The Best Happy Hour In New Orleans Isn’t In The French Quarter

I’m sorry. I love New Orleans, but the French Quarter just isn’t my jam. Also, you can expect to pay an arm and a leg for a cocktail you’re probably not gonna love. For this very reason, a lot of people who visit New Orleans find themselves on Frenchmen Street. A short ride from the French Quarter, Frenchmen Street is home to live music, art markets, and craft cocktails. As lovely as it is, Frenchmen Street is not where I found my new favorite Happy Hour in Nola. That honor goes to The Rum House, a Caribbean Taqueria located on Magazine Street.

I know, I know. I had you at Caribbean Taqueria, right? Don’t worry, they got me with that one too. But it was the promise of an affordable Happy Hour ($5 to $8!) that drew me in. Cleverly titled “Island Time!,” the Happy Hour menu is loaded with tropics-inspired treats like the Blueberry Hill Mojito, Rum Punch, and Painkiller. And when I tell you that I’m ready to exchange these 15,000 SkyMiles for a trip to New Orleans just for one of those Painkillers, I’m not kidding. It was so good! It was boozy, balanced, and just the right amount of decadence.

For my folks who prefer something outside of a cocktail, you’ll also find draft beer and house wine on the “Island Time!” menu.

By now, you’ve probably worked up an appetite. I can help you out with that too. Thanks to back-to-back trips to New Orleans, I’ve visited Rum House three times in the past month and I have my food faves. First up, the queso. Now, I’m a queso girl through and through, but this has to be one of my favorite dips. I love that it comes with pickled veggies because what I like to do is top a tortilla chip with some pickled veggies then add a hearty dollop of queso. It’s divine!

Given that New Orleans is known for its heavy, hearty dishes, if you want something a bit lighter, Rum House’s Tuna Ceviche is a great option. I personally could have done without the mangoes in the ceviche, but I know y’all love mangoes, so I’m sure you’ll find no problem there. Lastly, I have to give an honorable mention to Rum House’s Cornbread Dressing. It’s just a side, but I do love a good dressing.

Also, I met the coolest, most down-to-Earth bartender during my last visit! I can’t recall his name, but shout out to the gentleman who was miraculously healed after watching a Saints game! (It’s still “Rise Up” though!)