Stepping into The Sazerac Bar inside The Roosevelt New Orleans feels like sliding straight into the golden age of American cocktail culture.
With its warm African walnut paneling, plush banquettes, and iconic Paul Ninas art deco murals depicting early-20th-century life in New Orleans, this landmark lounge preserves a level of historic Southern elegance rarely found today. Whether you are seeking a refuge from the lively bustle of Bourbon Street or touring the city’s legendary drinking institutions, an afternoon or evening spent here is an essential Crescent City tradition.
- Historic Atmosphere: Famous as the former haunt of Louisiana governor Huey P. Long, the bar preserves its 1930s-era art deco grandeur, complete with low lighting, gleaming wood counters, and vintage leather seating.
- Signature Drinks: The bar’s namesake Sazerac (rye whiskey, Peychaud’s bitters, sugar, and an herbsaint wash with a lemon twist) and the frothy Ramos Gin Fizz (shaken vigorously to achieve its signature pillowy meringue foam) are non-negotiable orders.
- No Reservations Required: Seating is first-come, first-served; stop by in the late afternoon (around 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM) for a more relaxed experience and an easier time securing a table or a stool at the bar.
- Dress Code: While casual travelers are welcome, smart-casual attire matches the upscale historic ambiance of the hotel lobby and lounge.
Tips for Making the Most of Your Visit
- Take in the Murals: Spend a moment examining the restored 1930s Paul Ninas murals behind the banquettes, which offer stylized snapshots of historical New Orleans life and industry.
- Holiday Season Magic: If you visit during late November or December, time your cocktail run with a stroll through The Roosevelt’s legendary “Waldorf Wonderland” lobby display, when tens of thousands of holiday lights transform the corridors.
- Pair with Hotel Dining: The bar sits adjacent to the grand lobby, making it an ideal pre-dinner aperitif spot before visiting nearby dining spots in the French Quarter or the Central Business District.
Would you like more historic cocktail bar recommendations around the French Quarter, or tips on what else to explore nearby in New Orleans?
