There are a lot of bars and restaurants in New Orleans that serve delicious cocktails. Because of the vast number, it can be hard to find the right one you’re looking for. To help you with your search for the best spot to sip at, we’ve come up with a list of the best places to drink in New Orleans. From easy day drinking spots for your brunches with the girls that turn into all-day affairs, to the late-night bars for your friend’s bachelor party, we want to make sure you know all the best spots. Take a look!
The Carousel Bar & Lounge
French Quarter
Even if you’re not a tourist, this bar is still an enjoyable place to visit and sip at. The bar was built into a moving carousel. If you’re worried about getting motion sick, don’t worry—the bar spins slowly enough that you’ll barely notice. You have to try out the bar’s most famous cocktail, the Vieux Carre.
The Bulldog
Uptown
If you and your friends are beer lovers, then you’ll definitely want to head to the Bulldog. It’s got a great patio and some of the best bar food in the area. It’s an awesome spot if you want to get away from the tourists of the French Quarter—for a chill night, this patio is the place to visit. They have around 50 beers on tap, so don’t miss out!
Bacchanal Fine Wine & Spirits
Bywater
On the other hand, if you’re more of a wine lover, then Bacchanal is the place to be. Previously a quirky little wine shop, it’s now evolved into this wine garden utopia where people can spend a night sipping on crisp wine, order wine and cheese, and enjoy live music. The backyard is massive, but if that’s not what you’re feeling, they also have a cocktail and wine bar upstairs.
Wrong Iron on the Greenway
Fairgrounds/Mid City
Just finished up your walk or bike ride? Make a pit stop at the Wrong Iron to slake your thirst with their wide selection of beers, cocktails, and frozen cocktails—all on tap! They have racks for your bikes, a beer garden if you haven’t gotten your fill of sunshine, and an atmosphere that you’ll have a hard time leaving.
Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop
French Quarter
The dive bar to end all dive bars, Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop is the late-night place to be. Sure, everyone has their own opinion on which is the best dive out of the 582 bars on Bourbon Street, but this one is one of the oldest bars in America. They’ve been serving beer and frozen drinks since the 1700s—it’s a must-visit.
Tipitina’s
Uptown
Live music describes New Orleans in a nutshell—Tipitina’s is its institution. Though you could close your eyes and point to find a live music join on Frenchmen Street, this is one of the best places to go for music and drinks in the whole city. Plan to come when a local brass band is playing—it’s an experience you’ll never forget.
As fun as it is to explore New Orleans and find your favorite new drinking spot, make sure you’re doing so responsibly. Never drink and drive, and always understand how alcohol affects your body. Even if you’re walking, alcohol affects your mood, so play it safe and know your limits. Happy—and safe—sipping!
