Have you been to Bouligny yet?
Bouligny Tavern, 3641 Magazine Street
Bouligny Tavern is THE swank new hot spot in New Orleans to see and be seen. One night a doorman stood outside doing traffic control: No one could go in until someone came out. A well-dressed hipster quipped, “What is this the 80′s” and was promptly let in without waiting. Celeb sightings abound, and all the PYTs are perching on the chic barstools sipping cocktails named Blood and Sand, or perhaps imbibing the Abano Prosecco Cocktail, or savoring a glass of Chateau Famaey Malbec.
Bouligny is not a tavern in any sense of the word usually associated with a tavern. Maybe owner John Harris, who also owns the wonderful restaurant Lilette right next door to Bouligny, was being ironic.
Instead we have here a sophisticated small boîte furnished in cool and beautiful mid-century modern style. Cool lounge club music plays in the background. You expect Don Draper of Mad Men to walk in any minute.
Low slung sexy mid-century style
Bouligny is one of a handful of new places in New Orleans serving “small plates” and drinks. People are just loving this in-vogue style of dining. Owner Harris describes Bouligny as a wine bar, cocktail lounge, and small-plate dining destination.
The bartenders are friendly and expert, the cocktails superb, the small plates artful and satisfying, and the wine bar impressive. There is a cozy area in the front of the place with a living room style set up with sexy low slung mid-century modern furniture. An entire wall has a cozy long banquette, and of course, that magnificent bar takes up another long wall. A little lagniappe in the form of a pocket patio is wedged in outside between the two old structures that house Lilette and Bouligny. It is a wonderful addition for alfresco sipping and grazing in the fine Fall weather.
Grand and impressive bar
Small plates not to miss are the Gouda Beignets, the Fries with Ailoli, all or any of the Crostini and Bruschetta. There is a delicious dessert Crostini made with chocolate, olive oil and Fleur de Sel.
The chic pocket patio
Bouligny is open every night except Sunday. The hours are: 4 p.m. – midnight, Monday-Thursday, and 4 p.m. – 2 a.m., Friday and Saturday.
Bouligny is at once stylish and cozy, elegant yet familiar. So stop in after work (or after a day of touring the city), prime time, or late night.
Bouligny Tavern
3641 Magazine Street
504 891-1810
Until next time I am the Visual Vamp and Magazine Street in my beat.
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