We’ve put a different spin on where to eat-and-drink for this write-up. It includes nine spots under the headings: Classic, Casual, Date Night and Late Night. Amazingly, each offers a twist on what-and-how to eat, drink and be entertained – so take your pick and have some fun!

ONE: CLASSIC

THE SAZERAC BAR in the Roosevelt Hotel

130 Roosevelt Way, phone: (504) 648-1200

This famous Art Deco bar offers classic drinks and plush banquette seating. If you’re looking for an elegant Old World vibe this bar is for you. It’s named after – what many consider to be – the world’s first mixed drink that was created by a druggist (named Antoine Peychaud in the 1850s). This after-dinner drink is made up of cognac, absinthe, a sugar cube and a dash of Peychaud Bitters. 

THE CAROUSEL BAR & Lounge in the Hotel Monteleone

214 Royal St. phone: (504) 523-3341

This is New Orleans only revolving bar. Or, as they proudly proclaim, “We Have Been Spinning For Over 70 Years.” Basically, it’s a 25-seat whimsical carousel that serves The Sazerac (that’s a given) along with anything else you may desire: e.g., the Daiquiri, Margarita, Cosmopolitan and many more.   

THE FRENCH 75 BAR is in Arnaud’s Restaurant at

813 Bienville St. (just off Bourbon), phone: (504) 523-5433

This 4 1/2-star bar is located in the heart of the French Quarter. The famous Arnaud’s restaurant offers Classic Creole cuisine and has been doing so since 1918. It also offers Dixieland Jazz in the Jazz Bistro and romantic dinners in the Main Dining Room. Esquire magazine claims that it is “One of the Top Five Bars in the Country.”

TWO: CASUAL

The Silk Road Restaurant & Wine Bar

2483 Royal St. phone: (504) 494-8307

THE SILK ROAD features the modern cuisine of India and Asia. Here’s what one diner had to say, “The ambiance was charming, soft-lit and romantic for those looking for a date venue. The red curry was delicious – the food is truly a blend of Creole and Indian.” Another adds, “The Restaurant Week menu was awesome.”

Picnic Provisions & Whiskey

741 State St. phone: (504) 266-2810

PICNIC PROVISIONS & WHISKEY celebrates the traditional American picnic. But with a twist! The menu is pure New Orleans-style: Crab & Corn Beignets, Smoked Pulled-pork Po-boy, Cajun Hotdog and Boudin Egg Rolls – you get the picture. Remember: the Rathbone hotel has kitchen facilities in some rooms so you can picnic indoors at any hour if you wish.

THREE: DATE NIGHT

Cane and Table Restaurant

1113 Decatur St. phone: (504) 581-1112

CANE & TABLE notes that their building is located in the heart of the French Quarter. This restaurant offers vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options. One pleased patron recently wrote, “Everything we had was very tasty.” Another writes, “I definitely recommend The Hurricane – if you want to sample one that’s not made from a mix. I also really liked the Coctel de Camarones (Mexican Shrimp Cocktail) and the Paella.“

The Effervescence Restaurant

1036 N. Rampart St. phone: (504) 509-7644

EFFERVESCENCE offers sparkling wines and small plates served in a sophisticated, modern setting that includes outdoor seating. It describes itself as a “French Quarter Destination for Lovers of Bubbles.” Translation: this is a place where champagne is the drink of choice. There’s a long list of sparkling wines from: France, California, Brazil and England that can be ordered by glass, flight or bottle. You can accompany your sparkler with caviar, oysters, shrimp and more.

FOUR: LATE NIGHT

The Saints and Sinners Bar

627 Bourbon St. phone: (504) 528-9307

SAINTS AND SINNERS is a trendy lounge styled like an old-time bordello. Meaning: there is an explosion of RED and it’s everywhere – on   the bar, chairs, walls and even the ceiling. They also have a balcony that overlooks Bourbon Street. Food selections include Mac and Cheese plus Red Beans and Rice – basic all-American fare. This is a restaurant that turns into a club at 10 pm.

The Spirits on Bourbon Street Bar

615 Bourbon St. phone: (504) 524-6014

SPIRITS ON BOURBON is a lively bar that serves cocktails with Cajun-type pub grub to the sound of dueling pianos (that’s a touch I’ve never seen in New Orleans). One patron writes, “I went for their drink named The Resurrection and it was excellent. Believe it or not, I also got to keep the glass that lights up.” WHAT! You read that correctly: it’s an icy blue cocktail served in a skull-shaped cup that flashes with phantom lights. (I’ve never seen this anywhere on planet earth.)

WHY RATHBONE MANSIONS? Please keep us in mind when you’re looking for digs in New Orleans. Why? First of all we’re only a 15-minute stroll from the French Quarter – where the famous Bourbon Street is located. And second, our antebellum hotel will really remind you that you’re in the Deep South – nothing like back home.

PLEASE CHECK THE WEB or call on the phone for any additional information you may need about any of restaurants/bars listed in this blog.