Cure

If a relaxed yet swanky cocktail lounge is your thing then this bar which opened in March 2009 is hands down the best cocktail bar in New Orleans. Cure lies in a residential Uptown neighbourhood some 15-20 minutes from the French Quarter by taxi but is well worth the trip.

A large airy renovated firehouse with bare concrete floor houses this impressive bar with its long counter which turns kitchen counter at one end. Opposite, 30-something locals stretch out on the sweeping bottle green leather banquette seating. The far end of the room leads onto a courtyard laid out with rows of chairs and tables.

Drinks are impeccably prepared using the extensive spirits selection and an impressive line-up of bitters bottles. The dozen strong cocktail list features signature drinks from Cure's bar team and requests for most classics are well executed.