The 20 Best Bars & Nightlife in New Orleans

Preservation Hall is an intimate, world-famous jazz venue in a historic French Quarter building hosting authentic New Orleans jazz performances with no amplification. Shows run about 45 minutes and feature talented local musicians who often chat with guests afterward. Book ahead for seated tickets, as standing-room spots fill up and seating is limited to 50-60 people.

A historic bar built in the early 1700s on Bourbon Street, famous for its candlelit, atmospheric interior that feels authentically old-world. Order the Purple Drank (frozen grape cocktail) or classic drinks like Sazerac and Old Fashioned—reviewers consistently praise the cocktails. The main caveat: it's dimly lit with only tealights, so don't expect to see much, though most visitors love this moody vibe.

The Spotted Cat is the quintessential Frenchmen Street jazz dive: tiny, sweaty, no stage to speak of, and live trad and swing jazz all day and night. A friend absolutely sends you here to hear real local music with locals. Caveat: it's cash-only, cramped, and there's no food, so eat first.

Frenchmen Street Bar is a no-frills, cash-only dive that anchors the live music strip in the Marigny with cheap drinks and an open-air feel that spills onto the street. It's the perfect spot to grab a cold beer or a simple cocktail between sets at the nearby music clubs. Don't come expecting craft cocktails — this is about cold drinks, good people-watching, and the electric energy of Frenchmen Street. Gets extremely packed on weekends and during festival season.

Named after Antoine Amédée Peychaud, the apothecary who invented the Sazerac and the bitters that bear his name, this bar on Royal Street is a love letter to New Orleans cocktail history. The Sazerac here is impeccably made, and the menu celebrates classic New Orleans drinks with genuine craft. The space is handsome and historically evocative without feeling like a museum. It sits in the tourist corridor but attracts plenty of locals who appreciate the quality.

Bacchanal is a wine shop turned backyard party in the Bydwater: grab a bottle inside, they pop it, and you drink it under string lights in the courtyard with live jazz and real kitchen food. A friend sends you here for the vibe, not efficiency. Caveat: weekend nights get packed and seating is first-come.

A tiny, no-frills bar on Conti Street famous for frozen Irish coffee—order that, or try their roast beef po'boy which reviewers rave about. Service is fast even when packed, and prices are excellent ($5 cocktails). The main caveat: it's a very small space with minimal seating, so it fills up quickly and you may end up standing or taking your drink to go.

Chart Room is a legendary New Orleans dive bar on Chartres Street known for its grungy atmosphere, generous pours, and friendly locals. Order a Sazerac ($9) or Guinness ($5) and settle into the European-style seating to watch the world go by. Cash only with an ATM on-site—no exceptions.

A museum and bar hybrid in downtown New Orleans celebrating the history of the Sazerac cocktail with interactive exhibits, distillery tours, and complimentary tastings included with admission. The experience blends education with hands-on learning about spirits and cocktail-making, plus access to a hidden speakeasy for private events. Note that while the self-guided tour and tastings are free, specialty experiences like private tasting classes and candlelight concerts cost extra.

The Carousel Bar & Lounge is a novelty bar inside the Hotel Monteleone featuring a slowly rotating carousel counter with about 12 seats—the main draw is sitting at the spinning bar while sipping cocktails. Try their signature Vieux Carré or the Fleur de Lis. The real catch: it's first-come, first-serve seating at the carousel, extremely busy and loud, and you may wait a while for a spot to open up.

A legendary dive bar on Oak Street decorated entirely with Christmas lights year-round, serving cheap drinks in a no-frills, no-screens atmosphere that attracts a genuine mix of locals and travelers. The staff is relaxed and funny, the vibe is authentically welcoming, and you'll leave having had a real time—just know it's cash-only and genuinely off the beaten path.

Jewel of the South is a refined cocktail bar and restaurant from acclaimed bartender Nick Detrich, occupying a beautifully restored 19th-century cottage on St. Philip Street. The cocktail program is rooted in New Orleans history with impeccable technique, and the food menu from chef Chris Spear is equally serious. Order the Gin Fizz or any of the house originals. It's pricier than most and reservations are recommended, but the quality justifies every penny.

A small, unassuming neighborhood bar on Rampart Street with an extensive craft cocktail menu at surprisingly reasonable prices—reviewers consistently praise the quality and value compared to other New Orleans bars. The Ramos Gin Fizz is a standout, though you should pre-order it as your second drink and visit on a slower weekday rather than weekends, as the tiny space fills up quickly and that particular drink takes time to prepare.

Cane & Table is a proto-tiki bar focused on rum and Caribbean-inspired cocktails in a gorgeous, dimly lit colonial setting steps from the river. The menu leans heavily on aged rums, fresh citrus, and house-made syrups with a scholarly approach to tropical drinks. The Rum Punch and Daiquiri variations are essential orders. The French Quarter location means tourist foot traffic, but the quality keeps serious drinkers coming back.

A beloved French Quarter dive bar famous for its frozen Irish coffee—order it with a Jameson shot or try creative additions like Peanut Butter Whiskey or Rumchata. The staff is friendly, the jukebox is fun, and the walls are covered in NOLA memorabilia, making it feel like a true local landmark. Note that while they allow outside food, the free sloppy joes from the crockpot are hit-or-miss.

Pat O'Brien's is a legendary French Quarter bar famous for its Hurricane cocktail and lively courtyard atmosphere with a fountain, live piano music, and dueling pianos. Order the Hurricane, try the fried shrimp or jambalaya, and expect an energetic, fun crowd—just note that drinks run a bit small for the price despite being strong and well-made.

A cash-only dive bar on Decatur Street known for cheap drinks, welcoming staff, and a genuine local punk rock crowd. Sit at the bar, chat with the bartender, and expect a varied cast of characters—just come with respect and an open mind, as reviewers note it's very much a locals' spot where rudeness isn't tolerated.

Barrel Proof is a whiskey lover's paradise with one of the most extensive American whiskey selections in the South, housed in a handsome, wood-paneled bar on Magazine Street. The staff are genuinely knowledgeable and happy to guide you through rare bourbons, ryes, and single malts. There's no food menu, so eat beforehand. It draws a mix of serious whiskey nerds and Garden District regulars, keeping the vibe convivial without being rowdy.

A historic absinthe-focused bar on Bourbon Street with knowledgeable bartenders who can prepare the spirit properly and explain flavor profiles. Try their absinthe selections (Swiss and French varieties available) or their absinthe margarita. Fair warning: it's genuinely tiny with limited seating around the bar, though there's a larger back room with speakeasy vibes—service can be slow when it's busy.

A hidden gem absinthe bar tucked in Pirates Alley next to Saint Louis Cathedral, known as the best place in New Orleans to try absinthe for enthusiasts. Bartenders like Absinthia and Henry offer knowledgeable recommendations on drinks like Pirates Punch and Mahogany Hall alongside traditional absinthe. Cash only—bring exact change if possible, and note that service can be gruff but the atmosphere and history make it worth the visit.