Fodor’s guidebook suggests enjoying a drink on a shady porch, balcony or courtyard at 6pm. For alternatives to the hotel courtyard – where would you choose to enjoy that pre-dinner drink? Givens: no car; solo senior traveler; wine is usual drink of choice.
Thanks.

Gee at this time of year I'm not sure I'd want to be in the outside heat even if it's shaded. But I have a fond memory of the porch at the Columns Hotel on St. Charles st. uptown. This is where the movie "Pretty Baby" was filmed. I hear the rooms are crumbling but the porch is still a classic I think. I think a streetcar will get you there or take a taxi. They are known for their mint juleps but I'm sure will serve wine or whatever you want.

I think a number of restaurants in the French Quarter have pretty courtyards where you could enjoy a glass of wine.

Several years ago we went to a wedding rehearsal party at Broussard's, and had drinks in a charming courtuyard before going inside for dinner.

And do they still have the Top of the Mart on top of the Trade Center? We used to enjoy going up there for drinks at sunset, and watch the city lights come on as it revolved.

Off the top of my head, interesting bars in New Orleans:

Napoleon House
Bombay Club
Carousel Bar at the Monteleone
Sazerac Bar at the Fairmont
Tujague's (just the bar)
Columns Hotel (as mentioned by other poster, streetcar stops right in front)

The Top of the Mart is no longer open, it's now one of those "hipper than thou" kind of bars. For a nice bar with the same view, go to the bar at the top of the Westin Hotel at Canal Place.

Carousel Bar at the Monteleone
Sazerac Bar at the Fairmont
Arnaud's
Mr. B's