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    Tropical Isle Original

    4.1 (276 reviews)
    ModerateBars

    Tropical Isle Original Photos

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    TROPICAL ISLE ORIGINAL ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Loud
    Casual
    Touristy
    Live music

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    Recommended Reviews - Tropical Isle Original

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    Beverage
    Kiyle S.

    Can't go to New Orleans and NOT get one of these. It's nice and freshing. You'll definitely need it for the southern heat.

    Hand grenade
    Jasmine T.

    Who doesn't love a hand grenade? I think I've stopped at all of the Tropical Isle locations on Bourbon to either buy one or a get a refill. Service is always super quick. They have the baskets to add a little fun and throw your grenade into. The drinks are strong. Definitely a must try when visiting.

    Gators
    Bianca D.

    I think there's about two or three drinks that you could order that will give you some type of huge container for you to carry out as a souvenir. The horny gator is my favorite flavor that it's tolerable.. There's a tropical punch type of flavor. That is also good. But I think the one that everyone wants to go home with to carry around is the grenade which Taste disgusting . However, it's a good time the bar staff treats you really nice. Ironically, we stopped twice in one day, one on our own and another one for a bar crawl tour.

    Gina M.

    This place is a guilty pleasure. If you are going to go for a sugary frozen drink, you may as well go for the original. The place wasn't crowded on a Saturday afternoon, and the band that played was actually pretty good! We just stopped for - brief drink. In the end, I think I prefer purple drank from Jean Lafitte's blacksmith shop, it's more discreet, but still will fall for a grenade from time to time.

    Cecilia T.

    We stopped in to get a hand grenade to go, and the experience did not disappoint. I asked the bartender if I should do the original or a flavor, and he said, "They all get you drunk." I couldn't tell if he was having an off day or if he leans into the snarky side of service, but it was kind of charming. The drink was incredibly sweet and very full of booze.

    Doug G.

    Is it really a trip to Bourbon Street if you didn't have at least one Hand Grenade? I think NOT...which is why we made multiple, questionable albeit, trips to Tropical Isle during our trip to NOLA and Bourbon Street! As with most bars on Bourbon, they are a little trashy, dirty and always crowded...but even with that, they are always fun! We popped in this Tropical Isle for a few hand grenades before wandering back out onto Bourbon. The drinks are dangerous, so pace yourselves...as they sneak up on you really quick! The famed Hand Grenade is basically a well drink with a bunch of mix-ins with the sole purpose of a good time on Bourbon, and it hits the mark every time. Service here is to the point. They are beyond busy at most times, so get in where you can fit in, order and keep it moving. Overall, Tropical Isle is a staple on any trip to New Orleans!

    Decor
    Tanisha H.

    Never a dull moment in Tropical Isle, when I land in Nola it is always my 2nd stop. Hotel first and then Tropical Isle. I LOVE frozen hand grenades. They are soooo good, and they are strong. There was a live band playing when we were there..

    The infamous hand grenade
    Lorri P.

    This spot never disappoints! The hand grenade is always the best! The service is spectacular! The bartenders are always warm and welcoming! It's just amazing to sit and enjoy it here! Nice bar and breeze sipping on the best drink in N'awlins!

    Cimanique N.

    Tropical Isle is the spot for a Hand Grenade on Bourbon Street. I don't know what's in that secret recipe, but it works--one of these will have you feeling good in no time. Plus, refills are half off, so the walk back is even more fun. A New Orleans must!

    Shark attack
    Ashley S.

    I came here specifically for the Shark Attack drink and it was everything I'd hoped for. They rang the bell, blew the whistle and even played into my video lol! I loved it!

    Stacy L.

    A must for Bourbon Street. The famous hand grenade! Fun atmosphere, the bartender is a cool guy. Live music.

    Hand Grenade
    Marissa W.

    If you're on Bourbon Street, trying a Hand Grenade at Tropical Isle is a must! This drink is legendary for a reason sweet, strong, but dangerously smooth. It has a tropical, melon-like flavor that goes down way too easily, but don't be fooled... it packs a punch! I got the frozen one and I just love these every trip to New Orleans I go down to get one. The vibe at Tropical Isle is lively and fun, with great music and a true New Orleans party atmosphere. Whether you're sipping inside or taking it to go while strolling Bourbon Street, a Hand Grenade guarantees a good time. Pro tip: Pace yourself, these are stronger than they taste! Would definitely recommend for the full NOLA experience.

    Joche' H.

    I came to Tropical Isle Original with one goal in mind and it was accomplished! The infamous hand grenade was one of the many items on my bucket list to try in NOLA and it was such a good frozen daquiri. For $13 I was impressed with the taste and the vibes at the bar, as I spotted the wall art and jammed to Rihanna for a few minutes. The bartender was friendly too. I would come back for another one if on Bourbon Street.

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    8 months ago

    Tim is da bomb!!!! Thank you for the drinks and hospitality! We got hand grenades, and the kid to bring home with us

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    Page 1 of 7

    Ask the Community - Tropical Isle Original

    Is this the location that has the older bartender? I heard she is very entertaining

    What are y'all's hours right now during the pandemic?

    Regular business hours.

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    Review Highlights - Tropical Isle Original

    Whether you're sipping inside or taking it to go while strolling Bourbon Street, a Hand Grenade guarantees a good time.

    Mentioned in 121 reviews

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    The Spotted Cat Music Club

    The Spotted Cat Music Club

    4.4
    (1.1k reviews)
    0.7 mi
    $$

    We were hesitant because there were only a few people sitting at the bar when we walked in. It…read moreturned out that was the band, which meant it was just the two of us girls, so we decided we'd just have a drink and see what happens. It was 2 p.m. afterall, so not a lot of people were out in general. Turns out the band was great! Then people started trickling in and there was a good crowd enjoying the music with us. We had a great time, chatted with other patrons and a few of the band members. Good drinks, prices are on the higher end at ~$15, but still affordable. I had a Pimm's cup which was refreshing, they are served in souvenir to go cups that are really cute. Glad we decided to stay! A great time was had.

    Before I start, this is my review based on my experience. I've noticed some people complain about…read morethe music, paying the cover charge, seating or the size of the venue. I'm not here to argue any of those points. I will say this: expecting live musicians to perform for free until you decide whether they're worth paying is ridiculous. The cover is usually only $5...$10 max. If that's a dealbreaker, this probably isn't your place. Stay home and stream Spotify. Now... I have some friends in town, and whenever that happens, a Monday night trip to the Spotted Cat is basically mandatory. I've been coming here for years and years. Yes, it's super touristy now, but it still gives me the warm fuzzies every time I walk through those doors. So I'm presenting the "compliment sandwich" review. Never heard of it? You start with a compliment, slip in some constructive-ish criticism, then end with another compliment. Supposedly people receive feedback better that way. Let's see. First, the music. Outstanding. Chris Christy wasn't what I thought I wanted to hear until I actually heard him. I felt completely transported. Man, can that guy play the guitar. It felt kinda like gypsy music. Then came the Frenchmen Street Allstars. The last time I saw them, they had a different lead singer and, honestly, they kind of felt like a completely different band, aside from the phenomenal drummer. This version did not disappoint. It was a great mix of jazz and New Orleans standards. Both bands were great! **Now a note to management.** Great music isn't enough. The bar should be every bit as memorable as the stage. Forgive me, I didn't get the bartenders' names, so I have to describe them by physical traits. The first bartender, the guy with the mountain of curly hair, was friendly enough and made decent drinks. Later, another bartender with a short haircut took over and made the best drinks of the night. Then there was the bartender with the black and hot pink hair. She looked like she'd rather be anywhere else. She rarely smiled, her demeanor felt unwelcoming, and it almost came across as hostile. On top of that, the drinks she made were so weak I genuinely wondered if there was any alcohol in them. Seriously. They were that bad. Here's my philosophy: if you're going to be grumpy, aloof, or have some other off-putting trait, you'd better make a mean drink. Years and years ago there was a bartender named Curtis who wasn't exactly sunshine and rainbows, but that man could make a cocktail. I didn't need him to smile because the drink did all the talking. If the drink is mostly soda, though, friendliness becomes a lot more important. Unfriendly and bad bartending is a double whammy. She must be somebody's child or partner because I can't think of any other reason to employ a bad bartender. I hate to belabor the point, but the drinks aren't cheap. Cheap and bad I can take. For another comparison, there's another bartender there, I'm pretty sure her name is Chris. She's been there for years. She's all business. Maybe a little surly. Who am I kidding? A lot surly. But she's a character. More importantly, she makes a great drink. That's the kind of personality that somehow fits the Spotted Cat perfectly. Now let me end with the final piece of "bread" on my compliment sandwich. The doorman deserves his own review. That gravelly-voiced "Welcome to the Spotted Cat!" is part of the experience. Then he absolutely hammers that stamp onto your wrist. Somehow you don't even mind because you know what's waiting on the other side: incredible music, a fun room, and one of the best nights you can have on Frenchmen Street. Just don't let the bartender with the pink and black hair make your drink.

    Photos
    High seats by the door
    High seats by the door
    Spotted Cat
    Spotted Cat
    The Spotted Cat Music Club

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    Peacock Room

    Peacock Room

    4.4
    (237 reviews)
    0.6 mi
    $$

    Had dinner and drinks at The Peacock Room recently with a group of friends, and it exceeded…read moreexpectations from start to finish. The atmosphere is absolutely fantastic, inviting, and perfect for a night out. The food was just as impressive. We shared the cheese board to start, which was a great choice, and every entree at the table was outstanding. The shrimp and grits were packed with flavor, the braised short ribs were incredibly tender, and the smash burger was great. The service was attentive, the cocktails were excellent, and the overall experience was top notch. Hands down, The Peacock Room is a hidden gem. If you're looking for a great spot for dinner, drinks, and a memorable evening, this place deserves a spot at the top of your list.

    Stopped by Peacock in New Orleans and had a great experience. I ordered the smash burger with added…read morebacon, and it did not disappoint. The burger was cooked medium-well, and the bacon was crispy without being overcooked. The house sauce was a perfect compliment and really tied all the flavors together. If I'm being a critic, I prefer well done but I did not specify and I understand most people would rather have it the way it comes. :) The fries came out hot, fresh, and seasoned well. To top it all off, I ordered the Ms. Josephine Baker cocktail, and it was excellent--it completed the meal perfectly. The atmosphere was another highlight. It had a nice, low-key vibe with upbeat instrumental music that made it easy to relax and enjoy the food. Bartenders were friendly. If you're looking for a laid-back spot with great food and drinks in New Orleans, Peacock is definitely worth checking out.

    Photos
    Bar area
    Bar area
    Castelvetrano Olives
    Castelvetrano Olives
    View of the bar

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    View of the bar

    Tropical Isle Original - bars - Updated July 2026

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