New Orleans is not only a vibrant culture and music travel destination, but also the perfect spot for some of the best bougie brunch day drinking or night out!
If you’re in the mood for upscale brunch and the best bars in the Big Easy, these eleven upscale cocktail bars are sure to impress with their unique vibes, exquisite drinks, and perfect settings for a bougie day or night out.
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“Bougie,” short for bourgeois, has become a playful slang term that’s all about indulging in a slightly upscale, perhaps even luxurious lifestyle. This guide not only serves up the top spots for a bougie cocktails from a local’s perspective, but also helps you plan your cocktail bar itinerary in the heart of one of the most culturally rich cities (our home!) in the world.
1. Brennan’s The Roost Cocktail Bar
Address: 417 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70130 Price Range: $$ – $$$ | Happy Hour: Yes, 2-5 PM
- Brennan’s combines local tradition with festivity, particularly during their daily champagne sabering in the courtyard at 4:30. The bar is a blend of classic elegance and fun, offering a selection of both time-honored and innovative cocktails, plus you can order all of Brennan’s favorite food menu items at the bar including Bananas Foster and Steak Diane!
🍹If you want to learn even more history of our famous signature cocktails in New Orleans, this Cocktail History tour includes 4 cocktails and intertwines the historical origins along the way! 🎹
2. Observatory Eleven at The Westin
Address: 100 Iberville St, New Orleans, LA 70130 Price Range: $$$ | Happy Hour: Yes, 5-7 PM
- Located high above the city in the Wyndham Hotel, Observatory Eleven offers breathtaking views and cocktails that are as spectacular as the panorama. Enjoy a refined atmosphere with a menu of elegantly presented light bites that perfectly complement the drinks. They also have live music regularly which adds to the bougie cocktail experience.
Tip: There is also a secret, invite-only speakeasy called, “The Vault“, that has amazing drinks!
The Vault secret speakeasy is a little pricey and definitely bougie! You have to ask for the host, (Nathaniel when we went) and he will take care of your party and bring you inside.
If you need the perfect outfit for your New Orleans bougie day or night out 👗Check out the great Vacation Outfits on Amazon that are budget-friendly and pack well for your trip! 🌸
3. Jewel of the South
Address: 1026 Saint Louis St, New Orleans, LA 70112 Price Range: $$ – $$$ | Happy Hour: Yes
- Jewel of the South is a cozy James Beard award-winning restaurant and bougie cocktail bar that brings a historical touch to your drink. It’s famous for its Brandy Crusta, a cocktail that tells the tale of New Orleans’ rich cocktail history, paired with locally inspired gourmet dishes.
- The bar at Jewel of the South was also named one of North America’s 50 Best Bars!
- It is cozy and gets crowded so definitely make reservations!
4. Historic Hermes Bar at Antoine’s
Address: 713 St Louis St, New Orleans, LA 70130 Price Range: $$ – $$$ | Happy Hour: Yes, 4-7 PM
- Step into New Orleans local history at the Hermes Bar, located within the legendary Antoine’s. This bar offers a charming mix of old-world ambiance and classic crafted cocktails, making it a delightful bougie spot for those who appreciate a side of history with their drinks.
- Tip: If you ask a waiter at Antoine’s for a tour, you may get a private walk through of the amazing historical rooms and wine cellar if there is time.
Planning your perfect “bougie” look for the trip? This Somerset Dress from Anthropologie 👑 is a great option!
5. The Peacock Room at Hotel Fontenot
Address: 501 Tchoupitoulas St, New Orleans, LA 70130 Price Range: $$ – $$$ | Happy Hour: Yes, “Early Bird Botanicals” 4-6 PM
- Step into The Peacock Room inside Hotel Fontenot and immerse yourself in a realm of bougie glamour. This bar offers a mix of classic and inventive cocktails accompanied by small bites like truffle fries and oysters. It’s the plush interiors and sophisticated crowd that make it a top pick for a luxury outing. [We have a review of Hotel Fontenot New Orleans too!]
6. Black Duck Bar at Palace Cafe
Address: 605 Canal St, New Orleans, LA 70130 Price Range: $$ – $$$ | Happy Hour: Yes, 3-6 PM
- ✨Black Duck Bar on the second floor of the Palace Cafe boasts a vibrant atmosphere with a focus on expertly crafted cocktails. This bar combines the casual elegance of the cafe with a slightly more intimate and upscale bar experience. You can also get some great small plates and charcuterie to go with the cocktails!
7. The Press Room at Eliza Jane Hotel
Address: 315 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70130 Price Range: $$ – $$$ | Happy Hour: Yes, 3-6 PM
- 🍷The Press Room is known for its chic design and creative cocktail menu. It’s a sophisticated spot to unwind, offering both innovative drinks and classic favorites in a stylish setting. You can also have your cocktail in the Library or one of the comfortable seating areas near the bar.
8. Sazerac Bar at The Roosevelt
Address: 130 Roosevelt Way, New Orleans, LA 70112 Price Range: $$ – $$$ | Happy Hour: No
- 🍸Renowned for its signature cocktail, the Sazerac, this bar exudes a classic, refined and bougie atmosphere. It’s the perfect spot for those looking to sip on a piece of New Orleans’ history in an iconic setting.
9. Chandelier Bar at Four Seasons
Address: 2 Canal St, New Orleans, LA 70130 Price Range: $$$ | Happy Hour: Yes
- 💎The Chandelier Bar at Four Seasons Hotel is an awe-inspiring setting with its stunning central chandelier. Ideal for a luxe night out, it serves up sophisticated craft cocktails alongside gourmet small plates in an environment that exudes grandeur.
10. Compère Lapin
Address: 535 Tchoupitoulas St, New Orleans, LA 70130 Price Range: $$$ | Happy Hour: Yes
- 🐇At Compère Lapin, creativity is the key ingredient in both the bougie cocktails and the eclectic cuisine. This spot blends Caribbean, French, and Italian influences with New Orleans vibes, offering a unique and upscale bar experience.
- Tip: Check out the Art-O-Matic art vending machine in the lobby of the attached hotel for amazing 5$ unique art!
11. The Cocktail Bar at Vessel (Mid-City)
Address: 3835 Iberville St, New Orleans, LA 70119 Price Range: $$ – $$$ | Happy Hour: Yes
- ✨Housed in an old and reportedly haunted church, Vessel offers an extraordinary setting with stunning architecture. The cocktails and food are as divine as the surroundings, making it a prime destination for a night of sophisticated indulgence.
- We especially love Vessel for brunch and cocktails!
- You’ll have to take the “Museums” streetcar and walk from City Park or ride share to get to this one, but it’s unique enough to warrant a visit!
12. Carousel Bar at Hotel Monteleone
Address: 214 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70130 Price Range: $$ – $$$ | Happy Hour: Yes, 3-6 PM
- 🎠A historic and iconic spot, the Carousel Bar is a literal revolving bar that has been a favorite for both locals and visitors for years. The playful yet elegant atmosphere makes it an unforgettable stop on your bougie cocktail journey.
- This one is a classic and must be on the list! We had our first Ramos Gin Fizz here and it is still a favorite! They still hand shake it to the perfect consistency. 🍹
13. Tatlo
Address: 407 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70112 Price Range: $$ – $$$ | Happy Hour: Yes
- 🪻Tatlo offers a mysterious and chic atmosphere that is a haven from the crowds of Bourbon Street. Known for its creative and unique cocktails and delicious food, it’s a spot where you can dive into the heart of New Orleans’ bougie nightlife with style.
- We loved the “Cauldron” fondue and amazing themed cocktails at Tatlo!
14. Muriel’s
Address: 801 Chartres St, New Orleans, LA 70116 Price Range: $$ – $$$ | Happy Hour: Yes, 4-6 PM
- 🍷Located in the heart of the French Quarter, The Bar at Muriel’s provides a cozy yet elegant setting where you can enjoy well-crafted cocktails and the ghostly lore that haunts its historic walls. Muriel’s honors the “haunted” residents by leaving a table set to honor the previous owner upstairs.
- Our favorite drink to order at Muriel’s for a bougie day or night out is the Vampire’s Kiss! The flavor profile is so layered and delicious.
15. Vampire’s Apothecary
Address: 825 St. Peter St, New Orleans, LA 70116 Price Range: $$ – $$$ | Happy Hour: Yes
- 🧛🏻♀️Step into a world of Gothic charm at The Bar at Vampire’s Apothecary. With its dark, mysterious decor and themed cocktails, this bar offers an immersive experience that blends the mystique of New Orleans with the allure of the nocturnal.
- Don’t forget to ask for an invite card to the “secret” speakeasy, Potions, at Vampire’s Apothecary when you are there! It’s just down the street and has amazing drinks too!
🎟️ Want to level up your night? Pair these cocktail bars with a New Orleans ghost + cocktail tour or even a New Orleans Food tour with Tastings. The vibes are unmatched!
Final Thoughts on the 15 Best Bars for a Bougie Night or Day out in New Orleans:
As the night or day unfolds, these bars prove that New Orleans is not just about big brass bands and beads; it’s also a haven for those seeking an upscale, sophisticated time out. With each location offering something uniquely enchanting, your nights or days in New Orleans are sure to be as magical as they are memorable. Dress up and head out for brunch or nightly cocktails and into the refined side of the Big Easy, where every cocktail tells a story and every setting is a backdrop for unforgettable memories. This guide ensures you’ll know exactly where to find the epitome of bougie bar bliss in New Orleans.