In case you haven’t heard, New Orleans is perhaps the best drinking town on the planet and you don’t have to get ridiculously tipsy to prove it. The list of impressive places to imbibe is far and wide in the Crescent City and you would have to try really hard not to find a place with amazing cocktails, atmosphere and history. We have a few on our ‘must try’ list that will prove that our city is the best place to savor a few…for almost any occasion or for no reason at all.
Tommy’s Cuisine (746 Tchoupitoulas St.) has a long list of champagne and wine that is sure to impress. They have everything from Veuve Cliquot Brut to the fine Chardonnay, Far Niente, Napa ‘12 for $130 a bottle. The list of red wine takes us around the world with flavor, taste and appeal. One selection of Italian red will cost you $195, but who’s counting dollars when you’re having fun, right?
The Carousel Bar & Lounge (214 Royal St.) is the place that’s famous for the spinning bar and comprehensive list of cocktails. It’s said that the Vieux Carre was created there by Walter Bergeron in 1938 and is the the signature cocktail of the revolving, 25-seat whimsically decorated venue. Each cocktail on the menu offers a little history of each drink along with simply irresistible ingredients. Add to that, an impressive list of musicians who play jazz while you imbibe. A true toe tapping, sipping, cocktail experience.
Barrel Proof (1201 Magazine St.) is perfect if it’s whiskey you love. Options range from international offerings to American Bourbon and everything in between. They have 288 whiskies to be exact. The beer list is nice and a few of their favorite cocktails are listed and made with fresh juice and syrups. The Topo Chino caught our eye made with Bourbon, cold brew, vanilla, walnut and soda. SMH, darn that’s good.
The Bakery Bar (1179 Annunciation St.) may come as a surprise to cocktail lovers. The Lower Garden District spot has classic cocktails, their version of the latest and greatest cocktails, brunch cocktails and non-alcoholic creative drinks. How can you go wrong? We like the Starlight Kiss made with pisco, rosé syrup, lime and sparking wine. They say, whether you're relaxing by daylight or celebrating by moonlight, this wine driven party punch will keep you feeling right. Well, they have our vote.
Brieux Carre (2115 Decatur St.) is the mastermind of a couple of guys with a passion for all things beer. There is a new brew in town, as the establishment just turned a year old this month. They say they want their brews to be as weird and interesting as the city we live in. To that we say, mission accomplished! The menu is extensive. Options range from drafts, Blonde and Pale Ales, IPA’s, Porters and Stouts to sour and fruit beers. Whoa. It’s so hard to narrow it down to just one so we advise you settle in and enjoy everything this Faubourg Marigny place has to offer. Ask about their membership program and the benefits that come with it. This place is open seven days a week and is really cool.
These are of course just of few of our selections as we head into Jazz Fest activities. If you’re out and about let us know some of your favorites so we can check them out and share them with the rest of the cocktail lovers of the world.
