by Cicely Richard

Created on: November 22, 2008   Last Updated: January 31, 2009

New Orleans is home to a number of bars where visitors can indulge in alcohol. And why not? That's one of the many reasons to visit "The Big Easy." With so many choices, people may be overwhelmed with all of this variety. However, if you ask anyone from Louisiana, the majority of them will point to one place. Pat O'Brien's is one of the best bars in New Orleans, if not the best. The establishment is located on Saint Peter Street between Royal and Bourbon streets.

One of the reasons that Pat O'Brien's is worth visiting is the atmosphere. The bar's decor fits into the overall style of the city of New Orleans. Reminiscent of the past, a doorman greets individuals as they enter the area. Instead of a smoke-filled bar, a brick laden entryway welcomes guests. Then, guests have a number of choices laid before them.

If a person is hungry after trekking up and down The French Quarters, they can partake of sustenance at the restaurant located in the courtyard. No matter what the weather brings, guests can enjoy food amid trees and foliages. It may seem to contradict the idea of a bar, but the entire family can eat in this designated area. Pat O'Brien's offers an array of menu items, even virgin replicas of drinks for children.

If parents want to leave the kids at home, however, Pat O'Brien's fits this need, as well. The Piano Bar, across from the Main Bar, patrons can't turn their heads without seeing green, from the green cushions of the chairs to the green-coated waiters who serve drinks. Two baby grand pianos are center stage to entertain those who enter the building. Guests can write song requests on napkins to pass to the dueling pianists. Guests who do not enter the piano bar can sometimes hear the singing drifting out into the courtyard.

The Bourbon Street entrance features the Bourbon Bar, which replicates the Main Bar. The bar has a complete array of beers and mixed drinks for patrons to choose. Folks can order their drinks to go and return to whatever activity they were involved in, or they can choose to rest their feet and take advantage of the air conditioning. Air conditioning is well-appreciated on those humid, Louisiana nights. The only drawback is that this section of Pat O'Brien's is only opened on Fridays and Saturdays, from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m.

The diversity that Pat O'Brien's offers makes it one of the best bars in New Orleans, but the main reason to visit can be summed up in one word, "Hurricane." Pat O'Brien's is the home of this signature drink. The fruity flavor of the Hurricane disguises the strong rum that serves as the basis of it. The drink can be ordered to go, but to get the full experience, it has to be enjoyed in a Pat O'Brien's tall, souvenir glass. Many Louisiana homes have more than one glass to boast of their Hurricane experience.

Yes, on almost every corner, a bar can be located that serves drinks in New Orleans. That's fine if a person is only looking to get intoxicated. But, no visit would be complete without going to Pat O'Brien's and sampling the unique atmosphere created here while sipping a Hurricane. No one of drinking age has truly had the full New Orleans experience without trying a Hurricane.

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