighborhood gems like Revel.
Should I skip Bourbon Street for cocktails?
For serious cocktails, yes. Bourbon Street caters to party tourism with frozen daiquiri machines and high-volume bars. The real cocktail scene is on Royal Street, Decatur Street, Freret Street, and the side streets of the French Quarter. That said, Pat O'Brien's Hurricane is a legitimate piece of cocktail history worth experiencing once.
What is the best time to visit New Orleans cocktail bars?
Most cocktail bars open at 4–5 PM and are best on weekday evenings when it's less crowded and bartenders have more time. During Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest, expect crowds everywhere. The shoulder seasons (October–November and March–April, excluding festivals) offer the best experience with pleasant weather and manageable crowds.
What should I order at a New Orleans cocktail bar?
Start with the Sazerac — America's first cocktail and the city's signature drink. Then try a Ramos Gin Fizz (a frothy, citrusy gin cocktail shaken extensively), a Vieux Carré (rye, cognac, sweet vermouth, Bénédictine), and a French 75 (cognac-based in New Orleans, not gin). At tiki bars like Latitude 29, order the Missionary's Downfall.