The Bower Bar

    Claimed
    $$ Wine Bars, Cocktail Bars
    Closed

    What's the vibe?

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    Inside

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    Outside

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    Classy
    Outdoor seating
    Happy hour specials
    Good for groups

    Review Highlights

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    Location & Hours

    Map

    1320 Magazine St

    New Orleans, LA 70130

    Lower Garden District

    Mon

    • 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM

    Tue

    • 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM

    Wed

    • 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM

    Thu

    • 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM

    Fri

    • 4:00 PM - 10:00 PM

    Sat

    • 4:00 PM - 10:00 PM

    Sun

    • Closed

    Closed now

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    Amenities and More

    Ask the Community

    • Q:

      Do y'all host private events?

      A:

      Hi Bella, yes we host private events. Depending on the size of the group, budget and availability we can either do semi-private or private events. If you are looking at a specific date for an event, please feel free to email… more

      Nancy W., Business Owner 
      5 years ago 1 person found this helpful

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    Overall rating

    69 reviews

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    • Photo of Dave S.
      Dave S.
      Roswell, GA
      92
      299
      426
      Jan 23, 2023

      We absolutely loved this spot! We sat at the bar during happy hour and ate a few snacks. They have amazing drinks here, and we ordered both the Paloma and a drink called the "mood ring" - both were perfect.

      As for food (and I neglected to get any photos because we were starving), we got:

      1. Cacio y pepe - a delicious pasta dish that was a little bit peppery and cheesy. Filling, too.

      2. Castelvetrano olives - these are killer! They are warm olives, which was a new one for me, but pleasantly surprised. If you like olives, you should try these.

      3. Charcuterie plate - Really well-done plate with plenty of food.

      No question we'll be back for a proper dinner or a full meal, the place is just fantastic. Great folks working here, too, we really enjoyed chatting with everyone.

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    • Photo of Cassie M.
      Cassie M.
      New Orleans, LA
      5
      118
      452
      Jun 11, 2024

      This is such a cute space! I love the dinning area, the bar and the outdoor space. It's so cute. The service was really good too! We had drinks and apps. I tried a few different drinks that all tasted really good, and most of the appetizers were delish! I thought the arancini was kind of bland in comparison, and we all agreed that the tuna tartar had an unpleasant floral note from the rose vinegar. I would order the whipped feta and the truffle parm bread over and over again though!

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    • Photo of Edwin W.
      Edwin W.
      Filmore, New Orleans, LA
      389
      16
      53
      May 8, 2024

      Wonderful happy hour at The Bower. Food and drinks came out quickly and service was great. We had Palomas and Apricot daiquiris which were both delicious. Truffle bread, Spicy Scallop Arancini, cheese and meat plates which were great as well. Lovely space and ambience. Will be back again!

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    • Photo of Darci K.
      Darci K.
      Las Vegas, NV
      6
      14
      6
      Jun 15, 2024

      Loved the tiki takeover theme! Went for happy hour. Loved the Cacio e Pepe. The frozen pina colada was overpriced not a good value but tasted good.

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    • Photo of Jando S.
      Jando S.
      Houston, TX
      3628
      4873
      44345
      Dec 16, 2022

      Before its current iteration as The Bower Bar, I knew this place strictly as Claret. Beyond the rebranding, not much has changed as they still offer quality cocktails, a nice indoor / outdoor ambiance, some halfway decent food, and a killer happy hour. In NOLA where good drinks and good company is life, this is one of the betterment establishments without the hustle or bustle.

      The inside is modern and clean. I appreciate their extensive outdoor seating and very clean bathrooms. Packing can be a challenge, practically everything is limited to street parking. When in doubt ride sharing is key. (#1)

      Happy Hour is usually my golden hour here, since some of their signature cocktails that normally cost $13-16 are now suddenly $7-8. (#2) They're all potent, well-crafted, and the presentation is on point. The house punch, paloma, and old fashioned are great options to start. From the regular cocktail menu, I really like the magazine margarita ($13), mood ring ($14), and 51 problems ($14).

      The chef's selection charcuterie ($35) is really good. That Spanish goat cheese and truffle oil chicken liver mousse is particularly excellent. The pappardelle bolognese ($28), basil spaghetti ($23), porcini conchiglie ($28, scallops ($38) are quite nice.

      When the prices are at a certain point, I expect the service to be stellar. They've always done a good job at taking care of everyone with me and I've always left here feeling good. Consider The Bower Bar for an ideal group gathering and a fun date.

      __________
      (#1) Drinking and driving is a little too easy in the Big Easy.
      (#2) Welcome to 2022 where $7 cocktails are now considered a deal.

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    • Photo of John G.
      John G.
      Academy Estates East, Albuquerque, NM
      0
      41
      May 14, 2024

      Friendly, fun and a great spot for a drink and appetizers. Bower potatoes are not to be missed. Staff is attentive at this bright, fresh gem.

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    • Photo of Shannon S.
      Shannon S.
      Garden District, New Orleans, LA
      446
      2619
      9354
      Nov 18, 2023

      This is a wine and cocktail bar formerly known as "Claret" that shares a patio with their across the way neighbor Birdies Behind the Bower. This is a popular spot for happy hour. The vibe here tends to be more upscale and there is an absolute lack of any dive bar ambiance here. The food trends in an Italianish meets California direction and most definitely exhibits zero New Orleans Creole influences. I've actually never eaten here (I have eaten at Birdies Behind the Bower) but I've had some drinks as there are a few things on the menu that look interesting to me here but so far I haven't been inspired to try any of them; for example a $30 chicken parmesan just doesn't seem like a very decently priced item to me when I know of LOTS of other places I can get an equivalent for a better value. Personally for the $30 price range I'm getting a big steak or a lot of seafood. Overall it is an interesting place that seems to draw large groups of females together around happy hour time to grab drinks as they snack on little nibbles of things so they do bring plenty of joy and happiness to those folks here.

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    • Photo of Ashley B.
      Ashley B.
      Harvey, LA
      410
      24
      8
      Nov 9, 2023

      Good service good charcuterie great bartender and bartender conversation. End with the chocolate torte=0.5lb of decadence.

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    • Photo of Haley P.
      Haley P.
      New Orleans, LA
      309
      206
      1233
      Jun 15, 2021

      This little spot is so cute, perfect for a girls night or date night. My husband and I came a few nights ago, and not only do they have awesome wine and cocktails, but the food is so delicious as well. Fun vibe and great service.

      We tried a few drinks: 51 problems and chargarita are somewhat similar tequila/mezcal drinks. Husband enjoy s the rosemary's baby-a light citrusy whiskey drink. To ear, we got the tuna tartare (fresh, flavorful, yum), crispy cauliflower (slightly crispy, well seasoned), and octopus (warm stew-like dish).

      Rotating punch of the day is always delicious!

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      Business owner information

      Photo of Nancy W.

      Nancy W.

      Jun 29, 2021

      Haley, thank you for coming in! We are so glad you and your husband enjoyed everything. We look forward to seeing you again soon.

    • Photo of Helen M.
      Helen M.
      New Orleans, LA
      313
      446
      1528
      Aug 11, 2022
      Updated review

      So far I can only speak for my drink selection. I did the LGD cocktail. Reposado Tequila, hibiscus and orange flower, orgeat and mole bitters are the ingredients to this such sweet cocktail. I really enjoy this cocktail a lot!it's really refreshing you guys and light weight for.

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      Business owner information

      Photo of Nancy W.

      Nancy W.

      Jan 22, 2020

      Helen, thank you coming in! We are so glad you so enjoyed our happy hour menu.

      Jan 7, 2020Previous review

    1 other review that is not currently recommended

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