Roosevelt Hotel Bar

Had fun even with some rain. Very casual aand relaxed. Had drinks and food. Terriana was such fun and took good care of us.

I had a lovely time! I got a truly marvelous Sazerac. The decor was beautiful and I heard a great jazz band.

Step into the Roosevelt Bar at 116 Roosevelt Way in New Orleans, and you'll instantly feel transported to a unique blend of elegance and coziness. The history of the bar, shared by our knowledgeable bartender Seattle, added an extra layer of intrigue to our experience. The story of the bar's independence from the neighboring Roosevelt Hotel is a testament to the resilience and character of its owner. The ambiance of the bar was perfect, striking the perfect balance between upscale and down-to-earth, making us feel like we had stepped into a hidden gem. And of course, we can't forget to mention Ben, the security guard, who kept us feeling safe during our late-night visit. If you're looking for an authentic and unforgettable experience in New Orleans the Roosevelt Bar is a must-visit!"

Had a drink at the Sazerac Bar. Inside the Roosevelt Waldorf Astoria. Beautiful hotel and multiple bars. Known as the originator of the Sazerac , did not disappoint and bonus my wife had the coffee Sazerac and it was very good. Little mellow than the original and perfect.

This is a terrific “dive” bar. It is NOT a hotel bar. It’s right next to the Waldorf. The service/staff was EXCELLENT. Elizabeth, the bartender, was the perfect mix of knowledgeable, service oriented, style and personality. G, the doorman, was memorable as well. Terrific mix of necessary badass and funny/friendly. Looking forward to returning next visit to NO.

The drunk bartender couldn’t even communicate with us. Bar looked cool, would have loved to have a drink and shoot some pool. Dude needs to get his act together.

I cannot wait to come back and stay at this hotel. The shop is beautiful!! The Sazarac bar is soooo good. You are missing something good!!!

Every time we come to New Orleans we come here to enjoy our favorite drink, the Ramos Gin Fizz (aka adult milkshake). New Orleans is one of the very few cities that makes them! The atmosphere and historical attributes make it one of a kind. You feel like you're in the Great Gatsby! Service is also top notch.

I was really impressed with the friendliness of service here! The bartender and the guy at the door. I came here to celebrate my birthday with a large group of friends after having an horrible experience across the street and they were able to accommodate us with room and allowed us to bring in my birthday cake. Everyone was happy. The plus was there were pool table in the room we were in. I'd highly recommend this bar to have a few drinks and chill.

PSA: This bar is NOT inside the Roosevelt (Waldorf Astoria) Hotel or even related except by proximity. If you are thinking of going to a swanky, artisanal cocktail bar, this ain't it. Go inside the hotel lobby for that, and be ready to spend a pretty penny. The hotel houses 2 cocktail bars (the Sazerac and the Fountain), a cafe (Teddy's), a rooftop bar on the 4th floor pool deck, and an Italian restaurant (Domenica, also not owned by the hotel). It's clear that many Yelpers are confused, as of this writing, there are more than 10 reviews on this page (with tons of associated photos) that should be applied instead to one of the bars inside the hotel. The business this page *is* about, the Roosevelt Hotel Bar (RHB), on the other hand, is a loud & proud dive bar with a tongue-in-cheek name referencing an earlier 1920s incarnation of the historic hotel next door, which was under the "Fairmont" moniker by the time this bar was founded in the late 1990s. Read the full backstory at their website. You'll know you're at the right place if you see a giant parrot at the door and you are entering directly from the sidewalk. With that out of the way... We love a good dive bar and New Orleans has some great ones if you know where to look. RHB ticks off all the boxes: cheap drinks, interesting regulars & staff, and a "come as you are" attitude toward customers of all stripes. Nothing pretentious here, just a comfortable spot to relax and if you like, meet some friendly barflies. After a long day in the heat, we decided to have one last beer before heading back to the hotel, and RHB hit the spot. We felt totally welcomed by the sweet doorman, Al (a former LEO and kickboxing champ) who told us about his dealings with the occasional knuckleheads who get offended if asked to show their ID. These days, it's a thrill for me, lol. Our bartender was a cool chick with an adorable little beagle-sized dog, George, who went bonkers when he heard his Great Dane pal, Beau's, bark in the distance down the block. Beau's owner came in for some ice & attention while Beau & George got an adorable playdate. Half the bar got up to pet the dogs and meet their owners. The RHB vibe is casual, laid back, and affordable. If that sounds like your thing, RHB will take care of you.

The bar tenders are amazing! Liz is so personable. The owner is great and they make you feel like family! Not only at the bar, but also in their hotel. Highly recommended for a great time!!!

We kinda got lost & landed in this bar. We got Elizabeth and let me tell you. She is amazing. We stopped almost every night during our stay. She made us feel welcomed. We would definitely be coming back next time we are in town. Update: we went yesterday to celebrate our friends bday. Bailey the bartender was amazing as well. Come see them both,you will not regret it.

Some of the pictures on here are for the nicer bars inside the hotel. This is a small run down bar right outside the entrance of the hotel and it is very sketchy looking. We did not even go inside. I think yelp needs to have the photos corrected to this doesn't happen to others.

The bartenders are amazing, especially Bailey. It's a quiet bar away from the madness that is downtown New Orleans. If you're looking for a place to relax after a service industry shift this is the one. However, the pool tables have been out of service for months now. It seems like a very simple fix for the patrons of the bar. I would love to give this place 5*, but apparently whoever runs this place is asleep at the wheel.

Oh lord, what a mistake this was. I probably should've left when I saw there was no beer on draft, or that there was no drink menu. But the bartender told me that she made the best Sazerac in the French Quarter, having been trained by the best. And I'd read that the Roosevelt was the place to try a Ramos Gin Fizz (they didn't make that there, it turns out) or a Sazerac. The bartender DID do a good job all in all, except that she didn't measure the rye whiskey, and had to have poured at least 3 ounces or more. So I was given a $15 glass of straight whiskey, taste-wise, which was too strong to force down. I was "only" charged $12, since I didn't like the drink. In hindsight I should've been honest that the drink was badly made, but I was too timid and felt a bit taken. In the end, this bar doesn't seem to reflect the same cachet that the hotel does, to the point that I thought maybe I was in the wrong Roosevelt Hotel Bar.

We dropped in here for a quick drink before dinner and really enjoyed the relaxed vibe of the place. Roxanne was behind the bar while we were there and she was very friendly and accomodating to us and all patrons that visited. Will stop in again next time in NOLA!

There are so many hotels just off Canal and everyone is focused on the French Quarter and walks past some decent places on the way. This is one of those places. It's in an older building has pools tables and a nice atmosphere without the crazy crowds. My friends and I enjoyed the drinks and atmosphere. We left more tipsy than we arrived ...

This is a divey little spot and, although it calls itself the Roosevelt Hotel Bar, it has nothing to do with the Roosevelt Hotel. I guess there's a history behind why they named it that. There are only a few seats at the bar and the drinks are cheap. This is a nifty after dinner spot if you want a good cocktail, but don't expect anything fancy. The staff is friendly enough (although, when I was here they were experiencing post-Mardi Gras burn out) and they have a few decent beers. I probably wouldn't choose this spot over The Sazerac Bar, in the Roosevelt Hotel, but it gets the job done.

Got in late to NOLA so wanted to chill and check out the scene near the hotel but not on Bourbon St and this place hit the spot. One where you can have a friendly chat with some local folks to still being tourist friendly. Decent prices and cool vibe. Now I will have to warn you that the bartender is someone you gotta warm up to or maybe the other way around. She was sweet to me and very entertaining with great service. Will definitely look to come back when in NOLA and you should too.

Stopped here after walking the streets with some friends for some feet resting and drinks ! Really friendly atmosphere. The staffs were very welcoming and friendly. Drinks were reasonable prices and very strong . The bar area was full of people . Really nice crowd. Still had enough seats for all

Love Bailey and all the patrons. What a wonderful place to meet locals, tourists and be yourself while ballin on a budget in a real place. Cozy, not pretentious and just the right selection. Glad we found this gem while looking for a place to finish watching Sunday night football!

Four stars simply because I've only had the opportunity to stop in twice during my recent visit to the city, honestly a strong lean to a 5-star. My first visit was on our first night in NOLA; having wandered for a bit we stumbled upon this interesting open-front spot with a nice jazz trio playing out front. Second time was, interestingly, on our last night. A nice bookend to our experience. The bar is intimate and pretty cozy. While we listened to the music I enjoyed what turned out to be 2 powerful Margaritas that, even accounting for a long day of travel and little food, put a good sized smile on my face. Made with a base of 1800 tequila this is a delicious concoction served up in a large-ish clear solo type cup. Take 'em slowly. It was, quite frankly, probably the best-tasting margarita I had while in town. Getting back to the spot: it's dark and homey - the kind of place you could see becoming a regular at. The two young ladies bartending on each separate night we visited were friendly and easy-going. Out front of the open facade sits a nice old 40's style car (Packard, maybe?). Imagine a gangster-ish rig. Adds a bit of charm to the ambience of the Bar. Overall, I'll say that I wish I'd spent more time here. The Roosevelt Hotel Bar is the kind of place you can just kick back, enjoy some refreshment and the atmosphere of a gritty, charming city full of character. Make a point of stopping by when visiting New Orleans.

Go here. Drink and laugh, write and rap, cajole the camarilla into camisade, and whisper into the night.

The best bartenders in New Orleans! Elizabeth and Jordan are PHENOMENAL! Had an amazing time with these two! Our first time in New Orleans from California and they were what we needed to start off our trip! Good music! Lots of laughs! Recommended us some amazing spots in New Orleans and just were some of the nicest people on our trip! Will go back to New Orleans from cali just for them two! They're amazing and won't be disappointed!

Friendly little place, like everywhere in NOLA. Rocking during Saints games. Tiny restrooms, pool room adjacent.

Total dive bar. Has some character. Sazerac is affordable. Don't walk into the hotel next door, this place is unaffiliated and completely separate. Was totally dead when we were there, despite being a busy conference week and the French Quarter festival starting the next day-- even other conference attendees hadn't flocked to it? It's a small place, two rooms, hope you enjoy standing if it gets crowded. If it's always this quiet and that's what you want, it's quite enjoyable. But that said it's hard to say it's anything out of the average at the moment...

Wanted to go to the Sazerac Bar but ended up here instead because we're tourists and these things happen. Bartender Roxanne let us know we were in the wrong place but the happy hour was too good to leave. $3 beers via bottle and $4 wells are a pretty good deal. Also Bartender Roxanne made a pretty good Sazerac since there are probably a lot of people who got confused like we did. Not a big place by any means, but a few TVs around and about for games and a great atmosphere overall. Didn't expect much out of this spot, though glad we stopped by. Drinks are strong and the bartender is friendly. Would definitely come back.

Just a nice little bar with a hot bartender good little spot to have a drink while waiting before your show starts at the Orpheum theater. They had great music outside just nice chill spot.

great quiet little bar off Canal away from main stream tourist craziness. Plus Roxanne is an awesome bartender. She can create whatever tickles your fancy plus she's FABULOUS entertainment!

I admit I was confused. I thought this bar was affiliated with the Roosevelt Hotel. This wouldn't be a big deal, except it's not at all what you'd expect, considering its grande dame next door neighbor! Not that I don't this is kinda nifty. Roosevelt Hotel Bar, is, in fact, the complete opposite in vibe as is the neighboring swanky Waldorf Astoria property. As in, it's casual, cheap, slightly divey-ever so slightly divey (really, not at all divey if you consider some of the real NOLA dive bars). I'd call it the Jennifer Tilly, Ashley Simpson or Stephen Baldwin bar, but then I realize after reading Suzanne R's review, that there is absolutely no relation whatsoever between the two places. So the sibling metaphor is just wrong. What might sway your spending decision: you're going to be paying a heck of a lot less for a cocktail at this bar than at any bar inside the Roosevelt Hotel itself. That said, don't expect any sophisticated cocktail list either. Sometimes, though, you just want a vodka/soda, right? It's very inviting. There's plenty of room to sit at the bar or in the more loungey area surrounding it. Outlets under the bar mean that I might very well come back avec laptop on a slow night.

Fun fact: this bar is the closest place to grab a plate night beer while I'm waiting for the bus home. And since my boss only comes once an hour, I find myself here quite a bit. The staff are always great. There's not typically a ton of locals there (maybe more folks from the hotel next door who need something easier to drink than a Sazerac?), and its always fun to chat with out of towers about their plans for food and drink in New Orleans. They've also got a great happy hour for those of you who work in the CBD! Typically I'm here later in the evening and stick to some cheap domestic beers, but they're also got a great bloody mary if you're around earlier in the day! (Or if you're into breakfast for dinner kind of drinking). Great mix of spice, heat, and texture. And like all things at the RHB, it's certainly stiff enough to start your day off right.

DANGER! SUPER NOT SAFE!!! I just witnessed a domestic violence situation outside of the Roosevelt Bar. (On our date night, my boyfriend and I took a pedi bike tour.) We saw a man SMASH a woman's face into the wall. I called 911 and went into the Roosevelt Bar to ask for help, and the female bartender discouraged any police presence. I am offended that she couldn't handle the situation by calling proper authorities, as she was more worried about her tips than the safety of others. As a tourist, I think safety is important. New Orleans is a great city, but this place is not safe. This bar will tolerate anything, including violence against others. And, no, they won't call the cops- and will encourage patrons to turn a blind eye.

We were looking for somewhere to watch the Saint's, 49er's games. Like many others we thought it was connected to The Roosevelt Hotel (we were staying there for the weekend, so much so that we tried looking for it on Friday night and gave up! LOL. Just so its clear for those in Residence at the hotel - go outside on the University Place "Side" - where the Valet is - turn right and its just there. There is a couple of 50's American Cars parked outside. I don't know if I would call it a "dive" bar - its very clean, very friendly, good drinks and great bar food, all very reasonably priced. We enjoyed it, the only thing is its not popular for watching the game and I am not really sure why, they had several TV's, but it was just us and one other person. Will definitely go back, hopefully there will be a few more people in there next time.

Great little bar with casual atmosphere that is great contrast to the hotel next door. Couple of pool tables and great 2-8 happy hour. Monday's are the new fun day.

Any place that offers $1 drink specials in the CBD is going to get a good review from me! Friendly crowd and nice atmosphere. Heather makes great drinks and makes great conversation, just don't ask her to make you a Sazerac ;) There's a couple of flat screen TVs, table seating, and clean bathrooms. No music other than what's coming from the TV, though I've been told they're going to install a jukebox. Be advised, though the name is the "Roosevelt Hotel Bar" the bar is actually located outside of the hotel. The one inside the hotel is called The Sazerac. The RHB is a good option for your "pregaming" spot if you're meeing people at the Sazerac.

This bar is a hidden gem. It's just the right size. The music is not too loud, so you can have a conversation with your friends. The bartender, Lauren, did a great job both mixing drinks and the music. (I learned that she chose the music, which set a great mood for the evening). I will be back.

I don't recall the Bartenders name but I know she is celebrating her birthday this week with girlfriends! Her humor, friendliness, and service was outstanding. She made excellent Hurricane's! I tried them at a few different places, but hers were the best! Nice and strong, but taste like a good mixed drink should. Hope you have a Happy Birthday & find everything on your scavenger hunt! Go in for Hurricane's with your girlfriends! You won't be disappointed!

This is my favorite little bar to go to when I accidentally show up for a show at the Joy too early. It is an affordable downtown option and not super touristy. Every time I come in the same bartender is working and she is bad ass! A typical New Orleans borderline dive bar. Definitely a safe place for solo travelers to come hang and feel welcome. I have only ever met kind and outgoing people at this joint. No beer on tap though.

Get Bailey as a bartender. For our first stop, this was a great way to begin our time in New Orleans. Plus Bailey made us anything we wanted and was fun and informative

Classic and well made Bloody Mary. Adrienne was a great bar tender. You knew exactly what to expect from their drinks. Will be back!

Great little hole in the wall bar and if your staying at The Roosevelt Hotel it beats paying a fortune at the hotel bar.

A classic NOLA bar where you come to get your classic NOLA drinks. You looking for a Sazerac or Ramos Gin Fizz? This is your place. Looking for a daquiri? This is not your place. Make sure to come here during the holidays as the lobby is absolutely beautiful and a must see for every New Orleanian.

Fabulous old fashioned! My dad ordered one too-he said, I quote, "this hits me right where I live." they were awesome to be open on Christmas, working hard to provide us with gorgeous libations!

We came here thinking it was the bar that was inside the Roosevelt Hotel but got it mixed up. We heard from the bartender that this happens often and the other one is much more upscale so we decided to stay at this one considering we weren't dressed up. We ordered a Sazerac and the bartender said this is the original recipe but is different from the one at the hotel bar which is the more famous one. I really liked this one though and it was strong. The bartender, Roxanne, talked to us a lot and gave us a lot of information on the area and the history. It wasn't busy when we went in so the service was quick and everyone was super nice and friendly. It's a cool place and a great choice if you're looking for a quick drink in the area!

Elizabeth the bartender is awesome! She is very sweet and we enjoyed the drinks and her energy!

Be sure to go here and not be confused and go to the. bar in the Rosevelt, which has the worst service I've ever had at a 'fine' hotel

I stayed at the Roosevelt Hotel but this was definitely the place to drink at. Obviously the drinks are considerably cheaper at this the bar but more importantly the people are nicer and down to earth, the music is great and you really feel comfortable at this bar. I highly recommend staying at the Roosevelt Hotel but having your adult beverages at the Roosevelt Hotel Bar next door.

Nice bar and cool atmosphere with the exception of the bartender. She seemed more interested in interacting with her friends, and looking at her phone, than serving other customers. Unfortunately, I didn't get her name. Would really like to go back there when a different bartender is working because we really liked the place.

We ended up making this our bar of choice for our business trip. We found it close to our hotel and just our speed. There are not over-hyped specials or other promotions that detracted from the task at hand. We enjoyed talking to the few locals that joined us and the relaxed crowd. The prices were GREAT and it was a much needed respite from the bourbon street environment. I find this a great place, off the beaten path that is worth a visit.

Amazing bar with great staff! Bartender Lauren is very efficient and has a great sense of humor! Definitely going back soon.

Great place to go to get away from the tourist crowd. Most here are on business, with a good core of visitors.

Nice bar. Good service. The hotel like new orleans is kinda old, but they have a good selection and the service is worth while.

Our bartender Lauren was awesome! Real down to earth girl and great at pouring drinks. This bar is CHEAP. Note, it's entrance is NOT connected to the Roosevelt hotel.

Went in for a drink and met Lauren.. Best bartender in NOLA! Will definitely be stopping by again before I go home.

Great food and drinks at a classic New Orleans establishment. They definitely know how to make a Sazerac or a Gin Fizz correctly, and the environment is excellent. It can be a real hopping place, and get totally packed with people. It's awesome, as long as you are willing to go into significant debt and sell your car to get a few drinks. I mean, crazy expensive, especially considering the city that it's located in. That said, I would definitely recommend, and would probably be back - provided there was a good enough reason, like a wedding, a party, and anniversary, or I won the lottery.

Perfect little quiet bar right in front of the Orpheum. Our bartender (on Monday night) was very nice and made us perfect drinks! She even asked how dirty I wanted my martini! Also, great happy hour to watch the olympics.

This place is pretty cool. It's not as uppity as it's name seems that it would be. There is food (I had the fries, because everything else was meaty), a beautiful bar, good drink specials, and a relaxed atmosphere. The bartender was a little over-eager to please, but he wasn't annoying. The only reason it doesn't get 5 stars is because the bar seemed like more of an intimate-talk-to-someone kind of place, but the music was SO loud I couldn't hear my companion. The longer we sat there, the louder the music got. This place now accepts debit/credit cards.

This place was very clean and also in a great location near my hotel. We decided to visit this location the night of 5/24 But this was quite possibly the worst customer service I have ever had from a bartender(didn't get her name). After making a fuss about drinks that we ordered I witness the same drunk angry bartender have a tantrum towards patrons who were not even talking to her or near her at the time. They walked out along with 4 people they were with. 5 other patrons walked out after witnessing this. The Roosevelt Bar seems to not care about service, and it prompted 11 people walk out because of a bartender. Save your time and spend your money with one of the countless other bars in downtown New Orleans that actually appreciates getting your business.