580998 Wed Dec 17 17:30:26 -0800 2008 13 9 New Orleans 0 4255164 One has to do something to fill those long hours between meals in New Orleans, and my usual pastime of choice is drinking. :) We're heading down for a few days for NYE, so what are the bars and cocktails we shouldn't miss? (Note: first person to suggest a Hand Grenade has to chug three of them.) Some favorites of mine, from memory: Sazerac at the Carousel Bar--We're staying at the Monteleone, so I'm sure we'll be hitting the Carousel pretty hard. The Sazerac was wonderful, but is there anything in particular I should order there? Monsoon at Port of Call--not for the meek. A tastier, pink-colored take on the Hurricane, and a great choice if you want to get your swerve on early in the evening. Hurricane at Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop--Nothing remarkable about the Hurricane itself, but the location is great. Anything at dba--Incredible selection of beers and liquors on Frenchman Street. Suggestions? Wed Dec 17 17:30:26 -0800 2008 52945 The J Train 1 4256351 Just off the top of my head I'd add Napoleon House - Saz there and a Pimm's Cup. For late-evening wind-down away from the throng, you might try Bombay Club behind the Prince Conti Hotel. On Conti, one-half block off Bourbon. Laid back. Nice. Thu Dec 18 07:25:31 -0800 2008 4255164 56780 Monch 1 4256408 I was definitely goingt to suggest dba. Try a Lindeman's Belgium beer...Kreik or Frambroise. They are YUMMY! St. Joe's on Magazine Dos Jeffes Cigar Bar on Tchopitoulas ***Napoleon House - order the Pimm's cup The Goldmine (more of a club)! - ORDER A FLAMING DR. PEPPER!!!!! Helix Restaurant & Wine Bar in Hotel Le Cirque Thu Dec 18 07:44:34 -0800 2008 4255164 244866 nikinik 1 4256852 Get a Vieux Carre (prounounced "view cah-ray") at the Monteleone - it is their house specialty. Go to the French 75 bar next to Arnaud's and get a Sazerac or French 75. Go to the bar at the Renaissance Pere Marquette when Chris McMillian is working and get a Mint Julep, Sazerac, Manhattan, or whatever you want. Yo Mama's has a great tequila selection. Thu Dec 18 09:55:11 -0800 2008 4255164 53138 nola17 2 4260810 Chris is truly a master, this is a must do. If you have time visit the food and cocktail museum, great fun! Fri Dec 19 16:45:00 -0800 2008 4256852 164988 rkaene 1 4256910 go to Lafitte's Blacksmith and get an Obituary Cocktail. or, get the book and visit the bars in it. cheers! Thu Dec 18 10:09:55 -0800 2008 4255164 195694 edible complex 1 4257127 IRIS, in the quarter, has an amazing cocktail menu! Thu Dec 18 11:09:59 -0800 2008 4255164 131339 mortalcoil 1 4258727 i was also going to recommend Iris, which has now moved to the quarter on decatur. its a hotel restaurant now, but they employ a bartender named Allen who was recently voted best-bartender in Gambit. what sets him apart are the exquisite hand-crafted specialty cocktails that he crafts, often containing exotic components. too pricey for regular consumption but perfect for special occasions. Iris itself has a fine menu. was there the other nite and was pleased at some the additions such as sweat breads, and many of entrees, which ill be going back for. Thu Dec 18 22:14:21 -0800 2008 4255164 143137 kibbles 2 4265995 Rib Room, Napoleon House, Library Bar (Ritz Carlton), Polo Lounge (Windsor Court), Richelieu Bar at Arnaud's is fantastic, possibly my favorite. Johnny White's was one of my hangouts, especially early in the morning (don't ask) also Checkpoint Charlie's on Esplanade (oh, for the good old days). Mon Dec 22 09:16:37 -0800 2008 4258727 66022 bronwen 1 4266623 Try Bar Tonique on N. Rampart- owned by the same group as Delachaise uptown- they have a variety of delicious, fresh NOLA cocktails. The bar name is in reference to the made "in house" tonic they use in gin & tonics. I suggest the Le Grand Gimlet, the Daiquiri (not the frozen kind you buy in the Neon bars all over the quarter), and the Pimm's Cup! YUM!! Mon Dec 22 12:29:20 -0800 2008 4255164 138983 EatingEmily 2 4267952 Agreed, Tonique is definitely a great spot for well-made cocktails - definitely several cuts above the sour-mix swill one finds at far too many water holes. Mon Dec 22 21:30:47 -0800 2008 4266623 11731 bodie 1 4267341 Let's not forget the Saturn Bar on St. Claude--more of a dive than anything else, but what a wonderful dive--if you get it on the right night,full of New Orleans characters... Mon Dec 22 17:04:26 -0800 2008 4255164 17677 underworld gourmet 1 4270015 Don't forget the Swizzle Stick at Cafe Adelaide -- just let Lu work her magic. They used to have a cocktail-and-dinner pairing which was terrific (you sit in the bar). If that's still on it's great fun. And tasty too! On a sazerac tour last year our top two were French 75 (no surprise) and, believe it or not, Tujaques. We liked Leah's version over some of the usual suspects including Napoleon House, Carousel Bar, Ritz (we weren't in the Library, but it was post-Chris anyways), Delachaise and a few others. We didn't get to Besh's though. Tue Dec 23 16:43:28 -0800 2008 4255164 60537 MoonpieLover 1 4270493 Thanks for all the tips, everybody! Be sure to say hello if you see us the week after Christmas; we'll be the ones stumbling around the Quarter drunk. :) Tue Dec 23 21:32:10 -0800 2008 4255164 52945 The J Train