The 8 Best Rooftop Bars in New Orleans

Kaylee Giacomini

New Orleans has a sprawling city skyline with rich architecture ranging from the French baroque stylings of the Quarter to skyscrapers in the Central Business District. The best way to see it all: from a bird's eye view. There is no better way to get above the bustling city than to lounge at a rooftop bar all afternoon (most of which have pools open during the summer months). I’ve been to quite a few rooftop bars since moving to New Orleans, and certainly have my favorites.

Tags: Cityscapes, Insta-Worthy, Rooftop Bar

  • Dreamboat New Orleans in New Orleans, United States

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    • kaylee

      Dreamboat is the newest edition to New Orleans' rooftop bar scene, opening just last year with the rest of the luxurious Virgin Hotel. It quickly became a monumental institution in the nightlife game of New Orleans. They have imaginative cocktails, an intimate pool setting in warmer months, and sprawling city views. The outdoor portion is expansive and perfect for drinks with friends or a date night. They also have an indoor cocktail lounge and a dance floor that often invites DJs from across the city to entertain the masses.

    • leah ummm?? 😍

  • Rosie’s On The Roof in New Orleans, United States

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    • kaylee

      Rosie’s potentially has one of the best views in the city and also manages to feel like a jump back in time to the 1940s. The second I got off of the elevators, dining staff dressed like Rosie the Riveter greeted me. The atmosphere has all of the nostalgia of old-school Americana, and being directly next to the National World War II museum certainly helps with this vibe. I sipped a negroni as I overlooked the city sky-scape, serenaded by music that could have been played on a gramophone. My advice: spend a few hours in the museum (it’s phenomenal) and end the day with a drink at Rosie’s rooftop bar.

  • The Rooftop Bar at Selina Catahoula in New Orleans, United States

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    • kaylee

      This boutique hotel rooftop bar in New Orleans' CBD is a chic place for a happy hour drink, especially one featuring tequila. Catahoula utilizes South American and Gulf Coast fusion in their drinks and small bites, featuring local beers and a professionally curated selection of mezcal tequila. Grab a couch and enjoy a drink as you gaze up at the skyscrapers surrounding you.

  • Monkey Board in New Orleans, United States

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    • kaylee

      Monkey Board has one of the largest rooftop bar experiences in all of New Orleans, with seating areas located across the open air top floor. They have a generous happy hour from 4-6 pm each day featuring classic cocktails like a Hemingway or Paloma. They also have a rotating food menu with local pop ups ranging in cuisines from Latin to soul food.

  • Above The Grid in New Orleans, United States

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    • kaylee

      The NOPSI hotel has an expansive open air setting on the 13th floor of their hotel called Above the Grid. This quintessential New Orleans rooftop bar is the perfect spot for happy hour or afternoon drink as it is open from 1-8pm each day to the public. They have lounge chairs across the rooftop, private cabanas, and a relaxed vibe that anyone can enjoy.

  • Hot Tin in New Orleans, United States

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    • kaylee

      Hot Tin is above the popular Jack Rose restaurant and Hotel Pontchartrain in the Lower Garden District. As this bar is outside of the skyscraper-clad CBD, they have some of the best views of the most urban part of New Orleans to the East and also the provincial uptown area. The entire establishment pays homage to playwright Tennesse Williams and was once a penthouse before being converted into a restaurant. The bar is known for serving champagne, bright cocktails, and inventive bar bites.

  • Mambo’s in New Orleans, United States

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    • kaylee

      Mambo’s is the perfect place to escape Bourbon street, as it is located just three stories above the debaucherous strip. They differ from their other rooftop bar counterparts as they are a full service restaurant with decent food (excellent food for Bourbon Street). They share chefs with the famous Oceana Grill. Get a plate of oysters and a beer and enjoy Bourbon from the bird's eye.

  • Ace Hotel New Orleans in New Orleans, United States

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    • kaylee

      Alto at the ACE: Alto is another rooftop bar in New Orleans with a full menu, but they also have an expansive drink menu. I’m a purist and like that they have a beer and a shot special (Holly Roller and Fireball is my go to). The rooftop has lush green walls, a pool, and decorative artwork and murals to bask in. Some of the most unique skyscrapers of the city are also in close proximity and make for a unique view.