by Lindsay Oliver

Created on: June 29, 2009

New Orleans' bars are institutions. The city revolves around them. Whether it is their great food or excellent venue for live jazz, they help bring that New Orleans soul that is world-renowned. This list is divided into categories, as it is nearly impossible to pick just a few favorites out of the plethora nighttime hotspots. The categories are New Orleans signatures, dive bars, sports bars, music venues, cocktail bars, college bars, and general bars. There are five bars listed in each category in no specific order.

New Orleans Signatures

Pat O'Brien's (718 St. Peter Street) Located right off Bourbon Street in the heart of the French Quarter, this one is a New Orleans staple. Home of the hurricane, it gets pretty crowded on weekends, especially if its festival season. Bring you glasses back to the bar, as they charge you automatically, but you get a refund if you bring yours (or the random ones on the table) back. It is a little touristy, but it is a must see. The Piano Bar, with dueling pianos, is amazing, but if you're there for too long you run the risk of hearing certain songs (Sweet Caroline, Lucille, Piano Man) a few times. The courtyard is a great outdoor spot, with heaters in the winter, fans in the summer, and a mesmerizing fountain.

Topical Isle (600 Bourbon Street; 721 Bourbon Street; many stands along Bourbon Street) Home of the Hand Grenade, that potent drink in the bright green cups you'll see everyone carrying around on Bourbon. Located in the center of the French Quarter, the dcor is overly tacky, but on theme half naked mannequins, sharks eating people, and topical bird noises. There is a large wrap around balcony upstairs that is great for an unobstructed view of the debauchery occurring below. No one knows the recipe for Hand Grenades, and if you find another bar trying to duplicate it, tell one of the Topical Isle stands along Bourbon and collect a $250 reward!

Pirates Alley Caf and Absinthe House (622 Pirates Alley) This one could definitely be considered a dive bar. Located in a small alleyway next to the Cathedral, it is a perfect spot for balmy summer nights. It is very small with pirate paraphernalia everywhere, but is excellent for people watching. There are always local characters in attendance, and they specialize in Absinthe. The serve the real stuff (I'm not sure how they get away with it), and the bartenders are extremely knowledgeable about the different types and how to properly serve it.

Ye Olde

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