As the holiday season bursts forth and the temperatures outside drop, the allure of intimate, cozy bars in New Orleans becomes irresistible. Step into these havens of warmth and comfort, where all your vibrant cocktail dreams come alive. Imagine sinking into plush seating and basking in the glow of crackling fireplaces and soft, low lighting as the enchanting ambiance and inviting charm embraces you like a snug blanket.

Join us on an enchanting exploration of the city as we unveil treasured charming bars, where you can nestle beside your closest friends, cherished loved ones, or that special someone. Celebrating the true essence of the season as you take a sip of your chosen spirits. Feeling the warmth permeate your being with a joyful, festive spirit.

Our List of the Coziest Bars in New Orleans

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Justen Williams

Immerse yourself in the artistic wonder of the Elysian Bar, located inside Hotel Peter and Paul. With its imaginative patterns, tiled floors, and beautifully carved bar, this place is truly dreamy. Cozy up in the various parlors adorned with fireplaces and comfortable seating and experience the contemporary French countryside vibe that will make you feel right at home.

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Stephen Kent Johnson

For a vibrant and spirited craft cocktail lounge experience, head to Bar Métier at the boutique hotel Maison Métier. The deep burgundy walls, bold antique furniture, and wall-to-wall cheetah print carpets create a unique atmosphere. Gather your friends for small plates and specialty drinks or enjoy a cozy evening in the lounge's library with a glass of wine and a good book. The innovative cocktail list is sure to please every palate, and there's even a 12-person speakeasy exclusively for hotel guests.

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Anna-Marie Babington, NOTMC

A chic and cozy hotspot in Uptown, Bouligny Tavern is a favorite among locals. Step inside what appears to be a house from the outside and discover banquette seating, Mid-Century Modern decor, and delicious cocktails.

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Justen Williams, NOTMC

Escape from your worries and indulge in a relaxing evening at Whiskey and Sticks on Bayou Road. This small and casual bar is the perfect place to unwind with a cigar and a drink, channeling your inner Frank Sinatra.

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Rebecca Todd, NOTMC

Located on the outskirts of the French Quarter, Bar Tonique is a hidden gem in a bustling neighborhood. With its dim lighting, friendly service, and hot toddies, this cozy hideaway will warm you up. It's also proud to be an inclusive space for LGBTQIA+ patrons.

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Photo credit: Arnaud Montagard

Experience Southern charm at its finest in the Victorian Lounge Bar at The Columns Hotel. What was once a family dining room has been transformed into a cozy bar, earning the title of the coziest restaurant in Louisiana by Food and Wine Magazine. Step inside and see why for yourself.

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Paul Broussard, NOTMC

Discover the award-winning French 75, tucked away off Bourbon Street at Arnaud's Restaurant. This intimate bar with a touch of French and classic New Orleans vibes was once a gentlemen's only area, and has since been reincarnated into a well-loved space for all.

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Justen Williams

For a neighborhood feel and a soft ambiance, visit Saint-Germain, a French wine bar known for its natural wine selection and innovative menu. While they specialize in wine, their creative cocktails are worth a try as well.

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Rebecca Todd

Experience the unique charm of the Davenport Lounge, a swinging jazz club and cocktail bar inside the Ritz-Carlton Hotel. Named after its headliner, Jeremy Davenport, this exclusive New Orleans gem offers modern spins on classic cocktails while enjoying the smooth sounds of jazz.

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Zack Smith, NOTMC

Winner of the 2018 James Beard Award for best bar program, Cure offers craft cocktails in a setting with leather seating and candlelit tables. This iconic space also made an appearance in American Horror Story: Coven, adding to its allure.

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Rebecca Todd, NOTMC

Hop off the Saint Charles Avenue Streetcar and step into The Delachaise. With its long bar and twinkling string lights, this cozy spot will tempt you to stay all night long.

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Rebecca Todd, NOTMC

Venture to the Ninth Ward and discover the enchanting N7. Hidden behind a wooden fence door, this restaurant and bar offers a cozy and inviting atmosphere that is unlike any other in the city.

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Cory James Fontenot, Courtesy of Fives Bar

Located in the historic Pontalba building that lines Jackson Square, Fives Bar is a new addition to the area's must-stop shops. With its raw bar menu, delicious fare, and impressive cocktail program, this little corner is a slice of heaven just steps away from the St. Louis Cathedral.

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Experience the iconic allure of New Orleans at The Chloe, a boutique hotel that knows how to captivate. Amidst its well-curated spaces, delicious restaurant, and gorgeous atmosphere, you'll find the mesmerizing Lobby Bar. Though small and humble, it packs a punch, transporting you from the bustling Downtown to the quieter Uptown neighborhood with its enchanting allure.

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Rebecca Todd, NOTMC

With over 350 whiskies and craft beers from around the world, Barrel Proof lives up to its name. Whether you're tucked away with a good friend or enjoying a romantic nightcap, this warm and inviting space, with its knowledgeable bartenders and glowing lighting, is the perfect place to unwind.

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Randy Schmidt, Courtesy of Anna's

Anna's, located in the vibrant Marigny neighborhood, is a go-to spot for many during Mardi Gras. This double-decker bar exudes a relaxed and homey atmosphere that keeps people coming back. Anna, the founder, honed her skills at renowned establishments like Josephine Estelle, Jewel of the South, and Bar Tonique, creating an iconic destination. Don't forget to check out the upstairs balcony for a sip while enjoying the view of the block.

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Kat Kimball Photography, Image Courtesy of Tiki Tock

There's never a wrong time for a Tiki cocktail, and Tiki Tock at The Frenchmen Hotel offers a delightful outdoor courtyard experience. Enter through a red-lit hallway adorned with beaded curtains and step into a tropical oasis that feels like a vacation within your vacation. Sip on gorgeous and sweet Tiki drinks served with a touch of private getaway style.

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Once the residence of Antoine Amédêe Peychaud, the Creole apothecary who created the main ingredient in one of the most infamous New Orleans cocktails, the Sazerac. This bar holds historical significance. Peychaud prescribed and dispensed his patented herbal bitters from this very spot, giving birth to a world-renowned libation. Explore the roots of the iconic drink and savor its flavors in this unique setting. 

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Justen Williams

Nestled on the edge of the French Quarter, conveniently located across from Armstrong Park and the Rampart Streetcar line, American Townhouse is a welcoming neighborhood hangout. Its modern classic decor and inviting ambiance make it the perfect place to enjoy a cocktail and indulge in elevated bar snacks.

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Rebecca Todd, NOTMC

Loa Bar at the International House Hotel, named after the divine spirits in the Vodou faith tradition, offers a truly enchanting experience. Abigail Gullo curates an exceptional bar program that draws inspiration from the Caribbean, Spain, France, Italy, Cuba, and Africa. Immerse yourself in the charming and eclectic decor as you savor the storytelling served up in every glass.

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Paul Broussard

Located in the lively Bywater neighborhood, Bacchanal Fine Wine & Spirits is not just a bottle shop but also a hub for unforgettable backyard parties and live music. With an extensive wine selection and a vibrant atmosphere, this hidden gem is a must-visit spot tucked away in the heart of the neighborhood.

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Courtesy of Jewel of the South

Step into a colorful Creole cottage tucked away in a quiet corner of the French Quarter and discover Jewel of the South. Celebrated in numerous travel publications, this amazing bar is hosted by renowned mixologists Nick Detrich and Chris Hannah. Experience a mix of history and a vibrant celebration of culture as you indulge in their craft cocktails.

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Rebecca Todd, New Orleans & Company

For those looking to explore the bar scene in Algiers Point, Crown and Anchor English Pub is a fantastic choice. Take a ferry across the Mississippi and find yourself in this fun and inviting spot inspired by traditional English pubs. With a wide selection of brews and charming decor, it's the perfect backdrop for an English-inspired getaway selfie.

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Image courtesy of Bar Brine

Known for its delicious food, Sneaky Pickle transforms into Bar Brine in the evening. This beloved food spot becomes a bar space where unique and robust flavors come together in craft cocktails that will leave a lasting impression.

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Image Courtesy of Tatlo

Step into the enchanted world of Tatlo, where beloved Filipino chef Cristina Quackenbush (formerly of the acclaimed pop-up Milkfish) weaves culinary magic in the heart of the French Quarter. This bewitching establishment seamlessly blends divine Filipino cuisine with the mysterious allure of a traditional absinthe house, creating an atmosphere that feels both ancestral and otherworldly. Sip on cozy cocktails like Zodiaquiri, a daiquiri inspired by zodiac season, Blood Moon Ritual, made with Pimm’s, vodka, and blood orange, and the Bubble Bubble Toil & Trouble, Sangrita with mezcal.

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Photo credit: Jillian Greenberg

NightBloom Bar is a cozy, dimly lit neighborhood cocktail bar in St. Claude. Cloaked in dim red lighting, the bar provides a sultry vibe while remaining unpretentious. Think: hibiscus-infused vodka drinks, spicy frozen palomas, and several versions of the negroni. Open daily, this spot is bound to rise to the top of your neighborhood bars list.