THE BEST Bars and Nightlife in New Orleans
From hidden speakeasies to rooftop lounges — explore the best bars and nightlife in New Orleans with curated picks, local tips, and free itinerary planning tools.
🍸 Bars and Nightlife in New Orleans
- Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop — The oldest structure used as a bar in America, built in the 1770s and allegedly operated by pirate Jean Lafitte, featuring candlelit ambiance and signature purple drinks.
- Pat O’Brien’s — Home of the world-famous Hurricane cocktail, this French Quarter institution features a spectacular piano bar and romantic courtyard with flaming fountains.
- Napoleon House — A historic 1797 bar and restaurant named for the legend that it was planned as a refuge for Napoleon Bonaparte, famous for its Pimm’s Cup cocktails.
- Carousel Bar — The only revolving bar in New Orleans, located inside Hotel Monteleone, where the 25-seat circular bar slowly rotates every 15 minutes.
- Frenchmen Street Clubs — A collection of authentic music venues along Frenchmen Street including The Spotted Cat, d.b.a., and Snug Harbor, where locals enjoy live jazz nightly.