Screen Shot 2015-06-12 at 1.57.17 PMTraveling this summer? Forget overcrowded tourist destinations, here at Drinking In America we believe that there’s no better way to get a true taste of a city’s culture than by immersing ourselves in it’s bar scene. Don’t waste another second picking through (oft-hilarious) multi-paragraph Yelp reviews to find your drinking destination for the night. Over the next 10 weeks we’ll be revealing 10 must-visit bars in some of America’s most iconic cities here in Summer City Sips, so start packing!

A city known for its celebrations, New Orleans is the home of Mardi Gras, NOLA Jazz Fest, and beignets. We’re sure it’s no surprise to you that New Orleans is our first stop on this Summer journey, considering that the city is practically made for drinking and celebrations. With so much history and rich culture to soak in, we have to say it was tough to pick just one watering hole to recommend. However, if your stay in this unique city is a short one we definitely suggest hitting up Bacchanal Wine as your first (or only) stop.

With the beautiful weather down in NOLA it was impossible to over look the vintage styled lawn which features nightly live music from some of the best up-and-coming jazz musicians in the city, twinkle lights, mismatched patio furniture, and wine recommendations from some true connoisseurs! We are going against the grain here, considering that our Bacchanal isn’t actually a bar, but a wine store with the addition of a cocktail bar and walk up concession window. The magical ambiance of the outdoor set-up definitely brought Bacchanal Wine to the forefront when it came to choosing a winner. As a bonus, Bacchanal features live music and wine tastings on Saturday afternoons along with some delicious cheese platters and small plates that make for a great light lunch, so stop by early for an equally enchanting experience if you still want to fit in some traditional bar hopping on Bourbon Street in the evening.

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