When Is A Hurricane A Good Thing? When It's At Pat O'Brien's!

      New Orleans is a city known for many things; mind blowing food, soulful jazz, welcoming people full of charm, and above all else, a great place to get a drink.  For a city legendary for it's libations, it possesses a countless number of bars and clubs to consume them in.  However, no trip to "The Big Easy" would be complete without a stop in the world famous Pat O'Brien's.  This establishment is like no other on Bourbon Street.  It is massive, with three different bars to sip that mint julep or sazerac in.  Including a piano bar featuring two talented players dueling it out, and an incredible tropical patio that could have come from anywhere in the Caribbean, if it wasn't for that characteristic southern hospitality that the wait staff exudes.

     Pat's also has one thing that few other bars on Bourbon Street possess, and that is class.  Most bars on Bourbon Street are tacky hole's in the wall, pushing out sickly sweet, slurpy like concoctions to collage students.  Where as Pat O' Brien's is full of charm, eloquence, and has a genuine since of fun.  It is sometimes rowdy and rambunctious but always meant in good spirits.

     Many people are surprised to find out that the "Hurricane" was invented right here.  Owners Charlie Cantrell and George Oechsner stumbled across this phenomenal concoction during World War II and now this city is synonymous with this amazing cocktail.  The drink consists of varying types of rum and passion fruit juice then served up in a large 28oz. hurricane lantern shaped glass.  For those who go for the ridiculously large food offerings like a five pound burgers or a table size piazza, Pat O' Brien's  offers the magnum size hurricane.  It is a three gallon Hurricane that you have to drink standing up.  Bring some friends and try polishing one of these monsters off!

     Anyway, as I sit at a charming Cafe style table, under a collection of palm trees and hibiscus flowers, devouring my delicious ruby red hurricane, I cannot help but think how Pat's is just another quintessential example of what makes New Orleans a must see for travelers!

www.patobriens.com