featuring fresh seafood , citrusy salads , shareable spreads , and braised meats . Upstairs , there ’ s a full bar that serves beer and specialty craft cocktails . The smaller tables and windows opened into the courtyard make an excellent quieter place to hang out . 600 Poland Avenue . Closed Tuesdays ! Monday / Wednesday / Thursday / Sunday : noon to 10 p . m .; Friday and Saturday : noon to 11 p . m . bacchanalwine . com
The Will & The Way Photo by Michael Tucker
Bacchanal is a place where food , music , and culture blend with Holy Vino to create a unique experience . Established in 2002 , Bacchanal is no longer a local ’ s secret . It ’ s on the list of James Beard nominees for Best Wine Programs in the country repeatedly and is the quintessential corner wine shop hosting the best backyard party . Live jazz is played outdoors twice daily , often three times during festival season . Check their website calendar for details .
When you enter , be aware that this is a do-ityourself place . You ’ ll need to pick out a bottle from the charming shop of Old World wines and small vineyard picks arranged by region ; the wine experts can help if needed . All bottles are also available for carry-out . You ’ ll find more unique vineyards and blends than you would at most corner stores . Pair your wine with a cheese pairing or two from the cooler . It might not look like much , but it will come out to you on a tray complete with baguette slices , toasted nuts , and other pleasing accoutrements . Grab some glasses from the rack and a make-your-own ice bucket for chilled wines on your way to the courtyard . There , other tapas-style options can be ordered at leisure . Expect Mediterranean-inspired dishes
Steps off Bourbon St ., yet a world away , The Will & The Way opened in 2021 as an act of social restoration . After an eerily quiet year in the French Quarter , they craved the warmth that makes their neighborhood a beloved destination for locals and travelers alike . The 18th-century architecture and courtyard are a testament to the countless New Orleanians who have raised toasts and made mischief within those walls , no matter what storm , prohibition , or pandemic comes our way . The new bar ’ s name is a play on the expression “ Where there ’ s a will , there ’ s a way .” It ’ s an uplifting message of building back and a reflection of New Orleans ’ “ can-do ” attitude . Bar Director Thomas Linville created a menu of eye-popping cocktails , like the Cash Money Dillionaire , a riff on a pisco sour that includes carrot-ginger shrub , dill and lemon . The Saint Giles Rookery is an exotic blend of gin , gunpowder tea , lemon and cardamom with a blackberry garnish . A list of New and Old World wines includes tasty imported bottles of house white , red , and rosé .
Their menu caters to impromptu casual dining while enjoying beautiful weather in the brick courtyard . It offers Southern-leaning small plates that range from charcuterie and handcrafted sandwiches , to salads and bar snacks . Forks and knives are optional , but everything tastes better with a friendly little pour from the bar . Whether you order pre-bottled cocktails or surprisingly tasty everyday wines , their tightly curated yet approachable drink list is sure to match the mood . So whether you stay longer than expected or swing by for just one round , their laid-back hospitality will make you feel right at home . 719 Toulouse St . Open for lunch Saturdays and Sundays . Dinner and late-night daily . thewillandtheway . com
’ Tis the season to treat yourself special ! We ’ ve been cooped up all winter and we need to get out and soak up some sunshine , hear some good music , nosh and imbibe a bit . There is no better place to be than springtime in New Orleans , so saunter along and explore a few of the many hidden gems and magical ambiance to be found here .
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