This city is the birthplace of the cocktail, but it’s also got a lot of drinks you should probably avoid. Check out the below spots for some of our favorites both high end and low brow. It’s legal to drink on the street here, and everywhere will likely have a “go cup” as an option. Grabbing a cocktail to go and taking a stroll around the French Quarter is one of the best ways to spend an afternoon.
Iconic and somewhat fancy spot in the Roosevelt Hotel to grab one of New Orleans’s most famous cocktails: the sazerac. This bar is the perfect uniquely New Orleans blend of classy and, later in the evening, a little rowdy. Located in the Central Business District.
Cozy, hip, fantastic proto-tiki cocktails, and a great happy hour. Located in the French Quarter.
Get the purple drink. It’s the only famous “Bourbon Street Drink” that locals actually drink. Frozen, not too sweet, a little tangy. Located in the French Quarter.
Classic cocktails, dark French Quarter atmosphere. Perfect for a night cap. Located in the French Quarter.
This Bywater spot is kind of a big deal now, but basically it’s just a wine shop with a huge backyard, nightly live music, and a great counter service kitchen situation. It’s very cozy and very fun. Weekend nights here are slammed, so if you can, opt for getting here at or around sunset on a week day.