5 Awesome New Orleans Bars That AREN’T On Bourbon St
When many of us think of New Orleans, we think of Bourbon Street. We also think of those sweet, vividly-colored drinks in unique containers that pack a wallop. Too many of those libations will possibly land you on the floor of your hotel room and put a major kink into your time in NOLA. How about some civilized bars that are off the Bourbon-beaten-path for imbibing? Below are the best New Orleans bars off the beaten path!
Napoleon House
Let’s start with a little history lesson. New Orleans is celebrating its 300th birthday this year, so history abounds in the streets of the French Quarter. Back in the early 1800s when Napoleon Bonaparte was exiled in France, the mayor of New Orleans at that time, Nicholas Girod offered his residence for Napoleon to reside. There was a plan to enable the little Frenchman to escape, but he died before the plan could be executed. The Impasto family bought the building in 1914 and soon the restaurant and bar was born.
Today the walls look as they might have 200 years ago and you can hear the ever-present classical music throughout the building. The food is good, especially the warm mufalettas, but the star of the bar is the Pimm’s Cup, made with lemon-lime soda and Pimm’s No. 1, which is a gin-based concoction. A thin slice of cucumber floats on top of this refreshing drink. Napoleon House is located on Chartres Street and is a wonderful place to take a break from the hustle and bustle of Bourbon.
The Bombay Club
Heading up Conti Street, there is a small hotel called the Prince Conti, which has a wonderful bar and restaurant tucked at the back of its driveway. The Bombay Club is the place to go for a sophisticated martini menu and some wonderful food. The decor is rather on the British side, with a very “clubby” feel to the place – dark leather, several secluded booths and a large, stately bar in the middle of the restaurant. There is live music most nights and the Happy Hour is every single day with some great drink and food specials. On Saturdays and Sundays there is brunch with a bottomless mimosa for $10.00 What a deal!
Carousel Bar
Keeping with a feel of sophistication, some marvelous craft cocktails can be found inside the Hotel Monteleone on Royal Street at the famous Carousel Bar. The dramatic bar’s namesake is a 25 seat actual revolving bar that originated in 1949. The bar does indeed look like a vintage carousel and it makes one revolution every fifteen minutes. The Carousel is also home to some amazing bartenders who take great pride in their libations. Known for their specialties, the “Vieux Carre'” cocktail and another aptly titled “The Goody.” This writer knows firsthand that if you give a bartender an idea of what you’re in the mood for, in general, he can whip up your own special creation. If waiting for a bar stool to open takes too long, there is also a lovely lounge area with another bar that is adjoining and features live music at night.
Molly’s at the Market
A wonderful place that is located on “Lower Decatur” Street has been around since 1974, so they are getting close to a 50th anniversary. Upon approaching, one would think this might be a hole in the wall place, but Molly’s at the Market has a rich family history. Started by Jim Monaghan, the bar is now managed by his grandson, Jim Monaghan III and his sister, Tierney Monaghan. The Irish founder’s ashes are behind the bar and there are photos and artwork that tell the story of a beloved neighborhood establishment.
St. Patrick’s Day is a big event in New Orleans and Molly’s is responsible for one of the three St. Patrick’s Day parades in the city. Their bloody marys are stellar, among their super popular frozen Irish coffee and hot buttered rum. Food is also available and what’s most noteworthy about Molly’s is that it never closed after Katrina. If you want a neighborhood bar experience, this place is a gem.
Bourbon O
The last bar on this list skirts the idea of “off-Bourbon,” as the main entrance is through the Bourbon Orleans Hotel, but you can access Bourbon Street, also. This is the hotel’s bar, aptly called Bourbon O. This is a hidden oasis of imaginative drinks and live music at night. The drink menu is entertaining to read, as it changes every two or three months and features some very exclusive concoctions.
The bar is managed by Cheryl Charming, who was named 2015 Mixologist of the Year in New Orleans and only freshly squeezed juices and homemade syrups are used in the drinks. They have their own incredible versions of a Pimm’s Cup and Hurricane and a fun “go drink” is their Midas’ Cup. This drink includes vodka, strawberry puree and champagne and the container resembles a gold champagne bottle. The live music is every night and can include blues, jazz and swing music.
The next time you’re in The Big Easy, go ahead and grab a drink that you think represents New Orleans, but don’t forget about these stellar establishments. Whether a morning bloody mary, an elegant martini before dinner or an after dinner drink with live music, these wonderful bars will not disappoint!
Which of one of these do you think is one of the best New Orleans bars? Let us know in the comments!
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