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Best Happy Hour in New Orleans

Find the best happy hour restaurants in New Orleans, LA. Scored on what actually matters.

By DineSpin Team·Updated February 2026·10 spots

Finding the perfect happy hour spot in New Orleans can feel overwhelming—there are hundreds of options, and not all of them deliver. We’ve done the legwork, considering everything from vibe to value.

Whether you’re a local looking for something new or visiting for the first time, these are the happy hour spots that consistently impress.

Recommended:

Best Happy Hour in New Orleans

1.

Johnny Sánchez

78/100

Johnny Sánchez offers a vibrant atmosphere with creative and flavorful Mexican-inspired cuisine, particularly noted for its tacos and happy hour specials. While generally well-received for its food and service, some diners find the value proposition questionable due to pricing and portion sizes, and management's handling of feedback has drawn criticism.

Pro tip: Bold flavors, creative twists, and a lively atmosphere make this a New favorite.

🍽️Food85

The food is generally known for its bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and creative twists on Mexican staples, with many dishes like tacos, queso, and guacamole receiving specific accolades. However, some diners found certain dishes to be bland or overly salty.

Flavors are bold, the atmosphere is warm

👋Service70

Service is frequently described as excellent, with many servers and bartenders well-regarded for their attentiveness and friendliness. However, there are also instances of slow or inattentive service, particularly on busy nights or when staff are new.

Tiffanie was the absolute BEST!!

Vibe85

The atmosphere is well-regarded for being cool, lively, and well-decorated, with artwork and a comfortable ambiance contributing to a positive dining experience.

What a cool place!

💰Value65

Diners have mixed opinions on value, with some finding prices reasonable, especially during happy hour, while others consider portions small and prices high for casual fare, particularly for single tacos.

Prices were a little shocking. $7 for a single fish taco?

📍 930 Poydras St Suite 101, New Orleans, LA 70112
4.3$$New OrleansMexican
Ideal for
Happy hour dealsCreative taco enthusiastsLively dining experiences
2.

Ernst Cafe

88/100

Ernst Cafe is a popular New Orleans spot known for its remarkably low prices, lively atmosphere, and generally good food, particularly its po'boys and burgers. While many celebrate the friendly service and value, some diners experience long waits and inconsistent food quality, and management's responses can be defensive.

Pro tip: This was one of the best hidden gems I have ever found.

🍽️Food85

The food is generally well-regarded, with many dishes like po'boys, burgers, gumbo, and bread pudding receiving recognition for being delicious and fresh. Some Cajun dishes were noted as less special, and a few instances of overcooked or undercooked items were mentioned.

Food was good

👋Service80

Service is frequently described as great, friendly, and attentive, with specific staff members often highlighted. However, there are also mentions of slow service, inattentiveness, and a lack of coordination.

Great service

Vibe85

The atmosphere is often described as lively, fun, historic, and a 'gritty corner bar' with a good vibe, making it a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.

Fun lively sports tvs great noisy fun atmosphere

💰Value95

The restaurant is well-regarded for its remarkably low prices, particularly for beer, which diners find to be a significant draw.

Drink prices you can not beat

📍 600 S Peters St, New Orleans, LA 70130
4.3$$New OrleansAmerican
Ideal for
Budget-conscious diners seeking valueThose looking for a lively bar atmosphereCasual meals with classic New Orleans fare
3.

Sylvain

92/100

Sylvain is a highly-regarded French Quarter establishment celebrated for its excellent food, particularly its burgers, cornbread, and short ribs, and its well-regarded vibrant yet intimate atmosphere. Service is largely outstanding, though a few diners have noted occasional rudeness or long waits.

Pro tip: First-rate food, great service, and an amazing atmosphere make this worth trying.

🍽️Food95

The food is well-regarded for its top-notch quality, with many dishes, including the burger, cornbread, short ribs, and fries, highlighted as standouts. Ingredients are described as fresh and dishes as flavorful and well-executed.

Every single thing we ordered was amazing

👋Service90

Service is frequently described as great, attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable, with specific staff members often receiving commendations. However, a few instances of dismissive or rude service have been noted.

Attentive, knowledgeable, and gave top-notch recommendations

Vibe95

The atmosphere is consistently lauded as top-notch, with descriptions of a dark, candlelit, cozy, intimate, and charming environment, often enhanced by good music.

The vibe of the whole place made the night special

💰Value85

While not explicitly detailed, the overall positive reception and descriptions of quality suggest good value for the dining experience.

VERY fairly priced

📍 625 Chartres St, New Orleans, LA 70130, United States
4.5$$New OrleansAmerican
Ideal for
Date nights — intimate and romantic atmosphereCocktail enthusiasts — well-crafted and unique drinksFoodies seeking elevated American fare
4.

The Double Club

92/100

The Double Club is a highly-regarded establishment in New Orleans, celebrated for its excellent food, vibrant atmosphere, and outstanding service. It offers a unique and welcoming vibe that draws both locals and tourists, making it a standout destination.

Pro tip: The Double Club is the spot you have to visit in New Orleans.

🍽️Food95

The food is well-regarded for being delicious, with sandwiches, tacos, and mac and cheese frequently highlighted as standouts. Many diners consider it among the best they've had.

Best sandwiches we had in NOLA

👋Service90

Service is overwhelmingly described as outstanding, friendly, and attentive, with many patrons specifically naming bartenders and owners for their positive interactions.

Service was just outstanding

Vibe98

The atmosphere is a major draw, consistently described as fun, funky, cool, and welcoming, with unique decor and good music contributing to a strong sense of place.

Funky vibe with neon signs

💰Value85

Diners find the food and drinks to be reasonably priced, especially considering the quality and the French Quarter location.

Everything is reasonable priced

📍 307 Chartres St, New Orleans, LA 70130
4.9$$New OrleansAmerican
Ideal for
Casual drinks and bitesExperiencing unique New Orleans atmosphereGroups seeking friendly service
5.

Ro's Smokin Jo's

88/100

Ro's Smokin Jo's is a New Orleans neighborhood bar known for its friendly atmosphere, good music, and delicious soul food. It's particularly noted for its welcoming vibe for an older crowd and reasonable prices.

Pro tip: Amazing food, amazing atmosphere, DJ was on fire.

🍽️Food85

The food is consistently described as delicious, with specific mentions of burgers, fried chicken, fish, and oysters.

Food was amazing

👋Service80

Service is generally perceived as friendly and attentive, with some patrons feeling like family.

Staff was friendly

Vibe90

The atmosphere is well-regarded as nice, chill, and suitable for an older crowd, with live music and DJs contributing to the ambiance.

Old school vibe, chill

💰Value85

Prices are considered great and reasonable, with mentions of specials like free fish Fridays and affordable drinks.

Prices were greeeeeat

📍 3827 Frenchmen St, New Orleans, LA 70122
4.2$$New OrleansSoul Food
Ideal for
Casual drinks with friendsEnjoying live musicPatrons seeking a relaxed atmosphere
6.

Margot’s

88/100

Margot's is a highly-regarded New Orleans pizzeria celebrated for its excellent sourdough wood-fired pizzas and well-crafted cocktails. Well-regarded for the fresh ingredients, delicious food, and pleasant atmosphere, though noise levels and occasional wait times can be drawbacks. The management's response to criticism has been a significant concern.

Pro tip: Sourdough pizza at its finest! The crust is wonderful. Just the just right amount of spice and bite.

🍽️Food95

The sourdough crust is well-regarded as outstanding, with many calling it the best in the city. Toppings and sauces are noted as fresh and well-balanced, and pizzas are generally well-prepared from the wood-fired oven.

Sourdough pizza at its finest!

👋Service75

Service is frequently described as great, friendly, and personable, though there are isolated mentions of inconsistency and past issues with being ignored.

Great service, very personable vibe

Vibe85

The atmosphere is consistently described as chill, intimate, cozy, and hip, making it a popular spot for dates and casual hangouts.

Really chill and intimate atmosphere.

💰Value85

Diners find the prices reasonable for the quality and portion sizes, with many noting it as first-rate value for money.

Top-notch food without breaking the bank

📍 1243 Frenchmen St, New Orleans, LA 70116
4.7$$New OrleansPizza
Ideal for
Pizza enthusiasts seeking artisanal sourdoughDate nights or intimate gatheringsCocktail and natural wine lovers
7.

Tsaōcaa (NOLA)

88/100

Tsaōcaa offers a vibrant and fun atmosphere with delicious, fresh food and drinks, making it a popular neighborhood spot. While service is mostly positive, occasional issues with staff attentiveness and order accuracy have been noted.

Pro tip: The vibes are so fun, food is amazing, and the place is so cute!

🍽️Food90

The food is well-regarded for being delicious, fresh, and well-portioned, with many dishes receiving high marks.

Food is amazing !!!

👋Service70

Service is generally described as friendly and kind, though there are isolated reports of slow, rude, or dismissive staff, and one instance of a wrong order.

Staff was rude and dismissive

Vibe95

The atmosphere is a major draw, frequently described as cute, fun, cozy, and a great place to hang out with unique decor and entertainment options.

The vibes are so fun

💰Value85

Portion sizes are noted as generous and prices are considered reasonable, offering good value.

Generous portions not expensive

📍 714 S Carrollton Ave, New Orleans, LA 70118
4.4$$New OrleansMixed/Fusion
Ideal for
Casual hangouts with friendsEnjoying unique drinks and snacksFamilies looking for a fun environment
8.

Royal & St. Ann Kitchen & Spirits

88/100

Royal & St. Ann Kitchen & Spirits is a highly regarded liquor store known for its excellent selection of spirits, wine, and craft beer, coupled with knowledgeable and friendly service. It's a reliable destination for both everyday purchases and hard-to-find items.

Pro tip: The best liquor store. Always happy to stop by.

🍽️Food90

The selection of spirits, wines, and craft beers is well-regarded for its breadth and quality, including rare and high-end options.

Best selection of wines and spirits

👋Service85

Staff are frequently described as friendly, helpful, knowledgeable, and experienced, with a particular nod to the owner's expertise.

Great service and many choices

Vibe80

The atmosphere is that of a well-stocked, reliable liquor store, appreciated for its convenience and extensive offerings.

Awesome selection, super friendly staff!

💰Value85

Prices are generally considered reasonable and competitive, with some noting good discount deals.

Prices can’t be beat!

📍 801 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70116, United States
4.3$$New OrleansOther
Ideal for
Spirit and craft beer enthusiastsGift shoppers seeking unique bottlesCustomers looking for hard-to-find items
9.

Mr. Ed's Seafood & Oyster House, St Charles

88/100

Maria's Oyster & Wine Bar is a polished seafood spot known for its excellent oysters and creative small plates. The establishment offers great service and a welcoming atmosphere, making it a popular destination for happy hour.

Pro tip: The oysters were 🔥 would highly recommend the char grilled ones with some champagne.

🍽️Food90

The seafood, particularly oysters, is a highlight, with many dishes known for flavor and creativity. Some smaller plates also receive positive mentions.

Oysters were $1.50 each

👋Service92

Service is frequently described as great, outstanding, and knowledgeable, with specific staff members receiving commendations.

Great service and wonderful happy hour

Vibe88

The restaurant is described as beautiful and inviting, with a polished and playful atmosphere.

Beautiful and inviting

💰Value85

Happy hour pricing on oysters is noted as a positive value proposition.

Oysters were $1.50 each

📍 1327 St Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA 70130, United States
4.3$$New OrleansSeafood
Ideal for
Oyster enthusiastsHappy hour seekersDate nights
10.

The Rum House

88/100

The Rum House is a popular New Orleans spot known for its remarkably flavorful and creative Caribbean-inspired tacos and dishes, vibrant atmosphere, and strong rum cocktail selection. While generally offering great food and service, occasional issues with bathroom cleanliness and management's response to concerns detract slightly from the experience.

Pro tip: The food here is very different & delicious. The service was fast & friendly.

🍽️Food92

The food is well-regarded for its excellent flavor, creative non-traditional tacos, and fresh ingredients, with many dishes described as outstanding.

Food was amazing, lots of flavor.

👋Service75

Service is generally good to great, with many servers noted for being friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable. However, isolated instances of condescending or slow service have been reported.

Great service, too.

Vibe90

The restaurant offers a lively, colorful, and fun atmosphere with a Caribbean or island-inspired theme, often described as a 'vibe'.

The ambiance was really giving

💰Value85

Portions, especially for appetizers like nachos, are frequently described as huge and shareable, offering good value for the price.

Nacho plate was HUGE

⚠️Heads Up
  • Unclean bathrooms (2x mentioned)
📍 3128 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70115, United States
4.6$$New OrleansCaribbean
Ideal for
Groups seeking a lively atmosphereDiners looking for unique taco flavorsRum cocktail enthusiasts

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