This isn’t walkable, and I recommend getting a reservation before heading to Freret to imbibe. In my humble opinion, the attention to detail with every drink created in this establishment make it the best place to enjoy a cocktail while visiting the birthplace of the cocktail.

Do you like dive bars? Have you had your tetanus shot? If so, grab a wad of cash and head up to Snake and Jakes. It is the type of place that would survive a nuclear holocaust. You’ll know you’ve arrived when you think your driver is dropping you off at someone’s back yard shed; that’s the place!

This is my favorite place to take out of town guests. This rooftop bar atop the Pontchartrain Hotel on St. Charles has one of the best views of the city and excellent cocktails. I recommend checking this one out in the evening. Plenty to see from the top!

Located on the first floor of the Four Seasons, you can easily walk to this spot and enjoy an excellent cocktail in an upscale environment. The Cocktail Orleans is my favorite and will do its fair share of damage. Drink up!

Look, I don’t care too much for the sugary Hurricane drink that makes Pat O’s famous. That doesn’t stop me from grabbing one every now and then and enjoying the best dueling piano bar in the country. When the happy fella walks out on stage to tap on his tray, be sure to throw a few bucks his way. His name is Alvin Babineaux and he has been tapping that tray for 55 years. He is a New Orleans institution!

Want to try something new? I do. I haven’t tried Jewel of the South yet, but it comes highly recommended. It is walkable from the conference and I plan to check it out soon! It prides itself on quality cocktails. You can’t go wrong with that!

Patrick’s Bar Vin, Carousel Bar, Sazerac Bar, Rosie’s on the Roof. For Pete’s sake, however, avoid the Hand Grenades. There isn’t enough liquid IV to save you and you’re too old for that type of behavior!