New Orleans (With a Baby)

New Orleans has always been a place that pulls us back. For years, family lived there and we spent countless weekends visiting to partake in the great food, listen to the fantastic music, and soak in everything Nola has to offer, mostly outside the French Quarter. So when we wanted to take our daughter on her first long weekend away, we chose New Orleans as the destination. BUT laissez les bons temps rouler doesn’t mean roll the baby into the bar. With legalized gaming, there are now many bars in New Orleans that are required by law to prohibit anyone under 21 from entering the premises and this includes babies (even though babies’ gaming skills are not very developed). Below are all those establishments that warmly welcomed us and our 4-month old on a recent trip and some below we’ve had so much fun at in the past.

Chandelier Bar at the Four Seasons. Located in the lobby level of the brand new Four Seasons hotel, the Chandelier Bar does not disappoint. The hospitality is what you’d expect from a Four Seasons, but staff went above and beyond to give us space to observe the massive central bar with the gorgeous chandelier above while our daughter to napped. The cocktails are classic and inspired by New Orleans, which is what you’d expect from Hadi Ktiri who gained notoriety at famed Arnaud’s. Bites come shareable and from renowned New Orleans chef Alon Shaya.

Peacock Room at the Hotel Fontenot. Located in the lobby level of the hip Hotel Fontenot, the Peacock Room lives up to its name. Decorated in blue hues, peacocks and feathers adorn. Think opulent jewel box. Or rich peacock coop. We stop by around brunch time for some morning cocktails. Staff welcome us with the baby and place us in full view of the well-appointed bar featuring marble, gold, and mirrors.

Bar Marilou. After dinner at nearby Compere Lapin (also highly recommended), Bar Marilou is tucked away secretly along the side of the Maison de la Luz hotel and across from the hip Ace Hotel, where we have stayed before. Put simply, they had no business letting us in at 10pm with a baby. But the hospitality was amazing and staff sat us along a gorgeous conversation sofa while our daughter slept comfortably in her stroller. Dripping in lacquered red paint, the scene is thoroughly enjoyable as it feels like something out of 18th century France, or what some may call Continental. The drinks are interesting and staff is extremely helpful.

Brewery Crawl. Located along Tchoupitoulas Street under the watchful eye of the Mississippi River in the Lower Garden District are 3 New Orleans breweries that openly welcome families: Port Orleans, Nola Brewing, and Miel (pictured in this order below). Port Orleans has a taco stand inside. Nola Brewing feels like an old standby with the old barn feel. Miel is the new kid on the block and feels more like Santa Monica than New Orleans. With such distinct vibes, it makes the full 25 minute walk enjoyable.

Compere Lapin. The aforementioned Compere Lapin, French for “brother rabbit,” this is one of our favorite spots in the Warehouse Arts District for brunch, dinner, and fantastic drinks whether before or after shopping the nearby art galleries. Another James Beard awardee for Chef Nina Compton, the food is a combination of Caribbean and Southern with a French twist. The service is excellent, even with a stroller in tow during the height of brunch or dinner rush.

Observatory Eleven at the Westin. The Westin’s lobby is located on the 11th floor and one of the best views overlooking the Mississippi River for a drink in all of New Orleans greats you at the bar.