As we ring in 2026, many of us may do so by gathering with our friends at our favorite neighborhood bar or pub. New Orleans has many noteworthy bars, and for communities across the city, they have become a respite, providing a space to connect with our neighbors, enjoy some libations and good eats, a space to celebrate wins and mourn losses. For our January bar issue, we celebrate not only the new year, but these (sometimes) well-worn, certainly iconic dive bars and lounges.
This month we also shout out our Tops of the Town winners for 2026. The honorees in this group are voted on by you, our readers, and we are excited to highlight all of the amazing businesses, restaurants, museums and festivals that make up the fabric of New Orleans. Congratulations to all of the winners and runners up, and thanks to all for voting!
We keep the celebration going with our profile of the annual Ella Brennan Hospitality Award winners. This year, the honor goes to Marv, Zeid and Richy Ammari of Creole Cuisine Cares for their work in bringing aid, nourishment and fellowship to New Orleanians in need and beyond. Each year, the Ella Brennan Award recognizes “a lifetime commitment to the hospitality industry through extraordinary leadership, personal and professional accomplishments, and philanthropic contributions to the community.” Cheers to the Ammari brothers for their well-deserved honor.
We have much to celebrate across the city. And while most people’s holiday cheer is fading, ours is just getting started. This issue highlights not only our 2026 winners and honorees, but also features plenty of winter menus, activities, news, recipes and more that will carry us through the month, right into Carnival in February.
Cheers to the new year and cheers to New Orleans!
Send us a line! Have something you want to share with us? Email ashley@myneworleans.com.
