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Best Bars in New Orleans for a Night to Remember

Best Bars in New Orleans for a Night to Remember

New Orleans has no shortage of amazing watering holes and authentic venues. If you’re looking for a memorable night out, here are some bars you shouldn’t miss.

New Orleans has legendary bars of every kind – from the friendly neighborhood joints, through high-end venues, to pubs representing live historical sites. And when it comes to drinks, none are more prominent than cocktails – in fact, some of the bars still working today serve cocktails invented at the very spot.

If you want to feel the incredible atmosphere of the city’s nightlife, and drink an amazing cocktail or two, here are some of the best bars in New Orleans you shouldn’t miss.

1. Sazerac Bar

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Located in the Roosevelt Hotel, this upscale bar is among the most authentic in the city. The interior abounds in wooden and leather highlights, but the most stand-out feature is the walls covered with fascinating murals. The striking wall paintings adorn the whole venue and present a picture of old New Orleans.

2. Avenue Pub

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The Avenue Pub is housed in a corner building with a gorgeous terrace on the upper floor. Inside the spacious, bright interior awaits an excellent selection of beers and whiskey waiting for new visitors. You’ll find this fantastic pub in the Garden District, a quieter residential area of New Orleans.

3. Vaughan’s Lounge

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If you’re looking for a fun night filled with great music, Vaughan’s Lounge is among the best bars in New Orleans to visit. This Bywater venue has kept its charm for the 50 years it’s been around and is often full of long-time loyal customers.

There’s an expansive dance floor for situations when the live band inspires you to move. And if you miss out on the show, you can get your kicks from a fully-stacked jukebox.

4. Cure

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The fire station building that houses this bar is over a century old. Today, it’s home to a high-end cocktail bar with a fascinating selection of its own mixes. The Cure offers classic cocktails with a twist, original concoctions, and even custom-made drinks that will suit even the picky drinker.

5. Twelve Mile Limit

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Twelve Mile Limit is a bar that’s kept on growing for the past decade. Its signature offers are plentiful and affordable cocktails, but the bar also has a kitchen that dishes out fantastic, tasty meals.

Although the interior is enticing, it would be best if you could visit on a sunny day for you to spend time on the bar patio.

6. Bacchanal

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This bar started out as a lesser-known, hidden place for customers of refined tastes. But it’s grown quite popular these days. So if you want to sit down while having your drink, try avoiding the busy weekend nights.

Located in Bywater, this trendy venue has a fantastic offer of wines and cheeses, but you shouldn’t mistake it for a snobby, overpriced joint. In fact, the backyard is pretty casual and you’ll have a great time listening to authentic jazz among the mismatched chairs and the warm light of tiki torches.

7. Erin Rose

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An Irish pub in the busy French Quarter, Erin Rose is a lively place made for enjoyment. Among the select beers is the world-famous Guinness, as well as some other great beverages. But if cocktails are more up your alley, there’s no shortage of choices in that department. Try their Irish coffee to feel the unique twist this bar brings to its mixes.

8. Barrel Proof

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Barrel Proof has lately pivoted to becoming a restaurant, but it’s kept the essence of its origins with excellent cocktails. Located in the Garden District, this bar houses a happy hour where you can grab their signature cocktail variants or a drink to go for a great price.

9. Carousel Bar and Lounge

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It might take you some time to find an empty seat on the rotating centerpiece of the Monteleone Hotel’s fascinating bar, but the wait will be worth it. The seats are decorated with stylistic images of wild animals, making for a colorful spot in the classy interior.

Carousel bar is among the many places that serve several cocktails of their own making. And if you’re big on mixed drinks, you should definitely give them a try.

10. Bar Tonique

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Bar Tonique has a very classical feel, with the interior abounding in wood, high ceilings, and a central bar with a backdrop of a bottle-covered wall. The bar is a prominent feature of the square space, so you’ll have a good overview of the lively place while you sip on their well-made cocktails.

11. Bakery Bar

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If you’d like some authentic New Orleans food to go with your drinks, Bakery Bar offers all this in spades. The main delicacy you shouldn’t miss is the doberge – a layered cake with custard and icing that’s a staple of the local cuisine.

When it comes to drinks, you’ll find everything from amazing cocktails to superb wines and beers. And if you don’t plan on sticking around, everything on the menu’s available to go.

12. Longway Tavern

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Stylish and quiet, the Longway Tavern will make you forget you’re in the middle of the French Quarter and its heavy tourist traffic. The selection of cocktails is wide and interesting, with classic mixes as well as original inventions. Besides the tasteful interior, the Longway Tavern features a wonderful courtyard teeming with greenery.

13. Manolito

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For a touch of Cuban flare, you need not look further than the French Quarter’s Manolito. Naturally, there are many classic Cuban cocktails on offer and other concoctions come with a unique twist. You’ll enjoy the tasty beverages in a pleasant setting filled with great music and photos of Cuba adorning the walls.

14. Latitude 29

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Beachbum Berry’s Latitude 29 moves away from the classic palette of cocktails found in other New Orleans bars. Instead, this bar focuses on the tropical vibe, which is well-represented in the choice of amazing food and drinks available.

Experience the Amazing Nightlife of New Orleans

Whether you want to feel the authentic atmosphere of the incredible Louisiana city or just want to have a good time, the best bars in New Orleans got you covered. There are many tasty drinks to try together with excellent local food in the colorful bars.

All these will undoubtedly give you a night to remember.

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These 7 Haunted Places In New Orleans Will Give You Chills

New Orleans, a city steeped in history, rich culture, and a distinct air of mystery, is practically synonymous with the supernatural. Its long and often turbulent past, marked by epidemics, fires, wars, and dark secrets, has left behind an undeniable spectral residue. If you’re looking for a thrill, a walk through the Crescent City’s historic streets after dark is sure to give you chills.

Here are 7 of the most chillingly haunted places in New Orleans that will make your spine tingle:

1. The LaLaurie Mansion (1140 Royal Street)

Perhaps the most infamous haunted house in New Orleans, the LaLaurie Mansion holds a truly gruesome history. Owned by the socially prominent Madame Delphine LaLaurie in the 1830s, this seemingly elegant home concealed unspeakable horrors. In 1834, a fire in the mansion led to the discovery of brutally tortured and mutilated enslaved people. While Madame LaLaurie escaped, the spirits of her victims are said to remain, haunting the property with screams, groans, and unsettling paranormal activity. This privately owned residence is a popular stop on ghost tours, its dark past palpable even from the street.

2. St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 (400 Basin Street)

As New Orleans’ oldest active cemetery, dating back to 1789, St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 is a labyrinth of crumbling, above-ground tombs. Due to the city’s unique burial practices (graves are built above ground because of the high water table), this “city of the dead” is a dense collection of final resting places, many of which are said to be far from quiet. The most famous resident is the Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau, whose tomb is often adorned with offerings and “X” marks left by visitors hoping for wishes to be granted. Others report seeing full-bodied apparitions and hearing disembodied voices among the crypts. Access is typically restricted to guided tours only.

3. The Sultan’s Palace (Gardette-LePretre House, 716 Dauphine Street)

This beautiful French Quarter mansion holds a tale of unimaginable horror. Legend has it that in the mid-19th century, a wealthy “sultan” and his entourage occupied the house, indulging in lavish, wild parties. One morning, the entire household was found brutally murdered – dismembered bodies scattered throughout the house and courtyard. While some historians debate the exact details, the gruesome story has firmly cemented the Sultan’s Palace as a hotbed of paranormal activity. Visitors and residents have reported screams, the sounds of Middle Eastern music, and ghostly figures wandering the property.

4. Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop (941 Bourbon Street)

One of the oldest surviving buildings in the French Quarter, Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop is a legendary dive bar said to be haunted by the pirate Jean Lafitte himself. Built in the late 1700s, this atmospheric, dimly lit establishment (often lit only by candlelight) has seen centuries of revelry and dark dealings. Patrons and staff have reported seeing Lafitte’s full-bodied apparition lurking in the shadows, objects moving on their own, and strange whispers in the dead of night. It’s the perfect place to grab a drink and see if you can feel a chilling presence.

5. The Andrew Jackson Hotel (919 Royal Street)

Once the site of a boys’ orphanage that tragically burned down, claiming the lives of several young residents, the Andrew Jackson Hotel is now a charming boutique hotel with a lively spirit population. Guests and staff frequently report hearing the laughter and footsteps of spectral children playing in the courtyard and halls. Some even claim to have had their pillows ruffled or personal items moved. The playful yet undeniable presence of these young ghosts adds a unique, eerie charm to this historic hotel.

6. Muriel’s Restaurant (801 Chartres Street)

Located directly across from St. Louis Cathedral, Muriel’s Restaurant is housed in a building with a long and storied past. The most famous resident ghost is believed to be Pierre Antoine Lepardi Jourdan, who owned the property in the early 1800s. After losing the house in a high-stakes poker game, he tragically committed suicide on the second floor. Today, Muriel’s honors his memory by keeping a table permanently set for him in the Seance Lounge. Guests and staff have reported seeing a shimmering, sparkly light (believed to be Jourdan’s spirit) and other unexplained phenomena.

7. New Orleans Pharmacy Museum (514 Chartres Street)

This quaint, historic museum, America’s first licensed pharmacy, holds a darker secret. It’s believed to be haunted by the ghost of its second owner, Dr. Joseph Dupas, a physician with a penchant for unorthodox, often gruesome, medical experiments, particularly on pregnant women and enslaved individuals. Visitors to the museum have reported disembodied voices, objects moving on their own, and even the chilling sensation of being watched or touched. The eerie atmosphere and the unsettling history make it a truly unique and unsettling spot.

New Orleans truly embraces its spectral side, offering numerous ghost tours that delve deeper into the chilling tales and dark corners of the city. Whether you’re a skeptic or a believer, a visit to these haunted locales is sure to leave you with a newfound appreciation for the mysterious, and perhaps a shiver down your spine.

New Orleans

New Orleans’ Jazz Scene: A Music Lover’s Guide

When it comes to jazz, New Orleans doesn’t just play the notes—it lives them. The city pulses with rhythm, soul, and a kind of musical magic that floats through the air like the scent of beignets in the French Quarter. From cozy dive bars to iconic street corners, the New Orleans jazz scene is a nonstop symphony of culture, history, and toe-tapping groove. Whether you’re a seasoned jazz enthusiast or just dipping your toes into the genre, this guide hits all the high notes.

What Makes New Orleans the Home of Jazz?

Let’s not beat around the brass—New Orleans jazz isn’t just a genre. It’s a vibe. A lifestyle. A living, breathing part of the city’s DNA. Born in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, jazz in New Orleans blends African rhythms, European instruments, blues, ragtime, and good old-fashioned improvisation. It started in neighborhoods like Tremé and Storyville, and from there, it grew into a global phenomenon.

You don’t need a history degree to feel it. Just stroll down Frenchmen Street or hang around Jackson Square for five minutes and you’ll understand. This isn’t just music—it’s a conversation between generations, played out on brass, woodwinds, and whatever else folks can get their hands on.

The Best Spots to Experience the New Orleans Jazz Scene

Alright, let’s get to the good stuff. If you want to hear authentic New Orleans jazz, these are the spots you have to hit.

Preservation Hall

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Let’s start with the legend. Open since 1961, Preservation Hall is a no-frills, all-thrills venue that serves up traditional New Orleans jazz nightly. No drinks, no food—just pure, unfiltered music played by local legends in an intimate, soul-stirring setting. The line gets long, so show up early and bring cash.

Frenchmen Street

You know how Bourbon Street gets all the hype? Frenchmen is where the real magic happens—especially for jazz lovers. This strip in the Faubourg Marigny neighborhood is packed with live music venues, from the swanky vibes of The Spotted Cat to the standing-room-only energy at Blue Nile. You can literally bar-hop from jazz band to jazz band, all night long.

Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro

Looking for a more polished experience? Snug Harbor is a classy little jazz club and restaurant that’s been a staple since the ’80s. It hosts some of the best local and national talent around. Plus, the acoustics are spot-on, and the Creole cuisine isn’t too shabby either.

Tipitina’s

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Okay, so it’s not strictly jazz. But Tipitina’s is legendary in the New Orleans music scene. You’ll hear funk, soul, blues, and, yes, jazz—all under one roof. Founded in honor of Professor Longhair, a pioneer of the New Orleans sound, this venue is a rite of passage for any music lover.

Jazz in the Streets: Music on the Move

You don’t need a ticket to catch great jazz in New Orleans. In fact, some of the best performances happen where you least expect them. Jackson Square? Full of trumpet players and saxophonists making magic happen. Royal Street? You’ll stumble upon brass bands so good they’ll make you cancel your dinner reservation just to keep listening.

And don’t forget about second lines. These vibrant parades, often part of weddings or community celebrations, feature high-energy brass bands, dancing crowds, and a party atmosphere that’ll stick with you long after the music fades.

Jazz Museums and Experiences for Hardcore Fans

If you’re the kind of person who likes to go deep, New Orleans has you covered.

The New Orleans Jazz Museum

Housed in the historic Old U.S. Mint, this museum is packed with artifacts, instruments, and exhibits that trace the history and impact of jazz. It’s a must-visit for anyone who wants context with their soundtrack.

Congo Square

This sacred ground in Louis Armstrong Park was once the only place enslaved Africans could gather on Sundays. It became a birthplace of rhythm, dance, and early jazz. Today, it’s a powerful spot to reflect and sometimes even catch a live performance.

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When to Visit: Jazz Fest and Beyond

If you want the full-blown, jazz-soaked experience, plan your trip around the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. Held annually in late April and early May, Jazz Fest features local legends and global stars alike. But honestly, any time’s a good time. New Orleans doesn’t take days off when it comes to jazz.

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Final Notes: Why Jazz in New Orleans Just Hits Different

Sure, you can hear jazz in other cities. But nowhere does it like New Orleans. The vibe here is raw, real, and ridiculously contagious. The musicians aren’t just playing songs—they’re sharing stories, history, and heart. Every solo has soul. Every street corner could be your next favorite stage.

So, if you’re planning a trip, don’t just eat your way through New Orleans (though, by all means, do that too). Tune in. Listen up. Let the rhythm find you. Because in this city, jazz isn’t just background noise—it’s the soundtrack to life.

New Orleans

New Orleans’ Haunted History: A Ghost Tour

New Orleans, the Crescent City, is renowned for its vibrant music, delectable cuisine, and unique cultural blend. But beneath the surface of jazz-filled streets and colorful balconies lies a darker, more mysterious side: a history steeped in tragedy, Voodoo, and countless restless spirits. If you’re looking for an adventure that will send shivers down your spine and ignite your imagination, a ghost tour in New Orleans is an absolute must-do!

Imagine walking through the dimly lit cobblestone streets of the French Quarter, the gas lamps casting long, dancing shadows, as a seasoned storyteller regales you with tales of centuries-old hauntings. This isn’t just about jump scares; it’s an immersive journey into the city’s past, where every building seems to hold a chilling secret.

What Makes New Orleans So Haunted?

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The city’s tumultuous history has created fertile ground for paranormal activity. From devastating fires and rampant epidemics like yellow fever to the brutal realities of slavery and violent crimes, New Orleans has witnessed its share of profound suffering. This rich, often tragic, past has left an indelible mark, and many believe the spirits of those who lived and died here still linger.

Iconic Haunted Locations You Might Encounter:

A good ghost tour will take you to some of New Orleans’ most infamous spectral hotspots. Here are a few you’re likely to hear about:

The LaLaurie Mansion (1140 Royal Street): Perhaps the most notorious haunted house in America, this grand mansion was once home to Madame Delphine LaLaurie, a wealthy socialite infamous for her horrific cruelty towards her enslaved people in the early 19th century. The tales of torture and suffering within its walls are truly unsettling, and many claim the tormented spirits of her victims still haunt the property.

St. Louis Cemetery No. 1: As the oldest cemetery in New Orleans, established in 1789, it’s a labyrinth of above-ground tombs and crumbling mausoleums. It’s the final resting place of many notable figures, including the legendary Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau. Visitors often report seeing ghostly figures, hearing whispers, and feeling an eerie presence among the ornate tombs.

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The Ursuline Convent: This imposing building, dating back to the 1750s, holds tales of mysterious deaths and sightings of ghostly nuns. It’s also famously associated with the “Casket Girls” legend – young French women who arrived with small chests, rumored to be vampires by some, though history tells a less sensational story of their belongings.

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Hotel Monteleone: This luxurious hotel has a long history and a reputation for being exceptionally haunted. Guests and staff have reported encounters with spectral children, including a young boy named Maurice who is said to roam the 14th floor, still searching for his parents.

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Muriel’s Jackson Square: This restaurant is reportedly haunted by its former owner, Pierre Antoine Lepardi Jourdan, who committed suicide upstairs after losing the property in a poker game. Diners have reported moving objects, disembodied voices, and a general feeling of being watched.

Beyond the Ghosts: A Historical Perspective

New Orleans ghost tours are more than just spooky stories; they offer a unique way to delve into the city’s complex history. You’ll learn about the origins of Voodoo in New Orleans, the impact of significant historical events, and the lives of the colorful, and often tragic, characters who shaped this remarkable city. The guides are often captivating storytellers, blending historical facts with local legends to create an unforgettable experience.

Whether you’re a skeptic or a true believer, a New Orleans ghost tour promises an evening of intrigue, history, and a touch of the supernatural. It’s a chance to see the city in a different light, to feel the echoes of its past, and perhaps, to even encounter a friendly (or not-so-friendly) spirit.