The Carousel Bar & Lounge in New Orleans, Louisiana is a must-visit attraction for anyone who loves great cocktails, historic venues, and fun!
TL;DR Don't have time to read the full article? Here are my top finds:
🏨Hotels and Vacation Rentals
📍Tours
🐊 Discount for Top New Orleans Attractions
Carousel Bar New Orleans: The Famous Rotating Bar
New Orleans is filled with whimsy, fun, and great cocktails. 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 cocktails 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 Cocktail which was created in 1938 by Hotel Monteleone's head bartender, Walter Bergeron.
The Vieux Carre has become a classic New Orleans Cocktails made with Cognac, Benedictine, Rye Whiskey, Sweet Vermouth, Angostura Bitters, and Peychaud's Bitters.
I enjoyed the Fleur De Lis Cocktail 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.
Getting a Seat at the Carousel Bar
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.
Strategy for Snagging a Seat at the Carousel Bar
If your heart is set on sitting at the carousel, here's your game plan:
- Grab a table near the carousel when you arrive. The small tables closest to the bar give you the best position to watch for opening seats.
- Order drinks and food at your table so you're comfortable while you wait. Our server was excellent and kept checking on us while we positioned ourselves for carousel seats.
- Take turns watching if you're with someone. One person can enjoy drinks and people-watching while the other keeps an eye on potential openings.
- Look for signals someone's leaving: Empty glasses, people checking phones for the time, asking servers for checks, or gathering belongings.
- Move quickly but politely when a seat opens. The atmosphere is friendly and people aren't aggressive, but you do need to be ready to claim a spot.
- Don't be discouraged if you don't get a carousel seat immediately. We spent a couple hours enjoying drinks and food at a nearby table, people-watching and soaking in the atmosphere, and eventually carousel seats opened up. The entire experience was wonderful regardless of where we were sitting.
Carousel Bar Food Menu and Bar Bites
The cocktail menu is extensive and includes many classic New Orleans cocktails along with unique fun twists on traditional drinks.
Best Bar Bites at the Carousel Bar
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 and Vegetarian Options
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.
Carousel Bar Cocktails and Drinks Menu
The Carousel Bar Signature Cocktail
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 cocktails, signature cocktails, 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 Cocktail - Sazerac Rye Whiskey, Pierre Ferrand 1840 Cognac, Sweet Vermouth, Benedictine, Angostura and Peychaud Bitters. The Vieux Carré is the Carousel Bar's most famous cocktail.
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 cocktail 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 Cocktails - If you are looking for a non-alcoholic cocktail they have thee Lyre's drinks available including a pineapple daiquiri, Italian Spritz, and Lyre's Daisy. There is also a virgin Pina Colada.
The History of the Carousel Bar
Installed in 1949: New Orleans' Only Revolving Bar
The Carousel Bar was originally installed in 1949 and has been spinning continuously for over 70 years, making it a true New Orleans institution. This 25-seat carousel bar turns on 2,000 large steel rollers, pulled by a chain powered by a one-quarter horsepower motor. The engineering is impressive considering the bar has been rotating smoothly since the 1940s, making one complete revolution every 15 minutes.
What makes the Carousel Bar truly unique is that it's the only revolving bar in New Orleans. While other cities have attempted rotating bars, the Carousel Bar at Hotel Monteleone remains the original and most iconic. The bartenders stay on solid ground in the center while guests slowly rotate around them, creating a unique dynamic where the mixologists can craft cocktails while their audience literally circles them.
Famous Authors and Celebrity Visitors
The Carousel Bar's location inside the historic Hotel Monteleone, one of only three designated literary landmark hotels in North America, means it has served drinks to some of America's most celebrated authors. William Faulkner, Tennessee Williams, Truman Capote, and Winston Groom (author of Forrest Gump) all enjoyed cocktails at the Carousel Bar while staying at the hotel or visiting the French Quarter.
Today, the bar continues to attract celebrities including Michael Jordan, Dennis Quaid, Greg Allman, and Sally Struthers. While celebrity sightings aren't guaranteed, the bar's legendary status means you never know who might slide into the seat next to you as the carousel slowly rotates.
The Vieux Carré Cocktail: Born at the Carousel Bar
One of New Orleans' classic cocktails was actually created right here at Hotel Monteleone. In 1938, head bartender Walter Bergeron invented the Vieux Carré cocktail, which has become a New Orleans staple served at bars throughout the city. The drink combines Cognac, Benedictine, Rye Whiskey, Sweet Vermouth, Angostura Bitters, and Peychaud's Bitters, creating a complex, spirit-forward cocktail that represents New Orleans' sophisticated cocktail culture.
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 cocktail 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 at the Hotel Montleone
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.
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.
New Orleans Tours and Attractions
Mardi Gras World - Take a self-guided tour of this world-famous NOLA Attrraction. Buy Tickets HERE
Steamboat Natchez - Check out what it is like to cruise on the Mighty Mississippi River. Boat tour photos and info. Book tickets HERE
New Orleans Hop On Hop Off Bus - A great way to explore the city and see a ton of sites. Book tickets HERE
Ghost and Cemetery Tours - Join a spine-tingling adventure into the haunted streets of New Orleans. Check out tours HERE
Airbot Tours - This is one of our favorite activities in NOLA. Get out in the Bayou and see alligators and the swamp. Check out tours HERE
Click HERE to see all of the top rated tours and activities in New Orleans
New Orleans Lodging and Hotels
We have stayed at each of these New Orleans hotels and can personally recommend all of them. Here are our top picks for every type of trip:
🏨 Sheraton New Orleans - Located right on Canal Street, the Sheraton New Orleans puts you steps from the French Quarter, the streetcar, and everything the city has to offer. We have stayed here multiple times and love how easy it is to walk to everything. Don't miss the Blue Dog art collection by George Rodrigue throughout the hotel - it's one of our favorite surprises. Check Rates and Availability | Read Our Full Review
🏨 Hotel Monteleone - One of the most iconic hotels in New Orleans, sitting right in the heart of the French Quarter on Royal Street. The famous Carousel Bar rotates slowly while you sip your cocktail, and the history of the building is woven into every corner. A bucket list New Orleans stay. Check Rates and Availability | Read Our Full Review
🏨 The Ritz-Carlton New Orleans - Located on Canal Street at the edge of the French Quarter inside the historic 1908 Maison Blanche building. A full-service spa, the Davenport Lounge with live music, and one of the most elegant lobbies in the city. The splurge-worthy pick for a special occasion. Check Rates and Availability
🏨 The Saint Hotel New Orleans - One of our favorite hotels in the city for atmosphere and personality. The Saint has a rooftop pool, a great bar, and a style that feels very New Orleans without being a museum piece. A great pick for a girls trip, a birthday, or anyone who wants a hotel with some character. Check Rates and Availability | Read Our Full Review
🏨 Old No. 77 Hotel and Chandlery - A boutique hotel in the Warehouse Arts District inside a former coffee warehouse. This is where you stay if you want something that feels less like a chain and more like New Orleans itself. It is also home to Compère Lapin, Chef Nina Compton's James Beard Award-winning restaurant. Dinner is already handled. Check Rates and Availability | Read Our Full Review
🏨 Sheraton Metairie New Orleans - Our top pick if you are flying in and out of Louis Armstrong Airport or want to keep your nightly rate lower while still having easy access to downtown. About 8 miles from the French Quarter with a rooftop pool, renovated rooms, and Cajun-American dining on site. Check Rates and Availability | Read Our Full Review
🏨 Holiday Inn Express New Orleans Airport - The ideal pick if you need a convenient stay close to Louis Armstrong Airport without sacrificing comfort. A solid option for early flights, late arrivals, or keeping costs down on a longer trip. Check Rates and Availability | Read Our Full Review
The map below shows the current hotels and vacation rentals available in the area. You can select the dates you are visiting to see current availability.
The map below shows the current hotels and vacation rentals available in the area. You can select the dates you are visiting to see current availability.
We love exploring Louisiana and have content on New Orleans and Houma to help you plan a fantastic getaway.
Keep an eye out for articles on the Gulf Coast of Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, and Florida!
Check out our Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok pages for more great ideas for the Gulf Coast.
Leave a Reply