New Orleans is surely known for its culture, music, food and festivals, but it’s also a drinking town like no other. Maybe it’s our love of revelry—or of simply meeting new friends everywhere we go—but New Orleanians have a knack for making any day one to celebrate. And what better way than with a cocktail in hand (and preferably to-go)?
Whether you’re looking for a cozy neighborhood bar to catch up with the regulars, a sports bar to watch the game or a sprawling patio to practice your social distancing, the Crescent City has it all. We also have top-notch wine bars that will satisfy the pickiest oenophiles and affordable Happy Hours that fit the bill after a long day at the office. Craft beer? Yep, we have that, too, thanks to a growing number of local breweries that are turning out some serious suds. Our distilleries? Not only did they come through during the pandemic by producing hand sanitizers, but they also kick things up a notch with their unique spirits. No matter how (and where) you choose to do it, there’s some good, clean fun waiting just around the corner.
While this list is in no way exhaustive—there are just too many amazing bars in New Orleans to mention—it definitely provides a well-rounded starting point for some local discovery. Even though your favorite neighborhood bar is always a good choice, it can be fun to spread your wings and find some new local haunts.
And while the pandemic has certainly put a damper on how New Orleanians celebrate, it in no way has squelched our thirst for alcohol in all of its mighty forms. It should come as no surprise after all, as New Orleans is often credited as being the birthplace of the cocktail. Maybe it’s in our blood; maybe hurricane parties help us deal with the onslaught to come; and maybe we just like to have fun.
Whatever the reason, our drinking culture keeps the pace. And as one of the only places in the world where you can legally take your drink with you on the street, you might as well take advantage. Be sure to pick up some of those batch cocktails to-go the next time you’re planning a day out on the town.
NEIGHBORHOOD BARS
Bar Tonique
This cozy, brick-walled bar on North Rampart Street is revered for its craft cocktails featuring house-made ingredients. Bar Tonique opened in 2008 as the first free-standing craft cocktail bar in New Orleans, with the goal of serving great cocktails, carefully curated wines and craft beers in a friendly, unpretentious, neighborhood setting. The craft cocktail list includes everything from punches and slings to sours and blossoms. Be sure to check out the daily special ($6 every day, except on Fridays when a Tullamore D.E.W shot is $3). A minority-owned business, Bar Tonique tends to have a majority BIPOC and/or LGBTQ+ identifying staff. The bar also goes to great lengths to provide generous employee benefit packages, and robust training and professional development.
820 N. Rampart St., 324-6045, Bartonique.com.
Mick’s Irish Pub
Located in Mid-City, Mick’s Irish Pub is a laid-back neighborhood bar with pool, ping pong, darts and video games. It’s pet-friendly, and the regulars here rave about the friendly service and original New Orleans vibe. The bar food also can’t be beat, thanks to Rum and the Lash (a tiny kitchen with food from Chef Michael Gulotta of MoPho) that moved here from Finn McCool’s. The menu includes curry fries, burgers and chicken wings (among other options), and more items also will be added. While you’re at it, pair some of that pub grub with an Irish car bomb.
4801 Bienville Ave., 482-9113.
Parasol’s
Located in the Irish Channel, Parasol’s is a longtime local favorite dive bar known for its po’ boys, sports on T.V. and St. Patrick’s Day revelry. The corner location has outside seating, and guests are always mixing and mingling with each other—all while enjoying stiff drinks and tasty eats. In addition to some of the best po’ boys in the city, the menu at Parasol’s includes a Muffulatta, burgers (and veggie burgers), wings, fries, onion rings and more. For something different, try the Irish Sunday (potato salad with roast gravy and spicy mayo).
2533 Constance St., 354-9079, facebook.com/parasolsnola.
Cure
An old firehouse in the Freret Street corridor transformed into a stylish, dimly lit cocktail lounge that’s been a local favorite spot since 2009. Largely credited with revitalizing the now-bustling neighborhood, Cure won the coveted award for Outstanding Bar Program from the James Beard Foundation in 2018. Expect creative drinks and an eclectic array of dishes. Try the Agave Old Fashioned made with mezcal, tequila, raw agave nectar, a blend of bitters and orange oil. Some of the most popular menu items include the deviled eggs, the pimento cheese, the smoked trout dip, and the cheese and charcuterie.
4905 Freret St., 302-2357, Curenola.com.
LOCAL BREWERIES
Port Orleans Brewing Co.
Port Orleans Brewing Co. focuses on having the highest standard of quality and creating the finest selection of craft beers with consistent taste. Flagship brews include the Riverfront Lager (a moderately sweet golden lager with a peach nose, a soft malty character and a crisp finish), the Kennerbrau Kolsch (a slightly fruity German-style ale with a light toasted wheat flavor) and the Bucktown Brown Ale (a smooth ale with hints of caramel, chocolate and coffee). The brewery offers seasonal and a rotating selection of beers on tap.
4124 Tchoupitoulas St., 266-2332, Portorleansbrewingco.com.
Zony Mash Beer Project
Located in the historic Gem Theater—one of only two remaining African American movie theaters still standing in the city—Zony Mash Beer Project is both a brewery and an entertainment space. Named after the title of an album of rare B-side songs by New Orleans funk band The Meters, Zony Mash offers 21 taps in the tasting room and a robust line of brews using ingredients like coffee from local roaster, Congregation; additions include carrot and dragon fruit juices, coriander and butterfly pea. Year-round brews include Tiny Bubbles (a sparkling ale), Pillow Talk (a “fluffy” IPA) and Run for the Rosé (a wine hybrid ale). The newest offering is a line of spiked seltzers, dubbed Zony Pop, now available in cans.
3940 Thalia St., 766-8868, Zonymashbeer.com.
NOLA Brewing Co.
This two-story brewery on Tchoupitoulas Street offers more than 20 beers on tap, a roof deck and the newly opened New York-style pizzeria dubbed NOLA Pizza Co. The brewery started when founder Kirk Coco realized that there were no local breweries left standing after Hurricane Katrina. He sought out longtime Dixie brewer Peter Caddoo, and, two years later, they were selling NOLA Blonde and NOLA Brown to New Orleanians thirsty for a local brew. The expanded line now includes year-round beers like Hoppyright Infringement IIPA, Green Wave Beer and Revivalists Pale Ale. The seasonal lineup includes Irish Channel Stout and Tangerine Squeeze, while the series beers include NOLA Funk and Lagniappe.
3001 Tchoupitoulas St., 896-9996, Nolabrewing.com.
Urban South Brewery
Urban South Brewery on Tchoupitoulas Street combines the heritage of European beer making with the brashness of new American styles. The brewery and taproom opened in 2016, and, last February, the company opened a research and development brewery and taproom in Houston to focus on new beer releases. Popular brews in its lineup include Paradise Park American Lager, Holy Roller Hazy Juicy IPA and Who Dat Golden Ale. Urban South recently released a new line of hard seltzers with flavors like Pineapple Punch, Triple Berry and Lychee Guava. Swing by the taproom to try the year-round and seasonal beers as well as special taproom-only beers. Crowlers, growlers and cans also are available to-go.
1645 Tchoupitoulas St., 267-4852, Urbansouthbrewery.com.
Broad Street Cider
Located in the Broadmoor neighborhood, Broad Street Cider produces handcrafted ciders and meads in small batches with no artificial flavors or added sugars. The dry and semi-dry ciders and meads are gluten-free, unfiltered, unpasteurized and have no added sulfites. Head to the taproom for not only the standard offerings but also limited specialty releases available on draft and to-go in jar fills. Better yet, join the Cider Club ($45 per month), and receive four fills, flights or a mix per month; 20 percent off always; quarterly lagniappe; and more.
2723 S. Broad St., 405-1854, Broadstreetcider.com.
Parleaux Beer Lab
This neighborhood craft micro-brewery and taproom in the Bywater produces high-quality, small-batch brews with a funky twist inherent to New Orleans. The rotating tap list changes constantly, and the brewery prides itself on not having a flagship beer. Instead, the 12 taps are a virtual laboratory of experimental brews that push the boundaries of typical beer styles. To-go beer also is available in 16-ounce cans (sold individually or in four-packs).
634 Lesseps St., 702-8433, Parleauxbeerlab.com.
Second Line Brewing
Founded in 2014, Second Line Brewing is a women-, veteran- and minority-owned neighborhood brewery in Mid-City with an indoor/outdoor beer garden featuring pop-up food vendors. The family- and dog-friendly beer garden also hosts events and special beer releases. Core brews include the Batture Blonde Ale (brewed with Pilsner malt and Noble hops), the West Coast IPA (brewed with a hop presence of pine and citrus) and the Saison Named Desire (brewed with orange zest and Moro Blood Orange). There’s also a selection of small-batch series and annual releases.
433 N. Bernadotte St., 248-8979, Secondlinebrewing.com.
LOCAL DISTILLERIES
Lula Restaurant Distillery
This stylish yet rustic micro-distillery produces small-batch, handcrafted vodka made from Louisiana sugar cane. The smooth and clean spirit has the soft finish of a cane vodka. Also available is a molasses- and raw-sugar-based rum that is batch fermented and distilled, and gin steeped with botanicals like juniper, coriander, angelica root and citrus peel.
1532 St. Charles Ave., 267-7624, Lulanola.com.
Roulaison Distilling Co.
Roulaison, the French-Creole term for the sugarcane harvest, is a small distillery that focuses on local ingredients full of robust, funky complexity. Offerings include Traditional Pot Distilled Rum, Overproof Rum, Barrel Aged Reserve Rum and Amer Herbal Rum Liqueur. In the tasting room, exclusive offerings include Cacao Rum Liqueur and Barrel Aged Reserve Rum, Single Barrel #100 (Cask Strength).
2727 S. Broad Ave., Ste. 103, 517-4786, Roulaison.com.
NOLA Distillery
The Crescent City’s eponymous distillery offers handcrafted spirits including vodka, bourbon, rum, gin and whiskey. The award-winning, silky-smooth Hierarchy Vodka is made in a mild style with an aroma of cereal with milk and a clean taste of fruit pastry, custard and minerals. Other spirits include NOLA Vodka and Pepper Vodka, Louisiana Tradition Whiskey, Louisiana Tradition Rye Whiskey and a special edition Mardi Gras NOLA Vodka.
3715 Tchoupitoulas St., 598-5610, Nola-distillery.com.
Cajun Spirits Distillery
Offering vodka, gin and rum, Cajun Spirits Distillery bases all of its spirits on the distillation of sugarcane from New Iberia. In addition to Crescent Vodka, the distillery’s other offerings include 3rd Ward Gin, infused with nine botanicals, and Tresillo Rum, a hybrid pot/column-distilled rum that’s aged for an unspecified amount of time, double-charcoal filtered and bottled at 80 proof.
2532 Poydras St., 708-8918, Cajunspirits.com.
HOTEL BARS
The Elysian Bar
Inspired by the Marigny neighborhood in which it resides, The Elysian Bar is a cafe, restaurant and bar located at the Hotel Peter & Paul. Offerings evolve throughout the day, starting with coffee pastries in the morning; a full dining menu for lunch and dinner; Aperitivo Hour; and a full bar for evening drinks. The Elysian Bar, an experience-driven bar from the team behind Bacchanal Fine Wine & Spirits, features an all-American wine list, craft cocktails and a gorgeous ambiance in which to enjoy it all.
2317 Burgundy St., 356-6769, Theelysianbar.com.
The Columns
Designed by architect Thomas Sully and built in 1893 as a private residence, The Columns was converted into a boarding house during World War I. A local family turned the mansion into a hotel in 1953, and that’s when the porch bar became popular. Jayson Seidman, a hotelier who developed The Drifter and The Frenchmen, purchased the property in 2019. During the summer, there’s nothing quite like sitting on the porch, sipping a mint julep and watching the St. Charles Streetcar ferry passengers along the avenue.
3811 St. Charles Ave., 899-9308, Thecolumns.com.
Hot Tin
The rooftop bar at The Pontchartrain Hotel, dubbed Hot Tin (and so named after the play “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” by Tennessee Williams), offers choice cocktails, Champagne and one of the best views in the city. Once a penthouse, the chic bar provides 270 degree views of downtown New Orleans and the Crescent City Connection. The space has been modeled after a 1940s artist’s loft, filled with seating vignettes and curios that serve as interesting conversation pieces. Glass accordion doors open onto the balcony, while a second, more secluded terrace offers a pretty view of St. Charles Avenue.
2031 St. Charles Ave., 323-1500, Hottinbar.com.
Bar Marilou
Located within Maison de la Luz, Bar Marilou has a separate entrance from the hotel and a private speakeasy located within. Situated in the former law library of the old City Hall Annex, the bar pays tribute to its history with an extensive, curated selection of books ranging in genre and edition. It’s the first U.S. venture for venerated French hospitality group Quixotic Projects, which is known for acclaimed Parisian venues such as Candelaria, Le Mary Celeste, Les Grand Verres, Glass and Hero. Expect refined French touches paired with creative cocktails, flavorful small plates and a bit of mischief.
544 Carondelet St., 814-7711, Barmarilou.com.
LOCAL DISTILLERIES
Old New Orleans Rum
Located just outside of the French Quarter on Frenchmen Street, Old New Orleans Rum offers a bevy of spirits including the clean and crisp Crystal Rum, the Amber Rum (aged two to four years in American white oak bourbon barrels and finished with cherry and white oak), Cajun Spice Rum (blended with chicory, clove, cayenne, allspice, nutmeg, ginger and cinnamon), the purely polished 121 Proof Rum and Gris Gris Cayenne Liqueur. There’s also the limited-edition 1718 Tricentennial Blend and the King Creole: 20th Anniversary Blend. For to-go drinks, try the line of handcrafted, ready-to-drink cocktails made with Crystal Rum in three flavors: Gingeroo; Tamaroo; and Strawberoo.
2815 Frenchmen St., 945-9400, Celebrationdistillation.com.
Atelier Vie
Atelier Vie is a craft distillery that produces a hefty lineup of spirits including Euphrosine Gin #9 Bottled in Bond; a standard version of Euphrosine; and a nine-month, barrel-aged version called Barrel-Finished Reserve. The Atelier Vie lineup also includes Louisiana Single Malt; Riz, a Louisiana rice whiskey; Calio Rum and Barrel Aged Calio Rum; Orphan Street Brandy and Orphan Street Brandy “El Jefe” Edition; Toulouse Green, a traditional-style absinthe distilled with Louisiana wormwood; and Toulouse Red, an American absinthe colored red with hibiscus. Atelier Vie also bottles Buck 25 Vodka and Orphan Street Bourbon.
1001 S. Broad St., 534-8590, Ateliervie.com.
OUTDOOR SPOT
Rosie’s on the Roof
The newly built Higgins Hotel New Orleans, located by the National WWII Museum in the Warehouse District, has a sprawling rooftop bar and lounge dubbed Rosie’s on the Roof. In addition to sweeping views of the New Orleans skyline, the boîte offers all the beer, wine and cocktails you can imagine (the martinis are especially delicious), plus small plates, shareable plates and desserts. Choose from options like the jerk-marinated chicken taco, duck confit grilled cheese or red fish and chips. For dessert, there’s beignets, warm chocolate cake and bread pudding on the menu. No matter what you choose off the menu, it will be the perfect complement to the views. And, be sure to reserve the rooftop if you want it all to yourself (or a small group).
1000 Magazine St., 528.-941, Higginshotelnola.com.
Bayou Beer Garden
Bayou Beer Garden is a quaint cottage-turned-bar with a sprawling outdoor courtyard and bridge that connects to sister bar, Bayou Wine Garden. The beer side features a huge beer list, pub fare, TVs, and a front porch and back patio. The casual atmosphere blends well with the food menu, which includes everything from burgers and sandwiches to flatbreads and salads. With 46 rotating beers on tap, you’re sure to find a few to your liking. But if you’re more in the mood for wine, it’s available just next door. Either way, kick back and enjoy the sunshine.
326 N. Jefferson Davis Pkwy., 302-9357, Bayoubeergarden.com.
The Tchoup Yard
Enter The Tchoup Yard through the spacious parking lot on Second St., and marvel at this lively outdoor cocktail destination. The relaxed vibe is highlighted by colorful furnishings and a rotating schedule of food trucks on site. While it’s always a good idea to call ahead for reservations, that is especially the case on game days when the yard gets packed with fans. Once you have a seat, choose from a drink menu of beer, wine by the glass or bottle and a full roster of spirits. Meanwhile, food options include quesadillas, sandwiches, burgers, fries and more.
405 Third St., Tchoupyard.com.
Cavan
The two-story 1800s Victorian mansion that is home to Cavan on Magazine Street is a go-to spot for enjoying coastal and Southern fare on the front patio. As fancy as the interiors and the menu are, the vibe here is uniquely laid-back. Specialty cocktails are not to be missed, with highlights including the Tea Dye For (made with vodka, lemon, herbal liqueur, chamomile and butterfly pea tea syrup) and the Memory’s Mistress (made with gin, rosemary, lime, sherry and soda). There’s also a large selection of beer and wine. The food menu also delights with small plates likes squid ink gnocchi and large plates like shrimp and grits.
3607 Magazine St., 509-7655, Cavannola.com.
WINE, BEER & SPIRITS SHOPS
Bacchanal Fine Wine & Spirits
Located in the Ninth Ward, Bacchanal is a go-to spot for locals seeking good food, live jazz and outdoor dining in the courtyard. Bacchanal also has an Old World wine shop featuring vino from smaller producers from all over the globe.
600 Poland Ave., 948-9111, Bacchanalwine.com.
NOLA Tropical Winery
For something different, head to NOLA Tropical Winery where award-winning wines are made with hand-selected berries, citrus and tropical fruits and do not contain tannic acid. (which means no acid reflux, bitter taste or wine hangover.) In addition to fruit wines, the shop also carries a full line of accessories, artwork by local artists, gift baskets and more.
500 Port of New Orleans Place, Ste. 144, 561-6010, Nolatropicalwinery.com.
Martin Wine Cellar
A well-known name in New Orleans, Martin Wine Cellar has specialized in wine, spirits, imported beer, gourmet food and gift baskets since 1946. In addition to the Uptown location, Martin Wine Cellar also has locations in Metairie, Mandeville and Baton Rouge.
3827 Baronne St., 899-7411, Martinwine.com.
Swirl Wine Bar & Market
This neighborhood wine shop in Faubourg St. John is a fun and funky spot to pick up wine, beer and cheese. Swirl carefully curates an international selection of wines with an emphasis on Europe (especially Italy), anything with bubbles, and wines that are sustainable, organic, biodynamic and natural.
3143 Ponce De Leon St., 304-0635, Swirlnola.com.
Brady’s Wine Warehouse
A local standby for global wines, spirits and beer, Brady’s Wine Warehouse offers a wide selection of libations that can’t be found elsewhere. The knowledgeable staff makes choosing a bottle of wine stress-free.
1029 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd, Ste. C, 662-1488, Bradyswinewarehouse.com.
NOLA Wine Merchant
Formerly known as Hopper’s Carte des Vins, NOLA Wine Merchant has a knowledgeable staff offering personalized service in choosing wine that is just as unique as New Orleans itself.
5601C Magazine St., 227-3888, Nolawinemerchant.com.
SPORTS BARS
Manning’s Sports Bar and Grill
While temporarily closed during the pandemic, Manning’s Sports Bar and Grill is the quintessential place to watch the game in NOLA. It’s home to more than 30 flat-screen TVs, two 13-foot mega-screens, a sports anchor desk, a recliner dining section and unique memorabilia from Louisiana’s first football family. The pub grub of sandwiches, burgers and wraps takes on a Creole flair, and there are 24 beers on tap (plus plenty of brews in a bottle). The apps are worth a visit with options like catfish tenders, wings, blue crab deviled eggs and MVP loaded fries.
519 Fulton St., 593-8118, Caesars.com.
Finn McCool’s Irish Pub
The epitome of an Irish sports pub, Finn McCool’s brings together Irish whiskey, beer and sports in a way that no other spot in New Orleans does. The bar supports football all across the world, with showings of various leagues, including English Premier League, Scottish Premier League, Champion’s League, Rugby, NFL, NBA, MLB, MLS and many more. Catch all U.S. national team games, as well as the widest selection of international matches. This is also the place to watch major tournaments like The World Cup, Euro Cup, Gold Cup and others.
3701 Banks St., 486-9080, Finnmccools.com.
Mid-City Yacht Club
This lively local hangout features an outdoor patio and sports on TV, combined with crawfish boils, burgers and beer. The building, which was established as Savaggio’s Grocery store in the mid-1930’s, has gone through a number of iterations as a bar. However, after it was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina, Ben Markey and his wife Stefanie bought the bar in 2006 and started on restorations. Today, the bar has15 TVs and five different zones for sound. Saturday college games also take center stage as MCYC has the ability to show almost any game.
440 S. St. Patrick St., 483-2517, Midcityyachtclub.com.
American Sports Saloon
This casual sports bar in the French Quarter pairs pub grub and other hearty fare with draft beer, trivia nights and sports on multiple TVs. The menu features salads, sandwiches and burgers, plus small plates like the “crawfish dip dog.” The drinks include everything from beer, cocktails and frozen drinks. The bar also throws watch parties for events such as the Emmys, the Oscars, the Kentucky Derby and the Westminster Dog Show. The patio also gets pretty happening with those eager to people-watch the crowd below.
1200 Decatur St., 300-1782, Theamericansportssaloon.com.
COCKTAILS
El Pavo Real
This cheerful neighborhood restaurant offers familiar Mexican food and margaritas to-go by the gallon. Options include the house rocks or frozen (Campo Azul Silver, fresh limes, orange and simple syrup); call (Calle 23 Silver or Jose Cuervo Gold and Triple Sec); or the Premium (Herradura Silver or Fortaleza Reposado and Cointreau).
4401 S. Broad Ave., 266-2022, Elpavorealnola.com.
Gris-Gris
This award-winning Lower Garden District restaurant is offering a selection of batch cocktails to-go. Choose from Sangria, a frozen drink and a mixed cocktail by the gallon. Drink options are subject to change.
1800 Magazine St., 272-0241, Grisgrisnola.com.
COCKTAILS TO-GO
Compère Lapin
The Old No. 77 Hotel & Chandlery is home to Compère Lapin, the restaurant concept from revered local celebrity chef Nina Compton. Her menu draws on the indigenous ingredients and rich culinary heritage of New Orleans, combined with those of her Caribbean roots. Compton also taps into her classical French culinary training and deep experience with Italian cuisine to present a playful and delicious menu. For a fun to-go drink experience, check out the weekly Saturday brunch from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Priced at $12, the libations on offer include Bloody Marys, mimosas, brandy milk punch (bottled) brunch punch and frozen daiquiris. The brunch menu changes weekly and has included a bake sale brunch and a hot fire chicken pop-up.
535 Tchoupitoulas St., 599-2119, Comperelapin.com.
Cochon Butcher
Cochon Butcher, part of the Link Restaurant Group, is offering a famous New Orleans cocktail with a Butcher twist. The Butcher ‘Cane is made with Don Q Cristal Rum, Bacardi 151 and oak-aged spiced rums; fresh passionfruit; Aperol; Angostera bitters; and Luxardo cherries—and it’s available to-go in frozen jugs.
930 Tchoupitoulas St., 588-7675, Cochonrestaurant.com.
WINE BARS
Claret Wine & Cocktail Bar
Occupying space at the Framework building on Magazine Street, Claret Wine & Cocktail Bar features a gorgeous interior and an airy outdoor patio. The extensive wine list includes more than 25 wines by the glass focusing on small producers, and natural and organic wines. The menu also includes more than one dozen craft cocktail selections, nearly 30 local and regional beers, and domestic beers as well. The food menu by executive chef Marcus Woodham spotlights an extensive charcuterie program with house-cured meats, a variety of cheeses and tasty accoutrements. Other ingredient-driven small plates include options like beet hummus, potato gnocchi and tuna tartare.
1320 Magazine St., 766-9425, Claretnola.com.
The Delachaise Wine Bar
Located on the St. Charles Streetcar line, this narrow, lounge-like wine bar features an eclectic menu of elevated bar fare, a bevy of wines and a spacious patio. Choose from more than 350 wines (36 of them are less than $36), a full top-shelf bar and some of the best bar bites in the city. The award-winning Pommes Frites (French fries fried in goose-fat, served with house-made peanut satay and malt-vinegar aioli) can’t be topped. Other popular menu items include the Thai Moules et Frites, the flank steak bruschetta and the salmon Johnny cakes. You also can’t go wrong with a glass of wine paired with a cheese plate or house-made paté plate.
3442 St. Charles Ave., 895-0858, Thedelachaise.com.
Bayou Wine Garden
This wine bar and bistro in Mid-City serves up a large selection of wines, fun cocktails, an approachable Southern food menu and a casual atmosphere. The wine list consists of both Old and New World styles of wine at various price points, with options by the glass, carafe or bottle. There are also 36 rotating wines on tap. Food options include a variety of cheese and house-made charcuterie (ranging from fresh patés to cured meats and sausages), plus varied appetizers, salads, sandwiches, tacos and more. A fun dessert pairing is a glass of wine with house-made macaroons or wine ice cream. Grab a seat in the back of the building by the large windows and French doors, or bring your pup and grab a seat in the sprawling courtyard.
315 N. Rendon St., 826-2925, Bayouwinegarden.com.
Effervescence Bubbles & Bites
This elegant bar is a must-visit for any fan of Champagne and wine. Located on the edge of the French Quarter, the polished space sets a lovely tone for perusing the curated list of exceptional bubbles at all price points—from affordable sparklers to renowned Grande Marque Champagnes. The sparkling wine list spans the globe and includes more than 200 sparkling wines by the bottle, more than 30 sparkling wines by the glass and six unique sparkling flights. Meanwhile, all signature cocktails at Effervescence are topped with a sparkler from the list. Other drink options include still wines, craft spirits, sherries, ciders, liqueurs and beer. Linger on the welcoming courtyard and drink bubbles to your utter delight. While you’re at it, pair a drink with a chef-inspired shared plate for a well-rounded and fun night out on the town.
1036 N. Rampart St., 509-7644, Nolabubbles.com.
HAPPY HOURS
Longway Tavern
Enjoy a relaxed and cozy atmosphere, clever cocktails and pub fare with a twist at this French Quarter tavern. The menu adds creative touches to pub mainstays, drawing from local flavors and what’s in season (think fried oysters topped with celery, remoulade and Crystal hot sauce gel). At the bar, you’ll find frozen drinks, craft cocktails, bottles of wine and regional beers. The creative cocktails come with names just as unique, like the Sorry in Advance made with Manzanilla sherry, Cardamaro, Hayman’s sloe gin, crème de cacao and a Malort rinse. Happy Hour, which takes place every day from 4-6 p.m., includes options like a glass of house wine ($5), a Chilton ($6, house vodka, soda, lemon and salt), fries ($5) and two tacos ($6, smoked catfish, drunken salsa and cabbage slaw).
719 Toulouse St., 962-9696, Longwaytavern.com.
Picnic Provisions & Whiskey
This casual, picnic-inspired spot from the Commander’s Palace group is located on the corner of Magazine and State streets near Audubon Park. The daily You Make Me So Happy Hour takes place Wednesday through Sunday from 3-7 p.m. with all kinds of tasty choices like a smoked fish dip and pimento cheese. House cocktails are $6 and a few beers are only $2. After a Happy Hour snack, grab a to-meal and take it to the park for a full-on picnic.
741 State St., 266-2810, Nolapicnic.com.
Costera
This Uptown coastal Spanish restaurant and bar from co-owners Chef Brian Burns and restaurateur Reno De Ranieri highlights local produce and Gulf seafood in a casual, communal-dining setting. The menu includes everything from Gulf fish crudo to scallops a la plancha. The daily Happy Hour, which takes place from 4-6 p.m., features all beer and glassed wine at half price and specially priced food items like blistered shishito peppers ($5), citrus and chili marinated crab claws ($7.50) and dry cured Iberico chorizo ($8). A rotating list of light Spanish cocktails includes options like the Spanish Sunset (made with Cava, strawberry, black pepper and mint) for $6.
4938 Prytania St., 302-2332, Costerarestaurant.com.
