A Guide to Drinking in New Orleans

Start your drinking pilgrimage at Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop, a dimly lit, atmospheric bar that claims to be one of the oldest in America, dating back to the 1700s. Legend has it that pirate Jean Lafitte himself used this spot as a base for his, uh, entrepreneurial endeavors. Grab a purple frozen Voodoo Daiquiri (affectionately called “Purple Drank”) and let the ghosts of pirates past guide your night—just don’t ask for Wi-Fi; Lafitte’s isn’t about modern amenities. It’s about creaky wooden stools, candlelight, and tales of debauchery.

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by The Old Absinthe House (@oldabsinthehouse)

Located on Bourbon Street, Jean Lafitte’s Old Absinthe House dates back to 1807 and was reputedly used by the Lafitte brothers for smuggling operations. Unlike Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar, which is known for its rustic charm and ties to the pirate Jean Lafitte, the Old Absinthe House boasts a rich history intertwined with it‘s dimly lit, gothic atmosphere, complete with vintage absinthe fountains and antique furnishings.

Drinking absinthe, once banned in the U.S., adds to the bar’s mystique and timeless allure. In the late 1800s, a bartender created the famous Absinthe House Frappe, attracting the likes of Oscar Wilde and Walt Whitman. The iconic bar was also the site where General Andrew Jackson and pirate Jean Lafitte met to strategize the defense of New Orleans during the War of 1812. The building’s interior, with its musty brick walls and ornate wooden fixtures, remains largely unchanged.

This 200-year-old establishment was once offered as a refuge to Napoleon Bonaparte (who never showed up—rude). Today, it’s a quiet escape from Bourbon Street madness. The Napoleon House is known for its old-world charm, complete with weathered walls, vintage decor, and a courtyard that feels like a step back in time. Its ambiance is perfect for unwinding with friends or simply soaking in the history.

The signature drink here is the Pimm’s Cup, a light and refreshing cocktail made with Pimm’s No. 1, lemonade, and a splash of soda, garnished with cucumber. It’s the kind of drink that cools you down on a hot Louisiana day while making you feel just fancy enough to debate whether Napoleon himself would approve. Pair it with a muffuletta sandwich, and you’ve got a quintessential New Orleans experience.

For craft beer enthusiasts, NOLA Brewing on Tchoupitoulas Street is a must-visit. Their beers range from the easy-drinking Blonde Ale to the bold Hopitoulas IPA. The brewery’s laid-back vibe and food truck-friendly lot make it the perfect pregame spot. If you’re lucky, you might catch some live music—or at least a heated debate about whether Mardi Gras beads are an appropriate fashion accessory in January.

Urban South Brewery’s funky, brightly colored taproom is the kind of place where you’ll lose track of time. Try their experimental sours and their flagship Paradise Park Lager, which pairs beautifully with Super Bowl snacks like crawfish nachos (yes, that’s a thing). Pro tip: Their seasonal King Cake beer is the liquid embodiment of Mardi Gras and a conversation starter—“Is that cinnamon? Nutmeg? Magic?”

This nano-brewery is small in size but big on personality. Known for rotating collaborations and inventive beers, it’s a great place to nerd out with fellow beer lovers. The industrial-chic setting feels like the perfect backdrop for your “candid” Instagram photo, complete with a pint in hand.

Bacchanal Wine

Bacchanal Wine is where sophistication meets backyard party. Tucked away in the Bywater neighborhood, this wine bar offers a magical outdoor courtyard with live jazz and an extensive wine list. Pair your glass with a cheese plate, and you’ll feel like you’ve stumbled into a secret garden where calories don’t count.

Bar Tonique

For a more intimate, cocktail-focused experience, Bar Tonique is a hidden gem just off the French Quarter. Their menu features meticulously crafted drinks, from house-made syrups to creative riffs on classics. Don’t miss their $5 specials—because who says you can’t enjoy artisan cocktails on a budget?

The second-oldest bar in New Orleans, Tujague’s is steeped in tradition. Belly up to the bar and order a Grasshopper, the sweet, minty cocktail invented here. It’s like dessert in a glass and pairs surprisingly well with people-watching in the French Quarter.

French 75

Tucked inside Arnaud’s, French 75 is a classy spot for anyone who wants to pretend they’re starring in a 1920s film. Their namesake cocktail, made with gin, champagne, and a hint of lemon, is effervescent perfection. Bonus: the bartenders here dress sharper than most groomsmen.

Pat O’Brien’s
(Pictured Right)

No trip to New Orleans is complete without a Hurricane from Pat O’Brien’s. This iconic bar is the birthplace of the fruity, rum-packed cocktail that’s basically a vacation in a glass. Sip yours in their lush courtyard, preferably by the flaming fountain, and toast to the fact that your team made the Super Bowl (or at least the commercials are good).