Louisiana is an alcohol state with a football problem. Fortunately for fans of the LSU Tigers, the New Orleans Saints, UL's Ragin Cajuns, and the Greenwave of Tulane, it is the off-season so we don't have to divide our time between drinking and football. This means we can focus on our favorite watering holes and what kind of amazing accolades they have earned while we were watching football this past fall.

Photo by John Lamparski/Getty Images for NYCWFF
Photo by John Lamparski/Getty Images for NYCWFF
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Tales of the Cocktail Foundation has announced nominees for their annual Spirited Awards and it should not come as a shock to you that several Louisiana establishments fared very well in the nomination process. For professionals in the hospitality industry, the Spirited Awards are confirmation that they are offering the best possible experience to their customers and patrons.

The Spirited Awards recognize professionals in the beverage industry, the products used to create the beverages, and the establishments that provide the atmosphere for the beverages to be enjoyed in. The Spirited Awards are broken down into International and Domestic nominees. For the domestic nominees, the country is divided into three regions. There is the East, the West, and the Central. Louisiana bars are in the "central" category.

Group of friends around pub table, toasting drinks, smiling, side view
Digital Vision, ThinkStock
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What Bars Are Nominated for Best Bar in the Central United States?

The two bars from Louisiana that earned a nomination for a Spirit Award are Bar Tonique and Beachbum Berry's Latitude 29. Both of those bars are in New Orleans. Bar Tonique has been open since 08/08/08, I am seeing some numerology here, and they pride themselves on serving straightforward great cocktails, carefully curated wines, and craft beers.

Beachbum Berry's Latitude 29 pays homage to New Orleans latitude and longitude in their name as they serve cocktails from their location at 321 North Peters in the Big Easy. Beachbum Berry's Latitude 29 fancies itself as a tiki-style gastropub that offers exotic drinks and island-inspired cuisine.

Photo by Carsten Koall/Getty Images
Photo by Carsten Koall/Getty Images
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What Are the Best Hotel Bars in Louisiana?

The Spirited Awards also offer recognition in the realm of hotel bars. And since tourism is such a large part of our state's economy it's important to know what establishments are treating our guests properly. In the hotel bar category, Louisiana placed four in the Central Division nominations. The Chandelier Bar at Four Seasons in New Orleans earned a nod. As did the Dovetail Bar at the Schaeffer Hotel in New Orleans.

Other hotel bars in Louisiana that earned a Spirited Award nomination were the Elysian Bar at Hotel Peter and Paul and the Sazerac Bar at the Roosevelt in New Orleans. The final awards will be handed out in July at the Spirited Awards ceremonies. We wish all of the nominees the best, especially those nominees from Louisiana.

Louisiana Restaurants Featured on 'Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives'

Gallery Credit: Jude Walker

 

 

 

 

 

 

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