February 24, 2025
It’s our favorite time of year! Spring has sprung and the bead trees, our native species, are adorned with purple, green and gold shiny blooms. Our Spring festival season includes Jazz Fest, French Quarter Fest, the Tennessee Williams Literary Festival, St Patrick’s Day, and many more opportunities to celebrate. Mild weather invites us to imbibe in a cocktail or three alfresco in one of our many beautiful and charmingly romantic courtyards. Here are a few of our favorite places to bask in fresh air and glorious weather while enjoying a few refreshing sips.
Effervescence Bubbles and Bites
1036 N. Rampart Street
Nolabubbles.com
Effervescence is a sparkling wine lounge and restaurant that combines the vibrant spirit of New Orleans with the luxury of Champagne. The upscale casual setting invites guests to come as they are to enjoy sparkling wine and celebrate every day! Life is too short to wait for a special occasion to pop the cork! Their sparkling wine list boasts over 200 sparkling wines and spans the globe and offers a curated list of exceptional bubbles at all price points, from affordable sparklers to renowned Grande Marque Champagnes. A choice of six unique sparkling flights invites guests to explore regions, themes, styles, or producers of bubbles. All sparkling wines by the glass are offered as full or half pours to tempt guests with an indulgent taste of exceptional wines.
Selections include original seasonal cocktails as well as signature cocktails topped with a sparkler. The full bar pours still wines, craft spirits, sherries, ciders, and liqueurs. Bites and sharing plates are offered and are tailored to pair with sparkling wine. Effervescence proudly features locally sourced seafood, produce, wagyu beef, dairy, and grains. Their caviar bagel brunch is a delectable treat!
The polished setting with a gorgeous interior and an inviting courtyard encourages guests to linger and enjoy. Housed in an 1890s Victorian center-hall cottage that was formerly a private residence, the space retains its historic charm and authentic French Quarter feel. In the back courtyard, you can clink glasses and enjoy the romantic garden and tranquil fountain. Order a "Mardi Gras...Float like a Butterfly," a favorite cocktail this season. It combines Empress 1908 Indigo Gin, lavender simple syrup, and a Meyer lemon wedge, topped with Bianca Vigna Prosecco served in a glass rimmed with purple, green and gold sugar. For Whom the Daiquiri Tolls combines Smith and Cross Pot Still Rum, grapefruit, lime, Luxardo maraschino liqueur, and Chateau la Roberterie "Exubérante" Brut Rosé. The French Quarter Mul, features Buffalo Trace Bourbon or Tito's Vodka, Luxardo maraschino liqueur, Domaine Canton Ginger liqueur, lime, and Chateau la Roberterie "Exubérante" Brut Rosé.
Check out their "to go" packs for celebrations or just to enjoy in the comfort of your room! Buy a bottle to take with you and get a free ice bag and plastic flutes so you can savor it later. Don’t forget the popcorn!
Fritzel’s European Jazz Pub
733 Bourbon Street
Fritzelsjazz.com
Our oldest operating jazz club is situated in an historic 1831 building nestled in the heart of the French Quarter. Since its founding in 1969, it has become a mecca for jazz lovers and musicians alike and the home of traditional jazz daily. It’s a “home away from home” for jazz aficionados from around the globe. Fritzels brings joie de vivre, those elusive moments of cheerful enjoyment that make life worth living. Fritzel’s Jazz Band brings the energy, enthusiasm, and spontaneity they are known for every night of the week. The jubilance of the music is beautiful, wondrous, and soul-stirring. Listening to it will make you realize that this moment, the one you are in while listening to this talented group of musicians, is singularly fulfilling. Troubles drop away and a love of life emerges. Listen and experience joie de vivre through traditional jazz.
Beautiful Katerina hails from Greece and she has been tending the comfy bar for more than ten years. Her customers say she is the Sazerac Queen of New Orleans! Order the iconic Sazerac and sit back and enjoy the cool jazz as you sip rye whisky, bitters, a dash of absinthe, and sugar with a lemon slice. Or maybe try the Sathamo with Cajun Spiced Rum, Amaretto and cranberry juice, garnished with a lemon slice and a cherry. A particularly refreshing cocktail to enjoy in the lush courtyard is the Cool Madame with Cucumber Vodka, St. Germain, topped with soda and garnished with a lemon slice. For a creamy sweet dessert cocktail, sample a Chocolate Martini with Chocolate Liqueur, Crème de Cacao, vodka and half and half. It’s the best nightcap!
Pat O’Brien’s
718 St. Pater Street
Patobriens.com
Saunter down to our most iconic Irish bar, Pat O’Brien’s. This historic building was built in 1791 as a private home. Walk through the carriageway and follow the slate flooring to the most popular bar, the Patio Bar. It exudes the feeling of a casual party held in a neighbor’s backyard and is a great place for people watching. Pat O’Brien’s landmark Flaming Fountain resembles a champagne glass and hosts a brilliant flame amid streams of water. The atmosphere exudes Pat O’Brien’s motto, “Have Fun!” Whether you gather with friends to drink a Hurricane or two, or have a seat next to the Flaming Fountain to enjoy the night air, the patio serves up the fun as only Pat O’Brien’s can! This is the perfect place to party on St. Patrick’s weekend, March 15-17th.
A perfect festival weather cocktail, the Cyclone combines Pat O' Brien's exclusive Cyclone mix and 2 ounces of vodka. The Pat O's Lemonade is lemonade powered with an ounce of rum plus another ounce of orange flavored rum, a dash of Triple Sec, and their Collins Mix. The Category 5 Margarita has tequila and Gran Gala Triple Orange Liqueur, Pat O’s Collins Mix and Hurricane Mix, and orange juice garnished with a lime and a cherry.
The Country Club
634 Louisa Street
Thecountryclubneworleans.com
Hidden away in the nearby Bywater neighborhood, The Country Club has been a local secret for over forty years. The historic Italianate raised center hall cottage offers an escape from the hustle and bustle of the French Quarter or just everyday living. Their beautiful restaurant and bar offer exquisite food and drink and an elegant escape. Their pool area is a bohemian retreat with a cabana bar and an outdoor kitchen. Their award-winning wine program features more than 140 bottles from thirteen countries and its very own private label wines, not to mention the many creative cocktails.
Beat the Louisiana heat and mix and mingle in one of New Orleans best-kept secrets. Their lush landscape is the perfect tropical oasis to come together for food, drink and fun. Indulge and imbibe in a refreshing Mint To Be Daiquiri poolside. It’s a refreshing mix of Plantation Pineapple Rum, lime, and Mommenpop Lime Apertif, garnished with fresh mint. Their Honeysuckle Spritz combines Cathead Honeysuckle Vodka, lemon, sparkling wine, and honeysuckle peppercorn syrup. Happy Hour specials include $5 well cocktails, house wines, house margaritas, Tito’s Vodka, and draft beer.
On April 1st, get reservations for their second annual Turn-About fundraiser dinner featuring their staff in drag to raise funds for charity. A raffle, a special menu, and performances will raise money for the cause.
Brennan’s
417 Royal Street
Brennansneworleans.com
The rooster rules the roost at The Roost Bar, a veritable aviary perched in an airy room overlooking their lush courtyard. Treat yourself to traditional New Orleans cocktails modernized, courtesy of world-renowned bar staff. Of course, there's always reason to celebrate by popping bubbly bottles and sipping fizzy Champagne cocktails every day. They offer a sparkling menu of specials and bubbly cocktails such as their Champagne Cocktail featuring Piper-Heidsieck 1785 Brut Champagne, Angostura Bitters, and a demerara sugar cube.
Bubbles at Brennan's offers a lot of festive fun! They pour delicious select bubbles from top Champagne vintners and premiere sparkling wine houses. Don’t miss their Champagne Sabering in the Courtyard on Fridays at 5pm! For sommeliers and bartenders, the art of sabrage, using a saber to forcefully open a bottle of bubbly, has become an extravagant display that captivates guests. The origins of sabrage actually date back to the battles of Napoleon Bonaparte during the French Revolution. Bonaparte, after one of his war battles said, “In victory you deserve it…and in defeat you need it.” He proceeded to strike a bottle of champagne with his saber to open it, and thus the ritual was born.
Royal Sonesta Jazz Playhouse
300 Bourbon Street
thejazzplayhouse.com
Nestled on the lobby level of the historic Royal Sonesta, The Jazz Playhouse is imbued with rich cultural heritage which can be traced to as far as 1721. Imbibe where the past, present, and I dare say, the future of jazz converges. Step into the vintage glamour of their unique venue, sip cocktails inspired by legends, mingle with the stewards of tradition, and witness their musicians shape the next evolution of jazz. Voted Best Jazz Club in New Orleans, The Jazz Playhouse is the best place to enjoy live jazz from local musicians and table service from their attentive team.
Their heated outdoor pool is one of the largest in the French Quarter, boasting a lush tropical courtyard and poolside bar. Sonesta Sundays kick off in May in partnership with Bacardi Rum. Every Sunday this summer, hotel guests and locals can enjoy tunes from a deejay and specialty drink offerings from Bacardi at the Oasis Pool Bar. The Oasis offers a variety of food and beverage options including classic cocktails and many delicious rum concoctions. Their Hurricane may change your mind about this fruity cocktail. It combines Bacardi Superior, Myer’s Dark Rum, Galliano, passionfruit, house made grenadine, all garnished with slices of fresh orange, lime, and pineapple. A refreshing Mojito may quench your thirst with a blend of rum, lime juice, simple syrup, and fresh mint.
Galaxie
3060 St. Claude Avenue
Galaxietacos.com
For celebrating Cinco de Mayo, Galaxie’s food and drink specials honor the taquerias and culture of Oaxaca and Mexico City. They import corn directly from Oaxaca and their tortillas are made fresh daily. The bar features many Mezcal selections as well as frozen drinks and classic cocktails. A deejay creates a cool vibe in this former gas station from the 1940’s. Try their Mexican Firing Squad with hibiscus infused smoked tequila, spiced grenadine and lime. The Oaxacan Daiquiri combines Camazotz Oaxacan Rum, pineapple, lime and demerara sugar. Tommy's Margarita has blanco tequila, lime, and agave with orange bitters. Enjoy Happy Hour daily Tuesday through Thursday 5 to 7, Friday and Saturday 4-7, and Sunday all day!
On a sunny spring day, the French Quarter boasts an abundance of alfresco drinking and dining options. These recommendations are merely a starting point… virtually every block features lounges from the quaint to the elegant offering opportunities to imbibe while absorbing the iconic atmosphere. Explore all the French Quarter has to offer and discover a favorite of your own! Cheers!
Effervescence Bubbles and Bites
1036 N. Rampart Street
Nolabubbles.com
Effervescence is a sparkling wine lounge and restaurant that combines the vibrant spirit of New Orleans with the luxury of Champagne. The upscale casual setting invites guests to come as they are to enjoy sparkling wine and celebrate every day! Life is too short to wait for a special occasion to pop the cork! Their sparkling wine list boasts over 200 sparkling wines and spans the globe and offers a curated list of exceptional bubbles at all price points, from affordable sparklers to renowned Grande Marque Champagnes. A choice of six unique sparkling flights invites guests to explore regions, themes, styles, or producers of bubbles. All sparkling wines by the glass are offered as full or half pours to tempt guests with an indulgent taste of exceptional wines.
Selections include original seasonal cocktails as well as signature cocktails topped with a sparkler. The full bar pours still wines, craft spirits, sherries, ciders, and liqueurs. Bites and sharing plates are offered and are tailored to pair with sparkling wine. Effervescence proudly features locally sourced seafood, produce, wagyu beef, dairy, and grains. Their caviar bagel brunch is a delectable treat!
The polished setting with a gorgeous interior and an inviting courtyard encourages guests to linger and enjoy. Housed in an 1890s Victorian center-hall cottage that was formerly a private residence, the space retains its historic charm and authentic French Quarter feel. In the back courtyard, you can clink glasses and enjoy the romantic garden and tranquil fountain. Order a "Mardi Gras...Float like a Butterfly," a favorite cocktail this season. It combines Empress 1908 Indigo Gin, lavender simple syrup, and a Meyer lemon wedge, topped with Bianca Vigna Prosecco served in a glass rimmed with purple, green and gold sugar. For Whom the Daiquiri Tolls combines Smith and Cross Pot Still Rum, grapefruit, lime, Luxardo maraschino liqueur, and Chateau la Roberterie "Exubérante" Brut Rosé. The French Quarter Mul, features Buffalo Trace Bourbon or Tito's Vodka, Luxardo maraschino liqueur, Domaine Canton Ginger liqueur, lime, and Chateau la Roberterie "Exubérante" Brut Rosé.
Check out their "to go" packs for celebrations or just to enjoy in the comfort of your room! Buy a bottle to take with you and get a free ice bag and plastic flutes so you can savor it later. Don’t forget the popcorn!
Fritzel’s European Jazz Pub
733 Bourbon Street
Fritzelsjazz.com
Our oldest operating jazz club is situated in an historic 1831 building nestled in the heart of the French Quarter. Since its founding in 1969, it has become a mecca for jazz lovers and musicians alike and the home of traditional jazz daily. It’s a “home away from home” for jazz aficionados from around the globe. Fritzels brings joie de vivre, those elusive moments of cheerful enjoyment that make life worth living. Fritzel’s Jazz Band brings the energy, enthusiasm, and spontaneity they are known for every night of the week. The jubilance of the music is beautiful, wondrous, and soul-stirring. Listening to it will make you realize that this moment, the one you are in while listening to this talented group of musicians, is singularly fulfilling. Troubles drop away and a love of life emerges. Listen and experience joie de vivre through traditional jazz.
Beautiful Katerina hails from Greece and she has been tending the comfy bar for more than ten years. Her customers say she is the Sazerac Queen of New Orleans! Order the iconic Sazerac and sit back and enjoy the cool jazz as you sip rye whisky, bitters, a dash of absinthe, and sugar with a lemon slice. Or maybe try the Sathamo with Cajun Spiced Rum, Amaretto and cranberry juice, garnished with a lemon slice and a cherry. A particularly refreshing cocktail to enjoy in the lush courtyard is the Cool Madame with Cucumber Vodka, St. Germain, topped with soda and garnished with a lemon slice. For a creamy sweet dessert cocktail, sample a Chocolate Martini with Chocolate Liqueur, Crème de Cacao, vodka and half and half. It’s the best nightcap!
Pat O’Brien’s
718 St. Pater Street
Patobriens.com
Saunter down to our most iconic Irish bar, Pat O’Brien’s. This historic building was built in 1791 as a private home. Walk through the carriageway and follow the slate flooring to the most popular bar, the Patio Bar. It exudes the feeling of a casual party held in a neighbor’s backyard and is a great place for people watching. Pat O’Brien’s landmark Flaming Fountain resembles a champagne glass and hosts a brilliant flame amid streams of water. The atmosphere exudes Pat O’Brien’s motto, “Have Fun!” Whether you gather with friends to drink a Hurricane or two, or have a seat next to the Flaming Fountain to enjoy the night air, the patio serves up the fun as only Pat O’Brien’s can! This is the perfect place to party on St. Patrick’s weekend, March 15-17th.
A perfect festival weather cocktail, the Cyclone combines Pat O' Brien's exclusive Cyclone mix and 2 ounces of vodka. The Pat O's Lemonade is lemonade powered with an ounce of rum plus another ounce of orange flavored rum, a dash of Triple Sec, and their Collins Mix. The Category 5 Margarita has tequila and Gran Gala Triple Orange Liqueur, Pat O’s Collins Mix and Hurricane Mix, and orange juice garnished with a lime and a cherry.
The Country Club
634 Louisa Street
Thecountryclubneworleans.com
Hidden away in the nearby Bywater neighborhood, The Country Club has been a local secret for over forty years. The historic Italianate raised center hall cottage offers an escape from the hustle and bustle of the French Quarter or just everyday living. Their beautiful restaurant and bar offer exquisite food and drink and an elegant escape. Their pool area is a bohemian retreat with a cabana bar and an outdoor kitchen. Their award-winning wine program features more than 140 bottles from thirteen countries and its very own private label wines, not to mention the many creative cocktails.
Beat the Louisiana heat and mix and mingle in one of New Orleans best-kept secrets. Their lush landscape is the perfect tropical oasis to come together for food, drink and fun. Indulge and imbibe in a refreshing Mint To Be Daiquiri poolside. It’s a refreshing mix of Plantation Pineapple Rum, lime, and Mommenpop Lime Apertif, garnished with fresh mint. Their Honeysuckle Spritz combines Cathead Honeysuckle Vodka, lemon, sparkling wine, and honeysuckle peppercorn syrup. Happy Hour specials include $5 well cocktails, house wines, house margaritas, Tito’s Vodka, and draft beer.
On April 1st, get reservations for their second annual Turn-About fundraiser dinner featuring their staff in drag to raise funds for charity. A raffle, a special menu, and performances will raise money for the cause.
Brennan’s
417 Royal Street
Brennansneworleans.com
The rooster rules the roost at The Roost Bar, a veritable aviary perched in an airy room overlooking their lush courtyard. Treat yourself to traditional New Orleans cocktails modernized, courtesy of world-renowned bar staff. Of course, there's always reason to celebrate by popping bubbly bottles and sipping fizzy Champagne cocktails every day. They offer a sparkling menu of specials and bubbly cocktails such as their Champagne Cocktail featuring Piper-Heidsieck 1785 Brut Champagne, Angostura Bitters, and a demerara sugar cube.
Bubbles at Brennan's offers a lot of festive fun! They pour delicious select bubbles from top Champagne vintners and premiere sparkling wine houses. Don’t miss their Champagne Sabering in the Courtyard on Fridays at 5pm! For sommeliers and bartenders, the art of sabrage, using a saber to forcefully open a bottle of bubbly, has become an extravagant display that captivates guests. The origins of sabrage actually date back to the battles of Napoleon Bonaparte during the French Revolution. Bonaparte, after one of his war battles said, “In victory you deserve it…and in defeat you need it.” He proceeded to strike a bottle of champagne with his saber to open it, and thus the ritual was born.
Royal Sonesta Jazz Playhouse
300 Bourbon Street
thejazzplayhouse.com
Nestled on the lobby level of the historic Royal Sonesta, The Jazz Playhouse is imbued with rich cultural heritage which can be traced to as far as 1721. Imbibe where the past, present, and I dare say, the future of jazz converges. Step into the vintage glamour of their unique venue, sip cocktails inspired by legends, mingle with the stewards of tradition, and witness their musicians shape the next evolution of jazz. Voted Best Jazz Club in New Orleans, The Jazz Playhouse is the best place to enjoy live jazz from local musicians and table service from their attentive team.
Their heated outdoor pool is one of the largest in the French Quarter, boasting a lush tropical courtyard and poolside bar. Sonesta Sundays kick off in May in partnership with Bacardi Rum. Every Sunday this summer, hotel guests and locals can enjoy tunes from a deejay and specialty drink offerings from Bacardi at the Oasis Pool Bar. The Oasis offers a variety of food and beverage options including classic cocktails and many delicious rum concoctions. Their Hurricane may change your mind about this fruity cocktail. It combines Bacardi Superior, Myer’s Dark Rum, Galliano, passionfruit, house made grenadine, all garnished with slices of fresh orange, lime, and pineapple. A refreshing Mojito may quench your thirst with a blend of rum, lime juice, simple syrup, and fresh mint.
Galaxie
3060 St. Claude Avenue
Galaxietacos.com
For celebrating Cinco de Mayo, Galaxie’s food and drink specials honor the taquerias and culture of Oaxaca and Mexico City. They import corn directly from Oaxaca and their tortillas are made fresh daily. The bar features many Mezcal selections as well as frozen drinks and classic cocktails. A deejay creates a cool vibe in this former gas station from the 1940’s. Try their Mexican Firing Squad with hibiscus infused smoked tequila, spiced grenadine and lime. The Oaxacan Daiquiri combines Camazotz Oaxacan Rum, pineapple, lime and demerara sugar. Tommy's Margarita has blanco tequila, lime, and agave with orange bitters. Enjoy Happy Hour daily Tuesday through Thursday 5 to 7, Friday and Saturday 4-7, and Sunday all day!
On a sunny spring day, the French Quarter boasts an abundance of alfresco drinking and dining options. These recommendations are merely a starting point… virtually every block features lounges from the quaint to the elegant offering opportunities to imbibe while absorbing the iconic atmosphere. Explore all the French Quarter has to offer and discover a favorite of your own! Cheers!
