Nestled in a charming 19th-century Creole cottage, this French Quarter gem serves up exquisite cocktails and elevated dishes amidst a lovely garden courtyard.
"It’s no surprise that seasonal drink-seekers can count on Jewel of the South, one of the best cocktail bars in New Orleans and 2024’s winner for Outstanding Bar at the James Beard Awards, for a tummy-warmer or two this winter. Expect hot toddies, a spectacular version of hot buttered rum, and Oaxacan hot chocolate. There might even be an extra-special off-the-menu drink this year, if you’re bold enough to inquire." - Clair Lorell
"Jewel of the South is one of the most notable cocktail bars to open in New Orleans in many years (see also, Manolito); it was awarded Outstanding Bar by the James Beard Award Foundation in 2024. The 19th-century Creole cottage situated on the edge of the Quarter offers a classy, calm, and romantic setting, inside and out, to sample Chris Hannah’s award-winning cocktails. Just don’t miss the famous brandy crusta." - Eater Staff
"On the quieter outskirts of the Quarter, cocktail enthusiasts will are delighted to find an enchanting 19th-century Creole cottage that houses this beautiful cocktail bar and restaurant. Have a seat at the bar or in the Jewel of the South courtyard and sip some of the very best cocktails in town, and in the country — the tavern just won the 2024 James Beard Award for Oustanding Bar. While the drinks may have top billing due to its cocktail-expert founders, the food is also not to be missed, with tasting menus and other special dinners available from time to time." - Clair Lorell
"Jewel of the South’s 19th century Creole cottage offers a classy respite from French Quarter chaos, whether inside the elegant dining room or on the enchanting courtyard out back, strung with lights and tucked away from its busy surroundings. One sip of a cocktail and you’ll want to try them all, but make sure to try Chris Hannah’s expert Brandy Crusta." - Clair Lorell, Eater Staff
"Chris Hannah’s name was synonymous with Arnaud’s French 75 bar for 14 years, culminating in a James Beard Award for Outstanding Bar Program in 2017. He opened Jewel of the South, an elegant French Quarter cocktail den with a fine-dining menu from Philip Whitmarsh, two years later in 2019. It pays homage to the original bar of the same name — a bar that was supposedly the birthplace of the brandy crusta, a version of which Jewel has become known for since opening. It won Outstanding Bar at the James Beard Awards in 2024." - Beth D'Addono
