The Best Bars In The Arts District, New Orleans

Drinking is a way of life in South Louisiana. With watering holes flooding every section of the city, it seems the natives of New Orleans have doubled-down on this sentiment. The Warehouse (Arts) District of the Big Easy is home to some of the best in the city, from your secret neighborhood hole-in-the-wall to world-renowned drinking establishments, the Crescent City has it all.

The Rusty Nail
Bar, Pub, Wine Bar, Pub Grub, American
Price: Mid-range
Opening Hours: 4pm – 1am (Mon – Thu), 2pm – 3am 9Fri), 12pm – 3am (Sat), 12pm – 1am (Sun)
Watch Out For: Specialty cocktails; try a rusty nail
W.I.N.O.
W.I.N.O.
If you are looking for contemporary, the Wine Institute of New Orleans is the definition of the word – the libations are decanted from an automated dispenser; sample a variety of wines by the ounce before deciding which graces your palate perfectly. For anyone looking to precociously advance their knowledge of wine, consider taking a class with the knowledgeable Bryan Burkey – he keeps the mood light on a subject matter that is often made intimidating by posh connoisseurs. This is a great spot to enjoy a soothing class of wine and some delicious bites.
Price: Budget
Opening Hours: 2pm – 10pm (Sun – Tue), 2pm – midnight (Wed – Sat), Sunday – Tuesday 2 pm to 10 pm
Watch Out For: A delicious tapas-style menu
Address & Telephone: W.I.N.O., 610 Tchoupitoulas Street, New Orleans, LA, USA, +1 504 324 8000

Handsome Willy’s |© Infrogmation/Wikimedia Commons
Handsome Willy's
Handsome Willy’s
This unassuming watering hole is nestled near the Tulane University Medical School in the Warehouse District. A small, red-brick building with a makeshift picnic table patio in the front – at first glance, Handsome Willy’s might not look like much, but this place is a gem of the locals. If you tend to shy away from street meat rather than embracing the adventure of the unknown, the popup barbecue of Karibu Kitchen hosted every Tuesday evening might not be your idea of a good time – though, all of the drunken eats at this establishment are delicious and revered by those who venture to indulge themselves.
Price: Budget
Opening Hours: 2pm – midnight (Mon – Thu), 12pm – 1am (Fri), 5pm – 4am (Sat), midnight – 4am (Sun)
Watch Out For: Great prices
Address & Telephone: Handsome Willy’s, 218 S Robertson Street, New Orleans, LA, USA, +1 504 460 7365
Capdeville
Pub, Fast Food, British, Contemporary, American

Price: Mid-range
Opening Hours: 11am – 2:30pm (Mon – Thu), 11am – midnight (Fri), 10:30am – midnight (Sat)
Watch Out For: Mayor’s Suggestions (specialty cocktails)
Milan Lounge
Bar, Restaurant, American
Price: Budget
Opening Hours: 12pm – 4am (7 days a week)
Watch Out For: It can get a little smoky
Le Bon Temps Roulé
Bar, Pub Grub
Price: Mid-range
Opening Hours: 11am – 5am (7 days a week)
Watch Out For: Tasty bar food
Victory
Bar, Nightclub, Cocktail Bar, Pub Grub, American
Price: Mid-range
Opening Hours: 12pm-10 pm Monday – Saturday
Watch Out For: Gourmet pizzas
Carousel Bar & Lounge
Bar, Pub Grub, American

Price: Mid-range
Opening Hours: 11am – until (7 days a week)
Watch Out For: Vieux Carre
The Tasting Room
Bar, Wine Bar, Pub Grub
Price: Mid-range
Opening Hours: 4pm – 11pm (Tue – Sun)
Watch Out For: Truffle fries
Bellocq
Bellocq
It is no secret that New Orleans is a sexually liberating city, where social norms are not as conservative as other cities. Located inside the Hotel Modern is a lively cocktail lounge with a sensually stimulating ambiance. Bellocq is named for a celebrated peeping Tom named E. J. Bellocq – a photographer who managed to capture images of the daily life for the madams of the infamous Storyville, the old red light district of New Orleans before the prohibition of prostitution. The décor of the lounge acts as a time machine, taking customers back to a free and footloose time in New Orleans history.
Price: Mid-range
Opening Hours: 12pm-10 pm Monday – Saturday
Watch Out For: The incredible attention to detail
Address & Telephone: Bellocq, 936 St. Charles Avenue, New Orleans, LA, USA, +1 504 962 0911
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