New Orleans’ One-of-a-Kind Carousel-Themed Revolving Bar Offers World-Class Cocktails

When it comes to unforgettable vacations, a trip to New Orleans is about as iconic as it gets. The Crescent City is a bastion of unique attractions, hidden gems, and historical sites. Sometimes, you can get the best of all three if you know where to look. One such place is the Carousel Bar & Lounge, located in New Orleans’ first luxury hotel, the Hotel Monteleone.

Although this bar isn’t technically one of the unmissable things to do on a vacation to New Orleans, it’s well worth a stop in for at least one drink. As soon as you set foot into the bar, you’ll understand why it’s such a fun and entertaining attraction, even if you’re not much of a drinker.

Founded in 1949, the Carousel Bar transports you to a carnival or circus-like scene as it spins around the center. This is probably one of the only places where you can say the room is actually spinning, and not just because you’ve knocked back one too many cocktails. So, if you’re on the lookout for adventure and a touch of whimsy, you have to add the Carousel Bar & Lounge to your itinerary.

The Carousel Bar & Lounge opens daily at 11 a.m., and when you arrive, there may be a line to get in. The carousel itself only holds 25 guests, so it fills quickly. The current iteration is much more detailed than the original that debuted in 1949. Back then, it was a simple circus-style tent with red barstools. Now, each seat has an intricate design of a particular animal, created by a former Disney artist. The upper portion is also much more elaborate, complete with lights, ornate carvings, and mirrors.

The bar completes a single rotation every 15 minutes. While that doesn’t sound like a long time, it feels relatively slow once you’re seated and having a cocktail. So, don’t worry about getting dizzy as the bar spins, at least not from the centrifugal force. Speaking of cocktails, the selection includes old favorites (like a Manhattan or Old Fashioned) and NOLA-inspired fare. For example, the Vieux Carre features Sazerac rye whiskey, Pierre Ferrand 1840 cognac, and three kinds of bitters. Or there’s the Fleur de Lis, which uses Hendrick’s Gin, St. Germaine liqueur, lemon juice, and cucumber. They also have a plain Sazerac cocktail or Pimm’s Cup on hand if you want to keep it traditional. 

Unlike other bars in New Orleans, the Carousel closes at midnight every night. If you stop in on Thursday through Sunday, you can enjoy live entertainment. The first performer in 1949 was none other than Liberace, but today, you can listen to local bands and artists as you sip your Sazerac or munch on small bites. The food menu at the Carousel is just as elegant as the decor, featuring items like white truffle fries, caviar, blue crab and corn beignets, and a Creole Monte Cristo sandwich. Save room for dessert, as you can indulge in brownies, Italian doughnuts, or a Grand Marnier butter cake.