Hidden alongside the Maison de la Lutz hotel, this library-inspired watering hole features an ornate décor spanning tiger-striped carpet and bar stools (with fringe, of course), velvet drapery and elegant couches. The beverage program is influenced by France with signature cocktails like Jardin de Mémé (with St. Germain and absinthe), Petite Bétise (Byrrh and lavender) and Femme Fatale (Lillet rose and bubbles).

It’s always a celebration at this cheery bar, with over 200 of the best Champagne and sparkling wines by the glass and bottle, including bubbly flights. Don’t miss their rendition of the time-honored French 75, or the Hemingway Classic with Louis Roederer Champagne and Vieux Pontarlier absinthe. Because bubbles are always a good idea!

Steeped in history, this is the spot for New Orleans’ signature Sazerac cocktail as well as the Ramos Gin Fizz, which was invented here in 1888 and originally required 12 minutes of shaking by hand! Now, the white-tuxedo-clad servers do less wrist work, but they will happily tell you about the origins of these drinks and prepare them with precision.

Ideal for whiskey lovers, this Lower Garden District bar boasts over 300 whiskies, bourbons, ryes and scotches. Fittingly, the ambiance is dark and cozy, outfitted with leather tufted sofas, hunting trophies and polished wood.

This old school institution literally revolves around a century-old 25-seat carousel with 360-degree bar in the middle. Sip on classic Big Easy cocktails like Brandy Milk Punch, Sazerac and Vieux Carré, while you channel infamous patrons and authors Tennessee Williams, William Faulkner and Truman Capote.

Locals flock here for owner T Cole Newton’s complex cocktails, weekly Brunch Punch, dive bar ambiance and affordable prices. Currently only open on the weekends, this is the neighborhood tavern you’ve been searching for.

A former fire station (circa 1903) turned upscale bar, Cure is credited with pioneering the craft cocktail movement in New Orleans. The libations served are groundbreaking and gorgeous, from the Rhinestone Cowboy, a seasonal Champagne cocktail, to the Fancy Sazerac, which is, well, a fancy version of the classic.

As the name implies, you’ll find Nola’s best rendition of the French 75 (Courvoisier VS, sugar, lemon and Moët & Chandon) at this elegant bar. While the sips of the past are showcased, they won the James Beard Award of Excellence for their Outstanding Bar Program for their modern mixology.

It might be the number one tourist spot in New Orleans, but it’s still worth visiting for the original Hurricane (which was invented here by O’Brien himself in the 1940s due to a surplus in rum) and the dueling pianos. In keeping with the hurricane theme, there’s also the Cat-5 Margarita, The Cyclone and The Rainstorm.

Cocktail Culture: Where To Find New Orleans’ Most Decadent Drinks

Best BBQ in New Orleans | In The Mood For Ribs, Pulled Pork & Oysters

With summer in high gear, it’s time to devour smoky barbecue ribs, pulled pork, and grilled oysters—because there’s no better way to celebrate summer than with a BBQ. Come hungry and ready to get messy because these BBQ joints (including one simply called The Joint) are the real deal. In recent years, New Orleans has earned a reputation for having the best barbecue in the country—and we can see why.

Many locals and out-of-towners rank this as the best BBQ in New Orleans, and for good reason. Their smoked brisket is melt-in-your-mouth delicious, and the ribs just fall off the bone. Don’t miss the Cowboy Candy (barbecue pork belly with chili), brisket burnt ends, smoked turkey, pulled pork sandwich, crispy brussels sprouts, pork nachos and brisket chili cheese fries.

With the slogan “Always Smokin’” as its foodie philosophy, you know you’re getting authentic BBQ. Their pork ribs are smoked onsite, yielding tender and tangy pull-apart bites of meat. Other standout dishes span brisket, burnt ends, pulled pork, and locally-made chaurice sausage. As the name implies, it’s a “joint,” which means it’s not fancy—something the locals appreciate.

There are so many unique menu items to try here, from Pork Belly Cracklin’s to Brisket Debris, tiny brisket pieces stuffed into a cheddar cheese quesadilla. Of course, Blue Oak also serves traditional dishes like pulled chicken sandwiches, chopped brisket sandwiches, pulled pork sandwiches, rack of ribs, burnt ends, baked beans, and potato salad. And everyone raves about their spicy and sweet fried chicken sandwich. Wash it all down with a potent Mango Bourbon Mule.

Known for their charbroiled oysters, this longtime restaurant also features BBQ shrimp, fried oysters and crawfish meatballs. However, the legend of their charbroiled oysters started in 1993, when one of the restaurant’s managers brushed garlic, butter and herbs on a fresh batch of oysters, topped them with Parmesan and Romano cheese and grilled them in their shell. Since then, they fire up 900 dozen charbroiled oysters a day.

A cross between BBQ and New Orleans cuisine, the Cochon de Lait Poboy is a carnivore’s fantasy come true. The porcine sandwich with coleslaw started at Jazz Fest, and was so popular that the Walker family opened this restaurant devoted to the pursuit of BBQ. Smoked chicken wings (hot or BBQ), smoked beef brisket and burnt ends are also good eating! If you’re with a big crowd, order the “Cochon Feast,” which includes three pounds of smoked pork, six French poboy breads, dressing, sauce and shredded cabbage—enough for six people.

What started as a food truck 21 years ago, is now a brick-and-mortar eatery in the Gentilly neighborhood. Which makes it a lot easier to satisfy your cravings for crawfish and BBQ in one shot. On the BBQ side of the menu standouts include “The Pit Boss,” smoked prime brisket with pickles on a Leindenheim roll; “Soul Roll,” an egg roll stuffed with ground smoked pork and mac and cheese; pulled pork, smoked ribs, smoked sausage and smoky beans.

Six generations in the meat business are on full display at this BBQ restaurant in the French Quarter. Come for the smoked meat: pulled pork, St. Louis ribs, chicken, brisket, sausage and pork belly. Stay for the gourmet mac and cheese, especially their bacon and pepper jack version. And don’t forget the brisket chili, fried ribs (OMG!), hot fried chicken sandwich and seasonal shakes. The whole restaurant smells of smoke, which is a good thing!