Looking for the best new cocktail bars in New Orleans? One of these spots might be just what you're seeking. Here are the newest places to check out the next time you're in search of creative cocktails, lively libations and international fare.
Longway Tavern
719 Toulouse St., French Quarter
Cocktail bar and restaurant Longway Tavern comes courtesy of Liam Deegan and John Sinclair, both of Barrel Proof, and features an open-air courtyard.
Housed in a building that dates back to 1794 and has seen visitors like William Faulkner and Ernest Hemingway, the business says it's looking to carry on that tradition with its elevated tavern fare and handcrafted cocktails.
Cocktails include classics like the Old Fashioned and White Russian along with signature drinks like the Irish Morning Manhattan (Tullamore Dew, Bittermens coffee liqueur and sweet vermouth).
The menu features both light bites and heavier fare. Standout selections include the home fries with pork belly, crème fraîche, caramelized onions, chives and caviar, and the lamb leg roulade with spinach and roasted maitake mushrooms.
Longway Tavern's current Yelp rating of five stars out of six reviews indicates positive attention from users.
Yelper Travis K., who reviewed Longway Tavern on May 20, wrote, "Brand new to the neighborhood and already exceeding my expectations. First impressions include a friendly staff and beautiful courtyard in the back. We had a table of four and were served delicious cocktails immediately!"
Konrad K. noted, "Amazing drinks and food! Stumbled into this spot upon realizing I wanted to escape Bourbon. The atmosphere was very down-to-earth, but the bartenders are masters of their craft!"
Longway Tavern is open from 4 p.m.–1 a.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday and 4 p.m.–2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday.
Jack Rose
2031 St. Charles Ave., Central City
Serving up cocktails along with Creole and fusion fare, Jack Rose has made its home in the historic Pontchartrain Hotel.
The beverage list features a rendition of the 1920s classic Jack Rose cocktail with whiskey calvados, pomegranate, rose, citrus and egg white, as well as the Summer en la Ciudad with tequila reposado, Agavero, coconut, lime and cucumber.
The menu is influenced by French, Spanish and Italian cuisines, with lamb shank risotto; pompano en papillote with sunchoke, tomato and crab; and shrimp and okra gumbo. The restaurant also offers a private dining room and Sunday brunch.
Yelp users are excited about Jack Rose, which currently holds 4.5 stars out of 15 reviews on the site.
Yelper Chloe K., who reviewed Jack Rose on May 1, wrote, "The seating and lounge area are beautiful, fun and generally relaxing. ... The food and drinks were delicious. I had their signature drink, the Jack Rose, and really enjoyed it."
And Christine T. noted, "Amazing is an understatement. Everything from the hospitality to the decor to the food. ... My favorite part of this experience was being greeted by every single person who walked by me as I was eating. Professionalism was the highest of the high here. Two thumbs up."
Jack Rose is open from 3–10 p.m. on Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday and 11 a.m.–2 p.m. and 3–10 p.m. on Friday and Sunday. (It's closed on Monday and Tuesday.)
Manolito
508 Dumaine St., French Quarter
Looking for some Cuban fare to go with your cocktails? New arrival Manolito has you covered. The cafe and bar, founded by NOLA bartenders Nick Detrich and Chris Hannah, was inspired by Havana’s El Floridita, the bar much loved by Ernest Hemingway.
On the drink menu, expect Havana favorites like the Floridita Daiquiri and a mojito made with Bacardi Maestro, mint, lime, soda and angostura bitters. Or try Hemingway’s Papa Doble made with Paranubes rum, Don Q Cristal, grapefruit and maraschino liqueur.
Pair your drink with shrimp ceviche, a Cuban sandwich, black bean soup or the ropa vieja (shredded beef with vegetables) served family style.
With a five-star Yelp rating out of six reviews on Yelp, Manolito has been getting positive attention.
Yelper Bonnie R., who was one of the first users to visit Manolito on May 20, wrote, "Absolutely delicious Cuban sandwich, ropa vieja arepas and coconut flan! We are planning on coming back again during our short trip to New Orleans."
Yelper Robert S. wrote, "This was an amazing place that my girlfriend and I stumbled upon. They have the best daiquiris I've ever had. Original and authentic."
Manolito is open from 5–11 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday and 11 a.m.–11 p.m. on Wednesday-Sunday.
