Carousel Bar & Lounge

The classic New Orleans hotel bar

The famous Carousel Bar & Lounge in the Hotel Monteleone is a long-time favorite New Orleans hotspot.  The classic New Orleans hotel bar is the city’s only revolving bar.  For decades, it has lured guests in to take a spin on the 25-seat, bright circus-clad Merry-Go-Round.  The Carousel Bar overlooks famed Royal Street in the heart of the French Quarter.  Guests can enjoy the view through large fan windows.  This New Orleans hotel bar has long been a favorite of both locals and tourists.

Installed in 1949, the Carousel Bar’s 25-seat bar turns on 2,000 large steel rollers, pulled by a chain powered by a one-quarter horsepower motor. Patrons circumnavigate at one revolution every 15 minutes, but the ride doesn’t end there.

Since 1949, some of its riders’ most creative ideas, inspirations and business deals have been shaken and stirred to fruition here, not to mention some of the best spirits. The Goody and The Vieux Carre Cocktail were first concocted at the Carousel Bar. This Carousel is the only one in New Orleans that you have to be 21 to ride!

Explore the gallery below to see how the Carousel Bar & Lounge has changed throughout the years.  You can also see some cocktails inspired by the Carousel Bar’s heritage!

In the early days of the Carousel Bar, the Hotel Monteleone was also the home to the famous Swan Room, a nightclub where celebrities such as Liberace performed. It wasn’t unusual for the performers to join their friends for a nightcap after their shows.

This New Orleans hotel bar was renovated in 1992 when the current carousel top was added.

 

Recent Additions

In 2011, the Hotel Monteleone started an extensive renovation and expansion of the famous Carousel Bar & Lounge. The Carousel Bar area now has a soothing slate color on the walls adorned with antiqued mirrors as well as new furniture and wooden floors. The authentic Carousel top and the hand-painted chairs around the revolving bar remain the same.  The bar now has more lighting underneath the Carousel top and a new pewter bar surface.

The Hotel Monteleone also expanded the lounge area, opening up the room with coffered ceiling designs and customized crown molding.  This New Orleans hotel bar also features circular glass chandeliers and expansive windows along Royal Street. Soft white walls complement the French limestone floors.  The new furniture adds a pop of color with golden yellows, soft pinks and powder blues.

The Carousel Bar also has an additional crescent-shaped stationary bar with more seating, to provide ample room for thirsty patrons to mix, mingle and enjoy the free live musical entertainment.

View the Carousel Bar & Lounge cocktail menu.

 

Carousel Bar Today

Today, the famous Carousel Bar & Lounge is frequented by New Orleans locals and visitors alike. With its regular entertainment schedule and specialty cocktail selection, this New Orleans hotel bar has become one of the most popular bars in the French Quarter. The Carousel Bar & Lounge is open 7 days a week from 11:00 a.m. – until.

View the Carousel Bar’s music entertainment schedule, featuring some of New Orleans’ most popular artists performing live several nights a week.

In addition to the signature cocktails and beverages, the Carousel Bar & Lounge serves tasty Bar Bites from 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. daily. View the Carousel Bar & Lounge Bar Bites menu.