Experience New Orleans: Carousel Piano Bars & Lounges Review
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By: Jyssica Schwartz
Situated within the historic Hotel Monteleone in New Orleans’ French Quarter, the Carousel Piano Bar & Lounge has been a beloved fixture since 1949. This iconic establishment boasts a truly unique feature: a 25-seat circular bar that slowly rotates, offering patrons a whimsical and memorable experience. The Carousel Piano Bar & Lounge is not only a must-visit destination for tourists but also a cherished gathering spot for locals, who appreciate its rich heritage, exceptional live music, and expertly crafted cocktails.
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TL;DR
The venue features a rotating 25-seat circular bar for an immersive experience.
It has a storied history, hosting legendary performers and being frequented by literary giants.
The Carousel Piano Bar & Lounge offers live music, a unique ambiance, signature cocktails, and delectable bar bites.
Unique Features of Carousel Piano Bar & Lounge
The most striking aspect of the Carousel Piano Bar & Lounge is its rotating bar. The 25 seats are mounted on a platform that gently revolves around the bar’s center, powered by a 1/4 horsepower motor and gliding on 2,000 steel rollers. This mesmerizing setup allows guests to enjoy a 360-degree view of the lounge as they sip their cocktails, creating a truly immersive and enchanting atmosphere.
The bar’s decor blends classic elegance and whimsical charm. The carousel theme is evident in the colorful marquee and the fiber optic ceiling installation mimicking a starry night sky, complete with a shooting star that crosses the room at regular intervals. The adjacent room features comfortable booths and tables, providing a stationary seating option.
The Carousel Piano Bar & Lounge is renowned for its exceptional live music performances. The venue hosts talented musicians, from jazz pianists to contemporary singers, who entertain guests nightly. The acoustic arrangements complement the intimate setting, ensuring the music enhances the ambiance.
In addition to its captivating atmosphere, the bar is celebrated for its exclusive and inventive cocktail menu. The skilled bartenders craft both classic and signature drinks using premium ingredients and time-honored techniques. The bar’s most famous creation, the Vieux Carré Cocktail, invented by head bartender Walter Bergeron in 1938, remains a favorite among patrons.
Historical Context and Significance
The Carousel Piano Bar & Lounge has been an integral part of New Orleans’ cultural scene since opening in 1949. In its early days, the Hotel Monteleone’s Swan Room nightclub attracted celebrity performers like Liberace and Louis Prima, who would often join friends for a nightcap at the Carousel Bar after their shows, cementing its reputation as a hotspot for influential entertainers.
Over the years, the venue has undergone renovations and expansions, including the addition of the current carousel top in 1992 and the opening of the adjacent Criollo Restaurant in 2011. Despite these changes, the bar has remained true to its roots, preserving its unique character and commitment to providing an unforgettable experience.
The Carousel Piano Bar & Lounge has played a significant role in New Orleans’ literary history, being frequented by renowned authors such as Ernest Hemingway, William Faulkner, Tennessee Williams, and Truman Capote. The venue has been mentioned in numerous works of American literature, including Tennessee Williams’ “The Rose Tattoo” and “Orpheus Descending,” as well as Rebecca Wells’ “Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood”.
Musical Experience and Entertainment
One of the primary draws of the Carousel Piano Bar & Lounge is its exceptional live music. The venue hosts performances every night, featuring a variety of talented musicians specializing in genres ranging from traditional New Orleans jazz to contemporary pop and R&B.
Among the regular performers are local favorite Robin Barnes, known for her soulful voice and energetic stage presence, and Lena Prima, the daughter of legendary musician Louis Prima. These artists, along with many others who grace the Carousel’s stage, contribute to the venue’s vibrant and engaging atmosphere.
The intimate setting allows for a unique and immersive musical experience. The acoustic arrangements complement the space, ensuring the music is enjoyed by all without overwhelming conversation. The combination of live music, the gently rotating bar, and the warm, inviting ambiance creates an unforgettable evening for guests.
Menu and Specialty Drinks
The Carousel Piano Bar & Lounge is renowned for its expertly crafted cocktails and delectable bar bites. The skilled bartenders take pride in creating both classic and signature drinks using premium ingredients and time-honored techniques.
The bar’s most famous creation is the Vieux Carré Cocktail, invented in 1938 by head bartender Walter Bergeron. This iconic drink features a blend of rye whiskey, cognac, sweet vermouth, Bénédictine, and Peychaud’s and Angostura bitters, served either up with a lemon twist or on the rocks. The Vieux Carré has become a beloved emblem of New Orleans’ cocktail culture and continues to be a favorite among patrons.
Another notable specialty drink is The Goody, a refreshing concoction made with dark rum, light rum, orgeat syrup, pineapple juice, and orange juice. This tropical-inspired cocktail is a perfect choice for those looking to embrace the city’s laid-back, festive spirit.
In addition to its impressive drink menu, the Carousel Piano Bar & Lounge offers a selection of bar bites that showcase local flavors and ingredients. From classic New Orleans dishes like gumbo and po’ boys to more contemporary offerings like sliders and charcuterie boards, there is something to satisfy every palate.
Atmosphere and Clientele
The Carousel Piano Bar & Lounge attracts a diverse clientele, ranging from curious tourists eager to experience a piece of New Orleans history to local regulars who appreciate the venue’s timeless charm and exceptional service. The atmosphere is warm, inviting, and imbued with a sense of nostalgia, making it an ideal spot for a romantic date, a night out with friends, or a solo visit to soak in the ambiance.
The bar’s rotating design and live music create a lively and engaging environment that encourages conversation and connection among patrons. The attentive staff, including the skilled bartenders and knowledgeable servers, contribute to the overall experience by providing personalized recommendations and ensuring guests’ needs are met.
The Carousel Piano Bar & Lounge plays a significant role in New Orleans’ vibrant nightlife scene. Its unique blend of history, entertainment, and hospitality makes it a must-visit destination for anyone looking to immerse themselves in the city’s rich cultural tapestry. Whether you’re a cocktail aficionado, a music lover, or simply someone in search of an unforgettable evening, the Carousel Piano Bar & Lounge promises an experience unlike any other.
Operational Details
The Carousel Piano Bar & Lounge is open daily from 11:00 AM to 12:00 AM. While the bar does not take reservations, arriving early in the evening can help ensure a spot at the rotating bar or a table in the adjacent room. The venue tends to be busiest during peak hours, typically from 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM, especially on weekends and during special events.
The Hotel Monteleone, which houses the Carousel Piano Bar & Lounge, is committed to providing accessibility and accommodations for guests with special needs. The bar and adjacent room are wheelchair accessible, and the hotel staff is trained to assist patrons with any specific requirements they may have.
For those seeking a more exclusive experience, the Carousel Piano Bar & Lounge offers VIP seating options and private event bookings. These services allow guests to enjoy the venue’s unique ambiance and entertainment in a more intimate setting, making it an ideal choice for special occasions, corporate gatherings, or private celebrations.
Comparisons and Competitors
While there are several other notable piano bars and lounges in New Orleans, such as Pat O’Brien’s and The Bombay Club, the Carousel Piano Bar & Lounge stands out for its one-of-a-kind rotating bar and its rich history. The venue’s commitment to preserving its legacy while continually innovating and adapting to modern tastes sets it apart from its competitors.
Customer testimonials and critical reviews consistently praise the Carousel Piano Bar & Lounge for its unique ambiance, exceptional live music, and expertly crafted cocktails. Many patrons describe their experience as “magical,” “unforgettable,” and “quintessentially New Orleans.” The bar’s enduring popularity and positive reputation are a testament to its ability to deliver an unparalleled experience for both locals and visitors alike.
Community and Cultural Impact
The Carousel Piano Bar & Lounge is more than just an entertainment venue; it is an integral part of New Orleans’ cultural fabric. The bar actively participates in local events and festivals, such as Tales of the Cocktail and the French Quarter Festival, showcasing its signature drinks and musical talents to a wider audience.
In addition to its involvement in community events, the Carousel Piano Bar & Lounge is committed to supporting local initiatives and charitable organizations. The venue has partnered with groups like the New Orleans Musicians’ Clinic and the Jazz & Heritage Foundation to help preserve and promote the city’s rich musical heritage.
The Carousel Piano Bar & Lounge’s enduring presence and unwavering commitment to excellence have made it an icon of New Orleans’ hospitality industry. Its influence extends beyond its physical location, as it continues to inspire and shape the city’s vibrant music and cocktail scenes. By embracing its storied past while constantly evolving to meet the needs and expectations of modern patrons, the Carousel Piano Bar & Lounge ensures that its legacy will endure for generations to come.
Jyssica Schwartz is the Managing Editor at Inside NOLA, with extensive experience in business development, writing, and project management. As an accomplished author of six books and three journals, Jyssica's passion for storytelling is evident in her meticulous content creation. At Inside NOLA, she crafts engaging articles that highlight the vibrant culture, history, and unique aspects of New Orleans. Whether detailing the best po'boy spots, guiding readers through the historic French Quarter, or sharing the city's rich musical heritage, Jyssica's work perfectly captures the essence of life in the Crescent City. An optimist and cat lover, she brings entrepreneurial spirit and a deep love for New Orleans to the Inside NOLA team.
