The Best Cocktail Bars in New Orleans (+ a Coffee & Wine)

In Part Three of “My Hometown: New Orleans,” local designer Angèle Parlange shares her favorite coffee house and the spots for sipping a cocktail

“The Best Cocktail Bars in New Orleans (+ a Coffee & Wine)” is Part Three of My Hometown: New Orleans with Angèle Parlange.

best cocktail bars in new orleans
Alto rooftop bar at the Ace Hotel, New Orleans, LA (Photo: Fran Parente)

When we decided to venture down to New Orleans for a visit, we couldn’t think of a better tour guide than designer Angèle Parlange. Having settled back in the Big Easy after a seven-year stint in the Big Apple, she has her pulse on what’s hot in the new New Orleans, yet remains relentlessly faithful to her old flames. Here’s what she has to say about where to sip, and the best cocktail bars in New Orleans.

No chance of looking dull in this setting—the décor at Bouligny Tavern is warm yet modern and, best of all, it opens at 4 p.m. I love the Manhattans there.

best cocktail bars in new orleans
The Delachaise, New Orleans, LA (Photo by Mills Baker via Flickr)

Delachaise proprietor Evan Hayes is a serious wine connoisseur, which is obvious by the mile-long wine list. But, not many people know about their goose-fat fries. Don’t leave without an order.

Manhattan Jack’s coffee can’t get any better—unless you pair it with their homemade coconut macaroons or a slice of chocolate cake.

best cocktail bars in new orleans
A frosty beverage at Alto, the Ace Hotel’s rooftop bar, New Orleans, LA (Photo: Fran Parente)

I may not know a soul there, but there’s always a great looking crowd at Alto, the Ace Hotel’s rooftop bar.

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Hot Tin roof bar at the Pontchartrain Hotel, New Orleans, LA (Photo: Christian Horan)

Speaking of rooftop bars, the view at Hot Tin at the Pontchartrain Hotel makes it a true destination as well.

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Bayou Bar at the Pontchartrain Hotel, New Orleans, LA (Photo: Christian Horan)

More of Angèle Parlange’s New Orleans Guide