by Lindsay Oliver

Created on: June 30, 2009

New Orleans is well known for its signature drinks, like the hurricane and the hand grenade, but it is difficult to find just a regular martini or mojito. Most of the bars in the French Quarter are not the kind of establishments to relax with a nice drink in, so below is a list of bars located throughout New Orleans that have the atmosphere and quality drinks that you can enjoy.

Whiskey Blue (333 Poydras Street) Located right outside the French Quarter in the W Hotel, this is a bar to see and be seen in. It is very swanky with great dcor and lighting. The bar is lit with blue lights and there are candles everywhere. It is packed with couches and petite tables. Its bar and service staff are incredibly attractive. It is a little pricey by New Orleans standards but still cheap compared to other major American cities.

Bombay Club (830 Conti Street) This restaurant/bar is reminiscent of an old school supper club or a speakeasy. Its cozy booths and cute patio give places for the interesting crowd to enjoy the 150 different types of martinis on the menu. Enjoy one of them while listening to smooth live jazz.

Carousel Bar (214 Royal Street) Located in the Hotel Monteleone in the French Quarter, this bar actually rotates. It is a little expensive by New Orleans standards, but you're paying for the experience as well as the drinks. It is usually pretty quite, except for weekend nights and has a classy atmosphere. There is usually a piano player in the evening as well as more of a mixed crowd. Carousel Bar has unique dcor, a starlit ceiling, and a lot of history (Hemmingway apparently frequented this bar). There is seating throughout the bar for those who want to be stationary. Try the Vieux Carre.

The Columns Hotel (3811 St. Charles Avenue) This bar is quintessential old school New Orleans. Centrally located uptown, right on St. Charles, grab a cocktail here and sit on the patio and watch the streetcars roll by. It is great for people watching and the bartenders really know their stuff. The building was constructed in the late 1880s and, like the rest of the New Orleans, has a very haunted house feel.

Bridge Lounge (1201 Magazine Street) Located on Magazine Street, this dog-friendly venue has plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. It has a great wine selection and the bartenders are very knowledgeable when asked for suggestions. Their ever-changing cocktail list is season-based. Try the mint juleps or one of many mojitos.

Cocktails are not New Orleans' specialty (unless its lunchtime and you're sample the $0.25 martinis at Commander's Palace or Cafe Adelaide), but these bars are an exception.

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