I first heard of Bellocq from Esquire magazine's 2013 list of their Best Bars in America annual review. Â
This place just screams out sexy! Great place to take a date or to enjoy a craft cocktail. I see it more of a lounge than a bar because you can easily get comfy in their chill area. Â If you're looking for a classy NOLA experience you must pay a visit to Bellocq.
I'M IN LOVE WITH BELLOCQ and so is my boyfriend!  I was immediately enamored by Bellocq upon walking in.  It's interior design was inspired by Storyville during the sexual revolution long ago, and it's absolutely stunning!  Dark red walls with velvet chaises and curtains.  And my gosh the sofas are so darn comfy I could easily just go to sleep!  I'm just completely bewitched by their ambiance that I always want to come back.  Not to mention they also play great music.  Everything about this bar  gets you feeling completely relaxed and unarmed.  It also doesn't hurt that the bartenders are so adorable.
I've been here a few times and have tried a few of their special cobblers. Â My favorite thus far is their Bonal Cobbler which includes grapefruit; it's completely refreshing and delicious! Â I've also had several desserts their and they were all outstanding. Â Coming from a dessert fanatic, this is such a big deal! Â Their chocolate cake with raspberry sauce it to die for! Â I'm not a big chocolate person, but man this cake was DIVINE! Â It was incredibly light and fluffy and not at all too sweet. Â I've also had the cantaloupe sorbet, which was also light and refreshing, and the blueberry bread pudding with vanilla ice cream and a blueberry sauce. Â I must say, that bread pudding was decadent! Â Absolutely mouthwateringly good!
I've already been here about three times, and trust me, this won't be the end of it!
For a place that tries to present itself as upscale, it is very downmarket in some aspects. A bar patron knocked my full, $10 cocktail to the floor. I told the bartender about it, and she simply said "We'll send someone over to clean it up."
At other places where they care about customer service, they would have said "What did you have? I'll be happy to re-make that for you." You know that would have been the first words out of their mouths at the Ritz-Carlton, or even Chik Fil A!
When I first ordered the drink, I was not asked how I wanted to pay. The waitress TOLD me, "I need a card." Not "Did you want to start a tab?" I. Need. A. Card. Yikes!
Then, when I closed my tab, the charge was for $10.90. Yes, they added tax! I cannot recall a single bar where they have charged tax, it is usually built into the price of the drink.
The waitresses did not have a crisp and polished look that you would expect in an upscale hotel bar. Instead, they had touseled hair, long flowing dresses and flat shoes. Someone pointed out that their style was probably intended to evoke the Storyville area. But, it was lost on me.
In addition, there were full, overflowing ashtrays everywhere outside. Â I sat at two different seating areas throughout the night and there were stinky ashtrays at both spots. No hotel staff bothered to empty them, although they eagerly picked up glasses (be careful they don't snatch your drink, two of my friends had their drinks picked up before they were done).
The crowd was very, very snooty, but they were there for a birthday party so maybe that's not the usual crowd.
And to close on a positive note: the two sips of my drink that I did have (strawberry cobbler) were delicious!
Dark and sophisticated, Bellocq lures you in with a gorgeous bar and a wonderful sense of mystery
I met a friend here for drinks during a recent trip to New Orleans at his suggestion. I was a tourist and had never heard of the place, but he's been living in NOLA for awhile and said this would be a good spot.
My visit on Saturday night was very enjoyable. Arriving roughly at around 8:00pm, the bar was busy, but not jam-packed. I found seats at the bar very easily, and immediately was greeted by the bartender.
While nothing on the cocktail menu immediately struck my fancy, I was immensely pleased to have the bartender take a few moments to ask me about the types of cocktails I enjoyed. After hearing I was a gin fan, he put together a delicious variation of a sloe gin fizz, which was out of this world. So much so that I ordered two more after my first.
The art of mixology is alive and well here, too. The folks behind the bar take their jobs seriously, and all the drinks looked incredible.
Bit of a walk from the French Quarter where I was staying, but immensely worth it. Next time I'm in New Orleans, I'd definitely go back.
What is the point of going to the expense of creating one of the most sensual environments and ruining the mood with inappropriate music. We asked the waitress twice about changing it as we were the few people in there and she told us it was house music. We were attracted to the atmosphere and had planned to stay and try the food offerings but the music was so distracting that it spoiled the mood. We left after one drink A simple act of matching the music to the mood they are trying to create would have made all the difference Too bad. We were locals on a date and we won't be back,
Review Source:I love New Orleans happy hours! We stopped by here during our bike ride around the city. The fact that I can get a well-made drink for under $6 is incredible coming from NYC. We sat at the bar (great ambiance) and had the friendly bartender make some incredible cocktails. I love their focus on the revival of older period drinks. We even got to try some super old Madeira since the owner overheard us discussing it. I had hoped to come back during our stay but didn't have the chance, unfortunately. I guess it will have to wait until the next time!
Review Source:Stayed at The Hotel Modern so came by this adjacent bar for a drinks and light bite. It's prohibition style; dark, craft cocktails, bartenders in vests and suspenders, plush seating. We got some seats at the bar and struck up a nice convo with Winston, who whipped up some lovely libations. I can't even remember what all we tried, but they were all quite good. Tell them what you like, and listen to their recommendations. The food comes from next door's Tivoli & Lee. We had some marinated olives and andouille tots (potato and andouille with manchego, yes!). It was a nice and relaxing time.
Review Source:I knew I loved Bellocq as soon as I walked in the door. The setting is opulent and romantically dim; the bar is set up like a libationary altar. I love the fact that they have a specialty genre of cocktails, and the cobbler format of fruity and frosty drinks is perfectly suited to New Orleans. A perusal of the back bar shows excellent taste in quality and selection of spirits, although not exhaustive. The bartenders are the real draw here, though. Their knowledge, attention to detail, and quality of service are excellent, and they provide a consistent experience whether you are the only person at the bar or the customers are 3 deep. However, it's a classy joint, so if your friends are looking for Bud Light, Jaegerbombs, and cheese fries, I'll point you to F&M's. I've book-ended many special nights at Bellocq over the last year and every one has been amazing and memorable, especially when Katie is behind the stick!
Review Source:If you're looking for a cool, completely non-touristy, off the beaten path bar in New Orleans, try Bellocq. Outdoor seating and comfortable couch and upholstered chair seating inside. Casual vibe, but can go somewhat dressy and not feel out of place. Not much food, other than some bar choices, but good selection of drinks and inexpensive bottles of wine.
Review Source:Ice Ice Baby
SITREP
I had one reason, and ONLY one reason I came to this bar (though admittedly there are MANY, but I never had the time otherwise because of an already busy YSB schedule), and that's because this is the attached bar on the ground floor of the Hotel Modern where I was staying during my recent stay in New Orleans.
THE SETUP
The Hotel Modern, unfortunately, does not have any ice machines that permit proactive guests to get their own ice. Â [WTF? Â What hotel doesn't have ice machines?] Â The "fix" or workaround to this deficiency is that you, the guest, must come down in your slippers and ask the bartender or one of the bussers for a container of ice - usually one of those things they put ice AND champagne bottles in.
EXCEPTIONAL CUSTOMER SERVICE
Now, I could be cruel and give a lowered rating for having to endure this inconvenience. Â But I've already given Hotel Modern both barrels on this and other issues. Â To be fair, the bartender and the two bussers I dealt with were quite gracious and positive.
Yes, I left them a tip - which mind you is something you do NOT have to do when you get your ice at a DIY Vending / Ice station that most hotels have. Â [I HATE this passive "forced" room-service approach, by the way.] Â But there you have it. Â My very limited interaction with this bar.
THE LOWDOWN
I wish I didn't have to be "forced" to get ice from them, but they are positive people that evidence wonderful customer service in any event.
Loved the interior. Â Happy hour drink prices are good. Â The oyster small plate for $10 is horrible. Â Even though several of us complained to the waitress (and she agreed they weren't good--she tried them a week ago), she was too afraid to tell the chef. Â And she didn't take them off of my bill which I think she should have. Â They were watery and tasteless. Â Five for $10, so $2 each....hmmmm....I could have had two more glasses of happy hour wine for $10. Â Again, do NOT get the oysters!
Review Source:I've been here a few times. Â The decor and atmosphere are top notch BUT every time I go it's totally dead. Â Guess I'm just not going when it's "hip" to do so. Â Anywho, decent selection of libations. Â The famed Cobbler cocktail is good but pricey for a drink that takes me a few sips to finish. Â Alas a creation of Bodenheimer so no fighting that. Â Major downside this place that's a stone's throw from skid row (I can talk bc I'm in that hood) getting a group of girlfriends to go is difficult. Â Don't want to give up on it yet... yet...
Review Source:I'm going out on a limb and saying that I actually like that Bellocq isn't teeming with people when I've been in there. Even on weekend nights, about half the seats have been empty (or full, depending on the way you like to look at the glass..), and I actually love this. I mean, what good are the plush, velvety couches if you don't even get to sit on them. I love that you can just grab a drink at the bar without hassel and find a place to sit and actually hear yourself talk because there aren't 25 million people in there.
Bellocq is really beautiful. It's dark and intimate. The bartenders are all really sweet. The bathrooms are AWESOME. They are just straight up bright red all around. The first time I came in, I was wearing red pants that matched the walls. It was fate. Try the Buffalo Trace cobbler if you like bourbon instead of rum. The fries are really yummy too.
I was in town for a conference and came here with a couple of co-workers, one of who's from Baton Rouge and knew of Bellocq. We came in around 6:30 on a weekday, so it was rather quiet.
Interior is rather cool. Lots of older plush wingback chairs, plus couches to kick back on, plus a bar with some great vintage bar stools. The walls are red, which gives it a cool old vibe.
One of their well known drinks is a cobbler, which I was unfamiliar with. I wasn't going to order beer or wine in a place like this so asked the bartender for some suggestions on vodka martinis. Finally went with one straight up with a twist. It was served in a different glass than everyday martinis, was nice and cold, and had a great flavor. My friend ordered a Sazerac, which is an old school drink. I had a second martini and he had a cobbler on the second round. Our other friend stuck with her Chardonnay.
A cobbler is NOT a fruity girly kind of drink like the descriptions can make it sound. It's over ice in a cool metal glass. I'll give one a try next time around. They also some other unique drinks on the menu, including a couple of absinthe drinks.
This looks like it could be a pretty cool hangout late on a Friday or Saturday night. I'll certainly give it another go next time I'm in New Orleans. It may take mulitiple trips to fully explore the drink menu!
Grabbed a quick drink here with the girls on my way back to the hotel. Â It was still early in the evening, so not a lot going on, but I really liked the atmosphere, as well as the bartender. Â Definitely what I would think of as a 'speakeasy', or early 1900s lounge. Â Very comfortable seating, and just enough light. Â I had a soda, but still had a nice time with great ladies! :) Thanks Rene and Laila!
Review Source:This is a beautiful bar and so I understand that fancy places can command high drink prices. I expected this but I thought my drink was just ok and for $14, I expect delicious. I also hate those silver cups they come in, I dislike not being able to see the level of my drink. Is there one sip left? 15? I can't tell. The presentation was lovely but there are too many places I can spend $4-6 less for a drink that is just as fancy but not as pricey. Don't get me wrong, I'd have a drink here again but it's not on my short list.
Review Source:This review is long overdue. Â I hope you will forgive my tardiness - when you spend a week drunk in New Orleans it takes some reflection to decide who makes the cut.
Bellocq may be the coolest place I've ever been. I'm not joking when I say that and I only consider myself a relatively lame person. Â The dark, vampire lair decor sets the mood just right. Â The ornate rugs, velvet couches, The bartenders in their stripey ties. Everything just fits.
Everyone has raved about how great the cobblers are, and don't get me wrong, I agree - especially the Lillet Rose cobbler. Â But the punches! That's what I am thinking about 5 months later. Â Try the Mary Rocket Punch when you go.
They are definitely leading the way as far as customer service goes, as well. I am so over this bartender attitude that has been going on lately - if I ask what is in a drink, I deserve to know what's in it, I'm not asking for your recipe or anything. Here,it is people who are truly passionate about what they do and they love chatting about it - or not, if you prefer.
I know they will eventually get as busy as everyone else and I hope all the things that I love about the place will stay the same.
Who would've thought drinking out of tin cans would be so classy! It's 19th century libations but without feeling the threat of tetanus or botulism! Came here as a recommendation from my friend's friend who had raved about this place-- and she didn't steer us wrong. Definitely one of my favorite places in NOLA!
We both ordered a cobbler, got comfy in our arm chairs and enjoyed the scene. It was quiet with only a few people here and there-- I guess it wasn't much of an early evening hot spot. However, you almost feel like you've been transported to another space-time: sip with convos at your leisure. Loved the sexy, dark and dim ambiance. My cocchi americano cobbler was light and fruitfully paired with a couple of eats: burrata speck rolls and beet chevre crostinis. I didn't care much for the speck rolls, but the crostinis were pretty decent. Overall, great place to check out if you haven't been!
she sits waiting for her consort in a parlor bar in New Orleans, dreaming of the city. The soft enchating music of a violin drifts in on the air as she sits & watches the lights of the city, glittering in through the window. She imagines all of this to be hers, all of it including the moon.
Review Source:Bellocq is one of the fancy cocktail bars the New Orleans is known for. I am not really a huge cocktail person, but I can appreciate a well crafted drink.
Bellocq has an extensive menu of drinks that they can make for you, that are sure to appeal to all tastes.
Oddly enough, I think that the best thing about this place is the atmosphere. It's really dimly lit, which I love. I really dig cozy places like this. It also has a lot of sofas and benches for group sitting, which adds to the tranquility of the entire place.
If you are in the mood for a little something to eat, they have a small menu of little tapas that you can munch on.
I knocked off a two stars because the staff seemed overwhelmed by the large crowd and there was limited seating at 9 pm.
The only reason I ended up at Bellocq is that I was staying in the connected hotel (The Modern).
Turns out I lucked out, because a great bartender at Bellocq (I believe her name was Kim) drove home the point that New Orleans is a cocktail city (and definitely not a beer city). Some of the drinks, including Dodgy Frog, a brillant gin fizz and a tasty Sriracha-based Bloody Mary were a great bookend to my New Orleans jaunt.
Dimly light, romantic and classy atmosphere. If you're nearby, Bellocq is definitely a great bar to grab a cocktail (though I can't speak as highly of staying a night in the Hotel Modern.
Bellocq is a fancy bar designed for cocktail aficionados. While I am more of a beer snob, I can appreciate what the bar is all about.
Located on the ground floor of the Hotel Modern, Bellocq is nicer than most hotel bars. I suspect the crowd was few, if any, actual hotel guests and seemed to be mostly young professionals.
The cocktail menu was extensive. The bartenders seemed to take their time crafting each drink, which meant service was slow.
What the bar did have that I liked was several couch and cushioned seating areas all throughout the room. It was too crowded to enjoy, but I would think it would be a good spot to relax with a group of friends or even a date during off hours.
If you're into fancy cocktails you will likely love Bellocq. If you're not, just grab a beer and find a couch.
I love this bar and I'm pretty sure it's my favorite, ever. Whenever my boyfriend and I travel to NOLA for work we stay at the Hotel Modern New Orleans (which it is attached to) so that we can hit up Bellocq for a nightcap in the evenings. We are considering moving to New Orleans and I am committed to finding housing within a reasonable proximity to this bar.
The atmosphere itself is pretty awesome, definitely what one pictures as "New Orleans" in the Anne Rice kind of way: dark, sexy, and a bit old world. I'm not sure what the crowd is like these days, but the last time we visited(June 2012) there were a few people. I definitely wouldn't have called it crowded. I was told that this is because Bellocq is relatively new? I'm also thinking that not many people go drinking in the middle of the week, even if it is New Orleans. Either way we loved it, because it meant that we could just sit and chat with the Bartenders for a few hours.
The Bartenders are friendly and very talented. As you can see from the menu, tagline, and reviews, the bar specializes in cobblers and other nineteenth century drinks. They are delicious and dangerous, lightweights be warned! After a drink or two off the menu we started asking the bartenders to just mix us up whatever they thought we might like. I'm a relatively picky person and I have to say I found every concoction they put in front of my quite tasty. It was like being in Harry Potter land, the Bartender would pull out weird bottles and vials, add a drop of this (seriously, like from a medicine dropper), a pinch of that, and the next thing I know I'm drinking some bright green liquid and am half looped. As a welcome to New Orleans gift the Bartenders presented my boyfriend a Ramos Gin Fizz, which I then stole for myself. It was delicious and I was dually impressed, even though I think raw eggs are super gross.
This bar won't be for everyone. I'm not sure if you can get a beer here, because quite frankly this is not the place you go for a beer. This is where you go for strange fancy pants drinks that you've never heard of before. Also, if you're looking to get bombed you also might want to reconsider coming here because it's probably going to cost you quite a bit to do so, especially if you have a high alcohol tolerance.
This lounge has atmosphere. There's dark, moody lighting. The area is spacious which is good because no one likes a claustrophobic bar. Plush harem seats and antique couches around the walls; very upscale. If you're looking for a lounge, this place is great.
You'd expect the drinks to be very pricey but I found them quite reasonable, especially for how classy the interior is. From 5pm-7pm there is a happy hour with a $5 drink menu, always a winning factor for me.
There is also a drink menu. As someone who loves to try new drinks, I LOVE when bars give me options to pick from. Some of the drinks are served in special cups (eg. tin can), giving it that old time speak easy feel.
Overall a nice place. The wait staff were attentive and very nice.
This bar was attached to my hotel but actually pretty damn cool. First, the seating inside was split between a bar, and a fair amount of cool couches you could sit on with friends.
Second, they make some killer cocktail called a cobbler that uses all natural ingredients, in fact you can ask for a Mint Julep here and they'll crust the mint in front of you.
Third, you can smoke cigars outside at your leisure in super cozy seating.
My New local Crush:
Bellocq is just THAT spot for a formal or informal hangout that makes you feel like you''ve escaped to NYC! Every drink the bartender made me was yum to say the least. Lemon drop was especially my fav. The assortment of cheeses are intense and tastastic. I also  sampled the french fries which were tender and paired with honey mustard sauce. A great 1st date spot because of the romantical vibe. C you soon Belloq!
Nola Yelp events always have one thing in common. Well other than great people, so two things in common. There's always an after party. So after a wine tasting event at Keife & Co. we decided to walk the 1.5 blocks to Bellocq.
Immediately walking in I was impressed by the lounge. The lighting was low key but not dark and the room filled with lavish, comfortable seating. The bar itself is quite a sight. Whoever designed this space did a great job.
Looking over the menu I decided that I couldn't pass up a banh mi, especially one with foie gras. Sadly, it was unavailable so I selected the braised pork banh mi and a whiskey smasher to drink. The sandwich was delicious and accompanied by a light salad. The drink was nice but much sweeter than I expected any kind of whiskey drink to be.
Ultimately I really enjoyed my visit but this is not my scene. While I may be a young professional I'm more comfortable in a relaxed, neighborhood styled bar. Bellocq impressed me with decor and service but the banh mi and especially the cocktail didn't justify the premium price. I'd go again with a group, but not by myself.
Hands down one of the absolute best cocktails I have had the pleasure of guzzling in New Orleans. I feel fancy here and I'm not a fancy girl! I had the pleasure of sitting at the bar and chatting with the incredibly helpful and friendly bartenders who are like a throwback to the good 'ol days.
Their handcrafted "cobblers" are not to be missed. I've tried a handful of them and I beg you to do the same.
I also tried to tuna tartar tapas and it was delicious!
Moral of the Story: Put on your derby best and get here!
Yum, just thinking about Bellocq gets my taste buds watering for more. We had my birthday party here a couple weeks ago and although its a bit off the beaten path from the Warehouse district staples and further from the FQ and CBD, the ambience and drinks here are really spectacular.
From the same creators of Cure, bring you Bellocq within the Hotel Modern. I'm guessing its named after the famous NOLA photographer known for his pictures of Storyville back in its heyday with flapper girls and prostitutes. I'm guessing they would be hanging at this bar if it was open back then,
The design is warm, red and very inviting. Plenty of seating for groups as well as couples on a romantic date. This is a place to enjoy a cocktail or two and some great conversation.
I'm a sucker for tasty, fruity drinks and I'm ok with that. Bellocq is a perfect spot for classic cocktails and classic conversations. It's def hip to be here !
After an incredible day and a transcendent dinner in the most romantic city in the United States, where do you go to finish off the evening before drifting off to happy dreams?
Bellocq. Obviously.
We were last in NOLA about a year ago, and were lucky enough to sit inches from Chris McMillan while he worked his magic at Bar Uncommon. Â Since then, we have searched in countless cities on several continents for that kind of artist, a combination raconteur / historian / nerd / chef. Â We haven't found his equal, but this place came the closest so far.
Highlights: every cobbler we tried was fantastic, a simple marriage of crushed ice, fortified wine and fresh fruit. Â Also enjoyed a non-dairy fizz. Â One look at the shelves will tell you these cocktail crafters are as adventurous as they are cordial and friendly (not in-your-face, but not opposed to a good conversation, either.)
The ambience was very chill -- lots of drapey fabric and innovative, muted lighting. Pewter cups held a frost beautifully. Â Trancelike, soulful Swedish electronica floated above our heads, and too soon, it was last call and time for the beginning of another lovely day.
You are now entering the adventures of Elle...my alter ego. She is the cool, NOT calm, collect but  a back it up in ya face chick...she loves to partay, dance and drink. Have you met her? Imagine Vivica mixed with Taraji. YAS!
Elle is constantly looking for a great mojito and/or lemondrop. She loves red rooms- red room CHECK. Lynn is constantly reading and analyzing hr stuff. We like Lynn but love Elle. We love to party is her mantra.
The drops at Bellocq are muy loco...The cheese and date plate mixed with a drop= owww.
I would totally recommend a happy hour..yes I said HH at Bellocq. I would even recommend a first date or a night out with the girls. The parking is comp, so what does a girl have to lose.
Elle wants you to hit the Bellocq scene soon!
This is a bar mainly designed for cocktail drinkers and I'm mainly a beer drinker. Â This bar is insulting to beer drinkers as they pour your TINY 4-6oz serving of beer in a baby stemmed glass and then don't give you the bottle unless you pay for a large wine size bottle of beer. Â Of course they charge you the full price for the tiny shot of beer they serve that you would pay for a normal size bottle of beer! Â As a general rule I'm not a fan of tiny and dainty coupled with inflated prices when it comes to what I eat and drink.
I had some decent Bourbon drinks here and sampled one of their "cobblers" but really it wasn't any better than any brand of Bourbon and soda would have been so I really don't see any point in paying a premium price for an average tasting drink. Â The interior was nice for what it was but the main attraction for coming to this place is the fancy cocktails which really don't do much for me. Â Overall it probably just isn't a place a beer drinker like myself would ever choose to frequent but if you like fancy cocktails you will love it here.
Bellocq, I'm your new lady of the night. You might think it too soon to declare such a thing after only two visits, but I hope you believe me, despite the fact that I may have professed my undying love for Patrick's Bar Vin, Cure, Tonique and of course Pravda. Â Each of these remain my favorites for different reasons. In case readers don't know, Cure has the same owners and management as Bellocq and it gets props for being in my neighborhood, not to mention the stunningly talented bartendress, Rhiannon, BUT... Bellocq is under the influence of The One and Only EJ Bellocq and for that, it gets my undying love.
Some background here. You know those divine filthy/vulnerable/decrepit/gorgeous photos you see of Storyville prostitutes? Those are the work of EJ Bellocq and it's one of the biggest sources of aesthetic and creative inspiration to me (if you're familiar with the 1978 Louis Malle film, Pretty Baby, the photographer in that film is loosely based on Bellocq). I've been a bit obsessed since I first saw that iconic photo of the gal wearing striped tights, leaning her head on one hand, offering a twisted toast in the other, staring pensively off to the side. I could look at that exquisite photo (and many others of his) for hours.
Just like I can and will sit at Bellocq for hours, sipping on one of their similarly exquisite cocktails in the dimly lit brothel, I mean, lounge. Emily A mentioned that I should be a permanent fixture on one of their velvety sumptuous lounges (at the very least, my spirit forever will be).
Hey now, look up! You'll see a Bellocq image on the ceiling at the far end of the room. I appreciate the restraint in decor so that it's a hint of Storyville Brothel Chic, without being theme-y. Although, the idea of a bordello theme restaurant is amusing to say the least. I love the little alcoves with beading providing the hint of privacy. Genius!
On a nice night, check out the courtyard, where you may sit on an antique bed with your friend/s or lover/s. Really, that's not as creepy as it sounds. You can also hang with your pups in that courtyard, as I saw a guy recently doing so. Yay for dog-friendly spots!
I know, I know, I didn't even get to the cocktails yet. You'd think they didn't matter. What can I say? I'm a sucker for the perfect ambiance. Bellocq's specialty is their cobblers: think strong, fruity concoctions with a lot of tiny bits of ice. But they have wine and other cocktails, too. I like the Green Chartreuse Cobbler best (comes garnished with large blackberries).
Gush, gush, gush. You get it.
I'm just going to come out and say it. Bellocq, I'm your forever whore.
I feel qualified to write a review because we made a valiant effort to try as many of the cocktails as we could although I do have to admit that the ending of the night was a bit of a blur.
The mixologist behind the bar, our new friend, takes his work very seriously, and organizes a smartly dressed and very knowledgeable group of barmen, sporting bowties, suspenders, and obvious passion for the craft of bartending. Bartending is not the word at all for what these guys do. Tending would imply manning a post, but these guys are far from that. They are drink-inventing artists who seem to find inspiration in old favorites from diverse cultures that they seem to research, improvise and imagine in every drink, using variations on a theme in order to invent well grounded, yet original masterpieces. Sometimes their result comes out just tangy; on other occasions, Icarians, they flap in earnest towards the heavens before presenting their precisely-mixed and elegantly- decorated potions before you on the bar.
Anyway, the other Yelpers here will give you a general idea of what the cocktails look like. Why are there no pictures of the bar itself? Probably because it was too dark to photograph! This hotel side bar is very dark, which makes it somewhat somewhat seedy, somewhat romantic, and pretty posh. It is nestled in the corner of CBD, along the streetcar route before it rounds the circle and heads up St. Charles into uptown. Although technically in the business district, its darkness makes it very nonbusinesslike... unless you are in the mafia, I guess. Â
We came here for a birthday party, and had an excellent time, trying all the concoctions, and chatting about whatever came to mind. The conversations got better as the night continued. The mixologists were our friends by the time we left, and we probably became better friends with each other. The top shelf alcohol greased the skids, of course. At one point, I looked up at the lighted wall full of bottles behind the bar and noticed the sophistication in their stock. (I probably only knew 20% of the booze bottles they displayed.)
Some of the more casual natives, who might be accustomed to a more informal atmosphere and who Yelped before me, seem to have found this place too formal or pretentious. But I would consider it an interesting  and welcomed addition to the city's eclecticism and allure. I have not yet tried Cure, but would now like to.
Disclaimer: We were not prepared for what kind of bar this was. Â Its not my scene at all
very interesting drinks + small comfortable setting - expensive - suits = maybe i would go if i worked in the cbd and wore nylons every day
Ok so I went looking for a new place to grab a drink because my go-to favorite was packed to the brim with people (Sovereign Pub). Â We heard about this new bar that had micro brews so we headed over. Â As soon as we got to the door we knew this was not the place for us. Â It was a very fancy bar filled with people who were all wearing cocktail dresses and suits. Â Just not our scene.
My boyfriend ordered a beer and was horrified when it came in a stemmed glass and was only about 6oz. Â They only had one vodka which i found really odd seeing as though it was a very "Cure" like bar. Â My vodka was very good but not something that would make me go back. Â Watching the bartenders mix drinks was by far the highlight of the experience. Â They were breaking out some amazing moves including slapping herbs on the top of their hands and then gently placing them on top of cocktails. Â
The room its self was really comfortable even if the music was too loud. Â There was a out of place naked lady painted on the ceiling that made me take a second glance.
Over all it just wasn't the laid back place we were looking for to get a drink.
How did I not write a review? My booze-soaked brain told me I already had...
You've had your fair share of (insert brand or flavor here) martinis, downed enough pomegranate Manhattans to fuel Oppenheimer's project and slugged down the requisite number of Mojitos needed to buy into a sugar cane farm.
Enter the cobbler and shrub. Google them because I can't spoon feed you everything.
This spartan yet inviting den of craft and culture fills a void - enjoying a great drink in Lee Circle. You can watch any parade from the windows in climate-controlled comfort. Listen to live piano music. Watch and chat up the boys behind the bar and learn about the delicious drinks you're ordering.
Go before every other SOB swarms the place.
- Interesting space. I've been told they have live music/piano (yes)!
- Cobblers are interesting too although there might be a little too much ice for my tastes. (some can be $)
- Other cocktails are decent
- Only 2 types of Bourbon (according to a friend).
- I definitely prefer Cure over this bar but Bellocq is definitely a place to check out because it can only get better!
New Orleans doesn't have a professional baseball team; we have professional mixologists - and these guys have knocked it out of the park. Â Again.
The team that brought you Cure now invite you to Bellocq. Â Different part of town, different menu, different approach, but same great execution that earns them their rep.
The branding of the bar is consistent in its deep, old world tones paired with its nods (read: naked lady on the ceiling) to famed Red Light District photographer and namesake Belloqc.
In short, it's lovely. Â We tried 2 signature punches, and I favored The Nuremberg. Â With this opening, the Circle Bar reboot, and the new nearby Rouses, what could be next for the Warehouse District?
When I realized where this new hotel bar was, I couldn't help but laugh. The last time I was in this space, the building was still the YMCA and I was picking up packets for the Corporate Cup race that they used sponsor. Â And I have to say for a former cinderblock & concrete space, they have certainly made it feel cozy. Â The room is spacious without feeling cavernous. The wait staff was attentive. Â
I didn't have any of the fancy new cocktails since I was on a bubbly kick that night, but the sips I took from others' drinks were good. (Yes, people I knew. Jeez) Â I'll definitely head back over when I'm feeling moderately fancy-pants.
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