Our Favorite Bars in the French Quarter (New Orleans)

Seeker Editors

We've walked the French Quarter end to end (and then end to end...again!) in search of the best bars. Here are our top 10!

The Sazerac House, Bar Tonique, Dovetail, The Carousel Bar & Lounge, Batture Bistro and Bar, Peacock Room, Victory, Common Interest, Jewel of the South, Above The Grid

  • The Sazerac House in New Orleans, United States

    Image of The Sazerac House on Seeker
    • seeker

      The Sazerac cocktail gained fame in New Orleans in the 1850s and is served all around the world to this day. Now, it has its grandest home yet: The Sazerac House. This is your place to see how the Sazerac is part of the customs, traditions and culture of New Orleans. Discover the methods used in distilling Sazerac Rye, learn how we handcraft world famous Peychaud’s Bitters and join us for special experiences steeped in the unique character of the city that inspires it all.

  • Bar Tonique in New Orleans, United States

    Image of Bar Tonique on Seeker
    • seeker

      Tonique opened 08/08/08 as the first free-standing craft cocktail bar in New Orleans, with the straightforward goal of serving great cocktails, carefully curated wines, and craft beers in a friendly, unpretentious, neighborhood bar. Over the years, while the community—and the cocktail industry—have changed quite a bit, we’ve stuck to those roots. Ice machines might break, but the goal and the way we go about delivering it rarely has... so why change it? We still have pretty much the same menu, only having expanded it twice since 2008. We have pretty much the same appearance, the same vibe, the same approach to just humbly provide a space for New Orleans to come together and connect.

  • Dovetail in New Orleans, United States

    Image of Dovetail on Seeker
    • seeker

      The Dovetail Bar is a craft cocktail venue located in the lobby of the Schaeffer Hotel; a newly completed boutique hotel on the periphery of the French Quarter. The historic building, constructed in 1923, was originally built as a showroom and workshop for Alsatian furniture purveyor J.P. Schaeffer. The original structure of the building exhibits a bygone Heavy Timber structural system made of large cypress beams and columns, with heart pine decking and floors. Historic wood assemblies will be represented directly throughout the design of the Dovetail Bar, featuring reclaimed wood from the original structure and the subtle narrative of furniture joinery details. The technical conversation continues with interlocking cocktail concepts and the precision of a professional bar team. As a result, the Dovetail Bar showcases the spirit of the building in multiple facets, paying direct homage to the original furniture company & store.

  • The Carousel Bar & Lounge in New Orleans, United States

    Image of The Carousel Bar & Lounge on Seeker
    • seeker

      The famous Carousel Bar & Lounge in Hotel Monteleone is a long-time favorite New Orleans hotspot. The classic New Orleans hotel bar is the city’s only revolving bar. For decades, it has lured guests in to take a spin on the 25-seat, bright, circus-clad Merry-Go-Round. Recently, Vogue Living named Carousel Bar as one of the Top 20 Bars in the World, due in equal parts to their whimsical revolving carousel and comprehensive cocktail menu.

  • Batture Bistro and Bar in New Orleans, United States

    Image of Batture Bistro and Bar on Seeker
    • seeker

      Batture Bistro + Bar sources fresh seasonal ingredients to create New Orleans inspired offerings that infuse classic well-known dishes with a Creole twist. Sit back and relax in a sophisticated setting where original 19th century cypress beams add character and pay tribute to the building’s layered history. The climate-controlled porch is a great setting for dining al fresco, and on a cool New Orleans evening, you can cozy up to the firepit and enjoy sips and bites on the poolside deck.

  • Peacock Room in New Orleans, United States

    Image of Peacock Room on Seeker
    • seeker

      An ornate all-day gathering spot that's equal parts creative French salon and of-the-moment nightspot, the Peacock Room is the crown jewel of Kimpton Hotel Fontenot — a fitting description, given that it feels just like opening an opulent jewel box and reveling in the discovery of its riches. Expect furniture that spans several eras, mosaic-tiled floors, a menagerie of prints and patterns, and punch-bowl cocktails served from a 19th-century bar. Don't be surprised to find yourself sipping alongside the city's best-known tastemakers.

  • Victory in New Orleans, United States

    Image of Victory on Seeker
    • seeker

      Nestled in the heart of Downtown New Orleans lies the city’s most eclectic and unique place for pleasant conversation, an array of delectable morsels and an impeccably prepared cocktail. The spirit of Victory is in its team’s pledge to preserve the elegance of a past era when cocktails were fashioned with pride and artistry. With a tremendous selection of spirits, a variety of house-made syrups and a talented crew with a relentless streak of creativity, cocktails here never disappoint.

  • Common Interest in New Orleans, United States

    Image of Common Interest on Seeker
    • seeker

      Just steps from the famous French Quarter, Common Interest is designed to capture the diverse convergence of all this unique corner location has to offer. From hotel guests, to celebrities, and to the who’s who of New Orleans, each group has a Common Interest. An active, communal environment for all delivers the perfect opportunity to gather, drink, and discuss enjoy New Orleans culture.

  • Jewel of the South in New Orleans, United States

    Image of Jewel of the South on Seeker
    • seeker

      Jewel of the South is a classic New Orleans tavern, reimagined. Cocktails, food and wine at Jewel are prepared and presented with intention and precision. Their cocktail program is steeped in history, showcasing classic techniques with innovative, seasonal flavors. Their food program seeks out unique products that deliver delicious nourishment for guests, such as a broad range of caviars, whole vegetables, and diverse animal proteins. The menu changes regularly. Their wine program features classic labels, cult favorites, and new talent, limited to the best value available for wine that should be consumed tonight.

  • Above The Grid in New Orleans, United States

    Image of Above The Grid on Seeker
    • seeker

      The NOPSI’s dynamic rooftop pool and bar, Above the Grid, is a nod to the building’s rich history being constructed in 1927 as the headquarters of New Orleans’ electric utility provider. Now a historic landmark, the hotel’s outdoor venue offers a year-round escape for hotel guests, visitors and locals alike with live music and sweeping views of the city’s skyline.