Carousel Piano Bar & Lounge

A fascinating and fancy fairground drink
Tipple of choice: The Vieux Carre Cocktail is a classic, or try the Brandy Milk Punch.

Noteworthy for: Fiber-optic lights on the ceiling twinkle to imitate stars in the night sky - look out for the occasional shooting star.
Behind the decorative Beaux-arts facade of the Hotel Monteleone you'll find the elaborate Carousel Bar. Installed in 1949, the circular bar with 25 attached seats gently revolves, giving the entire contraption the feel of a 19th century fairground ride - only, as this is New Orleans, one that dispenses booze.

This is a classy hotel bar: the drinks aren't cheap, the servers are immaculate, the clientele can be dressy, and there is an air of formality from a bygone era - quite refreshing when you consider the mayhem likely occurring just a block away on Bourbon. Food is served until 6pm, and there's live entertainment Thursday to Saturday nights.