Sippin Gypsy Quick Tips for Sippin: New Orleans - Best Restaurants and Bars in New Orleans

Cheers to my Sippin Gypsy Team Gin! This post comes to you while enjoying my Taco Tuesday Gin and Tonic with New Orleans' own Euphrosine Gin #9.
If you love to eat and drink, and I mean really taste flavor and imbibe on quality cocktails, then New Orleans is your destination to tantalize your taste buds!  ​

1. Vessel
Set in an old church building, intact with dark wood details and a stunning window framing the bar and it's 'spiritual' offerings...Vessel is not only aesthetically beautiful, but is an absolute delight when it comes to her culinary and cocktail creations.  Each dish is artfully prepared and presented, and the cocktail menu is truly an expression of mixologists who take pride in their craft.  Vessel is not within walking distance of The French Quarter, but definitely worth the ride.  

2. Seaworthy
I am so excited to have found Seaworthy.  This charming spot in the Central Business District is refreshing break from the bar scene of Bourbon St.  With a delicious late night food menu and engaging craft cocktails, Seaworthy is a 'must do' when visiting New Orleans.  Since New Orleans is an open container city, I didn't mind the walk between The French Quarter and Seaworthy, I simply ordered a cocktail 'to go' and took my time sippin' and strollin' to and from this delightful gem.

3. The Vintage
The Vintage was a surprise find.  A late morning stroll through the Garden District was brought to an abrupt end with the onset of a torrential downpour.  Being wet and hungry, the Vintage welcomed us in with her beautiful ambiance, delicious food and cocktails all featuring wine.  It was obvious this was not only a local favorite, but the new must see hotspot for visitors enjoying Magazine Street.  A word of advice...try the biscuits.... they were warm and addictive.

4. Willa Jean
The Central Business District in New Orleans is quickly becoming a force to be reckoned with when it comes to the cocktail and cuisine scene.   Willa Jean has been a staple in that neighborhood for years and is no doubt helping to raise the bar for delicious food and creative cocktails throughout the CBD.  With some of the most delicious fresh baked breads, Willa Jean is a great spot to start your day in New Orleans.  And since you can, order that second (or third) cocktail to go as you stroll either towards your next destination.

5. Black Duck Bar
This bar hosts the largest rum collection I have ever seen.  The staff is well trained and knows how to make quality craft cocktails which was a welcomed break from the 'fish bowls' and 'hurricanes' on Bourbon St.  Located upstairs in the Palace Cafe, the environment was elegant but approachable and like almost all of the establishments in the Vieux Carre, casual attire is perfectly acceptable.

6. Court of the Two Sisters
Wow.  A New Orleans priority to visit for brunch with live jazz.  The setting is rustic elegant, with careful preservation of the original details with splashes of artifacts found in the attic of the building.  The food for brunch offered as a buffet was impeccable.  The flavors were well blended and offered a variety to satisfy the breakfast and lunch goers.  I enjoyed a bourbon cocktail with muddled blueberries.  I try not to repeat experiences when I return to cities, but this place will be on my go to for a brunch every time I visit New Orleans.

​7. Cafe Soule
Some of the best places are found when you simply wander.  Cafe Soule was one of those treasured finds while strolling the French Quarter.  Not only were we greeted with the charm and preservation of the original home, but the flavors were truly amazing.  I feel certain places can cook good food and some places exude passion in what they cook, Cafe Soule was the latter which made it all the more memorable.  The Bacon Mac and Cheese made my Sippin Gypsy "BEST I've Ever Had" list for Mac and Cheese.

​8. Creole House
I was so impressed with this restaurant when we found it for breakfast that we went back to try lunch. The flavors never failed to wow us.  As a lover of Bloody Mary's and all things creole and southern, every sip and bite was flavor packed and delivered that wow factor.  I will be returning for the Oysters with Bacon and Garlic, a Sipping Gypsy "BEST I've ever had" for oysters.

9. Muriel's
You know I love a good history story to accompany my sips and Muriel's comes complete with a resident ghost.  What better way to sip and dine than with a spirited presence!  The atmosphere boasts old New Orleans charm and the staff is pleasant and engaging and happy to tell you their encounter with Mr. Jourdan.  The food is delicious and the bar staff makes their craft cocktails well.  We enjoyed our food and beverage in the main dining area, then continued with a cocktail upstairs in Mr. Jourdan's lounge. ​

​10. Crescent City Brewhouse
This place surprised me.  I typically do not favor beers, therefore do not frequent brew houses, but I am glad our friends wanted a beer and plotted out this spot.  For not being a beer drinker I found their seasonal IPA to be very enjoyable, but what truly blew me away was the food.  The flavors were so well layered and the presentation was beautiful.  

​11. Bourbon O Bar
I love live music.  I love a great drink.  Put the two together and you have one very happy Sippin Gypsy.  The Bourbon O Bar has the best Ramos Gin Fizz ever.  They have this nifty little machine that shakes the drink for several minutes.  The wait is worth it.  These bar tenders love their craft and make beautiful cocktails.  The evenings offer live jazz, so save this spot for a pre dinner cocktail.

​12. Bacchanal Wine
Experience the local side of New Orleans.  Bacchanal Wine was one of the most enjoyable experiences we've had for music and dinner.  About a 15 minute car ride from the French Quarter, this spot is literally a backyard party in the heart of a local neighborhood.  The wine selection features smaller vineyards from around the world.  The food was amazing as well, with herbs grown on property.  Take time to visit this spot and indulge.

13.Tableau
Every city has her own local chef or restaurateur that has elevated the culinary scene in that city, and Dickie Brennan has done just that in New Orleans.  With a variety of delicious options throughout the city, The Brennan Family Restaurants sprinkle impeccable service and delightful cuisine and cocktail options in each establishment they own, but one of my favorite is Tableau.  Elegant but approachable, the staff at Tableau treats guests in shorts and flip flops with the same Southern hospitality as guests in cocktail dresses and heels.  The food at Tableau is fresh and artfully prepared, it has taken me several visits to put a dent into their offerings, but each time I visit the French Quarter, Tableau is always on my list.

14. The Carousel Bar
The iconic landmark in the French Quarter for cocktails and ambiance, The Carousel Bar is nestled inside the Monteleone Hotel and should be on your list of places to visit in The French Quarter.  The bar itself hosts a beautiful carousel that rotates very slowly as you enjoy classic cocktails such as the Sazerac.  Most evenings The Carousel Bar offers live jazz music, which brings the whole evening all together for a complete French Quarter experience.