I recently visited Bar Marilou with a group of friends, including a highly established VIP, and was deeply disappointed by the service we received. Despite the bar being nearly empty, our group of ten was immediately confronted with a rigid and unwelcoming policy. We were informed that the maximum group size was nine, and one of us would have to leave for the rest to be seated. The situation escalated when we attempted to discuss this policy, especially given the presence of our VIP guest. The staff at Bar Marilou responded not just unprofessionally but with a condescending snap, stating, "This is how we do luxury here." This remark was not only rude but also dismissive of the expectations and status of our guest. It was astonishing and unacceptable to see such a lack of basic courtesy in a place that claims to offer a luxurious experience. The staff's behavior at Bar Marilou was a clear example of how not to treat customers, regardless of their status. Their inability to provide a welcoming atmosphere or to accommodate a slightly larger group was a major disappointment. This incident has severely tarnished our view of Bar Marilou and what it represents. In conclusion, the experience at Bar Marilou was ruined by the staff's rudeness and unprofessionalism, making it an unwelcoming place for us and our VIP guest. Therefore, I cannot recommend this bar to others, and I will not be returning in the future.
Price per person
$50–100
Food: 1
Service: 1
Atmosphere: 1

My visit to Bar Marilou with a group of nine friends turned from a promising evening into a deeply unsettling experience. Despite the bar being almost empty, we were informed of a strict policy on group sizes, capped at nine. Inexplicably and unjustly, I was the one singled out to leave, leaving me not only perplexed but also embarrassed in front of my friends. The situation worsened with the staff’s handling of our questions. Instead of showing understanding or offering a workaround, their response was patronizing. The phrase “This is how we do luxury here,” was particularly demeaning, especially in the context of asking a guest to leave their group. Being the one asked to leave was not only unfair but also humiliating. It’s hard to understand why I was specifically chosen, and the lack of any reasonable explanation only added to the frustration and disappointment. Such an approach by the staff showed a lack of basic hospitality and respect for guests. In conclusion, my experience at Bar Marilou was not just disappointing but also personally distressing. Being singled out and asked to leave, combined with the staff’s unprofessionalism, has left a lasting negative impression. I regret to say that I cannot recommend this establishment and have no intention of returning.
Food: 1
Service: 1
Atmosphere: 1

Low key, cutesy, chill, elegant. These are the words I use to describe this spot. I love how it's decorated + small and intimate. I stopped by to have drinks a few weeks ago and the drinks were on point. I didn't get anything to eat but the dishes did look really good coming out. I can't wait to stop by again. **UPDATED REVIEW** — 13 January 2023 Another great experience! I left workout class yesterday night and my friends and I starting looking for some places to grab a drink. I decided to recommend Bar Marilou. I called before hand to make sure they accept Apple Pay because I unfortunately had forgotten my wallet at home. Once I got that confirmation, we headed on over! I was greeted by the gentleman who answered the phone for me. We were seated by the window. There was a live band this night— being born + raised in New Orleans, I’m a lover of a live band so that was the best vibe. I end up ordering food this time. I ordered the frog legs + the fried pumpkin. OMGEE. So good! The frog legs were fried and seasoned just right. The fried pumpkin had the best taste + the dip added an extra bonus. I also ordered the Fragola Rock cocktail again. Still great + refreshing. Always looking forward to stopping by this spot!

Received a phone call 3-4 hours before our reservation saying our reservation was canceled. When asked why, was told the restaurant had to close for the weekend. We kept receiving notifications from Resy about the reservation as it got closer to the time, so called the restaurant only to find out that they were in fact open. They had to cut down on reservations due to staff illness. Totally get that, but just be honest when you call to cancel people’s reservations . We are visiting for the weekend and had made the reservation months ago after doing extensive research about fun places to go. Was very much looking forward to Bar Marilou. Also left high and dry on a Friday night for dinner and it was difficult to find reservations elsewhere. Very disappointing. Long story short, be honest with your customers. When visiting again, as much as I wanted to experience Bar Marilou, I will not be interested due to the dishonesty.

My friends and I came to visit this place at 8:13 pm and were greeted by Sarah who stated she wouldn’t be able to seat us until 9pm. She tried to make us stand outside however it was cold and we proceeded to wait inside. When we entered we informed Sarah that we just wanted to drink and didn’t want any food and again she told us we needed to wait however there were three open seats at the bar and there is only three of us. This place gave very racist vibes and I did not feel comfortable being in this environment. We decided to not patronize this business and take our money elsewhere. In almost 2024 it is sad to see that discrimination still exist.
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 1
Service: 1
Atmosphere: 3

Welp, I’ll never attempt to come here again. Can’t believe we are racially profiling people in 2023. I was told they couldn’t seat a party of two, only for two non black people to walk behind me and get seated. I stood off to the side waiting to hear the interaction. When I walked and confronted the manager Carlee, she lied and said they had a reservation. The host never asked them that. I also asked why wasn’t I asked if I had a reservation and I was told they don’t do reservation for one person. Again, I was a party of two and clearly stated that at the door. I try not to play the race card loosely but since I’ve experience this so many times in the past, I know how to call a spade a spade.
Service: 1

we first visited in fall of 2021 and we fell in love with this moody bar. so much so, that any time someone said they were visiting Nola we immediately suggested going to bar marilou! when we came back a few weeks ago we hyped up this cocktail spot to our friends. we arrived at 5pm and hoped to grab a quick drink. if the goal is to be exclusive and aloof, the hostess did an amazing job. she was so rude about us not having a res that we were actually shocked. we understood that it was a res only spot, but her delivery and attitude towards us was downright unnecessary. we went next door to the Ace Hotel and had a great time. guess we will cross bar marilou off our list for future visits :/

We loved this amazing coctail bar. Pro tip - it is on the side of building through an amazing ivy covered walkway. Once you walk through the ivy and enter the space you are immediately drawn into what could be best described as a French inspired lounge. The use of colors, materials, furniture, textures, and lighting all give the wonderful sense of being in a whole different and wonderful world. We sat at the bar and had a great conversation with the bartender who made us feel welcome and invited into the space. The drinks were as unique and wonderful as the atmosphere. You will enjoy having a cocktail here...we sure did and we cannot wait for our next trip to visit this place again.

Amazing ambience, service, and cocktails! We tried the Blind Serpent (my fave), the Queen Turf, and more. Our server was friendly and professional, and the music volume was ideal. Knocking of fa star because there was a dearth of vegan options. They had almonds/olives, a salad, a shishito peppers. We enjoyed the peppers, but something more substantial would have been nice. I think a fried tofu sandwich or gnocchi would work. We had to order a (vegan) pizza when we got home because there was not enough to eat here. I will be happy to change this to 5 stars if they add more options.
Food: 3
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Vegetarian options
Need more

I loved this funky bar in the back of the Maison de la Luz Hotel. I had a very unusual martini type drink, lapin qui saint tout, gin, vodka, thyme liquor, and parsley oil. Very herbal. My companions had Let Them Ear Cake It smelled just like a birthday cake. They have nice bar food. The pumpkin tempura was light and crispy. The watermelon salad was delish, and they do a very nice burger with Bleu cheese, pickles, and onions. Very funky decor goes with the very original craft cocktails. It is located at 546 Carondelet Street. You entered through a greenery filled side alley.

I want to love Bar Marilou because the atmosphere is great, however the service and drinks disappoint every time I visit. The host/hostess typically acts as if your presence is a burden, especially if you don’t have a reservation (I wouldn’t even bother going in that case) Service is often very slow and subpar. I get that they’re trying to make interesting cocktails, but typically they’re not all that enjoyable. I think there are many places in New Orleans to get better cocktails for the same price point.
Price per person
$30–50
Service: 3
Atmosphere: 5

Very trendy, dark and aesthetic bar with speak easy vibes. Enter through a corridor of greenery and into a space with eccentric furniture, cool art, gorgeous bar set up, and plush sofas. Servers were also nice and attentive. Aperitif hour is from 4-6pm every day - a great way to try some of their cocktails for $10. The sunset spritz is the sweetest and tasted like an orange soda with martini fiero, passion fruit, and soda. The sbagliato was tasty with red bitter, ambrato vermouth, lavender soda, sparkling brut.

One of the coolest bars I’ve ever been in. Definitely a hidden gem of the central business district. This bar is cozy and intimate and has a lot of sofa seating opposed to standard tables. If you’re looking for a drink with spice, I’d definitely recommend the Oaxacan with the Devil. It was on the pricier side of things, but because the experience was so unique I’d say it was worth it.
Price per person
$10–20
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

No finer cocktail joint in the neighborhood could eclipse this high styled speakeasy. Lush interiors and beautiful crowd, plus the very finest staff who will charm you with intoxicants and satiating nibbles. You’re sure to find a buzz and maybe even some drama stumbling between the green tunnel getting in and the exit to the hotel on the other side of the wall. A quick step to the escapades at the Ace Hotel across the street too. Stay classy!

Honestly this is a "do not miss" experience if you're into secret bars/speakeasies. I've been to lots of East Coast secret bars and few can match this gem. The cocktails are superb and worth trying out to see which is your match. The entrance through the main hotel doors is very impressive. Won't say where that secret entrance is, but the hotel staff will give you more than enough hints to get you there.

Stayed the night in NOLA to catch our cruise out of the port. We wanted to get some fancy cocktails on Burbon. This place is very cool and has a great ambiance. The walk up is covered in greenery and makes you believe its an intimate hideyhole and not right off Burbon. Would definitely go back next time I am in town.
Price per person
$30–50
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 5

Came here since we had an hour to kill before the jazz bar we wanted to go to. LOVE the decor and my server was great. Had the strawberry cocktail and the tokyo record. Drinks were pretty and perfectly balanced. Ordered the mussels for something to munch on, but didn’t taste super fresh. They took it off the bill, so respect that. Wouldn’t definitely come back, love the atmosphere

This elevated cocktail bar lives up to expectations. Loved the attention to detail like real candles and books. Food and cocktails were as good as expected. Our server seemed less than thrilled to attend us, perhaps because it was a slow day. Nevertheless, a place I'd be happy to visit again.
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 5
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 5

Beautiful, moody bar. Bar Marilou is nestled to the left of the Maison de la Luz hotel building. We had the Papillon and Let Them Eat Cake, fell in love with the latter - vodka based clarified milk punch that tastes like liquid Chantilly. So gud. Also tried If I Ever Cease to Love, a sans alcohol passion fruit based drink.
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

We love stopping at Speakeasy’s while visiting Cities around the world! Could not find that exact secret feeling here at Marilou hence 4 stars but the decor, drinks and snacks were great. They had a secret room but anyone had the ability to come and go from the room and it didn’t have that exclusivity feel as most speakeasy’s that we’ve witnessed thus far.

I had a fernet strawberry cocktail that was absolutely delicious. You have to make reservations and probably not the most welcoming place, but everything is forgotten with the serious cocktails they mix in. I didn't make it to Jewel of the South nor Cure, so I can't say they have the best cocktails in New Orleans but for sure this one is in the top 3.

Nice place, they did an incredible job decorating this place. We would have like the music a little louder, we couldn't hear it at all. And if you are going to be a swanky bar, you have to serve blocks of ice with bourbon, not small ice cubes from a bag or freezer dispenser.
Price per person
$20–30
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4

Amazing cocktail bar; we didn't have reservations on a Saturday night but they were able to squeeze us in for an hour no problem. Gorgeous interior as well. Try the "Somewhere That's Green", it's weirdly delicious. Shishito peppers are bomb too.
Price per person
$50–100
Food: 5
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 5

Loved this bar!! Such a unique and fun atmosphere. Happy hour is 4-6 pm, they have some good specials. We tried the “bonal gentiane,” the “let them eat cake” and “the bungalow mystery.” All the drinks were great and the service was excellent. Would definitely come back.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

We need a better rating system because this bar is definitely better than 5 out of 5 stars. The Atmosphere alone should be 10 out of 5 stars!
Price per person
$30–50
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Scallops, Mary Celeste Deviled Eggs, Fry Bread, Let Them Eat Cake

Great bar, great service! Swanky as hell. It's tucked away. Drinks were awesome. The atmosphere is definitely a good vibe. Nice place to get away from the hustle and bustle of Bourbon Street.
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Fry Bread

We just went for drinks and they were well done. The espresso martinis were great. The atmosphere was very chill. You may have to wait cause it is table seating so not your typical walk in and head to the bar kind of place.
Price per person
$30–50
Food: 5
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 5

Came here for a couple drinks before dinner. The hostess was not rude but could be a bit more welcoming. Our waitress was very nice and provided great recommendations. I ordered the Tokyo Record and was happy with my cocktail. The decor was beautiful and had a nice calming atmosphere. I would return again.

One of my favorite hidden gems in Nola's nightlife scene! The whole place has a comfortable and sophisticated French feel, and the decor is perfectly curated. The wait staff were all very attentive and kind, too. I'd highly recommend stopping in at Bar Marilou for some light bites and fun drinks!

Phenomenal drinks in a unique atmosphere. Creative cocktails that exceeded expectations. And the old library theme made this a beautiful place to relax and feel immersed in the history of NOLA! Will definitely be back when I’m in NOLA again!
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Best cocktails and mock-tails ever! The bartender was incredible and gave good recommendations on what to see. We didn’t try the food but met a couple at the bar that enjoyed their shared dishes. This place is such a vibe! We will be returning
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Very cool bar! Love the hip European interior design and décor! Everything we ate and drank (and plenty of it) was phenomenal from presentation to taste. There is a "secret" revolving wall connecting to the hotel attached to it that makes you feel like 007. Can't wait to go back!

Loved the vibe here! Definitely speakeasy-esque and I'm glad there were other people ahead of us going there or we may have missed it. The staff was very friendly and helpful. Drinks were a little more expensive than other places but it was fun to visit for a few drinks!

MUST DO in NOLA. Beautiful bar! It's definitely a hidden gem. Very cool vibe. Drinks were amazing with service to match. We were greeted at the door and waitress was very attentive.
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

A very cute and classy bar turned from an old French library. The ambience is perfect for an intimate time with your loved ones over some creative and delicious cocktails.
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 5
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 5

The drinks are ok, tried tom rum with Mango it’s nice, spicy and strong, olives are great almonds not. But the place it’s sooooo beautiful that is totally worth to go
Price per person
$30–50
Food: 3
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 5

One of my favorite spots for date night or a girls' night out! Chill, good service, great food and drinks, and the ambiance is a whole vibe! It's a must-see when in NOLA! I will be back again soon.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Drinks were great, however, creme brûlée was quite a disappointment. The first time it came out with the sugar burned to a char. The second time was mildly better.
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 2
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

We had a great experience! We did not get a reservation but we were able to get in. I do think the drinks are a little bit overpriced, but you pay for the atmosphere. Our server was nice and came to check on us multiple times.

Very nice cocktail bar. We enjoyed all our drinks and the atmosphere. Staff were also helpful. Reservations recommended
Price per person
$50–100
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Speakeasy with red walls and a library theme. Delicious drinks with French music. One of my favorite places. Pics are from the secret room within the library that’s open to guests of the hotel.

Really cool place and vibe. This is a must visit when in New Orleans. They have amazing coffee!
Price per person
$1–10
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Fun, speak easy type atmosphere. Great staff! Cocktails were unique. Didn't have food here, but great place for a pre-dinner cocktail.
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

A really cool, laid back bar where you can sit and enjoy the atmosphere. The service was great and the drinks were awesome.
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Sexy, warm and inviting, unique crafted cocktails. Even the marinated olives and spicy nuts were amazing. Welcoming, friendly staff. The whole place was a vibe.

Great service, amazing cocktails, and beautiful atmosphere. If you are looking for a velvety, speakeasy, French vibe then this is your place. 100% going back.

Feels like sitting in a library or a big cozy living room. Loved the mocktails. Excellent service!
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

This quiet little speakeasy is hidden in plain sight. The cocktails were very nice. Our group only stopped in for a drink; we didnt try the food.

Amazing ambience!!! Staff was so nice and helpful. The bone marrow dish blew me away!!!
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Really cool bar - fun, relaxed vibe inside. Great cocktails. I will definitely go back in the future.