Intoxicating in every way, the Crescent City has been known to leave us shaken, stirred and, from time to time, even on the rocks. As proven from our proudly stacked geaux cup collections, we New Orleanians appreciate and celebrate our local bar culture on a rather loyal basis. All the ink in Louisiana couldn’t cover the […]
This month is all about continued celebration, not only winding down the holidays and toasting a new year, but that special time between the holidays and right before Carnival really gets ramped up. It’s like we’re in a collective celebratory holding pattern, taking stock of costumes, getting plans in order and making plans with friends. […]
It was just another ordinary day when Susan Spicer was coordinating a photo shoot at Rosedale. She didn’t think much about it, although the photographer seemed to be encountering an unusual number of time-consuming “technical issues.” Then she heard the trumpet. “Hmm, that’s kind of loud for our sound system,” was Spicer’s first thought, when […]
As always, New Orleans has so many great things to shout out loud about. Even in a year with so many downs, we appreciate more than ever those places and things that rise to the top. Here is our list of the Tops of the Town as selected by our editorial staff. Readers were encouraged […]
Each January 6, revelers rejoice as the first day of the Carnival is marked by Twelfth Night celebrations and the first pieces of king cake are shared amongst friends. With the origin of king cakes dating to France and the Middle Ages, companies such as King Cake Hub are doing all they can to shine light […]
Porter Lyon’s timeless Beetle necklace is a chunky, 14k gold panther-style chain studded with Scarab beetles and accented with diamonds to encourage restoration and good fortune. This piece will truly work with any outfit. Available in 16’’ or 18’’ through Porter Lyons, porterlyons.com. Three cheers for the return of our beloved 90’s favorites, including the […]
I’m really not a Christmas person. I’m not a total Scrooge or anything – I like baking and family bonding; I’m not a monster – but I’m also not the type to go crazy decorating, and I hate shopping, and I suck at wrapping presents. So I’m always happy on Epiphany, Jan. 6, when we […]
Back before Christmas, my mother-in-law Ms. Larda started getting weird text messages. The first one was from her friend Patsy Dematteo. “Who’s dead?” it said. Ms.. Larda just assumed Patsy’s been going heavy on the eggnog again. Then she gets a text from Awlette Bruni, “Hugs to you too!” Hmph. Ms.. Larda never hugged Awlette […]
Named for Jean de Baptiste-le-Moyne, Sieur de Bienville, who founded New Orleans in 1718, Arnaud’s Oysters Bienville was created by and became popular under the restaurant’s founder, Arnaud Cazanave, in the1920s. Cazenave’s creation was a competitive response to the overwhelming attention Oysters Rockefeller was attracting at nearby Antoine’s Restaurant. Served baked on the half shell […]
Did New Orleans have its own Bastille? No, but some newspaper reporters joked about it in the early 20th century. In 1892, only months after the trial of 10 Italians accused of murdering New Orleans Police Chief David Hennessy and the lynching of almost a dozen Italian prisoners at the old parish prison in Tremé, […]
Got the winter blues now that the holidays are over and those cold, rainy days have set in? Emerald blue waters, soft sandy beaches and balmy weather exist a short flight from New Orleans in Cancun, Mexico. There’s plenty of hotels to choose from along the “Hotel Zone” of the Cancun peninsula, but Grand Fiesta […]
As many of us will be ringing in the January 1st New Year with our resolutions and hoping for auspicious outcomes, Vietnamese Lunar New Year (Tết) celebrations will be happening on January 22, 2023, about a month prior to Mardi Gras (February 21). Some years, these events are closer together. How fortunate to have two […]
Saba’s Lounge, the newly opened space that connects with Chef Alon Shaya’s Saba restaurant, is hosting a special dinner series January 19 from 6-9 p.m. The specially curated dinner features a five-course, family-style tasting menu paired with wines chosen by California fine-wine broker and distributor Kimberley Jones. 5757 Magazine St., 324-7770, eatwithsaba.com Sumptuous Staycation Now […]
The start of a new year is a good time to take stock of one’s surroundings. If an update involving stone and tile is in your plans, there are newly emerging ways to beautify your home. Stone and tile expert Johnny Altobello III of The Stone Gallery brings us up to speed. As in other […]
“Jesus Christ Superstar” The legendary musical from Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber is celebrating its 50th anniversary. The story of the final weeks of Jesus’ life will come to the Saenger Theatre January 10-15. SaengerNOLA.com Phunny Phorty Phellows The sadness of Christmas season ending is always balanced out by the joy of Carnival season […]
Never has a simple, innocent date developed such diverse meanings. That date is January 6. For 2,000 years or so it has been known as Twelfth Night, or the Feast of the Epiphany. The date is generally acknowledged as the last day of the Christmas season, the 12th day. In some cultures, January 6 is […]
In the last few years, Barrel Proof managing partner Liam Deegan has watched Manhattan variations named for different New York neighborhoods emerge. He wanted to create one for his bar, and thus was born the “Lower Garden.” Liam appreciates that Barrel Proof is both “a whiskey destination for whiskey nerds” and “a neighborhood bar with […]
A hillock of crabmeat and black-eyed peas presents an island within ruddy sauce piquant. Fragrant rice and veg are tumbled with peppery seasonings and protein components that shift between land and sea. One might think they were dining at a Creole stalwart. But this is Dakar NOLA, Chef Serigne Mbaye’s love letter to the foods that […]
Addis NOLA has opened the Coffee Ceremony Stage, a dedicated larger space that serves as the backdrop for the traditional Ethiopian ritual of roasting coffee beans from the Yirgachafe Region. In the spirit of this tradition, cocktail guru Touré Folkes of Turning Tables has created the Kahltini—a cocktail made with hand-roasted Ethiopian coffee, Kahlua cream […]
While Sonny Lee navigated growing up following the death of his father, it wasn’t until he reached adulthood that he recognized the resources he had access to that most fatherless boys do not. Witnessing this issue and its outcomes consistently ignored, Sonny founded 501c3 nonprofit Son of a Saint in 2011 to provide fatherless boys […]
Attending open houses every weekend as a child, what was Christian Galvin’s budding interest in real estate has since matured into Christian Shane International. The four-division company, or “ecosystem” as it’s referred to, consists of Properties, Developments, Hospitality and Lifestyle branches that comprehensively tackle buying/selling properties, building/renovating, home staging, retail, and managing event spaces and […]
A millennial attorney already partner at a premier law firm, Jatavian’s “why” is rooted in family. Following his mother’s death at age four, a lawyer aided his grandmother in building a legal case – the proceeds from which served as seed money for Jatavian to attend Dillard University. Knowing first-hand the impact of personal injury […]
Serving the country as an army medic for over a decade equipped Dr. Michael Ferguson with the experienced-backed know-how and tenacity to earn both his DDS and MD. Now partner and surgeon at Oral Surgery Services, Dr. Ferguson strives every day to embody the empathy and generosity his mother and grandfather instilled in him. “It’s […]
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Martin Gutierrez had been putting his faith into action working with the Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans (CCANO) long before he was ordained a deacon in 2018. Now the CCANO’s Vice President of Mission and Community Engagement, Deacon Gutierrez believes in the unique role we can play in serving our community. “Each one […]
His construction career spurred by a desire to meaningfully contribute to his hometown, Ryan Mayer founded Mayer Building Company in 2009 to do just that. A builder and general contractor, Ryan has completed commercial renovation projects for medical, educational, food service and business clients. French Truck Coffee, Loyola, and Alon Medical have improved multiple spaces […]
Intoxicating in every way, the Crescent City has been known to leave us shaken, stirred and, from time to time, even on the rocks. As proven from our proudly stacked geaux cup collections, we New Orleanians appreciate and celebrate our local bar culture on a rather loyal basis. All the ink in Louisiana couldn’t cover the number of buzzy spots to wet your whistle, but we laissez les ice cubes rouler and did a city-wide sweep to compile a list of locales by neighborhood. From convivial cocktail lounges, dressed down dive bars and spirited pubs, to boisterous breweries and relaxed watering holes, there is no shortage of places to tickle your tipple.
CBD + South Market District
Chandelier Bar at the Four Seasons New Orleans2 Canal St., fourseasons.com/neworleans. A sparkling conversation starter, clink herbal mist spritzed martinis and indulge in a side of caviar beneath the gasp-worthy showcase chandelier that features 15,000 crystal and glass trimmings.Bar Marilou544 Carondelet St., barmarilou.com. A seductive spot for a rendezvous, the French-style sanctuary is where library books and libations inspire stories of blind dates and soul mates. Apéritif happy hours and caviar in the evening make the charismatic space a match made in romance. If you happen to hold a hotel key, inquire about the bookcase that leads to a discreet secret bar.New Orleans Social House725 Tchoupitoulas St., noshneworleans.com. An upscale lounge for champagne, craft cocktails and “social bites”, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better Friday invitation than the Bubble Bar featuring bubbles by the glass and half off all bottles of wine, sparkling and champagne.Sidecar Patio & Oyster Bar1114 Constance St., sidecarnola.com. Enjoy tropical Negronis beneath the courtyard palm trees of this urban oasis, and if you’re feeling peckish, the raw bar will provideth with dressed oyster and caviar servings.Que Syrah Syrah Are you more cork confused than connoisseur? Don’t let the rosé make you blush if you mispronounce a Meritage. Emily Walker, sommelier at Copper Vine, gives us tips on how to choose from a wine list when you don’t recognize any of the labels.
Start with some bubbles and give yourself time to peruse the list and consider what you may order as a meal.
Don’t be shy about asking for a recommendation based on what you like or embrace the unexpected and let us suggest a varietal you’re curious to try.
Sipping shouldn’t be so serious. Trust your palate and don’t stress about the pairing.
Pluck
722 Girod St., pluckwines.com. Unwind with the vines at this grape escape that offers every zing from orange cuvées to trendy Pet Nats. Pair your pinot with jambon beurre amongst the minimalist interior or sip al fresco in the quaint patio space.
The Double Dealer
129 Roosevelt Way, doubledealernola.com. Located beneath the Orpheum Theater, be swept away by speakeasy vibes, persuasive cocktails named for short stories and poems from the original Double Dealer magazine and memory-making live performances.
Haute Tell
Some of our favorite hotel bars for when you want to go from beverage to bed. The Sazerac Bar at The Roosevelt New Orleans130 Roosevelt Way, therooseveltneworleans.com.Loa Bar at International House221 Camp St., ihhotel.com.Peacock Room at the Kimpton Hotel Fontenot501 Tchoupitoulas St., peacockroomnola.com. The Pool Club New Orleans at Virgin Hotel New Orleans550 Baronne St., virginhotels.com.Above the Grid at NOPSI Hotel317 Baronne St., abovethegridnola.com.ALTO at The Ace Hotel600 Carondelet St., acehotel.com.Ingenue at The Troubadour Hotel1111 Gravier St., monkeyboardnola.com.Rosie’s on the Roof at The Higgins Hotel1000 Magazine St., higginshotelnola.com.Observatory Eleven Bar at Westin New Orleans100 Iberville St.
French Quarter’s Finest
Jewel of the South1026 St. Louis St., jewelnola.com. A chic twist on a tavern, step inside the 19th-century Creole cottage and request a signature Brandy Crusta. Immerse yourself in the sublime ambiance and relish elevated sustenance by way of concepts like “casual caviar happy hour”.Effervescence Bubbles & Bites1036 N. Rampart St., nolabubbles.com. The fizzness of pleasure, this elegant champagne lounge houses the crème de la crème of corks. Swing by for bubbles by the bottle, still wines, flights and savory plates to the tune of truffle pommes frites.Arnaud’s French 75 Bar813 Rue Bienville, arnaudsrestaurant.com. An iconic destination, partake in the eponymous cognac and champagne cocktail and a plate of Gougères. If you (#havethisthingwithtile), pause to appreciate the patterned vintage floor and custom bar built in the late 1800s.Peychaud’s727 Toulouse St., maisondeville.com. Have a bitters sweet experience in the former home of Antoine Peychaud in the Hotel Maison de Ville. The bar, with its vintage heirlooms and cozy corners, and the private courtyard space with a fountain to fixate on, are booze-written invitations for a Peychaud’s Fizz. The Carousel Bar & Lounge214 Royal St., hotelmonteleone.com. Ever had a round on a merry-go-round? One of the most special places to get delightfully dizzy, cross fingers to score a spot at the 25 seat, circus themed bar that slowly revolves. Request a Vieux Carré and let the good times spin.
The Will and the Way
719 Toulouse St., thewillandtheway.com. The sexy and sophisticated bar beckons for day drinks and nightcaps. Whether you’re a High Life person or consider cocktails your calling card, all vibes are welcome to canoodle at this locale for a midnight – 2 a.m. happy hour featuring Southern-leaning snackables.
Criollo - Hotel Monteleone
214 Royal St., criollonola.com. Newly launched this month at Criollo, for just a pocketful of pennies you can now partake in 75 cent French 75’s during brunch on Saturdays and Sundays.Geaux For A DiveLafitte’s Blacksmith Shop941 Bourbon St., lafittesblacksmithshop.com. Weave your way to the oft-crowded bar for a signature “Purple Drank” and take in the historic vibes of the character-rich renown spot, said to be the oldest structure used as a bar in the United States. Molly’s at the Market1107 Decatur St., mollysatthemarket.net. Step 1: Attempt to snag the single window seat. Step 2: Order the frozen Irish coffee. Step 3: Throw some money in the jukebox and Geppetto the mood of the bar.Good Friends Bar740 Dauphine St., goodfriendsbar.com. Both Southern and decadent, pop by for a signature drink called “The Separator” while making nice at the downstairs bar or head up the stairwell to the Victorian-outfitted Queens Head Pub for a bevvy and a balcony view.Harry’s Corner900 Chartres St. Cash is king at this unassuming spot where locals gather – often with their small pups – for a no-frills swill. Grab a geaux cup and keep it moving or snag a seat at the extended outdoor space for more room to maneuver.MRB515 St. Phillip St., mrbnola.com. Even if a Saints game ends in a loss, this is the place to dry your tears over beers, a plate of frachos and a stack of oysters. Cheer yourself up in the courtyard with a frozen Green Drank and take in some live music.
Bar Tonique
820 N. Rampart St., bartonique.com. Subtly chic with exposed brick and a bottoms-up-view of the Southern inspired blue ceiling, snag one of the few bar seats to anticipate your crafted cocktail. If you’re in a decision-making deficit, let the daily specials at the petite respite inspire your desire.Palm & Pine308 N. Rampart St., palmandpinenola.com. Lights, camera, libations, partake in the agave and cane spirits program and late-night happy hour every Friday and Saturday from 11 p.m. – 1 a.m. A short jaunt to the Saenger, the theater-supportive spot typically creates a cocktail to highlight the current featured performance.
Sip It,Swap It
The Hermes Bar at Antoine’s:
Sip: The French 75Swap: The French Gimlet
Tujague’s:
Sip: Grasshopper Swap: Pimm’s Punch
Tropical Isle:
Sip: The Hand Grenade Swap: Shark Attack
Pat O’Brien’s:
Sip: The Hurricane Swap: The Rainbow
Old Absinthe House:
Sip: Absinthe Frappé Swap: Mother's Milk
Napoleon House:
Sip: Pimm’s Cup Swap: Peychaud’s Spritz
Anna’s
2601 Royal St., annasnola.com. A double-decker baår housed in a 19th-century bank building, follow the pink neon sign to a “fine diving” experience of cocktails, pool and a cozy upstairs quarters outfitted with local artwork and situated for conversation.
THE COFFEE BAR
Did you wake up with a Marigny-sized migraine? A remedy at the ready, look for the soothing mint green bistro chairs lining the path of Frenchmen All Day (630 Frenchmen St., frenchmennola.com) and order a spiked hangover helper from the “Boozy Brews” menu.
Marigny
R Bar1431 Royal St., royalstreetinn.com. Home to the haircut and shot combo on Mondays at 7 p.m., and the epicenter of local color on Mardi Gras day, this lively neighborhood gathering spot beneath the Royal Street Inn features screens for Saints games and Friday evening shrimp and crawfish boils.Apple Barrel Bar609 Frenchmen St. The low-key, pint-sized bar is where you’ll find yourself finger-snapping to live jazz and blues nightly. Cash only, bring some extra duckets for the musician’s tip bucket.Three Muses536 Frenchmen St., 3musesnola.com. If you like your sparkling sake with a side of soul and Tangerine Sour with a trumpet soundtrack, this is the spot for you. A kicked back atmosphere, drop in for live entertainment and plates with an Asian twist.The AllWays Lounge & Cabaret2240 St. Claude Ave., theallwayslounge.net. Entertainment reigns supreme at this theater meets bar. From burlesque bingo to peep show performances and indie music, be amused by the business of show.Brieux Carré Brewing Co.2115 Decatur St., brieuxcarre.com. Craft beer drinkers flock to this microbrewery to hit the Czech LUKR beer faucets. From coffee and coconut porters to Munich malts, grab a crowler or a six-pack of personality-plus cans for the road.Hi-Ho Lounge2239 St. Claude Ave. Funky and fun, bluegrass pickin’ parties, comedy acts and late-night DJ dance parties are the call of the wild. Boozy bonus: the drink prices won’t break the bank.Pepp’s Pub706 Franklin Ave., peppspub.com. No better place for a hair of the dog than a bar that welcomes your pup while you peruse the wall of whiskey. Sit hip to hip with a French Bulldog while occasionally enjoying a pulled pork meat pie pop up.Emporium Arcade Bar2231 St. Claude Ave., emporiumarcadebar.com. Nothing wrong with a little friendly competition while you imbibe. Pool tables, pinball, vintage video games and more make adulting fun.The Friendly Bar2301 Chartres St. True to its name, this neighborhood haunt is known for its conversational and congenial pourers. Drop in for a stiff drink on the cheap and maybe even pick up a little local anecdote.New Orleans Art Bar2128 St. Claude Ave., nolaartbar.com. A nip with non-fiction, this bookstore-meets-lounge offers a sophisticated approach to libations and literature. Small plates and bottle service add intrigue to the story. The Elysian Bar2317 Burgundy St., theelysianbar.com. Intimate and Instagrammable, this jewel box features Euro-style aperitivo, low ABV cocktails and all-American wines. A tip to toast on: the picturesque backdrop and overhang of the bar was carved at Mardi Gras World.
Pedal Pushers
nolabikebar.com. BYOB on your 1 hour 45 minute tour of the Bywater on an electric assist pedal tour that seats 15 while a driver guides the way to local haunts, which may even include a visit to the “Barmuda Triangle”.
Geaux For A Dive
J&J’s Sport’s Lounge: 800 France St., jjssportslounge.com.Bud Rip’s: 900 Piety St.Vaughan’s Lounge: 4229 Dauphine St.Markey’s Bar: 640 Louisa St., markeysbar.com.
Bywater
Bar Brine3200 Burgundy St., yousneakypickle.com. The Sneaky Pickle by day, Bar Brine by night, come thirsty for creative plays on Negronis and hungry for charcuterie to share at the colorful bar or outside at the petite patio tables. The Country Club New Orleans634 Louisa St., thecountryclubneworleans.com. A bohemian retreat, social butterflies with an eye for design will enjoy the linger-perfect weekday happy hour. The weekend drag brunch is not to be missed. Bywater Brew Pub3000 Royal St., bywaterbrewpub.com. Make nice over malty lagers, pals over IPAs and buds over bites of Viet-Cajun food at this friendly locale where colorful works of art cover the walls. Brewpub bingo, trivia nights, live music and gameday-watching vibes will keep you entertained. Parleaux Beer Lab634 Lesseps St., parleauxbeerlab.com Grow friendships in the beer garden over swigs of small-batch brews with funky names and fresh local ingredients. Rotating kitchens pop up on the weekends to add to the party atmosphere.Junction3021 St. Claude Ave., junctionnola.com. If beers make you want to burger and burgers make you want to beer, you’ll be at home with the knowledgeable bar krewe who will recommend a pull from the curated selection of 40 beers and creative-ingredient burgers to match. For a quick fix, hit the walk-up window for a frozen Irish.Saturn Bar3067 St. Claude Ave. Country crooning, drag karaoke, piano nights, honky-tonk, hip hop and R&B come together at any given night of the week at this planetary party.Bar Pomona2352 Saint Claude Ave., barpamona.com. A wine bar in a jam shop, this quaint locale provides rarified wines by the bottle and glass, lasagna specials on Mondays and rotating frozen drinks named after album tracks.
Bacchanal Fine Wine & Spirits
600 Poland Ave., bacchanalwine.com. Follow the sound of corks popping beneath the treetops at this tried-and-true treasure. Embrace the romance of selecting just the right bottle from the charming cellar, along with a cheese plate, then make your way to the courtyard for live tunes wafting about day and night.Play List Always a good time, we checked in with Kermit Ruffins to get his top five song suggestions that go with his famous phrase, “We Partyin’!”.
Second Line on Monday by Chuck Carbo
I Gotta Feeling by Black Eyed Peas
For the Love of You by The Isley Brothers
Drop Me off in New Orleans by Kermit Ruffins
Skokiaan by Louis Armstrong
Treme
Kermit’s Treme Mother-in-Law Lounge1500 N. Claiborne Ave., kermitslounge.com. The historic locale, with its artistic murals on the exterior, opens daily at the ripe time of 4:20 p.m. Head over for New Orleans style eats made by Kermit Ruffins and others who know their way around a hot pot. With no shortage of local talent on the mic on any given night and proper pours from the bar, you’ll be in good hands and spirits. Candlelight Lounge925 N. Robertson St. Situated near Tuba Fats Square, the local haunt is known for live brass and jazz that pays homage to the Crescent City’s local talent. Add to it a well-filled cup for your enjoyment.Bullet’s Sports Lounge2441 A P Tureaud Ave. Frequented by locals far before HBO’s Treme footage, the baby blue hued historical bar in the heart of the 7th Ward features live music and booze to add a little bounce to your step.The Well1600 Basin St. Late nights, stiff drinks, food, DJ beats, comedy, cigars, karaoke and hookahs make thisspot one to add to your out and about list.Treme Hideaway1234 N. Claiborne Ave. A gathering spot with big party vibes, get loud and lively here during the week, then end your weekend on a high note with Brass Band Sundays featuring the Big 6 Brass Band. Bottle service and sections can also be booked in advance.
Garden District
Miel405 Sixth St., mielbrewery.com. Home of the beer slushie, this microbrewery, taproom and beer garden offers plenty of space to enjoy a revolving menu of small batch brews. Foodie pop-ups and live music beneath the disco balls make this your foam away from home.Barrel Proof1201 Magazine St., barrelproofnola.com. This kicked-back neighborhood joint is where whiskey and beer become best friends amongst a selection of 350 whiskeys and craft brews curated for your consumption locally and from across the globe.Tracey’s Original Irish Channel Bar2604 Magazine St., traceysnola.com. A neighborhood sports bar located across Magazine Street from the Garden District, loyalists love the 22 tvs, noshables like duck and andouille gumbo and a festive pup-friendly atmosphere solidify the invitation.Urban South Brewery1645 Tchoupitoulas St., urbansouthbrewery.com. The congenial and inviting brew krewe offers a consistently growing line-up of easy-drinking beers that are packed with personality. Add to it delish eats like beer cheese fries from the onsite food pop-up, Urban Smash.The Rusty Nail1100 Constance St., rustynailnola.com. An abundance of beers on tap, Old Fashioneds and Manhattans on Whiskey Wednesdays, live entertainment and a fun back patio are but a few of the reasons to hit this neighborhood bar.The Courtyard Brewery1160 Camp St., courtyardbrewery.square.site. A self-proclaimed “dive brewery” that has been “perfecting day drinking since 2014”, grab one of the colorful chairs in the courtyard of this nano-brewery and belly up for small-batch beers hand-crafted in house.The Tchoup Yard405 Third St., tchoupyard.com. Chandeliers suspended in the tree limbs, colorful pops from the table umbrellas, frozen French 75s, and weekly NOLA Vibe Yoga pop up classes will make you a regular. [caption id="attachment_134082" align="alignnone" width="1707"] Randy Schmidt Photo[/caption]
The Bower Bar
1320 Magazine St., thebowernola.com Field-to-glass cocktails abound at this lush libation destination. Wind down with a weekday happy hour of daily house punch and wines-by-the-glass while getting cute over a charcuterie plate.
Hot Tin
2031 St. Charles Ave., hottinbar.com. Take the elegant elevator up to the rooftop of The Pontchartrain Hotel for sweeping views of the city and top tier tipples. Before grabbing a rideshare, have a nightcap at tavern-style Bayou Bar on the lower level.Sake Centric Trend spotting, Susie Bohnstengel, resident “alchemistress” of Wetlands Sake (634 Orange St., wetlandssake.com) spills the tea on six sake cocktails you’re likely to tip back at the female-owned Lower Garden District taproom in the coming year Espresso SaketiniBlueberry Lemon SakePomegranate SaketiniSake “Milk” Punch Cosmic SakeSpicy Sake Paloma
Mid-City/Bayou St. John
Zony Mash Beer Project3940 Thalia St., zonymashbeer.com. The 21-tap tasting room at the historic Gem Theater offers a fun space to give new sips a spin thanks to in-house weekly releases. Enjoy funky flavors with local twists, nosh pop ups and spiked ciders.Twelve Mile Limit500 S. Telemachus St., twelvemilelimit.com. Serving up tasty swigs and chill vibes, this dive features entertainment to the tune of trivia nights, karaoke, comedy and queer dance parties. Check out their rotating daily $5 specials ranging from classic daqs to whiskey sours.Bayou Beer Garden326 N Norman C Francis Pkwy, bayoubeergarden.com. Begging the question “why play favorites?” comes the duo of Beer Garden meets Wine Garden. Indulge in a packed list of brews and house special disco fries, then meander to the expansiveWine Garden courtyard for charcuterie and chardonnay.Wrong Iron On The Greenway3532 Toulouse St., wrongiron.com. Roll up from the bike trail and drop your kickstand for beer, wine, cocktails and frozens. The spacious al fresco patio is suited for brews beneath the umbrellas in sunshine and nips by the firepits on chilly nights.Pal’s Lounge949 N. Rendon St. Come one come all to this neighborhood bar where stool-sitting regulars rely on happy hour daily, beer and shot specials and signature cocktails like the Pal’s Paloma. Ring the buzzer if the door is locked, but only once for mannerly measure.Revel Café and Bar133 N. Carrollton Ave., revelcafeandbar.com. Let owner and legend Chris McMillian conjure up a concoction from his chorus-worthy cocktail collection (his songbook) of which there are over 50 songs to drink. A burger and pommes frites make for an additionally satiating melodic moment.Second Line Brewing433 N Bernadotte St., secondlinebrewing.com. Pick a picnic table in the beer garden and tip back Batture Blonde Ale at this neighborhood craft brewery. Foodie vendors, shop pop-ups, trivia nights and an actual bounce house add to the good vibes. Parkway Bakery and Tavern538 Hagan Ave.,parkwaypoorboys.com. A New Orleans institution, come by for seafood poor boys and to-the-brim pours. If booze is more your move, opt for a Parkway Pimm’s Cup while enjoying the storied ambiance.Ciao Tapas Bar & Lounge4033 Tulane Ave., ciaonola.com. Two words: midnight brunch. Pop in on Friday nights for DJ beats, and a happy hour between 8 – 10 p.m. In between rounds of black raspberry Sidecars, snag a selfie in front of the neon lit “The World Is Yours” sign.Vandal3835 Tulane Ave.,vandalnola.com. All hail the hookah. With its golden chairs, greenery-accented walls and plush couches, this stylish lounge is the poshest spot to partake in a flavored puff.
Vessel NOLA
3835 Iberville St., vesselnola.com. Congregate over classic cocktails served in 12 unique vessels specific to your libation of choice at this iconic 1914 church-turned-bar while gazing at ship’s hull-inspired ceiling.
Oak8118 Oak St., oaknola.net. Carouse with the corks at this upscale wine bar located, appropriately, on Oak Street. Pop by for Prosecco and fries on Thursdays or a bottle from the curated yet approachable wine list. Or, take in live music every Friday and Saturday.Columns3811 St. Charles Ave., thecolumns.com. A classic choice for a classic cocktail, make it a moment climbing the iconic stairs of the historic property. Procure a spot on the veranda, delight in an inventive concoction like a whisky-infused lavender cold press while watching the streetcar make its travels.The Delachaise Wine Bar3442 St. Charles Ave., chaisedelachaise.com Romance ready, bat eyes over bites of house-made pâté and share a bottle of Barolo at this neighborhood hideout. Steal glances beneath strung lights on the patio as you wax poetic about the wine list.St. Joe’s Bar5535 Magazine St., stjoesbar.com. Feeling muddled over where to go? You’re "mint" to be at this local neighborhood bar nestled near Audubon Park that’s known for its fresh fruit blueberry mojitos and antique bar with well-appointed church pews. Port Orleans Brewing Co.4124 Tchoupitoulas St., portorleansbrewingco.com. Featuring local craft beer that is “master brewed below sea level”, head to their expansive beer garden to make hops between their IPAs, ales and lagers. Save room for a scoop of small batch Lucy Boone Ice Cream served on site.Dos Jefes Uptown Cigar Bar5535 Tchoupitoulas St., dosjefes.com. This popular spot, known for its smoking selection of cigars and back bar swings, features craft cocktails and live music ranging from Jazz and Afro-Cuban to Blues and Zydeco.QiQi1515 Aline St. Cozy as can be, this spot showcases drag and burlesque shows alongside a rainbow of local beers, all-inclusive vibes and pop-up bites and outdoor seating.Les Bon Temps4801 Magazine St., lbtrnola.com. Open 24 hours a day, this iconic locale plays host to The Soul Rebels every Thursday, free oysters on Fridays, billiards and Bloody Marys that make for a full meal.
The Vintage NOLA
3121 Magazine St., thevintagenola.com. Beignets, bubbles and bites are the cornerstone of this chic café. Settle in at a bistro table on the hustle bustle sidewalk and pair your pillowy powdered sugar bites with spiked frozen au laits or brut rosés.Lit Literature Neal Bodenheimer, founder of Cure, a celebrated bar for its clout-worthy cocktails, and coauthor Emily Timberlake, have recently released Cure: New Orleans Drinks and How to Mix ‘Em, a page turner featuring 100 cocktails, interviews and anecdotes celebrating the drinking culture in the Crescent City. 4504 Freret St., curenola.com. [caption id="attachment_134090" align="alignnone" width="1600"] Randy Schmidt Photo[/caption]
The Chloe
4125 St. Charles Ave., thecholenola.com. Past the staircase with the alligator print carpet, you’ll find the luxe lobby bar of this boutique hotel, housed in a 19th century Uptown mansion, but the gem is the pool bar where pink chaise lounge chairs call for Audubon Spritzes, a nominal fee for non-hotel guests.
Boulingy Tavern
3641 Magazine St., boulingytavern.com. The retro-inspired space, conjuring up an episodic scenario of Mad Men with a side of cigarette pants and martinis, will leave you romancing over aromatic tonics and whiling away the hours with a whiskey. On weather-friendly nights, the cozy patio is a must.
Geaux For A Dive
Ms. Mae’s: 4336 Magazine St.Henry’s Uptown Bar: 5101 Magazine St.Snake & Jake’s Christmas Club Lounge: 7612 Oak St., snakeandjakes.com.The Mayfair Lounge: 1505 Amelia St.
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Que Syrah Syrah Are you more cork confused than connoisseur? Don’t let the rosé make you blush if you mispronounce a Meritage. Emily Walker, sommelier at Copper Vine, gives us tips on how to choose from a wine list when you don’t recognize any of the labels.
Play List Always a good time, we checked in with Kermit Ruffins to get his top five song suggestions that go with his famous phrase, “We Partyin’!”.
Randy Schmidt Photo[/caption]
Sake Centric Trend spotting, Susie Bohnstengel, resident “alchemistress” of Wetlands Sake (634 Orange St., wetlandssake.com) spills the tea on six sake cocktails you’re likely to tip back at the female-owned Lower Garden District taproom in the coming year Espresso Saketini
Lit Literature Neal Bodenheimer, founder of Cure, a celebrated bar for its clout-worthy cocktails, and coauthor Emily Timberlake, have recently released Cure: New Orleans Drinks and How to Mix ‘Em, a page turner featuring 100 cocktails, interviews and anecdotes celebrating the drinking culture in the Crescent City. 4504 Freret St., 
Randy Schmidt Photo[/caption]
