My favorite aspect of this place was the ambiance. We were staying at the hotel for the week and unfortunately arrived after closing our first night. We had a food & beverage credit to use each day so we decided to use our credits here most of the evenings after work. Every night we visited, it was not busy, which was awesome for us. The bartenders were okay most of the time. They were not overly enthusiastic but also relatively attentive each time. We went up to the bar every time to order upon entering and sat at a nearby table because they looked so cozy. I will say, they checked on us often and told us to remain at our table when we ordered anything. We ordered food one evening, just as a snack, because we both were so busy with work and did not have much time to each. I decided on the cheese charcuterie board and I swore it said $15 on the menu. When I saw the bill, it was more than double that!! It was good though. The prices were ridiculous with everything on the menu but the ambiance here is exactly what I crave and miss when going out. read more

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My husband and I went here for a wine tasting event. Caymus wines. The staff was very friendly. The place was nice and intimate. The wines were paired with delicious chef crafted bites . We had creamed asparagus,lamb,caviar,beef tenderloin and tiramisu beignets. All were delicious. They paired perfectly with each wine . I was told there will be more wine events and I'm looking forward to joining them . read more

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The is the bar in the lobby of the Hilton. It's classy in a dark wood kind of way. The bartenders were helpful and friendly but not overly interactive. My Negroni was exactly as expected. It was a bit pricey but I expect that in a hotel. read more

Public Belt - Bar - Cocktail Bars Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

Stopped in for a drink Bo before a reception. When we got here out was a quite little place. Within 15 min that changed to a loud and crowded bar. Had the one stop shop - what a light and refreshing drink - Hendricks gin, St. Geramane, ginger liqueur and lemon juice. read more

Public Belt - One stop shop - Cocktail Bars Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

Great cocktails, and even better service! Zeke, and Keith both were extremely prompt and attentive. I had a group of 6 come in, and we were all taken care of within 5 minutes, with drinks, and snacks! The cocktails were incredible, and the bartenders were knowledgeable about all of the spirits behind the bar! Can't wait to come back! read more

Keith, Zeke, and Alex were awesome! The drinks were incredible, but the service was even better. The bar was pretty busy, and I came in with a group of 10. They were absolute gems. Delivered us our cocktails quickly, and round after round they right there when we needed them to be. The cocktail menu had something for everyone on it, which was very nice. We had a great time. All of the bartenders were social, fun, and engaging. read more

Cool little piano bar with comfy lounge furniture and cool vibe. 2nd floor of the Riverwalk Hilton. The bartender we had was awesome and they have really cool cocktails to try out. She took her job seriously and each handcrafted cocktail was meticulously made right down to toasting my cinnamon stick for my amazing cocktail. read more

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Came in town for Jazzfest, and to get some good food and cocktails. Found a cozy, intimate bar right next to the Lobby at the Hilton. Looking over the cocktail menu, I was EXTREMELY impressed. After talking with Zeke the bartender I landed on trying the "Amaretto Agrio" cocktail (Im a tequila/mezcal guy) This was without question the best cocktail ive ever had in my life. There were layers on my palette, and a level of delicate complexity ive never imagined. Zeke was a great, and fun bartender as well. He was conversational, yet attentive to other guests. But made me feel like I was the most important person in the bar. After I finished my cocktail he made me a "Paper Plane" which is a whiskey cocktail. It was a great follow up from the first dink I had. Its nice to know that they really do care about the experience everyone has here. Please go to this bar if youre in town, if youre lucky enough to have Zeke behind the bar, you're in for a REAL treat. read more

Nice bar inside the Hilton hotel, perfect if you want something with a more intimate atmosphere. Friendly service and delicious drinks! We had espresso martinis before heading into the French quarter and it was the perfect drink to wake us up a little! read more

Public Belt - Espresso Martinis - Cocktail Bars Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

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Love the pianist here. He's a gem!! What a lovely way to spend a saturday night. The ambiance is unique.

It's a hotel bar in a city of great drinks. Like New Orleans, there are fun surprises everywhere. This bar was a gem. Zeke and Keith (the bartenders on the night I was here) are artists. First, they make their drinks with joy. And that is bundled with expertise, and a great palate. I had two of the best cocktails I've had anywhere in this place where I wouldn't expect it. Yes, do all the things but honestly you may be surprised that the best cocktails you had was on the second floor of the Hilton. read more

TL;DR: Highly recommended. Perfect venue to bring your date and plot your next move! The ambiance of this bar was sophisticated and elegant, with dim lighting and plush leather seating creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Soft jazz music played in the background, adding to the upscale and luxurious feel of the space, away from the chaos donwstairs. Highly recommended read more

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Gumbo is delicious, the Cesar salad even better! The service is on point and fast and the ambiance is what you expect in a half way decent hotel. read more

Boy oh boy, do I have a place for you. Tucked away in the Hilton Riverside, Public Belt is manned by two great bartenders, Aaron & Mike. These two craft some of the best cocktails I've ever had, and believe me, I've drank a lot in all 26 of my years. The amount of skill, craftsmanship & Integrity these two put into their drinks is outstanding. Along with Great drinks, the customer service is outstanding and a fun vibe overall. If you're into piano, our main man, Phil has those keys piping hot come 8 PM; ask him to play New York, New York Come one, come all, and ask for a hurricane, you won't regret it -BK read more

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Looks nice, conveniently located. Bartenders move @ the speed of molasses though. So if you have 10 years to place your order at least you have nice ambiance for your wait. read more

We really enjpu8the relax atmosphere of this piano bar. Wonderful craft drinks. Michael and Neyda were a delight. read more

Public Belt - Fun craft drinks! Michael and Neyda were amazing!!! Piano bar, small intimate experience. - Cocktail Bars Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

Are you a fancy mofo? This is a place for fancy mofos. Before you ask, let me be clear; I am not a fancy mofo. I can occasionally appreciate fancy mofo stuff though hence the four star review. I stopped in here because I wanted to get a bourbon before dinner. I beat my friends to the lobby and figured I should stop in. There was a dude playing piano, a bunch of groups or couples, and some giant unfancy dude in jeans and plaid. The bar had a pretty decent selection of booze and I opted for a glass of Tin Cup (some age statement, but I can't remember what it was). It was somewhere in the neighborhood of $20 with the tip. Whoa nah. I am definitely not fancy enough for this joint. I sat at an empty table and enjoyed the drink while listening to some dude play piano. He was pretty good so if you like that sort of thing, you will probably like this bar. If you are more of a sit at home and have a drink, or sit at a dive bar and drink kind of person, you will probably not. read more

Best cosmo I've had in NOLA. And I've been here a bunch. Great service and friendly. Come check them out. read more

Public Belt - a pink drink in a glass on a napkin - Cocktail Bars Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

As guests of the hotel, we stopped here for a cocktail before heading out for the evening. It was too early for live music and both TVs were on, tuned to different channels, which was a little incongruous with the atmosphere. The bartender was fairy aloof and disinterested except to point out the uniqueness of their cocktails and theme (pre-prohibition). I ordered the Scarlet Harlot. It came with a lime, not a lemon, and despite both being citrus they add very different flavors to the drink and that drives me a little nuts when a switch is made - there was a lemon on the counter behind the bar so I know it wasn't because they were out. I also didn't get any sense of the apricot liqueur in the cocktail. I didn't enjoy it and wished I would have ordered something else given the price. I wasn't brave enough to ask for something else as I hate to waste, so cannot speak to whether or not they would have accommodated. read more

Public Belt - Scarlet Harlot - Cocktail Bars Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

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A wonderful find while waiting for a table at Drago's. As fellow yelpers have already commented, the atmosphere is one that induces a sense of refinement, familiarity and privacy. Warm woods, comfortable leather and premium surfaces reflect the dim light and gentle din of discrete conversations both personal and professional in nature. Cocktails are generated with efficiency and style featuring a price point that is surprisingly approachable given the location. Bartenders and servers alike are willing to engage in conversation as much or as little as you like - simply excellent yet unobtrusive service through multiple rounds. read more

I love finding little gems that capture the spirit of a city. Went in for a cocktail because I was staying near the hotel but I would come back simply to visit the bar. The cocktails were original and the overall atmosphere has that high end vibe with leather chairs and a marble bar. It's a delicious way to enjoy a New Orleans vibe without fighting crowds. Ask for Howard! If you give him some guidelines, he can create you a completely unique cocktail. read more

Public Belt - A beautiful applejack cocktail. I asked for something original but not too sweet. Great recommendation. - Cocktail Bars Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

I enjoyed a nightcap at Public Belt after a busy day at a conference. The atmosphere was nice, and the service was excellent. I got a great recommendation on a drink, and enjoyed catching up with a colleague. It was a nice respite after a busy day. read more

Public Belt - Vieux Carre - Cocktail Bars Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

Loved this place! Just a refreshing, clean change from the hustle & bustle of Bourbon st. If your not stayin in the Hilton you should definitely come see David & Tabitha. read more

My friend and I are staying at the Hilton and decided to try this bar out before heading on the town. I ordered the honeycomb hideout which was brilliant and the bartender Michael made a custom Manhattan-esk drink. Not only were the drinks amazing, we thoroughly enjoyed our conversation with the bartender. Would highly recommend this bar for quality drinks and hopefully Michael will be working :) read more

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Great place. Piano player, Phil Meloncon, is very entertaining. Bartenders Mike and Aaron are professionals, friendly and also entertaining. read more

Nice atmosphere. They have comfortable bar stools and booths with tables. They also played good music at a good volume. They don't have a lot of variety in whiskey If you are looking for a particular drink. The bartender is friendly and knowledgeable. read more

Nice hotel bar! Great drinks and nice staff. I'm in love with this Black Mamba! The hours are kinda funny. But the atmosphere is nice and calm. Great place to relax. read more

Public Belt - Black Mamba!!!! - Cocktail Bars Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

Ooh, Neyda makes the yummiest drinks. Not too crowded and very comfy. We went back after dinner.

Hidden gem!! Great service!!! Definitely going to be back! Super awesome ambiance!!!

The ambiance is impeccable and the bartenders never cease to amaze me. Neyda is always extremely helpful and knowledgeable of the drinks. She even converted this tequila drinker to a smoked old fashioned. A.B. is one of the newer bartenders and he fits right in! The Drinkery lost out on a gem . read more

Yummy cocktails and great service! It's wonderful to meet bartenders who love what they do, and Inga and Neyda were delightful. They recommend new cocktails they were working up for summer - ask for the Gin Sin, it's soo good - and lightened up a long day. Cozy atmosphere bordering on intimate. If I lived in NOLA, I'd go here regularly, it was a great experience. read more

Advertised as a speakeasy for the modern day, you naturally walk in the door with expectations. I am by many measures a simple man. I have few needs, one of the most fundamental being that a foundational cocktail be done right. I'm not fussy, I'm certainly not prissy, I just can't stand it when someone who claims to be stone cold professional serves me something that just isn't what they claim it is. A perfect example for me is the Old Fashioned, which if it arrives with anything less than a monolith of ice is just as good as a canary dead and cold in the cage...a harbinger of fear, loathing and other less than happy tidings. The bartender is a pretender the thin veneer of hipster cool peeled away to reveal the soul-less carcass of naked commercialism. Saints be praised, Public Belt is on the side of the angels. I watched with anticipation as my Old Fashioned was constructed and the bartender reached into the low boy freezer to retrieve...a king cube. Yes, I can breathe again. I hadn't even realized that I was holding my breath the whole time. I exhaled and then inhaled the ethereal fumes of Asgaard laced with vanilla and Orange blossoms, a thing of infinite beauty and perfect symmetry. A sip then allowing my properly constructed Old Fashioned to slide down my parched gullet and straight into my primitive mid-brain to whisper sweet nothings to me and tell me that things are going to be ok, election year or no. To top off an already extremely satisfactory experience, Old Rip was available at what some may construe to be a nose-bleed expensive ride at $45 a pop for a 10 year old bourbon...akin to saying Monroe was some blonde. Public Belt, you're ok in my book! read more

Public Belt - Pappy's Rip van Winkle. - Cocktail Bars Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

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We met some friends for some drinks at this nice little cocktail bar. I like the loungey area and it's a good spot for mingling and we were here llater in the evening, so it wasn't busy at all. I wasn't in much of a cocktail mood on the night I was here, so I decided to get some local beer, of which they had a nice selection. I would love to go back and actually try some cocktails, because the ones that my friends were enjoying looked really good. Although, I always like finding "fancy" type places that aren't afraid to serve beer (and local beer at that!). read more

Public Belt - Cocktail Bars Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

Absolutely amazing! The bartenders Aaron and Mike are so crafty, personable, and just hands down great people. I had the best old fashioned I've ever had, and I try them everywhere I go! Truly a unique spot, can't wait to go back and try their new cocktail of the night! read more

Just had a nice little lunch here. I had the fish in chips, which were delicious and crunchy, juicy and double fried. Just how fish and chips should be! I ate every morsel. My wife ordered the carnivore pizza and she really loved it but however thought it was too much meat. Servers and bartenders were very gracious and helpful and friendly. read more

Pretty cool place for a hotel bar. Has cool light fixtures and it's not busy right now so the bartender is attentive. Ordered a weird vodka ginger beer drink, thought I was getting a knock off moscow mule, it tastes way different than that. Not terrible just not what I was expecting. Other that decent place for 1 drink before heading to the chaos on bourbon st read more

Public Belt - Cocktail Bars Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

This is my first time in NOLA and I have to state "It is a fantastic experience". The atmosphere is classic, warm and welcoming. The service is splendid, no waiting at all, it is quick efficient service. The music is a compliment to the environment of good o'southern hospitality. read more

After a long flight across country, we lucked into the Public Belt, a wonderful, cozy, lounge tucked in a corner of the Hilton. We sat at the bar, opened up the cocktail menu, and knew we'd made the right choice. And our pleasure increased when we starting talking with Ron, our bartender. He was so knowledgeable and he clearly enjoyed the art of craft cocktails and the profession of finding drinks to match our tastes. For the next three nights, we enjoyed both early evening and late night libations, trying new things (we never did get around to our favorite perfect Manhattans, but I know they'd be incredible). We both enjoyed the Vieux Carre, Sazerac, Martinez, Boulevardier, and Floozy. Yes, we may try to replicate one or more of these now that we are home, but it won't be the same. The ambience, beautiful glassware, spicy nuts, and Ron's dedication to perfection make Public Belt a special place. read more

We stopped in for a drink earlier in the night and they got busy so service was not exactly prompt. Went in later in the evening and the service was horrible to say the least. Not overly busy, we had to go to the bar to get their attention and still did not get served. Complained to the manager who just blew us off. Horrible. Horrible. Horrible. read more

Came here on a Saturday night at 12:45, hours state open til 2:00 am EVERYWHERE. Doors were closed and locked at 12:45. Went downstairs to Spirits bar they said "yeah it was slow so we can call last call early." Total BS. If you advertise open til 2, don't have your doors locked at 12:45. Don't count on this place for late nights. read more