Hello dear
Step into the iconic Carousel Bar & Lounge at Hotel Monteleone in New Orleans, where you'll find a unique rotating bar with limited seating that adds a touch of magic to your night out. The expertly mixed cocktails, like the Pimm's Cup and Sazerac, are flavorful and generously poured. Live jazz music sets the mood as you sip on your drink and take in the bustling atmosphere. While it can get crowded, the service is quick and efficient. Don't miss out on this top bar experience in the French Quarter, where every visit is an unforgettable experience filled with charm and history.
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About
The Carousel Bar & Lounge, located at 214 Royal St in New Orleans, is an iconic and must-visit spot in the city. It boasts a unique concept where the bar actually rotates slowly, giving patrons a one-of-a-kind drinking experience. With limited seating at the carousel bar, arriving early is key to securing a spot on this rotating spectacle.
Customer reviews rave about the expertly mixed cocktails, generous pours, and flavorful drinks like the Pimm's Cup, Sazerac, and Vieux Carré. The ambiance is enhanced by live jazz music on select nights, creating a lively and unforgettable atmosphere.
Despite its popularity, some customers mention the bar can get crowded, and seating is on a first-come-first-serve basis. The service is generally quick and efficient once seated, with staff like Cece going above and beyond to accommodate guests.
The Carousel Bar & Lounge is housed inside the Hotel Monteleone and exudes a classic New Orleans charm. The second bar at the back ensures timely service even during busy hours. Whether you're sipping on a French 75 or a specialty cocktail, the high-end service and cozy seating options make for a top-notch bar experience.
Overall, The Carousel Bar & Lounge offers a sophisticated yet lively setting for patrons to enjoy expertly crafted cocktails, live music, and a unique spinning bar experience. Don't miss the chance to soak in the ambiance and flavors of this iconic New Orleans establishment.
People talk
“ One of the most iconic bars known to New Orleans, the carousel bar is a must visit. With limited seats at the bar, plan to arrive early in order to secure a space on the rotating carousel (yes, it is actually spinning- yet at a very slow speed). The cocktails are on the pricier side but thankfully each is mixed expertly and the pours are not conservative. We enjoyed the Pimm's cup, Sazerac and Vieux Carré, all were so flavorful! We truly enjoyed the live jazz music playing on stage in the lounge and spent a few hours enjoying the entire experience. ”
“ Bar is cute but gets very crowded. Seats are on a first come first serve basis. If you want to sit at the carousel you'll just have to wait for someone to leave. Service is pretty quick once you're seated. ”
“ The Mrs. and I stopped by The Carousel Bar and Lounge before heading to Antoine's for dinner. As I expected, the place was busy. After stalking a few tables we managed to find a place for the two of us to sit. Cece was our server and did an AMAZING job considering we moved three times. The last move was to accommodate Jameis Winston and his party of four people. The noise level in the room was insane. Once we found our final spot next to a window looking out on to Royal street it was easier to talk to each other. The entertaining part the look on people's faces when you stare at them with a cocktail in your hand. ”
“ Iconic bar in New Orleans. Inside the Hotel Montellione. Get here early if you want a seat at the revolving bar as folks stake out their spot and stay all day. Great crafted cocktails. I recommend the Pimm's Cup or the French 75. Service is hotel high end and there are plenty of cozy seats if the bar is full. Second bar at back keeps service quick and efficient. ”
“ Neat bar experience in the Hotel Monteleone on Royal Street in the French Quarter. As it's name implies, the main bar is a rotating circle of seats built around the bartenders and the back bar, and it is fabulously decked out to look like a carousel. For ambiance, this place is really unique. Probably one of the top 50 bars in the US ... if you have the time, one should drop by to at least have a look at this institution. The bar itself is the carousel with small tables surrounding it, but the whole room has been extended into an adjoining space between the bar and the Criollo restaurant (of course with another bar) ... so there is more seating and service to be had, just usually not at the carousel itself. We were down here during the Sugar Bowl hysteria on New Year's Eve and the bar was crowded every time we appeared, so we eventually just got drinks and walked nearby to the hotel lobby and had a seat. It worked out perfectly. Pricey drinks, but you are in New Orleans in the French Quarter at probably the premier hotel in the Quarter ... so what did you expect. Next time we are here, we'll visit again. The total experience is what you come here for. Recommended. ”
“ The Carousel Bar & Lounge is a must-visit spot in New Orleans, located inside the historic Hotel Monteleone. Known for its iconic rotating bar, it offers a unique experience that draws both locals and visitors. No matter what time of day we came, this place was always full. While the early afternoon is a bit quieter, securing a seat at the rotating carousel can be close to impossible. If you're patient, you may get lucky--like I did--after waiting a while. I ended up making great conversation with other visitors who were also waiting for a seat, and the vibe was relaxed and friendly. What We Tried: * Cocktail: I had two Fleur de Lis cocktails, made with Hendrick's Gin, St. Germaine Liquor, lemon juice, and cucumber. It was refreshing and delicious--definitely a drink worth trying! Atmosphere: The rotating bar is the star of the show, and the elegant, vintage-inspired decor adds to the charm. The vibe is lively, and it's easy to strike up conversations with fellow patrons. It's a great place to unwind, sip on a drink, and take in the unique setting. Service: Even though the bar is busy, the service was attentive, and the bartenders were friendly and skilled at making great cocktails. Pro Tips: * Timing: The Carousel Bar can get crowded, especially in the evening. If you want to sit at the rotating bar, be prepared to wait. Arriving earlier in the afternoon gives you a better shot at securing a spot. * Be Patient: If you're waiting for a seat, the conversation with others can make the wait enjoyable. Overall Thoughts: The Carousel Bar & Lounge is a fun and memorable spot to visit in New Orleans. Even though it can be tough to get a seat at the rotating bar, the experience is worth it. Whether you're just stopping by for a drink or hanging out for a while, it's a great place to enjoy a cocktail and soak in the atmosphere of this historic bar. ”
“ Great bar, great drinks, great entertainment! Absolutely loved the vibe. I was lucky when Ed Wills Blues for Sale was performing. I got a great spot by the stage, tasty drinks and enjoyed watching people dancing to the music. The drinks are not cheap. The Planetary Old Fashioned was $18. But it's so good and so worth it! My waitress always brings me a glass of water with each drink - how thoughtful is that! It was such a great time I would recommend to anyone who loves jazz. And tip your musician! ”
“ Very eccentric bar that Is very fun and cute! It's a bar and lounge with good vibes!! The bar moves around just like a carousel which is sooo different!! It gets really packed at the bar, so we were not able to get a seat but we did get a table right to the side of it! It still was a good experience and the service was phenomenal despite how crowded it was, they still helped us out. Since I wanted to try it, I just ordered a Margarita that was very tasty and not too sweet, which I love. I had a great time and the vibe was so fun! It's located in the Hotel Monteleone and you can park there got free just give your keys to the parking attendant in front! Recommend here if you're in NOLA no doubt! -Marshay D. ”
“ Just a classic. Great music and nice service. The caviar prese stion was spot on amd the Sazeracs made the night. Good but limited menu so plan accordingly. Bartenders are pretty creative too. Ask for a special drink. ”
“ Yes, simply yes. Yes, you will encounter a crowd, but it's worth it. Yes, if you want to sit at the carousel bar, specifically you'll have to wait and we can debate whether that's worth it or not. On this occasion, we didn't get to sit at the carousel bar, but nonetheless, we enjoyed our cocktails No, you probably won't be there during Taylor Swift weekend like we were. But we only encountered two Swifty's at the bar as I think the rest of the crowd had other plans. Yes, if you get there early, you probably will have to wait in line like we did. The bar wasn't yet open and we waited about 30 minutes and we were probably about the 20th and 21st people in to the bar. So if you're in the neighborhood, this is a great spot and you won't be sorry. You'll definitely have some stories to tell. ”