FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 25, 2026
JEWEL OF THE SOUTH RANKS #6 IN NORTH AMERICA'S 50 BEST BARS 2026; CO-FOUNDER CHRIS HANNAH NAMED INDUSTRY ICON
French Quarter Bar Captures Best Bar in South USA for Fourth Consecutive Year
NEW ORLEANS, LA — Jewel of the South, the acclaimed New Orleans cocktail bar and restaurant at 1026 St. Louis Street, has once again claimed its place among the continent's elite, ranking #6 on North America's 50 Best Bars 2026 at the live awards ceremony held April 22 in Vancouver. The honor marks the fourth consecutive year Jewel of the South has finished in the top 10 — a feat unmatched by any other bar in North America.
Co-founder and cocktail pioneer Chris Hannah was separately recognized with the prestigious Roku Industry Icon Award, a testament to his decades of contributions to the American bar industry and his defining role in shaping New Orleans' global reputation as a cocktail destination.
Jewel of the South also retained its title as Best Bar in South USA, sponsored by Mr Black, for the fourth year running — reaffirming its status as a trusted steward of Southern hospitality and craft bartending.
Housed in a 19th-century Creole cottage in the heart of the French Quarter, Jewel of the South is known for its meticulously crafted cocktail program — including Hannah's celebrated takes on the French 75 and Brandy Crusta — alongside a distinguished food program featuring dishes like potato rosti with crab salad and fresh tuna, foie gras with duck fat brioche, and a beloved Wednesday night Casual Caviar happy hour.
Jewel of the South is open Wednesday through Monday at 1026 St. Louis Street, New Orleans. Reservations are strongly recommended. For more information, visit https://www.jewelnola.com/ or call 504-265-8816.
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Contact:
John Stubbs, Managing Partner, Jewel of the South, 202-276-5646, john@jewelnola.com