Arnaud’s French 75

Even the most obstinate dive bars can now serve a drinkable Old Fashioned, but don't tell the French 75 that a renaissance was ever required. The white-coated crew at James Beard-winning bar The City that Care Forgot has retained a drinking culture that lesser places let die after the heyday of alcoholic tinctures.

The fact that they're just as happy pouring the famous sweet-yet-bitter French 75 as they are experimenting with mezcal and tequila is undoubtedly a big part of it, but the gloomy, tiled bar's ambiance and service make the whole thing feel like old-school drinking. This is merely the anticipated norm for the decades-old bar, rather than a deliberate design, which tells much about how excellent it is.

Location: 813 Bienville St, New Orleans, LA 70112

Website: arnauds.com