Continually rising from the devastation of Hurricane Katirina, New Orleans has new hotspots to discover all around the Big Easy. Even as Nola reinvents itself, it stays close to its colorful and historic past –as do their bars when it comes to timeless classic cocktails.
Whether you are a visitor or a local, here are some of the great new bars to hit for drinks in New Orleans.
Madam’s Modern Kitchen + Bar
Madam’s Modern Kitchen + Bar is located at the newly renovated, historical building, B on Canal. The neighborhood was known a century earlier as Storyville, New Orleans’s famed red-light district, but, today, it is at the center of the theater and business district and just steps or streetcar away from the French Quarter.
The refined casual eatery has an industrial-chic vibe with layers of alluring detail from the illuminated hints of neon red to the muted palette of texture including its walnut wood bar, marble tabletops, mirror accents, plush suede and leather seating, white brick walls, and slate grey flooring, draped in fishnet-like curtains for aesthetic. And, as a nod to the neighborhood’s history, Madam’s use a Blue Book to feature their list of handcrafted cocktails and specialty drinks.
Anderson Old Fashioned at Madam’s Modern Kitchen + Bar
Old Forester Bourbon and Bitters; garnished with Peanuts and Cracker Jacks.
Red Light Negroni at Madam’s Modern Kitchen + Bar
Bols Genever, Sweet Vermouth and Galliano Aperitivo.
1300 Canal Street (in B on Canal), New Orleans LA; madamsmodernkitchen.com
Couvant at The Eliza Jane Hotel
Located at The Eliza Jane Hotel in New Orleans’ Central Business District, Couvant offers a bar and dining room with a minimalistic brasserie design, comfortable banquette seating, unique local art pieces, exposed stone flooring, globe lighting and mosaic tile accents throughout. The French brasserie serves reimagined French-inspired cocktails rooted in classic technique – created by the well-known national bartenders, Scott Baird, of San Francisco’s Trick Dog, and Boston’s Will Thompson.
Absinthe Frappe New Orleans at Couvant
Absinthe, Crème de Menthe, Lemon and Lait Sucré.
Tip: Visit during Social Hour, daily from 3pm to 5pm, to enjoy 2 for 1 cocktails.
317 Magazine Street, New Orleans LA; couvant.com
Hot Tin Rooftop Bar at Pontchartrain Hotel
The jewel in the crown of the Pontchartrain Hotel, Hot Tin is the rooftop bar that boasts a breathtaking 270-degree view of the Mississippi River and downtown New Orleans. Behind this bar, guests find elevated cocktails, classics and champagne. The space captures the look and feel of a 1940s artist loft with nods to American playwright, Tennessee Williams, who lived at the hotel while writing A Streetcar Named Desire.
Champagne Safari Cocktail at Hot Tin Rooftop Bar
Oryza Gin, Pimm’s No 1, Aperol, Cucumber and Lemon, Sparkling.
2031 St Charles Avenue, New Orleans LA; hottinbar.com
Jack Rose at Pontchartrain Hotel
Housed in the former Caribbean Room space, Jack Rose is a lively, eclectic restaurant serving Creole cuisine with a modern flair. The cocktail program is curated by the Hot Tin bar team. The wine list skews towards bubbles.
Endless Summer at Jack Rose
Tequila Reposado, Agavero Tequila Liqueur, Coconut, Lime, and Cucumber.
2031 St Charles Avenue, New Orleans LA; jackroserestaurant.com
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