New Orleans Eat, Drink, VUE: Sazerac House and Observation Deck

Taking a tour that combines stunning city views, iconic cocktails, and Creole cuisine sounds like a fantastic way to spend an afternoon in New Orleans. While we haven’t personally taken this exact experience, the reviews and detailed itinerary suggest this is a well-crafted taste of the city’s vibrant culture. Designed for those who love authentic flavor, history, and panoramic sights, it captures the essence of NOLA in a manageable three-hour window.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the Vue Orleans observation deck promises unbeatable 360-degree views from the city’s only rooftop platform atop the former World Trade Center. Second, the Sazerac House tour offers an interactive journey through New Orleans’ legendary cocktail scene, complete with tastings and live demonstrations. One possible consideration? The tour is geared toward those over 21, and the menu is fixed, with no vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free options listed. Still, for anyone eager to combine sightseeing with delicious bites and drinks, this experience seems ideal.

If you’re the kind of traveler who appreciates a blend of scenic vistas, cultural stories, and culinary delights—all with a lively, social atmosphere—you’ll find this tour hits many of those marks. Families with older children, couples, or friends wanting a well-rounded taste of the city will likely enjoy its balanced mix of education, entertainment, and food.

Key Points

Stunning panoramic views from the only rooftop observation deck in New Orleans.
Expert guides and lively storytelling, especially at the Sazerac House.
Tastings of iconic cocktails and Creole cuisine, providing authentic local flavor.
A well-paced, manageable itinerary that balances sightseeing with tasting stops.
A small group experience (maximum 13), ensuring personalized attention.
Great value for the price when considering the included drinks, food, and attractions.

An In-Depth Look at What You Can Expect

The Vue Orleans Observation Deck: Breathtaking Views and a Cocktail

Your journey begins at Vue Orleans, perched on the 34th floor of the former World Trade Center, now part of the Four Seasons hotel. As you ascend to the rooftop, you’ll be greeted with what many reviews call “the best views in the city.” The 360-degree panoramic platform allows you to see New Orleans spread out before you—from the Mississippi River to the historic French Quarter, and beyond.

The included cocktail elevates the experience, letting you sip a refreshing drink while taking in the skyline. We loved the way the deck offers unobstructed vistas—ideal for photos or simply soaking in the city’s charm. It’s a perfect spot for a quick, stunning overview before moving on to deeper explorations of NOLA’s culture.

Walking Along Canal Street: Stories and Atmosphere

A short walk takes you down Canal Street, where you’ll hear snippets of New Orleans’ history and learn about the people who shaped its food and music. This free segment allows you to absorb the local vibe and get a feel for the neighborhood’s importance as a cultural hub. It’s an informal yet informative transition that sets the scene for the culinary adventures ahead.

The Sazerac House: Cocktail Culture Comes Alive

Next up is the Sazerac House, an interactive museum and distillery dedicated to New Orleans’ historic cocktail scene. Here, you’ll enjoy a guided tour that brings to life the story of the Sazerac cocktail, one of the city’s most iconic drinks. The live demonstrations and tastings are a highlight, especially if you appreciate a good story behind your favorite tipple.

The educational center helps you understand the ingredients and techniques that make New Orleans cocktails so special. Past guests have raved about how knowledgeable guides like Laurent make the experience not just fun but memorable. One reviewer mentioned, “Laurent was incredible—so funny and full of stories.”

Bourbon House: Seafood, Sweets, and Sip

Your tour wraps up at Bourbon House, a popular spot famous for its Creole classics. Here, you can sample gumbo, Bananas Foster, and enjoy a Bourbon milk punch or sparkling beverage. The food is classic, hearty, and full of authentic flavor.

Guests have expressed appreciation for the delicious food and the relaxed atmosphere, with one saying, “Loved the food and the stories. Laurent was great.” While the tour doesn’t include additional cocktails, the included drinks and tastings leave most satisfied.

How the Tour Adds Value

For $120 per person, this experience delivers quite a bit. You get admission to Vue Orleans’s observation deck, including a cocktail, which alone is a memorable highlight. The Sazerac House tour offers a behind-the-scenes look at New Orleans’ famous cocktail culture, complete with tastings and demonstrations that you wouldn’t easily find on your own.

The food tastings—gumbo, bread pudding, and Bourbon milk punch—highlight the city’s culinary heritage. Many travelers note that such food and drink experiences in a small group setting (maximum 13) provide a more intimate and engaging atmosphere than large tours. The inclusion of three alcoholic beverages and food tastings makes this a practical way to sample the city’s flavors without the hassle of multiple reservations.

Timing and Group Size

Starting at 2:00 pm, the tour is paced well to allow for relaxed sightseeing and tasting. The group size maxes out at 13, which helps ensure you get enough attention from guides and can ask questions freely. It’s near public transportation, making it convenient to meet up without stress.

Practical Considerations

While the tour is suitable for most travelers, note that you must be 21 or older to participate, and the menu does not cater to vegetarians, vegans, or those with gluten allergies. Many of the dishes contain pork, so dietary restrictions should be considered. Also, gratuities for guides are not included but are always appreciated.

Authentic Experiences That Shine

Based on reviews, this tour excels in knowledgeable guides—many guests sing praises about Laurent, who keeps the storytelling lively and informative. The stunning views from Vue Orleans are repeatedly described as “amazing” and “the best in the city,” making it a highlight for photographers and sightseers alike.

Guests also particularly enjoy the food and drink tastings. The gumbo, bread pudding, and cocktails are considered authentic and flavorful, providing a true taste of New Orleans. One reviewer exclaimed, “I’ve done other food tours and have left hungry, but not this one!” which speaks volumes about the quality and quantity of the offerings.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for first-time visitors who want a quick but comprehensive taste of New Orleans. It combines spectacular city views, cultural stories, and local flavors, creating a well-rounded snapshot of the city’s spirit.

It’s also a great choice for couples and small groups looking for a lively, engaging way to explore with minimal hassle. Since the tour isn’t focused on physical exertion or long walks, it’s suitable for most ages and fitness levels—just remember the age restriction.

For travelers who love history, cocktails, and authentic cuisine, this tour offers a balanced mix with high value. If you’re after a deep dive into specific neighborhoods or a more active exploration, you might want to supplement it with additional tours.

The Sum Up

This New Orleans Eat, Drink, VUE experience offers a compelling way to see and taste the city in just a few hours. The combination of stunning panoramic views, interactive cocktail education, and delicious Creole bites makes it an appealing choice for those short on time but eager to get a genuine taste of NOLA.

The small group size enhances the sense of intimacy, and the knowledgeable guides make the stories come alive. The included tastings and the opportunity to snap photos from the rooftop elevate this beyond a typical sightseeing tour.

While it’s tailored for those 21 and older, the experience provides excellent value for the price—especially given the unique views and tastings. It’s perfect for couples, friends, or solo travelers who want a lively, flavorful, and insightful introduction to New Orleans’ best.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children or younger travelers?
No, participants must be 21 or older to take part, mainly because of the alcohol tastings and menu restrictions.

How long does the entire tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 3 hours, starting at 2:00 pm and including all stops and tastings.

Are the food and drinks included in the price?
Yes, the tour includes food tastings, three alcoholic drinks, and entrance fees for the Vue Orleans deck and the Sazerac House.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing suitable for walking and outdoor views. Bring sunglasses or a hat if sunny, especially at Vue Orleans.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours before the tour. Refunds are not available if canceled within 24 hours.

Is this tour accessible for people with disabilities?
The experience is near public transportation and occurs mostly indoors and on accessible decks, but check specific needs when booking.

What’s the best time to take this tour?
Starting at 2:00 pm allows for daylight views from Vue Orleans and enough time to enjoy all stops comfortably.

Are there vegetarian or vegan options?
No, the menu features set tastings that include pork and other meats, and no vegetarian or vegan options are specified.

How many people are in each group?
A maximum of 13 travelers ensures an intimate experience with personalized attention from guides.

Is gratuity included?
No, gratuities for guides are not included but are always appreciated if you enjoyed the experience.

Taking this tour offers a well-rounded, authentic slice of New Orleans—great for first-timers and seasoned visitors alike. Its combination of panoramic views, cultural storytelling, and delicious Creole bites makes it a memorable way to spend an afternoon in the Crescent City.