Jewel of the South

New Orleans

Old fashioned hospitality, cutting edge cocktails and signature Southern charm

New Orleans is famous for many things: jazz, beignets, po-boys, gumbo and, of course, bourbon-based sippers served up in music-filled drinking dens and polished hotel bars. But it’s the French Quarter stalwart, Jewel of the South, that has become the most lauded for its unique blend of Southern charm and exceptional, innovative cocktails.

Jewel is the brainchild of head bartender and owner Chris Hannah, formerly of French 75, and co-founder Nick Detrich (Cane & Table). While Detrich has parted ways with the bar, Hannah has remained as a purveyor of Jewel’s philosophy to use hospitality to bring people together to celebrate, commiserate and communicate.

Hannah grew his career in hospitality from humble roots, starting as a dishwasher before graduating to bar back and finally getting his first taste of front of house – where he has felt at home ever since.

It’s the thoughtful touches and considered service that keep people coming back to Jewel time and time again, whether that be the handwritten travel tips from Hannah scrawled on bar napkins or the art of anticipating guests’ every need that General Manager Paul Greagoff has honed over years of service.

There’s also the drinks menu, which manages to be both steeped in the history of classic cocktail craft and a contemporary embodiment of music and pop culture. Jewel’s bourbon and bitters-heavy Night Tripper cocktail was inspired by Hannah’s love of the late jazz musician, Dr. John. In turn, the Carnival Colada and Harlequin (Carnival Negroni) speak to the spirit and colour of Mardi Gras.

The phrase ‘good old fashioned Southern hospitality’ is often associated with Jewel of the South and could convey the cliched tropes of sweet tea and southern drawl. But Hannah and Greagoff’s hospitality comes with an earthier application – for the team, it’s all about ensuring visitors leave in better spirits than when they arrived.

It's the confidence of knowing that even if you’re a first-time visitor, you’re going to be an old friend by the time you’ve drained the last vestiges of your Sazerac that has won the bar the Michter’s Art of Hospitality Award 2024.

Now read the article and watch the video with Jewel of the South’s Hannah and Greagoff:

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