Carousel Bar, New Orleans

Beads flick off your face...a few drunks step on your toes...GET ME OUT of New Orleans you start to think. What is this town all about? As you squeak your way past the crowds on Bourbon Street and head to Royal street. The French Quarter seems to calm down a bit. You look down the road and you see an elegant awning surrounded by properly dressed doormen.

The moment you step inside the Hotel Monteleone, you breathe a sigh of relief. The Carousel Bar lounge is everything you could have hoped for. Now it's time to relax. Two Sazeracs please...you mention to the bartender as you slowly rotate around on the carousel bar.

What is Carousel Bar Known For?

The Carousel Bar is a wonderfully classy establishment in the heart of the French Quarter. Perfectly representing the elegant grit that New Orleans is known for. Away from the chaos that is Bourbon Street and tucked away into a five star hotel. The Hotel Monteleone is refuge amongst the more dingy bars that you find scattered across the French Quarter.

The #1 attraction for the Carousel Bar is...you guessed it...the Carousel Bar which is like merry go round but with drinks in the middle. The Carousel Bar slowly rotates around the Bartenders in the center of the Carousel. The Bar rotates slowly enough that you don't feel uneasy.

The Carousel Bar frequently has a live Jazz band playing throughout the night to truly give it that New Orleans charm. The music and entertainment is a perfect accompaniment for the delicious cocktails served at the bar.

Did Carousel Bar Invent any Cocktails?

The Vieux Carrée, or "Old Square" in French was famously invented at the Carousel bar. The head bartender at Hotel Monteleone, Walter Bergeron, created this classic cocktail on August 8, 1938. This delicious cocktail is a delicate combination of Cognac, Benedictine Liqueur, Rye Whiskey, Peychaud's Bitters.

The Vieux Carrée is perfect analogous representation of the French Quarter. Famous for being a melting pot of European, American, and African cultures. The Vieux Carrée is a delicious blend of many different ingredients from across the globe mixing into one cocktails.

What Cocktails should I Order at Carousel Bar?

Of course...The Vieux Carrée is a must. As I mentioned this cocktail is perfect combination of Cognac, Benedictine Liqueur, Rye Whiskey, Peychaud's Bitters.

Ingredients :

• 3/4 ounce Rye whiskey

• 3/4 ounce Cognac

• 3/4 ounce Sweet Vermouth

• 2 teaspoons Benedictine liqueur

• 4 dashes Peychaud's Bitters

• Garnish: maraschino cherry or lemon twist

The Sazerac (on the right) is also a New Orleans staple. One of the first cocktails ever crafted, the Sazerac is a Rye Whiskey Cocktail, with an absinthe rinse, lemon peel, and Peychaud's bitters.

Ingredients :

• Absinthe

• 2 Dashes of Peychaud's Bitters

• 2 Ounces Rye Whiskey

• 1/2 Ounce of Simple Syrup

An Espresso Martini is also a wonderful option for the Carousel Bar Lounge.

Ingredients :

• 1/2 Ounce of Kahlua coffee liqueur

• 1/2 Ounce of simple syrup

• 1 Ounce of Espresso

• 2 Ounces Vodka

• Coffee Beans (Garnish)

Do you need a reservation for Carousel Bar New Orleans?

No you do not. The Carousel Bar lounge operates on a first come first serve basis. Unless there is a private event, then you can walk in at any time.

Is there a Dress Code at the Carousel Bar?

While I wish I could write yes. The truth is, there is no dress code. Unfortunately, not everyone dresses up to the occasion. We recommend doing your part to class up the joint. Wear a coat or a nice dress.

Address

The Carousel Bar Lounge is located in New Orleans, LA at the Hotel Monteleone on 214 Royal Street.

Other Bars in New Orleans We Recommend

Once you've had A Few Cocktails at the Hotel Monteleone, it's time to visit the Sazerac Bar at the Roosevelt Hotel. Polished marble combined with tasteful golden chandeliers transport you to the Gilded Age, it doesn't have a revolving bar, but it does the trick.