Jewel of the South

New Orleans, Louisiana

No. 44 on The World's 50 Best Bars 2025, No. 6 on North America's 50 Best Bars 2026, and No. 64 on The 50 Best Bars 2026.

Chris Hannah and Nick Detrich built this bar inside a renovated 1830s Creole cottage on the same block where bartender Joseph Santini invented the Brandy Crusta nearly two centuries ago. The 2024 James Beard Award for Outstanding Bar, the Michter's Art of Hospitality Award, Best U.S. Bar Team at the 2024 Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards, and a third consecutive year as Best Bar in South USA at No. 4 on North America's 50 Best Bars, the accolades stack because the program never rests on them. Hannah's Sazerac with Rancio Sec and Madeira reframes a drink the city invented. Jewel of the South honors New Orleans cocktail history by advancing it.