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The best places to grab a drink in New Orleans

A photo of Red logo
by Beth D'Addono
Updated May 23, 2023

A cold dark bar is practically a birthright for New Orleanians. A stellar watering hole is a soothing cave of possibility—and a welcome respite from the city’s swampy heat.

A newly opened brewery in the CBD is turning heads for its top-notch English and German-style beers. Nearby, a lively space with a bustling horseshoe-shaped bar draws crowds for global snacks, creative craft cocktails, and Girod Street views. A Mid-City church scored a second life as a restaurant and bar loved for its Mediterranean-accented menu and covered patio.

Whether it features fancy cocktails, whiskey neat, or a frosty glass of beer, the experience at each of these Crescent City bars is superb. Read on for a guide to 8 New Orleans bars to book now.

A photo of Peacock Room at The Hotel Fontenot restaurant
4.8
4.8 (764)
$30 and under
Cocktail Bar
Warehouse District
About the restaurant

Whether you’re planning on popping the question or looking to impress visitors, The Peacock Room at the Kimpton Hotel Fontenot ticks those boxes—and more. The vibe at this sultry spot—which also includes live music—is Vegas meets boudoir, all gilded cages and vintage wallpaper. The smart cocktail menu features classics such as negronis and sazeracs, plus newer, more playful libations such as the Hell-Cat Maggie, a mix of rum, elderflower liqueur, IPA, and fresh fruit juices. If you’re not imbibing, opt for a zero-proof drink including the peachy and citrusy Fuzzy Drama. Inventive American bites from chef Samuel Peery include a signature smash burger and roasted Louisiana oysters with Calabrian chile butter and aged manchego.


Top review
O'Neil
Dined 7 days ago
Beautiful setting and very romantic. Drinks were great as well as the service.. Unfortunately we didn't get to try the food. Would highly recommend!
A photo of Copper Vine restaurant
4.8
4.8 (2329)
$30 and under
Wine Bar
Central Business District
About the restaurant

This lush Poydras Street oasis features one of New Orleans’s prettiest patios. But at its core, the spot is a charming wine tavern, helmed by executive chef Amy Mehrtens, whose previous experience includes a stint at NOLA stalwart, Commander’s Palace. Occupying the former home of Creole stalwart Maylie’s, the 6,000-square-foot expanse boasts 30 wines on tap and a lively list curated by sommelier Emily Walker. Decadent plates, such as pappardelle pasta with short rib ragu and gulf fish amandine—arguably the city’s best spin on the Creole classic—pair superbly with whatever you’re drinking.


Top review
TaTyana
Dined 3 days ago
10/10!! The staff is amazingggg ,food was very tasteful! Can’t wait to come back🥰🥰!
A photo of Vessel NOLA restaurant
4.3
4.3 (2603)
$30 and under
Seafood
Mid-City / City Park
About the restaurant

Welcome to church. Soft light pours through stained-glass windows at this gorgeous repurposed house of worship, just off Canal Street. A lineup of 12 different glasses for drinks service exemplifies just how serious this place is about its cocktails. Chef de cuisine Willie Cooper creates winsome coastal Mediterranean dishes, such as seared scallop risotto and crab boiled shrimp salad. Sip drinks on the lovely covered patio, equipped with misters to take the edge off the heat.


Top review
Ralph
Dined 2 days ago
Excellent meal at Vessel. Everything was delicious and so fresh. Drinks were outstanding and the service top notch. The ambiance is second to none and should not be missed by anyone. Vessell is truly the jewel of New Orleans!
A photo of Antoine's restaurant
4.6
4.6 (11261)
$31 to $50
Creole
French Quarter
About the restaurant

Antoine’s is the country’s oldest family-run restaurant, dating back to 1840. That pedigree extends to its Hermes Bar, where classic cocktails aren’t just served, but where they debuted. The bar menu is composed of faithfuls such as sidebars and sazeracs, along with zero-proof drinks such as the pomegranate-forward Mardi Mocktail that still feel fancy. Order oysters Rockefeller at the bar—they were invented here, after all—or graze from a selection of salads and sandwiches, including a stellar wagyu burger. Bonus points for the live music on weekends.


Top review
Terry
Dined 2 days ago
Food is incredible. We did the Reveilon meal and the chooses where great! Anything that was a “or” on the menu we each order the “or” so we could try everything on the menu. It was so Amazing! The service was “Impeccable”. Have never had such fantastic service. Each staff member “Loved” their job and it showed, wasn’t just a front like some places. They all truly believed that that all the staff was “Family” and they took care of each other. Zachery was our main wait person, he was so happy ti be there and assist with all of questions no matter what they were. Extremely knowledgeable of the menu and was just amazing. By the time we left we had come to know his life story. Such an Amazing person. Thank You Zachary for the lovely evening.
A photo of Bobby Hebert's Cajun Cannon Restaurant and Grill restaurant
3.8
3.8 (43)
$31 to $50
American
Metairie
About the restaurant

Rest assured, when the Saints play, every TV at Bobby Herbert’s Cajun Cannon is locked on the game. Opened by the legendary Saints quarterback in 2014, this sports-themed restaurant and bar is chock full of team memorabilia. The kitchen dishes local faves such as seafood gumbo, fried seafood, a blackened catfish po-boy, and red beans and rice, plus oversized burgers and steak. Tropical drinks and margaritas include the formidable 60-ounce Cajun Cannonball, a punchy mix of tequila and fruit juices with a rum topper—built for two.


Top review
kai
Dined on Nov 29, 2024
Everything was awesome! From wait time being swift, to service being A1, and food being absolutely amazing!
A photo of Meril restaurant
4.5
4.5 (6466)
$30 and under
Contemporary American
Warehouse District
About the restaurant

Named for chef Emeril Lagasse’s daughter, Meril is a lively Warehouse District space. Its many draws include a horseshoe-shaped bar leading to an expansive dining room with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Girod Street. Chef de cuisine Bergen Carman oversees a menu that’s playful and global: there are Italian-accented flatbreads topped with mortadella and burrata, and bar snacks that beg for a craft beer, such as fried turkey necks with mojo sauce. Housemade pastas, hearty entree salads, and an impressive batch of vegetable sides round out the spirited American menu. To drink, there are craft cocktails, local beer, and an impressive cordial collection.


Top review
Peg
Dined 4 days ago
We had an amazing experience at Meril. The staff and service were impeccable. The flavor profiles of the dishes were excellent. Strongly suggest Mexican street corn, meatballs, and banana cream pie. We highly recommend dining at Meril.
A photo of Desi Vega's Steakhouse restaurant
4.6
4.6 (2706)
$50 and over
Steakhouse
Warehouse District
About the restaurant

This stylish restaurant on the corner of St. Charles and Girod is best known for its impeccably seared prime steaks topped with butter, but the bar scene is something special, made for dress-up occasions, business dinners, and sophisticated mingling. There is a deep well of single malts, along with fun cocktails and an international wine list. Stop by between 4 pm and 6 pm on Tuesday through Friday for some of the city’s top app and drink specials.


Top review
kelly
Dined 3 days ago
Kevin is always the best! Love dining at Desi’s Steakhouse
A photo of Brewery Saint X restaurant
4.2
4.2 (72)
$30 and under
Brewery
Central Business District
About the restaurant

This newly opened light-filled brewery is a breath of fresh air in the CBD. Chef Shannon Bingham offers the likes of roasted gulf fish, confit beef cheeks with salsa verde, sandwiches, salads, and snacks such as spicy fried green tomatoes. All make ideal companions to the 15 house-brewed German and British drafts or wine list, which highlights smaller producers. It all adds up to a laid-back drinking experience, well-suited for easygoing dates and leisurely catch-ups with friends.


Top review
BrittanyVIP
Dined on Nov 25, 2024
The perfect pre-concert place to eat! Great food, drinks and atmosphere!
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