The Carousel Bar & Lounge in New Orleans, Louisiana is a must-visit attraction for anyone who loves great co*cktails, historic venues, and fun!
Carousel Bar
New Orleans is filled with whimsy, fun, and great co*cktails. The combination of these things can be enjoyed at the Carousel Bar located at the historic Hotel Monteleone.
Walking up to the hotel make sure to glance through the windows for your first look at the historic carousel. It is picture-perfect centered in the window with the lights glowing at night.
When you walk into the bar I hope that luck is on your side and you can walk right up to a bar seat at the carousel.
I say this because the 25 seats at the Carousel are a hot commodity and it truly feels like luck and perfect time is what it takes to just walk in and get a seat, especially in the evenings.
If luck is not on your side at that moment there are plenty of other seats to choose from in the bar area. If you have your heart set on sitting at the carousel I would suggest picking a table and chairs near the carousel so you can jump/hop/scurry to grab a seat when it opens.
Originally installed in 1949, the 25-seat carousel bar turns on 2,000 large steel rollers, pulled by a chain powered by a one-quarter horsepower motor.
We spent a few hours relaxing with drinks and food watching the carousel slowly spin around. It was incredibly relaxing and we enjoyed amazing people-watching.
The co*cktails are delicious, the food was great, and our server was amazing. Our favorite part was watching people enjoy their time sitting at the bar.
The selfies, the group photos, and the sheer joy of the moment were contagious and you can't help but savor the feeling of being in New Orleans and getting to experience a bar that has been open for more than 70 years.
New Orleans is a city filled with fun adventures and I would highly suggest making sure that the Carousel Bar is at the top of your must-visit list.
Make sure to try the Vieux Carré co*cktail which was created in 1938 by Hotel Monteleone's head bartender, Walter Bergeron.
The Vieux Carre has become a classic New Orleans co*cktails made with Cognac, Benedictine, Rye Whiskey, Sweet Vermouth, Angostura Bitters, and Peychaud's Bitters.
I enjoyed the Fleur De Lis co*cktail made with cucumber-infused gin. It would be perfect for a hot summer day in New Orleans when you need a refreshing drink.
William Faulkner, Tennessee Williams, Truman Capote and Winston Grooms (Forrest Gump) are among the famous authors who have enjoyed drinks at the Carousel Bar.
Today, the Carousel still attracts celebrities, including Michael Jordan, Dennis Quaid, Greg Allman and Sally Struthers.
Carousel and Lounge Area Seating
The hottest ticket in town is sitting at the Carousel! That being said there is a limited number of seats at the rotating bar.
Additional seating is spread throughout the lounge. There are small tables with chairs, long couches with small tables, along with clusters of chairs together.
You can sit closer to the live entertainment or near the carousel to try and grab a seat when they open.
Don't be surprised to see a line of people near the entrance hoping to jump on a seat at the carousel. We also saw people leaning against the wall, walking with the carousel hoping someone would move, and a combination of all the things to get a seat.
People were friendly and it wasn't crazy or intense just people excited to have the opportunity to enjoy the rotating bar.
Carousel Bar Menu
The co*cktail menu is extensive and includes many classic New Orleans co*cktails along with unique fun twists on traditional drinks.
Bar Bites Menu Highlights
White Truffle Fries - This is a huge plate of fries covered with smoked sea salt, truffle, and cheese served with a small bowl of garlic aioli. SO GOOD!
Fried Cheese Ravioli - There were four ravioli on the plate with Pomodoro sauce under the ravioli. These had great flavor but we wished for more they were so good.
Shrimp Pot Stickers - The table next to us ordered these and they loved them. They are served with Garlic Pepper Ponzu.
Fried Chicken Biscuit Sliders - They are served with warm maple syrup on the bottom of the plate. Make sure to get a fork and knife if you don't want to pick up a sticky biscuit with maple syrup on it. That being said my husband LOVED these and said they had fantastic flavor.
French Market Style Beignets - This is the one thing I would skip. They were super doughy and not my favorite. It is hard to compete with Cafe Du Monde and other famous beignet restaurants in NOLA.
Gluten-Free - Grilled BBQ Shrimp, Oysters Rockefeller, Deviled Eggs ( with Pancetta, BBQ Pulled Pork and Caviar),
Vegan - I would ask about the Mesas Plate which has golden beet hummus, baba ghanoush, and yogurt naan. The hummus and baba ghanoush may be vegan.
Vegetarian - One thing to know is the bacon grilled cheese has the bacon already mixed in so it can't be vegetarian. I asked because it sounds so good.
The Fried Cheese Ravioli was delicious along with the White truffle Fries.
The Carousel Bar Signature co*cktail
The Carousel Bartenders create a unique experience mixing drinks while the carousel has a subtle rotation around them. The unique design allows them to stay on solid ground while guests rotate slowly.
They are able to mix specialty co*cktails, signature co*cktails, and New Orleans Classics while keeping locals and tourists entertained.
Bourbon Heritage - If you are a fan of bourbon you can celebrate with limited edition and unique whiskeys that are available.
Vieux Carre co*cktail - Sazerac Rye Whiskey, Pierre Ferrand 1840 Cognac, Sweet Vermouth, Benedictine, Angostura and Peychaud Bitters. The Vieux Carré is the Carousel Bar’s most famous co*cktail.
Sazerac - In a chilled Herbsaint rinsed glass, Sazerac Rye, Peychaud's Bitters, and Simple Syrup. On June 23, 2008, the Louisiana legislature proclaimed the Sazerac as the official co*cktail of New Orleans.
Carousel Old Fashioned - Eagle Rare Bourbon, Angostura Bitters, Toschi Italian Cherries, Simple Syrup, Orange Twist
Pimm's Cup - Pimms #1, Strawberries, Cucumber, Lemon Juice, Simple Syrup, Sprite
Pink Fizz - Henry Ramos Gin, Fresh Lemon Juice, Fresh Lime Juice, Simple Syrup, Peychaud's Bitters and Club Soda.
Fleur de Lis - Hendrick's Gin, St. Germaine Liquor, Lemon Juice, Cucumber ( SO GOOD) One of the Carousel Bars Originals.
Sonny's Margarita - Jose Cuervo Traditional Plata Tequila, Ferrand Dry Curacao, Fresh Lime Juice, Fresh Orange Juice with a touch of Agave Nectar
Lyre's co*cktails - If you are looking for a non-alcoholic co*cktail they have thee Lyre's drinks available including a pineapple daiquiri, Italian Spritz, and Lyre's Daisy. There is also a virgin Pina Colada.
Why you will love Carousel Bar
- Unique Thing to do in New Orleans
- Epic Instagram Photo Opportunity
- Fun Date Night with great drinks in a world-class co*cktail bar
- Historic Bar in the heart of the French Quarter
- World-renowned destination
- Exceptional service
- Amazing ambiance, a truly delightful experience
- New Orleans only revolving bar
Things to know when planning a visit to Carousel Bar
Address - 214 Royal Street, New Orleans, LA 70130
Located in New Orleans' French Quarter
Phone -
Hours - 11 am to 12 am with live entertainment Wednesday through Saturday.
Please confirm with the restaurant to ensure that hours have not changed.
Accessibility - Hotel Monteleone has full wheelchair access via the Bienville Street entrance.
There is a ramp leading into the lounge. The Carousel Bar is not accessible but there are tables on the main level that are easy to reach.
Plus Size Seating - The carousel bar seats are historic so they may be uncomfortable depending on your size. There is space to get into them but it will be up to you how it feels to be at the bar.
There are comfortable chairs and couches with ample room next to the bar.
Dress Code/Suggestions - Casual date night. Honestly you can expect to see a variety of outfits ranging from sparkly knee high boots to jeans and casual t-shirts.
If you wondering if there is a dress code for the Carousel Bar & Lounge rest assured there is not a dress code.
Pets - Pets are not allowed in the bar.
Parking - Hotel Monteleone offers valet parking for all hotel guests.
There may be nearby street parking or parking lots at local hotels.
Restaurants and Attractions nearby
Sucre - Located right across the street is a gorgeous patisserie shop! They have amazing macarons!
Cafe du Monde French Quarter - New Orleans bucket list destination with amazing beignets and chicory coffee.
Steamboat Natchez - Ride the only historic steamboat on the Mississippi and enjoy a jazz band while checking out the scenery.
Sazerac House - Right around the corner is the famous Sazerac House offers tours and classes.
New Orleans Souvenirs - Check out the best souvenirs to pick up while in town.
Bourbon Street - Learn more about this iconic street in New Orleans.
Gambinos Bakery - Home of the original Doberge Cake and world famous King Cakes.
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