Get On Another Level At New Orleans' Best Rooftop Bars

It's summer time in the Big Easy, and the temperature is rising way too quickly. Head to one of the hottest — both literally and figuratively — rooftop bars in the city to soak up some sun and cool down with a cocktail.

 

Hot Tin Roof at the Pontchartrain Hotel

A visit to the Pontchartrain Hotel's Hot Tin Roof takes guests 14 stories above the lively city below. The rooftop bar is one of the most prized additions to result from the 10 million dollar renovation done to the historic St. Charles Avenue hotel last year. The eclectic space has an Old World feel, a bar that serves an assortment of cocktails, and a balcony that showcases one of the most unobstructed, panoramic views of the Mississippi River and downtown New Orleans.

 

Catahoula Hotel Rooftop Terrace

Originally a Creole townhouse built in the 1840s, the Catahoula Hotel first underwent a massive renovation and then opened in the spring of 2016 as a small, boutique hotel. While the charm of the hotel may bring in guests from across the country, it's the third-story rooftop terrace, pool, and bar that keeps the locals coming back for more. The menu offers a plethora of tiki-inspired cocktails, frozen drinks, and wine; in addition, the popular bar also hosts live music, movie nights, and other events.

 

Alto

With a hip, trendy style that mimics the adjoining Ace Hotel, Alto seems to be the quintessential rooftop hangout for a younger generation of NOLA locals and visitors. The terrace features a swimming pool surrounded by plenty of lounge chairs and a bar that features a variety of seasonal cocktails, wines, beers, and frozen drinks. Lunch and dinner come from an Italian-inspired menu that features seasonal small plates and salads, and all food can be ordered poolside. Alto is open daily from 10 a.m. until 9 p.m., weather permitting.

 

Monkey Board

Monkey Board is the city's newest rooftop hangout, located atop the Troubadour Hotel in New Orleans' Central Business District. Monkey Board's 17th floor location features an alternating menu of food truck-inspired cuisine created by acclaimed local chef Phillip Lopez. The rooftop oasis offers a regular schedule of live music and DJ performances, a menu of creative cocktails, and a happy hour Monday through Friday from 5 to 7 p.m. that you won't want to miss!