In New Orleans, there is no shortage of options for places to drink when you’re trying to plan a date. We’ve got you covered with some of our top picks for unique spots with great vibes and drinks.
Rice Vice: Part Two
Rice Vice: Part Two is a speakeasy-style sake bar tucked into the side of Nighthawk Napoletana, located on the West Bank at Algiers Point. This is the second location of Rice Vice — the original is in Nashville. In addition to the expansive sake menu, they have shochu and cocktails that incorporate their sake.
Whether you know nothing about sake or you’re an expert, there are plenty of options. You can also grab pizza next door at Nighthawk Napoletana if you’re feeling hungry and enjoy it with your drink. With a fully wooden interior and vinyl playing live, this spot is sure to impress, especially if you can grab a seat at the bar.
The Tell Me Bar
Every time I show someone a picture of The Tell Me Bar, they’re shocked it’s in New Orleans and that they haven’t heard more about it. With an expansive wine menu with some funkier picks like orange wines and dessert wines, this is paradise for any wine lover. They have some of the most delicious wine that convinced even my wine-skeptical friends to order a glass. This is the perfect spot to chat while enjoying a glass of red, white or orange. The vibes do the talking when you pull this one out of your back pocket.
Barrell Proof
Barrell Proof is well-known for hosting a Christmas pop-up during the holiday season. The rest of the year, they serve a delicious house old fashioned amongst a menu of other cocktails and an extensive whiskey list. This is a great spot for a more laid-back date, since you can find a nice table to settle at and talk for hours if the night goes well. They also have rotating food options, so check those out on their Instagram when you are deciding what night to go.
Paradise Lounge
Inside Hotel Saint Vincent is one of the most beautiful bars in the city — Paradise Lounge. Open at 8 a.m. every morning, this is one of my favorite places to go during the day. They also serve coffee and breakfast to pair with your morning cocktail of choice.
The food is great too — my personal favorites are the truffle fries and fried zucchini. This is also the spot for dessert with options like the peach and goat cheese pastry or dark chocolate cake. If you’re looking for somewhere to day drink, I can’t recommend Paradise Lounge enough.
Bayou Bar
If you’re looking for an old school jazz scene with phenomenal drinks, Bayou Bar is the place to go. Located in Pontchartrain Hotel on Saint Charles Avenue, this streetcar-accessible bar serves some of my favorite drinks in a cozy space. They absolutely crush a mocktail here as well. In my over twenty visits to Bayou Bar, I have always been satisfied with my order.
The jazz varies by night, but generally they have music from Tuesday to Saturday with sets starting at 8 p.m. each evening. To ensure you get a seat, I recommend getting there at least 30 minutes before the show starts to settle in and order some food and drinks. It gets loud during the shows, but you can still easily exchange a few words with your company. The food is also great if you’re looking for a one-stop shop for dinner, drinks and jazz.