Pat O’Brien’s

Only reason this place is getting any stars right now is due to the bread pudding, which is AMAZING!!! Everything else is over rated, the so-​called hurricanes taste like fruit punch with no PUNCH! I would recommend stopping here and trying the bread pudding other then that avoid it!

Worst drinks ever!!! Hurricane, rum and coke and long island iced tea were all very weak and all water! They got 5 of us good with those drinks!

What a fun place! A little garden patio in the middle of bourbon street. Went here on a Saturday afternoon to enjoy a hurricane. A regular size is about $ 8.00. Good drink selection. Fun people all around!

People kept telling me to go to Pat’s for the Hurricane — and honestly, it wasn’t even that good. Thankfully, they are strong and worth the price.
Pat’s is actually tons of bars — if you go further in, the lines are significantly shorter. Tables are pretty much impossible; given the many bars, seating is always full.

I didn’t feel anything special. They have very nice back yard and it’s very relaxing and nice to get away from bourbon Street crowd and enjoy a cold drink. The drinks are pre-​mixed and nothing special, however, the historic background and their very nice back yard is enough to go there at least once.

When people think of the French Quarter, often their first thought hovers around Pat O’Brien’s bar. It has been a standard for tourists and locals alike for generations.
Product: Drinks are one of the main reasons people go here. The Hurricane is the signature drink, and this is one of the pit stops for this traditional version of the drink, as well as being part of the «Drunken Trinity of the French Quarter» (Hurricane, Hand Grenade, and Jester). The drink is a syrupy-​sweet rum punch concoction and the size is ample. I wouldn’t suggest having more than one, unless you feel like being a walking hangover the next day or puking red into the gutters alone Bourbon Street. There are other drinks as well, of course, but the Hurricane is the premier one sold here. It comes in a signature glass that’s hard to mistake, with the Pat O’s logo on it. You pay a deposit fee upon purchase, which is redeemable at the end of your visit if you don’t wish to keep the souvenir. You can also, of course, get drinks «to go» in styrofoam cups (this is New Orleans, after all). Prices are *not* cheap at this tourist hot spot.
I don’t know if they have food, because I’ve never come here in all my years to do anything outside drink and socialize. 3 stars
Service: You can purchase at the bar, or sit down and be waited upon. But, if you sit and wait for a server, expect a rather long wait. This place is always packed (and I mean *always*), and the servers are almost always over-​whelmed. I’ve never been impressed by service here. It is mediocre at the best of times. 2 stars
Facilities: Pat O’s has a weird set up. It isn’t on the corner of a cross street, but there are 2 entrances. Only the main one is open all the time. The secondary entrance is around the corner and a bit smaller. There are hosts at each entrance nearly all of the time, and expect to be carded if there’s a line. Sometimes the wait is interminable and not worth the effort, especially for repeat visitors.
There is a courtyard in the center of the establishment with a flaming fountain. It’s neat to see, but it is splashy, and all the tables nearby are nearly always somewhat wet from the mist. Still fun to see, though. There are 2 outdoor bars near the fountain, one right by the secondary entrance for those looking to get a drink on the go.
The 2 indoor areas are like completely different places. There is a traditional bar room that plays sports on the large screen TVs. The other is the piano bar, where dueling pianists go at it over traditional pop, country, and rock pieces. It is a lot of fun. Both are usually packed to the gills and standing room only. There is no fee to listen to the musicians, but tips are requested. They will do requests if it is in their repertoire.
The establishment itself is basically 2 bars in a building straddling the main entrance, the courtyard, and the alley to the secondary entrance. It’s an old place, and, to be honest, the seating isn’t terribly comfy. The bathrooms are clean, but just like the rest of the establishment, usually packed. The bar rooms are poorly lit. 3 stars
Bonus: You can purchase the Hurricane mixer at many local groceries and (I think) at the establishment itself. Just add rum.
Overall: Definitely a place you want to check out if it’s your first time in town, but I’m not a huge fan, for reasons stated above. The wait times for seating or drinks can be painful, and I just don’t like Hurricanes that much, though I must confess I will purchase one out of sentimentality on occasion. There’s so many good spots in town, or even just the French Quarter, that are cheaper, less hurried, and more enjoyable to frequent to give this place more than an average rating. 3 stars

We absolutely had a BLAST at the bar watching the dueling pianos.
I had to request a few great bar songs. They rocked it.
The place has such a great vibe about it and the piano players are awesome!
We did stump them though. My hubby requested a couple songs they didn’t know.
Just a small note, when you order a drink if you want a plastic cup go to the bar and order it yourself. The waiter can’t give you that. If you order a drink from the waiters be sure to check your bill. You’ll notice a 3.00 glass deposit… (NO THANKS) I have enough glasses at home.

Home of the Hurricane and one of the coolest patios on Bourbon Street. I would never normally order a Hurricane, unless I was at the bar that invented it. It was pretty good, and very strong. It’s cool how you can order it by the gallons and share with your table. The best part about Pat O’Brien’s was their patio. We loved chatting out there by the fountain.

Pat O’Brien’s is an institution. You owe it to yourself to come here and have a hurricane during your stay in New Orleans.
With that said, I don’t like, actually I loathe, hurricanes and long since checked that syrupy concoction off my bucket list and moved on. Despite my hatred for hurricanes, Pat O’s is still one of my favorite bars in the Quarter.
This past trip we wound up accidentally spending a few hours here thanks to torrential downpours. Trust me, it’s not a bad place to get stuck. Even with the infamous 21+ courtyard patio rained out, this place was hopping. The piano bar is also a ton of fun. I witnessed a guy attempting to drink the three gallon hurricane by himself (seriously not sure where his required five other friends were). Considering the location, it’s worth mentioning that Pat O’s has really clean bathrooms.
In general, I’d recommend Pat O’s for an afternoon cocktail and a few photos by the iconic back patio fountains. It’s a New Orleans must. Cheers y’all!

Absolutely loved this bar/​restaurant/​piano bar/​hurricane central station establishment in the French Quarter.
I’ll be back.

This is hands down the best bar in New Orleans (in my opinion anyway!) Awesome space, great drinks and amazing staff — it has everything you would want from a bar in this city.
The space itself is huge. They have an old school bar, a piano bar with live music at night, a great courtyard dotted with fountains and tables with umbrellas, and a space where you can grab a bite to eat as well. We sat in the courtyard once in the afternoon and returned again at night the next day. This area is wonderful, and you can sit for hours sipping your drinks. We also passed the piano bar on our way out and it was alive with music.
The drinks. We got the hurricane and this has to be the best one we had on Bourbon street. Perfectly sweet and strong, and you can take the glass home as a souvenir too.
The service is great, attentive and friendly and full of that famous southern hospitality. When we came here in the daytime, it was just after a thunderstorm and the staff were working extra hard to wipe down all the seats and make the courtyard usable.
If you want a change from the neon lights and massive sugary drinks of most of the Bourbon street bars, this is the place for you!

Hurricane. Hurricane. Hurricane.
Did you know this restaurant claims that they are the restaurant that invent the hurricane cocktail. Don’t believe me… well you have to try it for yourself.
This bar is located off of Bourbon Street. It is honestly not like any bar you would encounter on Bourbon Street. It had a really chill vibe and it was honestly a needed break from the Bourbon Street scene.
There are three different bars within Pats. The main bar has that classy ambiance that has one television to watch sporting events. Note that this bar from the piano bar and patio bar sells their drinks cheaper than the others. The piano bar has no cover charge and it has that energetic vibe too it. The patio bar is a fun area to hang.
Must try their famous hurricane drink. In addition there is a wide selection of cocktails ranging from mix drinks that contain gin, tequila, bourbon or more rum. Be aware there is not a great wine or beer selection. But you’re in New Orleans-​try their rum drinks.

We set out to try as many of the drinks that New Orleans is famous for so obviously on the list was a Hurricane from here. I like this drink because unlike some of the other fruity/​sweet drinks this one is relatively strong (but still manages to taste delicious).

A classic of NOLA — i actually came here as my first stop before going anywhere else. Swung by and found my friends hanging out in the back on a table right around the fountain. We drank hurricanes and just hung out. Damn hurricanes are strong and tasty! I love em!
I can’t get enough and since they originated there, you had to get the hurricane! DO IT!!!

So fun!
It poured the rain but it didn’t rain out the party! Sat at the patio bar and had a blast with bartenders Ashton, Pete, and Douglas! The drinks were awesome, surely because they brought the liquor up from the elevator, up the escalator, and up the stairs. I guess ya had to be there, but it was hilarious!
Thanks for the hospitality and for making my hubby’s birthday awesome!

I love Pat O’Brien’s! Its such a fun bar and there’s always some type of shenanigans going on inside. I love that there is a piano bar, an outdoor bar, dancing. pretty much anything you can think of all in one place. This comes in handy when my girlfriends and I want to go dance and the guys want to pretend like they don’t know us anymore.
I know the Hurricane is a famous drink here. but I can’t say I was that impressed. Oh well, after a few I guess you stop caring.

This is a beautiful space. Whether you come in the entrance from Bourbon Street or St Peter Street, look up, there are a series of guns, all pointing up and toward the center. In all three of the bar areas (to include the piano bar) are beer steins of various sizes. Beer steins, if you don’t know are a fancy ceramic beer mug. There are three full bars in three separate rooms.
The piano bar is packed, dueling pianos in front, if you pass a napkin to the pianist, they will wink and mouth «good one» as if that is the first time they have ever received that request, though I am sure that is a guise. The piano bar has a line, quite a wait, and it is packed inside, the tables are unable to be cleaned as the wait staff can not get every where. It is difficult to get anywhere in this bar. The piano bar is closest to the St Peter Street entrance. You can fully expect drunk people acting like jerks in this section. This is a fun area but like I mentioned, it is too crowded for me. But it is a sight to behold. The players don’t duel so much as I have seen at other dueling piano bars, though there were two players, they seemed to take turns, and let the other complete their song before beginning the next, and don’t seem to be in to making a show of competing at all.
The guy and I ate dinner in the bar that has an entrance on Bourbon. Great waiter, great bartender, high turn around. The food was good. I ordered the seafood pasta, he ordered the trio with gumbo, red beans and rice and etoufee. We shared the food and it was really good. I believe the prices were also reasonable considering you are in the Quarter. We each had a hurricane, and it is sweet and well mixed, so you will not realize how drunk you are until you try to move.
There is a third bar across from the piano bar, close to the St Peter Street entrance. I only did a walk through so I can not speak to the service.
The courtyard in the middle. The courtyard. The main dining area, you would forget you are in the French Quarter at all. I can imagine being at an event or reception here and having it be beautiful. You can choose to be seated here, though there is usually a waiting period to be seated during peak periods. The fountain in the middle has a flame on top. Beautiful.
Though they are known for the drink the hurricane, they offer a variety of adult beverages that are all strong and stiff.
This staple of New Orleans is something that all must see on their trip to New Orleans.

The hurricanes here don’t seem that strong… until you stand up.
We sat out on the back patio (which is gorgeous) and enjoyed a famous Pat O’s hurricane. Although the price point of 15 dollars is a bit steep, the drinks are enormous and really strong.
Yes, it’s pretty crowded and touristy but I’m totally fine with getting drunk for 15 dollars while sitting on a beautiful patio in the sun. Nothing has, and nothing will ever be wrong with that statement.
Oh! Don’t forget to hold onto your hurricane glass– we were happy to learn that you can either get it boxed up or trade it in for 3 dollars. I kept the glass and now have it at home as a souvenir!
Not much else to say here, because I only stopped in for a drink. It seems like most other reviews are pretty similar. This is right in the thick of the French Quarter madness, and is definitely worth trying at least once.

Ask for Brian when you get there because he was entertaining and very professional. He was relaxed and funny and made our experience very enjoyable.
We came in around 10 o’clock pm on Sunday and were able to get nice seats by the fountain with no trouble whatsoever. Naturally we ordered a plurality of Hurricanes and snack on the white cheddar popcorn they give you when you order.
The glasses for the beverages by itself are $ 3 so if you don’t want to drink and just want the glasses you can do that also. Hurricanes run around $ 11 but you can get a nice buzz going on if you are a lightweight. Two will be necessary for a healthy level of inebriation if you are a solid representation of all that is alcoholic.
Cheers. They will be happy to package your cups for transit. Make sure to snag Other people’s glasses when they leave because each one is worth $ 3.

The first drink and bar I’ve visited in NOLA. Also my first sip of Hurricane on Mardi Gras was here at the famed Pat O Brien’s. I felt that I’ve had this sweet drink before, but with different names. None the less it was good and had me in a ‘throws’ collecting mood. I can’t comment on anything else, since it was packed and it was Mardi Gras. Must on the NOLA to do List.
*500^th Review*

This was a first-​stop bar where we were told to get the famous Hurricanes, and I was not disappointed. Hurricanes, while very sweet, are also quite strong.
Their outdoor area was beautiful with a fun little flaming fountain, and a quieter scene to start the night off right before getting buck wild on the rest of Bourbon St. They have a smaller indoor bar where you can get your drinks TO GO (yay NOLA!), or else you can sit in the back and get a fancy glass– but its a little more expensive. So we got the to go cups, and then went and sat in the back.

still an FQ FAVORITE! An oasis of sanity in the quarter. Love Pat O’s. Go back into the courtyard and escape the excessive (and young) craziness

So far, the best hurricanes that I’ve had in the city! Better than the watered down garbage on Bourbon. Big enough and enough alcohol to be pretty toasty after one. (Remember: NOLA is a marathon, not a sprint!)

One of the things you have to try when you’re visiting NOLA is to get the infamous Pat O’Brien’s Hurricane cocktail. My girlfriends and I were not looking forward to this AT ALL (none of us are into overly sweet drinks) but as soon as we came in, our server Richaud brighten our moods right away. We did an entire 180 and finally was looking forward to drinking a Hurricane.
The service was outstanding. Richaud was very attentive, hilarious and friendly. If it wasn’t for him, I would have not enjoyed my time because it was freezing outside and windy. We sat by the water fountain and the water would just spray all over us whenever the wind blew our way. Plus the Hurricane cocktail has a lot of ice, it didn’t help the situation lol. But as soon as a seat near the heater lamps opened up, Richaud made sure to let my table know and moved us.
The prices are great here. Hurricanes are only $ 8.50 which is very cheap in my opinion for such a large drink. but I am also from the NY/​NJ area so that’s all I’m comparing it to. Would I have a Hurricane again? Nope, don’t want that hangover I got the next morning but if you are looking for another option, I recommend the Mint Julep cocktail. It’s definitely stronger and you don’t have to consume as much liquids.
I would definitely come here again when the weather is a bit warmer. Love the atmosphere outside!

The courtyard in the back is everything. A great escape from the chaos of Bourbon Street. Great drinks and friendly staff.

My first thought was, «Oh god, this is way too sweet to finish.»
As a first-​time visitor to New Orleans, I felt it was necessary to order a Hurricane from Pat O’Brien’s, even though I’d regularly much prefer basically anything else other than a crazy sweet cherry cocktail. The one-​size-​only glass was larger than I had hoped and it came with plenty of ice.
You’ll also receive your own bag of addictive complimentary popcorn with a drink order. If you finish it, you may be awarded with a second bag. Or maybe our friendly and chatty bartender was just feeling extra generous that day!
My friend and I stopped in on a chilly January day. Pat O’s had the heat kicking, and it felt like a balmy tropical oasis at the indoor bar. Since it was early in the day, we easily found bar stools and camped out for a while.
Later, we walked across the hall, into a dueling piano room (pretty cool!), and used the fresh and clean bathroom. While there, I chatted with another patron from Philly, which was pretty random, but I guess we do really like to flee south!
I wouldn’t recommend ordering more than one Hurricane, unless you want to feel like you had some hand grenades, but trying this cocktail is definitely part of the NOLA experience.
I finished every last sip of cherry.
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HEY THERE, REVIEW 800.

Pat O’Brien’s was a pleasantly surprising tourist spot. Having not tried a hurricane over three days into our visit, my friend and I stopped in on a Sunday afternoon.
We took seats at the bar to front left of the St. Peter St. entrance. There was a crowd of people watching playoff football at the corner TV and staggered bar seats open. It was freezing outside so a well heated room was a plus for sure.
Our bartender was an older gentleman and had a southern charm.
Of course, we both went for the Hurricane’s. Considering I didn’t really feel like drinking nor did I feel like a beverage of that size, I really enjoyed my Hurricane. While it was sweet, it definitely wasn’t as sweet as the grenades. One Hurricane left a very pleasant buzz.
I was impressed by the tasty and individually wrapped popcorn we were given. I never reach into this communal bowls so I really enjoyed being able to have a little snack with my drink.
In order to get through the bathroom, we had to pass through the dueling piano room. The room was gorgeous and the pianists were playing a good rendition of a classic rock song. For a touristy place where people get hammered, the bathrooms were surprisingly clean.
I think this review breaks my own record of most times using «pleasant» and «surprising.» I’d recommend Pat O’Brien’s to others and make a return of my own next trip.

Not bad. Really nice outdoor seating area. Our lunch was just OK for me. I had the crayfish etoufee. Loaded with crayfish but it was a little too much for me. I would have enjoyed some of the other stuff that makes etoufee delicious.
Still, we enjoyed going here. My husband got a hurricane and we took home souvenir glasses so that was a plus. Our wait staff were all very friendly and attentive.
It’s worth a stop even if you are just wanting to stop in for a drink. They have tables specifically for people who just want drinks so you don’t feel like you have to order anything.

Great courtyard and the ONLY place for a good Hurricane. It’s not my favorite… not fond of overly-​sweet drinks, but there is so much more! The Bloody Marys are quite fine here, with a bit of kick — I think made with Absolute Peppar Vodka.
The reality is that it is hard finding something new to say after the multitude of great Elite reviews, but I will offer up a few pointers:
1) However alluring the courtyard is (and it is the BEST place to drink!!!), remember the drink prices are different in the bar (cheapest), the dueling piano bar, and most expensive in the courtyard.
2) Remember that the Hurricanes, and many other drinks in fancy stemware, come with the souvenir glass they are served in, so if you don’t want to keep the glass, return it to the bar area and you get your deposit back (2 or 3 dollars per glass returned!!!)
3) The food is mediocre when compared to the high class cuisine all around the Quarter. This is the place to enjoy the courtyard or dueling pianos and a bit of drinking.
4) The waiters share areas. Don’t fret over finding «your waiter.» Grab anyone in a green jacket. They will be more than happy to take your order. They usually want you to pay as you go here, because of the high volume, touristy nature of the place, the shared areas, and frankly the high liquor content in those hurricanes.
5) Don’t get stuck on the sweet hurricanes. Try some of the other specialty drinks! The Cyclone is ok. The Fuzzy Leprechaun and Bloody Mary are better!
6) The bathrooms are less than stellar, and the main women’s bathroom is upstairs (although there is another option downstairs, just ask someone in a green jacket). However rudimentary they are, USE THEM before you leave. Then when one of your friends who didn’t read this review, didn’t heed the warning, and didn’t tinkle at Pat O’Briens is walking back to your hotel and yells «I HAVE TO PEE» you can do the «I told ya so» dance. Most places will make you buy another drink just to use their bathroom. Crafty trick, huh?

Their courtyard area is a giant backdrop of prettiness and relaxation. The fountain is really nice to look at. Most importantly, it’s a nice break away from the rowdiness of Bourbon St. yet so close if that if you want to rage again, and you can go back.
On a Thursday night, the line was too long and wasn’t moving so we left. However, when we came back around 1AM on a Saturday night, the line was gone. Some of the fun was still there, as some people weren’t ready to call it a night.

Came here for my second time last night and had a great time. There were a lot of people but plenty of people serving and bar tending. Even with the cold temperature the patio kept warm with the many space heaters.

Best tourist joint in town. Very fun and friendly. Love the fountains and the rainbow drink I had. Something about this place gives you a really good feeling… it’s not just the hooch.
There are sprits here in other ways… not just at the bar.

A New Orleans legend… or so I am told. My husband was taking me on the basic-B***h, touristy tour of NOLA… so, naturally we made it here :-D It wasn’t too crowded when we were there (noon the day after Christmas… go figure), and we decided on the piano bar. The pianists were somewhat subpar (they turned down multiple requests, saying, «We don’t do that song»… isn’t that what they DO!?!), but it was a cool little bar.
TIPS: They explicitly charge more for drinks in different areas of the bar (piano bar was highest, if I remember correctly –and I think there were three tiers of pricing). Also, they give you souvenir glasses with certain drinks that are «yours» — but if you give them back at the bar, they will give you $ 3.

For what it is — a tourist trap — it was really fun! And like, they know everyone there is a tourist so you don’t feel out of place trying to have a good time.
It was unusually warm in the winter when we were there, so we sat outside. Before we even pulled out our chairs, the server asked us if we wanted to start with hurricanes… Sure! Why not! They are huge and pretty sweet (tastes like artificial syrup), but sneaky strong.
Cash only. And you pay $ 3 extra for the glass it’s served in and can get a refund at the bar when you’re finished if you don’t want to just keep it as a souvenir… or you can order to go directly and they serve you in a plastic cup.
If you don’t like sugary drinks, you might as well stop in to complete your NOLA tourist experience anyway.

This place is a NOLA classic… you have to go there to get a hurricane at least once in your life. Its also a cool place to sit and hangout/​catch up with friends, particularly in the back patio outside by the fountain.
I also really enjoyed the dueling piano bar… had a great time! Just be prepared its super crowded most nights cause its so popular

If you’re looking for the best place to get a Hurricane, this is the spot right here. They are huge and full of booze. Grab your Hurricane and head over to the piano bar section. People write a list of songs they want to hear and the pianists make it happen. Definitely a cool night spot to enjoy good music, good drinks, and good people.

It’s Pat O’s. It is where tourists come to drink, but also where many of south Louisiana’s newly legal population come to have their first hurricane. They may not return because of the tourists, but most people do make at least one trek to this place.
So some tips for this place? If there is a line to get seated, it is typically for the patio. Ask to sit in the piano bar or another area. Get some food here. If you just want a hurricane or skylab? Then go to the bar yourself to get a drink to go or go to the entrance off of Boubon since there is rarely a wait there.
The staff here is always awesome though. I dropped my phone and one of the waiters noticed and stopped everyone so they wouldn’t walk on my phone! So local or just visiting? Either way Pat O’s is a place everyone should visit at least once!

The very first stop for dinner as me and my friend arrived.
It was a great experience with the loud crowd, vibrant fire pits, colored lights, etc. We came for the hurricanes ($ 9) and the gator bites. The hurricanes were delicious but weren’t as strong as I thought they’d be? The fried gator bites were a bit soggy from the breading but the meat was still good. The texture from the meat is chewy but not tender all the way. For $ 10 these were still on point!
I recommend coming here for Hurricanes! just sip a couple and enjoy!

Call me crazy but I’ve been living here in New Orleans for six years and I have never tried the food here until today. My uncle and his entourage insisted on going here so I figured why not.
The service wasn’t bad. My only gripe was the fact that we had to walk way to the back of the restaurant just to find a seat. The waiter and the rest of the staff were rather polite and courteous to us. The speed of the service was pretty good too.
The food was great! I ordered the chicken sandwich with gumbo on the side. The chicken sandwich came on a great big old bun. It was very delicious! The gumbo on the other hand was bland and flavorless. I actually had to add salt to it. I tried the crawfish étouffée too. It was fantastic and WAY better than that crappy gumbo.
We sat out in the courtyard so we got to enjoy that late summer weather Lol. I didn’t mind though. I tried the hurricane it was spot on. The prices here weren’t as expensive as I expected.
In short good food, decent prices, great drinks but be sure to avoid that nasty gumbo!

Only went for a famous «hurricane» drink there.
Seating at the outdoor bar (you can smoke there).
The drink was very nice, super strong. The bar is in a alley located in front of a small fire and water fountain. Very nice atmosphere, friendly staff. It’s a must see place.
Try the hurricane there! (thanks Janelle S. @ Unilocal for the tip!!!)

Of course we couldn’t leave Nola without trying the famous Hurricane drink. In fact, we started off our day-​drinking at Pat O’Brien’s. The place is pretty big… with different bar areas. we sat in the courtyard area and were attended to super quick. We each got one of the hurricane drinks (plus the glass) as a nice souvenir. This drink reminded me of jungle juice during the college days but way better and scarier because one was enough for me!
One of the cute bartenders hooked us up with some shots before heading out. He made us do the shot without using our hands. It got messy!
Dinner: Honestly — my meal here wasn’t the best. I had the pasta and it lacked flavor and was on the colder side. The service was on point for dinner as well. I would def come back but only for the drinks!

Endroit branche et tres tres bruyant, un patio sympa pour prendre un verre si vous n’y allez pas trop tard, cocktails moyens servis dans des verres à emporter ou à vous faire rembourser