New Orleans is one of the most unique cities in the U.S. All of the city's NOLA's different neighborhoods are beautiful and provide a special glimpse into the city's history. In order to really experience New Orleans, one really has to do an extended stay here in one of the city's top-notch hotels and then head to the hotel bar for a real treat.
The Crescent City offers a wide selection of beautiful hotels to accommodate guests during their stay, and in typical NOLA fashion, many of these hotels offer an impressive drinks menu as well. Who wouldn't want to grab a tasty martini or a classic Sazerac cocktail in a beautiful setting? Check out the 10 best hotel bars in the Big Easy!
10 Best Hotel Bars in New Orleans
1. Carousel Bar at Hotel Monteleone
214 Royal St., (504) 523-3341
hotelmonteleone.com
Want to ride on a carousel, but instead of horses, you have a drink in your hand? This classy and fun bar is unlike any other in the world. The carousel has been spinning since 1949. You can ride the spinning bar for 15 minutes at a time. Don't worry, it's a subtle spin.
There is a signature cocktail denoted to every month leading up to their 75 year anniversary, so try the Paloma and Dark & Stormy this September. The bar is part of the Hotel Monteleone, a hotel founded by Antonino Monteleone, who's family still operates the hotel. It is one of the last operating hotels that is family-run.
2. Bar Métier at Maison Metier
544 Carondelet St., (504) 814-7720
barmetier.com
If you are looking for a gourmet and funky bar, the French-styled Bar Métier is the place for you. Nibble upon a wonderful list of charcuterie boards, rich deserts, small plates, and artisan cheeses. Their cocktails are inspired by the local flavors of New Orleans. This is the place to put the "art of drinking" into practice.
The bar is decorated in art, retro furniture, and was formerly a library. Bar Métier is part of the Masion Métier Hotel, a classy hotel near Lafayette Square. The hotel itself is worth a look, so go and check it out!
3. The Sazerac Bar at The Roosevelt
130 Roosevelt Way, (504) 648-1200
therooseveltneworleans.com
The Sazerac Bar will make anyone feel like an elegant and rich socialite. Nestled within the Roosevelt Hotel, the Sazerac cocktail bar serves great cocktails, including the Hurricane and the Vieux Carre.
With beautiful walnut counters, and paintings galore, drink the famous traditional cocktail of New Orleans the Sazerac while at the Sazerac Bar. Catapult yourself into the past and stroll through the beautiful and classic Roosevelt Hotel when you're done sipping.
4. Commons Club at Virgins Hotel New Orleans
550 Baronne St., (504) 603-8000
virginhotels.com
Located on the ground floor of the Virgin Hotel, Commons Club is a destination where "work and play intermingle." At the Commons Club, you can order from one of three menus: the Kitchen, the Bar, or the Shag Room.
The kitchen offers contemporary American creations that are completed using the freshest ingredients. The bar menu displays a long list of innovative cocktails and outstanding live entertainment. Finally, the Shag Room is a luxurious, yet private, space for groups to enjoy throughout the day and night. Visit the Commons Club while in Downtown!
5. Davenport Lounge at the Ritz Carlton
921 Canal St., 504-670-2828
ritzcarlton.com
On the third floor of the Ritz-Carlton, join some friends at the Davenport Lounge for live jazz performances and cocktails. They even have afternoon tea on Saturdays at 11p.m. and 2:30 p.m.
Care to dance? Swing on their beautiful dance floor to resident musician Jeremy Davenport and his band Wednesday and Thursday from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., as well as Friday and Saturday from 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. To book a table, visit the Ritz Carlton's website.
6. Elysian Bar at Hotel Peter and Paul
2317 Burgundy St., (504) 356-6769
theelysianbar.com
The Elysian Bar is located in the heart of the Marigny at Hotel Peter and Paul, which includes the beautiful former Saint Peter and Saint Paul Church at the corner of Burgundy and Mandeville. The bar is named after the location and blissful feeling of the classic Elysian Fields myth. It has an expansive menu selection with craft cocktails, local brews, and wines.
The in-house restaurant is open for breakfast, brunch, and dinner every day. Choose between the Rectory's Courtyard and French terrace, the timeless side chapel cafe, the "jewel box" bar, several cozy parlors, a vintage and luscious atrium, or the lovingly restored private church.
7. Hot Tin at The Pontchartrain
2031 St. Charles Ave., (504) 323-1500
hottinbar.com
Hot Tin, once a traditional penthouse, has now been converted into a rooftop bar just off of the historic St. Charles Streetcar line. Perched atop the Pontchartrain Hotel, the rooftop bar provides locals and tourists with a stunning view of the city skyline the Mississippi River. The bar opens every day at 2 p.m. and welcomes guests late into the night.
The rotating menu displays a series of seasonal specials, as well as in-house wine, beer, and cocktail experiences. You can also reserve the space for a private event or celebration. Don't miss out on stunning views and a chic atmosphere.
8. Peacock Room at Kimpton Hotel Fontenot
501 Tchoupitoulas St., (504) 324-3073
peacockroomnola.com
The Peacock Room is a fanciful New Orleans bar located within the Hotel Fontenot on Tchoupitoulas Street. The atmosphere is classically Southern with bright patterns and bold strokes. The bar is best known for its handcrafted cocktails and unique menu selections.
The Peacock Room books live music and events every week, as well as "Jazz" and "Birds of a Feather" brunch every weekend. For private dining and extra-memorable experiences, tour available rooms at the Peacock Room website or call for more information.
9. The Polo Club Lounge at the Windsor Court Hotel
300 Gravier St., (504) 532-6000
windsorcourthotel.com
The Polo Club Lounge sits just inside of the Windsor Court Hotel. It is modeled after a private English club with dark woods and leather furniture. The lounge's menu boasts one of the largest cognac collections in New Orleans.
Come every night for live entertainment! John Royen and David Boeddinghaus play classical numbers on the piano from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. daily, and songstress Robin Barnes performs on Friday and Saturday nights. Check out the Polo Club Lounge website for exclusive offers and packages to stay and drink.
10. Loa Bar at International House Hotel
221 Camp St., (504) 553-9550
ihhotel.com
Located in the beautiful International House Hotel, Loa Bar is named after the loa spirits that are revered in the Vodou religion. As such, their cocktail menu incorporates influences from Haiti, as well as Senegal, Vietnam, Cuba, Italy, and, of course, New Orleans.
Be sure to head over to Loa Bar's Summer Sanctuary cocktail menu before it gets updated for the fall season. Savor Haitian and New Orleans rums in The Healer or consider ordering the Anjin Old Fashioned with Japanese whisky.
Have a Cocktail at these New Orleans Hotel Bars
What better place to do your drinking than in the city that is supposedly the birthplace of cocktails? Whether it be a Sazerac or one of the many other cocktails that were created in New Orleans, you can't go wrong with any of the fabulous hotel bars that help class up the Crescent City. Get a group of friends together and try to hit as many of these bars as you can. Enjoy!
