New Orleans’ Top 100+ Bars:
French Quarter Bars
There are many downtown drinking options besides Bourbon Street and hotel bars. Here are a few of the variety of options.
Backspace Bar
With a nod to non-electric typewriters, Backspace Bar raises its glass to literary themes and hard-drinking writers, with drinks like Death in the Afternoon, inspired by Ernest Hemingway. But for those wandering the Quarter caught up in more celebratory events, caipirinhas (sugar beet liquor, lime and sugar) offer a taste of Brazil and World Cup fever. 139 Chartres St.,
(504) 322-2245; www.backspacenola.com, @backspacenola
The Carousel Bar
Though the room around it has been changed and remodeled over the years, the draw at the Monteleone's main bar remains the same: the Carnival-themed revolving carousel. One can grab a seat and order craft cocktails or small bites such as mini po-boys, or if the ride is full, there's ample table seating and a piano bar. Hotel Monteleone, 214 Royal St., (504) 523-3341; www.hotelmonteleone.com, @carouselbar
Copper Monkey Bar & Grill
TVs, neon signs, holiday lights, jukebox — Copper Monkey hits all the dive-bar standards and raises them one celestial ceiling mural. There's also late-night pub grub. Signature drink Spank the Monkey is a potent, turquoise-hued take on a Long Island iced tea that swaps Blue Curacao and pineapple juice for Coke and sour mix and presents it in a fishbowl-sized goblet. 725 Conti St., (504) 527-0869; www.coppermonkeygrill.com
Coyote Ugly
Part of a chain spun off from the movie, Coyote Ugly is a little-bit-country/little-bit-rock-and-roll saloon with a taste for whiskey and beer, with cheap beer specials during Monday through Friday happy hours (3 p.m.-7p.m.) and Wednesday specials on Jack Daniels and Jameson. And yes, sometimes the bartenders strut their stuff on top of the bar. 225 N. Peters St., (504) 561-0003; www.coyoteuglysaloon.com/ neworleans
Masquerade at Harrah's New Orleans
Just outside the French Quarter, at the heart of Harrah's New Orleans, Masquerade is a pleasure dome illuminated by a central tower shimmering with light and video projections — its narrow balcony is sometimes manned by go-go dancers. The tower is surrounded by an ice-top circular bar, and the enclave hosts touring DJs and includes a luxe VIP lounge area (bottle service available). 8 Canal St., (504) 265-7976; www.harrasneworleans.com, @masqueradenola
Napoleon House
Though the historic corner building was once occupied by a mayor of New Orleans, it's better known as a place (one of many) offered as a residence to Napoleon Bonaparte. Now it's better known for its signature Pimm's Cup, open air views of the surrounding blocks and preference for classical music. 500 Chartres St., (504) 522-4152; www.napoleonhouse.com
Neighborhood Bars | Arcade Drinking | Walk of Shame Bars | Craft Cocktails
Courtyard Drinking | Frozen Drinks | Wine Bars | Bars for Beer Nerds | French Quarter Bars
Bars with Music | Sports Bars | Not-Just-A-Restaurant Bars
