Fives

"The soothing respite afforded within the jewel box Fives bar can’t be overestimated. Beyond the expertly rendered service and menu of oysters, caviar, and raw seafood, beyond the fetching curved bar with its absinthe fountains, beyond the glow of the vintage chandelier, Fives feels like the bar New Orleans deserves. Situated on St. Ann steps from the Cathedral, the bar opens daily at 11 a.m. Just remember that it closes early, at 10 p.m., at the behest of its upstairs neighbors in the state-owned Lower Pontalba Building. And there can always be a celeb-sighting here, Kendall Jenner recently stopped by to promote her tequila there." - Eater Staff, Beth D'Addono

"This exciting new cocktail bar in the heart of the French Quarter is so conspicuously positioned on the edge of Jackson Square that it's actually easy to miss. Elegant and old-school, Fives specializes in oysters and other small plates like beef tartare and crab claws, aka excellent drinking food, but cocktails steal the show. A beautiful, fully-stocked bar puts out classics, New Orleans cocktails, and specialty drinks including the Mama Don’t Smoke with aged rum, Amaro Ramazzotti, smoky Lapsang Souchong tea, and tobacco; the Gin Joint, with Chartreuse, celery, sage, and lemon; and the Columns Martini made with vodka, gin, dry vermouth, brine, and pickled vegetables. A dip into the savory cocktail trend is one good reason to visit." - Clair Lorell, Eater Staff

"Pricey yes. But if there’s a sexier spot for oysters and champagne, bring it on. Situated in the state-owned Lower Pontalba Building on St. Ann Street, steps away from St. Louis Cathedral, Fives is from Jayson Seidman, the savvy guy behind the Columns redo. As for the name, it’s old-time slang for a five pack of cigars, once a popular French Quarter buy." - Beth D'Addono

"This French Quarter cocktail den has already gained a reputation for having some of the best cocktails, oysters, and vibes in town since opening in 2023. At Fives, the elegant, old-school haven off Jackson Square, diners can snag specials on cocktails and oysters, Monday through Thursday from 3 to 6 p.m. Drinks like a Hurricane, sazerac, and Bergamot spritz are $10, while select glasses of wine are $8. A half dozen of chef’s selection oysters, which is likely to include oysters from all over (the Mid-Atlantic, West Coast, Northeast, PEI, and more) and not just the Gulf, is $18, and a full dozen goes for $28." - Eater Staff

"One of the most exciting oyster specials in town is at this new French Quarter cocktail bar that’s already gained a reputation for having some of the best oysters in town. At Fives, the elegant, old-school haven off Jackson Square, diners can snag specials on cocktails and oysters, Monday through Thursday from 3 to 6 p.m. A half dozen of chef’s selection oysters, which is likely to include oysters from all over (the Mid-Atlantic, West Coast, Northeast, PEI, and more) and not just the Gulf, goes for $18, and a full dozen goes for $33." - Clair Lorell