Bourbon Parade, a first-of-its-kind bar destination, has made its debut on the Las Vegas Strip at Grand Bazaar Shops, bringing the rich history, music and spirit of New Orleans to the city with its arrival.
[Ed. note: Bourbon Parade closed as of November 2023.]
In Las Vegas, we’re used to being transported to another destination. With hallmarks of the Strip including France’s Eiffel Tower, New York’s Statue of Liberty and Egypt’s Great Pyramid of Giza––our city is quite literally famous for its ability to let you voyage to an entirely different destination. Now, with the opening of Bourbon Parade comes Las Vegas’s newest escape, but this time, to the heart of New Orleans.
Inspired by iconic celebrations in the French Quarter, Bourbon Parade is the perfect bar to go to with those in your life who deeply appreciate music (especially live jazz music) or just a good ol’ classic New Orleans-style cocktail.
Speaking of libations, our favorites include the Mardi Gras Punch, a Big Easy-style rum punch where every sip feels like a carnival celebration, and the Hurricane, a French Quarter rum punch legend–created at the iconic Bourbon Street bar Pat O’Brien’s in the 1940’s.
For those of you searching for something more classic (but still seriously sweet), we recommend the Mint Julep, with bourbon, mint, sugar and some added “Southern charm.” Frozen cocktail fans can’t skip the New Orleans Frozen Irish Coffee, a frozen delight for strolling French Quarter streets—or (more conveniently) doing a second line on the Vegas Strip. For more adventurous drinkers, we recommend the Purple Drank, a lemon-butterfly tea-vodka delight, with “no cough syrup or record deals included.”
But more than anything, we cannot advocate enough for trying the World Famous Dreamsicle Fizz, made with Gator Bite Satsuma Rum, vanilla vodka, Cointreau, orange juice, simple syrup and egg white––all shaken vigorously in a Crawley’s Imperial Cocktail Shaker (strikingly inspired by 18th-century hand-cranked shakers, which the bartender will let you hand shake yourself, if you’d like). The mixture is poured over sparkling brut to produce an effervescent cocktail, which is then topped by an irresistible egg white foam, or “fizz”––harkening from the Ramos Gin Fizz (which was created in the 1880’s by Henry Ramos and served at The Old Hickory in New Orleans).
Notably, on this and other select bar drinks topped with edible foam, guests have the ability to order custom printed images with a bourbon foam for an additional charge.
On top of hosting live music every evening, Bourbon Parade also features second line parades––a marching house brass band led by an over-the-top grand marshal who amasses a following of onlookers-turned-participants dancing, waving handkerchiefs and twirling parasols, that grows by the minute––making it the ultimate place for you to take a group on your next night out. Bystanders are always encouraged to join, and guests can reserve their own parade to celebrate any occasion (think: weddings, bachelorette parties, anniversaries and birthdays).
If you have a chance, pay special attention to the way artists from all over the world put their mark on the space through custom-designed, handmade tap handles; New Orleans-style hand-painted signs; curated vintage jazz posters; artwork; and a gallery of classic photography.
Our pro tips: Snag a seat under the beautifully lit up Mardi Gras tree for a great photo opp, a clear view of the stage and a favorable spot close to the bar. And be sure to travel up the stairs to the landing to take in a full panoramic view of the NOLA-inspired space from up above (and get a rather gratifying perspective of all the people dancing and raising their gold souvenir Champagne bottles down below).
Bourbon Parade is open Sunday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 2 a.m., and Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 a.m. Admission is complimentary. The venue is all ages until 9 p.m., after which it is 21-and-older.
For more information on Bourbon Parade, visit bourbonparadevegas.com.
3619 Las Vegas Blvd. South, Ste. 100
Las Vegas, NV 89109