New Orleans is renowned for its drinking culture. After all, it’s the birthplace of numerous iconic cocktails (Vieux Carré, Grasshopper and Café Brulot, among others) and home to ingredients from Peychaud’s bitters to Herbsaint.
For those lucky enough to be NOLA-bound, here’s a guide to 10 don’t-miss bars around the city. It’s not a comprehensive list, to be sure (we could devote an entire story to NOLA’s dive bars alone), but consider this a handy checklist to some of the best watering holes and drinks around the Big Easy.
Image Courtesy of Laura Steffan Carousel Bar
French Quarter
The revolving bar within the Hotel Monteleone, built in 1949, celebrates its 75th anniversary this September. Snag one of the hand-painted bar stools beneath the brightly-lit canopy; one full revolution takes about 15 minutes, the perfect length of time to enjoy a Vieux Carré, a quintessential New Orleans cocktail. The stiff rye whiskey-and-Cognac sipper was created by Walter Bergeron at the Monteleone in the 1930s, pre-dating the Carousel Bar.
Image Courtesy of Chandelier Bar Chandelier Bar
French Quarter
In 2021, the Four Seasons hotel opened within a landmark building along the Mississippi riverfront. The focal point of the lobby is a glittering chandelier that seems to waterfall from the ceiling over a petite rounded bar.
All of the food & drink concepts in the hotel are under the purview of Israeli-born NOLA restaurateur Alon Shaya; where else will you find Galilee caviar served on heirloom milled cornbread hot cakes? It’s
This Article was originally published on Wine Enthusiast
