So you’re coming to The Big Easy in December to celebrate December 25th and maybe New Year’s. Welcome! We’re very hospitable and welcoming here. So, in the spirit of the season, I’ve come up with seven spots that you may want to visit while you’re in NOLA. In other words, I’ve done the heavy lifting so you can have lots of fun – fair enough!

“HEY, I’M IN THE MOOD FOR A COUPLE OF BEERS.”

Great! Take a look at the Avenue Pub that’s on 1732 St. Charles Avenue and has been described as “a neighborhood dive bar that – from the outside – doesn’t look like anything special.” Well, you know that old adage that we kick around from time-to-time, “Don’t judge a book by its cover.” This two-story beer bar has more than 40 beers on tap + even more in bottles and a very appetizing menu, e.g., Toast Aux Champignons, a classic dish that’s popular in Belgium. Best of all, you can watch the world go by from an upstairs patio.

“I LIKE TO DRINK BEER, EAT OYSTERS AND SHOOT POOL.”

We’ve got just the ticket: Cooter Browns Tavern and Oyster Bar at 509 S. Carrollton Avenue is just sitting there waiting for you! It attracts a great mix of college kids, eccentric characters and swells from uptown. You can drop in for brews (84 on tap) and freshly shucked oysters. Then shoot a little pool or watch sports on TV. No wonder locals love this place.

“NO BEER FOR ME. I’M INTO ROCK ‘EM, SOCK ‘EM COCKTAILS.”

You got it. Why not head over to Tonique at 820 N. Rampart Street and spend time at a bartender’s bar. This gem mixes some of the best drinks in New Orleans. You’ll agree when you imbibe their Moscow Mule or Frenchmen’s Dark & Stormy (the name alone sells this drink).

“A FREE BUFFET DINNER ON MONDAY NIGHTS? NO WAY!”

Yep, we said the same thing so we double-checked and it’s true. You’ll find Twelve Mile Limit at 500 S. Telemachus Street. It’s staffed with very skilled people behind the bar and in the kitchen. Here’s a drink to try: The Great Idea is a house-made ginger-beer concoction you’ll love! The menu offers pulled pork and the traditional French doberge cake. This is a win-win.

“I WANT TO GO TO ONE OF THOSE OLD HISTORICAL BARS.”

You’ll love the Napolean House that‘s hanging in at 500 Chartres Street in the French Quarter. The place looks as if it hasn’t had a dab of paint since it opened in 1797. (When we say, “hanging in” we mean it.) The author Walker Percy, who wrote books set in New Orleans, called this “vital decay” – with emphasis on the word “decay.” Try the grilled alligator sausage.

“LEAD ME TO THE OLDEST OPERATING BAR IN AMERICA.”

No problem. That’s Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop at 941 Bourbon Street. It is suggested that this place was once the workshop of Jean Lafitte and his brother Pierre. True or not, it dates back to the 18th century. At night it’s lit with candles and lanterns. There are also T-shirts and caps one can buy.

“HEADING FOR THE END! ABSINTHE WAS OUTLAWED IN 1914.”

Really! Yep, but not to worry because at Old Absinthe House located at 240 Bourbon Street they have a locally produced anisette – a safe stand-in for the old absinthe-based drinks. This bar has three balconies for perfect viewing during Mardi Gras. Why not think about reserving a spot to watch this madness while staying with us at Rathbone? We’re a 20-minute-walk away!

Shaun Nelson-Henrick