Little Black Book: Where to Eat, Drink, and Stay in New Orleans
The city of New Orleans – fabled home to artful revelry, sultry Bayou charm and famed Southern hospitality – requires no formal introduction. Just in time for Tales of the Cocktail, the Big Easy’s week-long July celebration honoring cocktails and mixology, we’re sharing our Crescent City favorites alongside a handful of outposts to enjoy Komos.
From the folks behind Cure (the 2009 institution often credited for helping birth the NOLA cocktail scene), this tropical-flared, decade-old French Quarter bar is beloved for its rum-forward cocktails made with fresh herbs and fruit. You’ll find tequila too (Komos is in the house). Don’t miss the grub either — zarzuela de mariscos with clams, gulf shrimp, drum, tomato-saffron broth and arroz con pollo – roasted chicken and saffron bomba rice. Address: 1113 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70116
Photo: Bar Marilou
Paris-based Quixotic Projects are behind this striking-meets-seductive bar. You won’t lack eye candy either, thanks in part to its cinematic design: red lacquered walls, tiger-striped bar stools and towering bookshelves; tapas bites (deviled eggs, caviar) and choose-your-own-adventure drinks: martinis, frozen concoctions and cocktails with unique spirits. To which we say: santé! Address: 544 Carondelet St, New Orleans, LA 70130
A cozy, well-appointed jewel box inside the atrium of the Hotel Peter and Paul (a design-savvy boutique in the Marigny) offers classic cocktails, niche wines and a refreshing spritz program. Perfect for early evening, enjoy small bites (fresh oysters, Gulf shrimp) in chic surroundings that will undoubtedly conjure up a 19th century Creole cottage. Address: 2317 Burgundy St, New Orleans, LA 70117
Photo: N7
Founded by filmmaker Aaron Walker and chef Yuki Yamaguchi, N7 – which opened in 2015 – remains an iconic Bywater mainstay. You’ll find indoor-outdoor seating and a lush-leafy garden; and French cooking infused ever-so-slightly with a Japanese touch (the spot recently opened an outpost in Kyoto). On the drink menu are natural wines and an array of buzzy cocktails (Komos included). Address: 1117 Montegut St, New Orleans, LA 70117
Le Petite Grocery Situated in a century-old building on Magazine Street, Le Petite Grocery (est 2014) is the long-standing home to elevated Louisiana fare with a French twist – try the blue crab beignets and panéed rabbit with spaetzle and wilted greens. A few sips of Komos Reposado Rosa or Añejo Cristalino also pairs well with the butterscotch pudding. Address: 4238 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70115
Photo: La Petite Grocery
Make no mistake about it. For fifty-plus years, this unfussy, no-frills Uptown watering hole – still featuring an original tin-pressed ceiling – remains a beloved neighborhood institution for live music; and every Tuesday hosts the coveted, ever-popular sounds of the famed Rebirth Brass Band. Address: 8316 Oak St, New Orleans, LA 70118
Photo: Peche
Chef Donald Link’s (Cochon, Chemin à la Mer) long-running, industrial-flared seafood house remains a bastion for some of the freshest seafood in New Orleans. Shareable plates: catfish with pickled greens and chili broth, fried oysters with arugula and pickled corn; and whole roasted fish go hand-in-hand with our easygoing Komos flight. Address: 800 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70130
This dimly-lit Lower Garden District remains a dedicated whiskey bar – with over 300 varieties from the usual suspects to super rare imports. You can also opt for a frozen margarita and nosh on bar snacks courtesy of rotating pop-ups from some of the Big Easy’s most buzzy up-and-comers: Matchbook Kitchen (Asian) and Flamme Nola (pizza). Address: 1201 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70130
Photo: Desi Vega’s
Desi Vega grew up in the restaurant business, thanks in part to Ella Brennan (Commander's Palace); Ruth Fertel (Ruth Chris Steakhouse) and Emeril Lagasse. Today, his buzzy steakhouse remains an ideal spot to watch butter magically melt before your eyes on the venue’s grilled-to-order steaks; and balancing that heat with a Komos Añejo Cristalino (with one big rock). Address: 628 St Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA 70130
You can’t miss the glass case of dry-aged, temperature-controlled steaks inside Doris. Home to Israeli chef Sash Kurgan, most known for his butcher's cut (hanger steak), the modern, warmly-lit room offers a lengthy martini list alongside niche wines; or you can simply opt for a refreshing Komos Reposado Rosa Paloma to wash everything down. Address: 620 Chartres St, New Orleans, LA 70130
Photo: Pizza Domenica
Elevated wood-fired pizza reigns at this laid-back Uptown spot known for its airy, open-kitchen. Try the pizza a la vodka or calabrese (spicy salami, capers, mozzarella and oregano) dunking your crust into the venue’s tasty dipping sauces: ranch, whipped feta, and garlic fonduta, just to name a few. At the bar – local craft beers, wine and Komos cocktails of course. Address: 4933 Magazine St. New Orleans LA 70115
Photo: Martin Wine
Since 1946, this family-owned and operated store has specialized in well-stocked wine, spirits and gourmet foods. Meanwhile, in-the-know locals frequent the onsite deli for a light lunch – made-to-order deli sandwiches and fresh leafy salads. And don’t forget to grab a bottle of Komos on your way out the door. Address: 3827 Baronne St, New Orleans, LA 70115
Photo: Wino Shop
In the Warehouse District, Wino (Wine Institute of New Orleans) is equal parts laboratory and educational hub, thanks to its global wine tasting program and rotating weekly classes. You can also snack on assorted cheeses, small bites and after dinner drinks (Komos included). Address: 3827 Baronne St, New Orleans, LA 70115
Photo: Vandal
If you’re looking for a bona fide after-hours lounge with a diverse crowd –off-season football players, local artists and musicians – drop by this Mid-City spot and enjoy Komos bottle service into the wee hours of the night. Address: 3835 Tulane Ave, New Orleans, LA 70119
WHERE TO STAY
Photo: Four Seasons
Drop your bags inside the luxurious confines of this 341-room hotel (with floor-to-ceiling windows, white oak fixtures and Carrara marble bathrooms). A visit to the Chandelier Bar, resting underneath its namesake fixture – with 15,000 gleaming crystals – a special milieu to order a Komos Espresso Martini before you hit the streets. Or cool off with a cocktail in the 75-foot crescent-shaped outdoor pool. Address: 2 Canal St, New Orleans, LA 70130
Photo: Windsor Court
Old-school sensibility reigns inside this elegant hotel known for its flair of British high society mixed with traditional oil paintings and regal floral arrangements. The Grill Room, with 17-foot murals is a prestigious dining spot while the Polo Club Bar serves afternoon tea service and champagne. On the rooftop, enjoy creative cocktails, bar snacks and a saltwater swimming pool. Address: 300 Gravier St, New Orleans, LA 70130
Photo: Ritz Carlton
Sophisticated decor abounds inside this towering, iconic 527-room mainstay (and a newly-renovated club level) that takes up a city block. The always-happening Davenport Lounge is home to its beloved resident musician, the trumpeter Jeremy Davenport – who always wows the crowd with his American song playbook amidst light bites and cocktails (made with Komos). Address: 921 Canal St, New Orleans, LA 70112
Photo: The Chloe
For a fashionable luxury boutique hotel outside of the Quarter, the Chloe, a handsome 14-room affair, located in Uptown is the answer. Situated in a 19th-century Victorian mansion on St. Charles Avenue, enjoy the Spanish-tiled front porch with iced tea or retreat to the backyard for refreshing cocktails and chef Todd Pulsinell’s elevated poolside menu. Address: 4125 St Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA 70115
