LOUISIANA STATE—New Orleans boasts an abundance of bars to suit every taste. Some are well-hidden, while others require more searching to locate. Double Dealer is one of New Orleans' premier secret bars. This living-room-inspired venue provides the ideal spot for cocktails and live music alike!
A Guide to the City's Best Speakeasies in New Orleans
New Orleans, a city synonymous with vibrant nightlife and a rich cultural tapestry, offers a drinking scene as diverse and captivating as its music. While the neon lights of Bourbon Street beckon, true connoisseurs and adventurous spirits seek out the city's hidden gems: its speakeasies. These clandestine bars, reminiscent of the Prohibition era, offer unique atmospheres, expertly crafted cocktails, and a taste of New Orleans' secretive side. If you're looking to delve into the city's hidden drinking culture, this guide to the best New Orleans speakeasies is your key:
Discovering New Orleans' Secret Bars
New Orleans' speakeasies range from discreetly marked doors to hidden entrances within other establishments. These hidden bars offer a welcome escape from the bustling crowds, providing intimate settings for enjoying expertly crafted cocktails and soaking in the city's unique ambiance.
Top 5 New Orleans Speakeasies:
1. The 21st Amendment Speakeasy: A Prohibition-Era Throwback
Step back in time at The 21st Amendment Speakeasy, named after the very amendment that repealed Prohibition. Tucked away beneath the historic Orpheum Theatre, this hidden bar is a true New Orleans gem. Accessing it requires navigating a backstage hallway and passing through a disguised door, adding to the speakeasy mystique. Inside, you'll find a stunningly authentic atmosphere, complete with vintage gangster photos adorning the walls, gleaming copper sheeting over the bar, and the smooth sounds of live jazz music. Forget watered-down Hurricanes; here, you'll find expertly crafted classic cocktails that honor the speakeasy tradition.
- Key Selling Points: Authentic speakeasy atmosphere, hidden entrance, live jazz music, classic cocktails, historic location beneath the Orpheum Theatre.
2. Bar Tonique: Pioneering the Craft Cocktail Scene
While not a "secret" in the traditional sense, Bar Tonique holds a significant place in New Orleans' cocktail history. Opened in 2008 on Rampart Street near Canal, it was the city's first freestanding craft cocktail bar, paving the way for the modern speakeasy movement. Bar Tonique's skilled mixologists are passionate about their craft, creating classic cocktails like their refreshing Whiskey Mint Julep (made with Old Forester Bourbon and spearmint) and offering expert advice to patrons. It's a must-visit for any cocktail enthusiast.
- Key Selling Points: First freestanding craft cocktail bar in New Orleans, expert mixologists, classic cocktails, historical significance.
3. Sazerac Bar: Exclusive Elegance and Classic Cocktails
For a truly upscale and exclusive experience, the Sazerac Bar is a destination worth seeking out. This elegant bar, often requiring membership or a password for entry (depending on the day), offers an atmosphere of refined sophistication. The intricate decor, featuring charming red bookshelves, plush lounge chairs, dazzling chandeliers, and comfortable couch seating, creates a luxurious and inviting space. Though intimate in size, the Sazerac Bar never feels crowded, offering an exclusive escape for those in the know.
- Key Selling Points: Exclusive atmosphere, elegant decor, classic cocktails (including the Sazerac), upscale experience.
4. Double Dealer: A Living Room Vibe with Live Music
Hidden within the Orpheum Theater (separate from the 21st Amendment), Double Dealer offers a unique speakeasy experience with a living-room-inspired setting. This intimate venue provides the perfect backdrop for enjoying expertly crafted cocktails and live music. The combination of cozy decor, delicious drinks, and vibrant music creates a truly memorable night out.
- Key Selling Points: Living-room-inspired setting, intimate atmosphere, expertly crafted cocktails, live music, located within the Orpheum Theatre.
5. Hot Tin: Rooftop Cocktails and Breathtaking Views
Perched atop the Pontchartrain Hotel, Hot Tin offers a different kind of speakeasy experience: one with breathtaking panoramic views of the city. This classy rooftop bar, named after Tennessee Williams' famous play Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, evokes a 1940s artist's loft with its modern lounge furniture, inviting bar, and pressed tin ceiling. Whether you're enjoying champagne, colorful cocktails, or simply soaking in the vibrant atmosphere, Hot Tin provides a memorable rooftop escape.
- Key Selling Points: Rooftop bar, panoramic city views, 1940s artist-inspired decor, craft cocktails, champagne, located atop the Pontchartrain Hotel.
Experience the Secret Side of New Orleans: These five speakeasies offer a glimpse into the hidden side of New Orleans' vibrant drinking culture. From Prohibition-era throwbacks to modern craft cocktail destinations and rooftop escapes, there's a speakeasy to suit every taste. So, venture off the beaten path, seek out these hidden gems, and experience a truly unique side of the Crescent City.
