Mardi Gras is quickly approaching, and New Orleans is in party mode. I went to Tulane for college, and I try to return every year for a visit. Even though I will not be attending Mardi Gras this year, I will be going to Jazzfest. While we normally stay close to the fairgrounds in MidCity, this year we will be staying in the French Quarter, and these are the bars I will make sure to stop by for a drink!
Pat O’Brien’s Piano Bar
If you’re looking for late night fun without the beads, wait in line to get into the Piano Bar inside of Pat O’Briens. Pat O’Brien’s is a must in general, but the Piano Bar is where the fun will be had. They’ll seat you at a very crowded table as you join in on the singing and fun from the dueling pianos on stage. If you have a request, write it on a napkin, put a few dollars inside, and get it up to the stage. You’ll be singing the night away!
Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar
If you want to stay on Bourbon but in a little less touristy location, you’ll want to walk to Lafitte’s! The Hurricane is a staple drink in New Orleans, and you’ll want to have one here. It’s full of flavor but a lot less of the sugar! Lafitte’s is also the oldest structure functioning as a bar in the United States, so the decor is very old world and they also have a great patio (and sidewalk to stand on)!
W.I.N.O.
Technically in the Central Business District, W.I.N.O. is easily walkable from the French Quarter. Standing for Wine Institute New Orleans, this wonderful concept allows you to taste wine at your own pace. You’ll receive a card you can use to select wine by the ounces, only charging you for a small pour if you’d like, or a larger one if you choose! They have over 120 wines to try, so pace yourself.
P.S. – if you’re feeling a bit hungry after all of the wine and need a little more than appetizers, walk up the block to Lucy’s Retired Surfer Bar & Restaurant.
Carousel Bar
It’d be hard to find a New Orleans list of bars without Carousel Bar on it. Located in the Monteleone Hotel on Royal Street, this unique and beautiful bar offers cocktails in an upscale atmosphere. If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to snag a seat at the carousel and take a *very slow* spin around the bar, but if you don’t, there are plenty of other places to sit and enjoy the music.
If you’re looking to plan a vacation to New Orleans, I would love to help you plan your trip!
Happy Travel
Victoria
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