Loa Bar — Restaurant in New Orleans

As a traveling patron of bars across this great nation, Ive seen quiet a lot. Loa bar has become a favorite spot for me and I'll tell you why: Tara Jill, bartender of Loa Bar is really what this review is all about. The bar itself is cozy and quaint with a slight witchy/ New Orleans magic vibe, all while maintaining the clean and and modern feel of the hotel. The music is also crazy on point, with a slight nostalgic throwback feel to the 80' and 90's. I digress. This review is about the bartender. If you're looking for a fast drink as you wander the streets, this place is not for you. However, if you're looking for some of the best cocktails, on menu and off the cuff, Tara Jill will make sure you leave with the best craft cocktail experience in the city. It's so rare to find bartenders who are looking to play and to enrich the experience of their patrons and she does so in spades. Genuinely, just the ability to watch the passion behind every person's drink order is worth the experience. If you are looking for a beautiful spot to indulge in drinks with depth and character with an incredibly friendly staff, look no further...

A true gem of a bar. The candles are magical. I tried two local whiskeys before settling on a cocktail. Props to this establishment for having such a fine selection of local spirits and small batch whiskeys, especially Bywater Bourbon and Basin River Rye. The Green Door cocktail was balanced and delicious and the bartender informed my date and myself about the history of Green Chartreuse. The fresh herbs were intoxicating enough, and along with the music and Tara’s knowledge of spirits and suggestions, this created a wonderful night. I love the authentic recipes and lack of artificial sweeteners and muddled herbs. Also, there is a Banksy in the lobby if you can tear yourself away from the candle lit bar to admire the mural. My girlfriend had the best Pisco sour we’ve ever tried. I only wish we could have ordered food because we would have stayed longer. The lounge area was quite romantic and a fine escape from the usual French Quarter rifraff and neon.

Edit — I do not like it there...

We strolled in a few minutes after they opened, had a seat as an employee walked around straightening bar stools, and stocked cocktail straws for the upcoming shift. Nobody else in the bar. After 10 minutes, we went up to the bar in search of a cocktail menu. The employee said, "I'm still getting ready," but never offered a menu or any cordial exchange. We continued to wait, thinking he would wrap up his current chore and come offer us a menu and/or get a cocktail order. NOPE, never happened after an additional 15 minutes just sitting there. I finally had enough and got up to leave, and he was nowhere to be found. This was my worst experience in New Orleans. Every other bar/restaurant we went to they were so friendly. Do yourself a favor and avoid this spot. There are too many other wonderful...