During our week-long stay in New Orleans, we tried to check out as many bars and restaurants as possible to take advantage of Happy Hour deals. Here are a few spots to try in the Central Business District and French Quarter.
Balise, 640 Carondelet St
If you want to try what James Beard’s Best of the South winner Justin Devillier (he also co-owns Uptown restaurant La Petite Grocery) has to offer, sample some items during Happy Hour. Beware, they will fill you up. Tuesday through Friday, from 3 to 7pm, Balise has a great Happy Hour menu consisting of raw oysters (a dollar a piece), broiled oysters (3 for $7), and a few small dishes from their regular menu. There are select cocktails and wine for $5.
Compère Lapin, 535 Tchoupitoulas St
Enjoy $6 select wines and $6 classic craft drinks every Monday to Friday from 3 to 6pm. You can also try some of Chef Nina Compton’s creations for a fraction of the price.
Q&C Hotel/Bar, 344 Camp Street
The food and drinks at Q&C are delicious. Happy Hour happens daily from 4pm to 7pm, with drink specials and small plates priced between $3 to $5. Try the Boudin Balls, a traditional Cajun and Creole appetizer made with pork and rice which is breaded and fried, then topped with remoulade.
A photo posted by dee Cuisine (@deecuisine) on
Pisco Bar at the Catahoula Hotel, 914 Union Street
The Pisco Bar at the newly opened Catahoula Hotel features sandwiches on their Happy Hour menu, like the Brie Sandwich for $6. Wash it down with a cold Chicano made with Pisco and ginger beer.
Davenport Lounge at The Ritz Carlton, Canal Street
Couldn’t help but add this place though it’s at the beginning of the French Quarter. I don’t recall there being a happy hour menu, but the fancy Ritz Carlton’s Davenport Lounge has live jazz music from Jeremy Davenport Wednesdays and Thursdays 5:30pm to 9pm and Fridays and Saturdays 9pm to 1am. The third floor lounge is a temporary escape from the hectic French Quarter, and is a great way to mellow out after a long day at work, conference, or exploring the city. Be sure to order the beignets, but don’t wear black.
Roost Bar at Brennan’s, 417 Royal St
Brennan’s has a bubbly happy hour Tuesday-Thursday from 2pm-7pm in the Courtyard & Roost Bar. Select bubbles from both top Champagne vintners and premiere sparkling wine houses are offered at excellent prices. You can order fizzy cocktails for $7, and bottles of wine at a big discount. From their website:
MONTMARTRE SPARKLING ROSÉ – 55 – Now $30
DRAPPIER “CARTE D’OR” BRUT – 85 – Now $38
PERRIER JOUET GRAND BRUT – 95 – Now $45
DELAMOTTE BRUT – 120 – Now $55
BILLECART SALMON ROSÉ – 215 – Now $75