Columns Hotel

Now I remember why I never come here.  It's one of those places where the regs are so pretentious thinking they are better then everyone and the bartenders share the same attitude.  Shame because it's such a beautiful place.  Does need a bit of updating though.  It needs a "breath of fresh air" for sure.

I liked the space so much, I tried it twice, both being huge let downs!

Ordered an Old Fashioned the first time, and my buddy a Sazerac. Both made poorly with little precision, only speed in mind. Greatly disappointed.

Another night ordered a Bulleit Old Fashioned. Watched in horror as the bar-tender doused it with simple syrup and loads of water from the gun. He pretended to mix the drink by rolling the shaker tin. Then grabbed the inside of the glass with his hands - gross! Way too sweet, so asked to replace the drink with bourbon with a few cubes.

Nice bar staff, but jeeze learn how to make a few basic cocktails!

Gussied up on a recent night, we made our way to the Columns for drinks before dinner at Commander's.  My friend's favorite spot in the city for Bloody Marys, the bartender worked on a round of those, making each my scratch (as opposed to bloody mary mix in giant industrial sized jug plus vodka).  I, being an 'uppity Yankee' ordered a Manhattan.  When I didn't specify a whiskey and the bartender suggested something from a very high shelf, I was a little concerned this was going to be a pricey affair.  

$9.  Which is to say, not bad.  

Oh New Orleans.

Come to think of it, there are few places I can think of that give you so much of New Orleans in a single spot than the Columns.  Situated on St. Charles in a beautiful building located in the Garden District, this hotel bar is a great choice for picking up a mint julep, sitting out on the patio, and watching the street cars go by.  

With a mile walk ahead of me, I grabbed a drink in a to go cup, because even uppity yankees know how to have a good time in New Orleans and appreciate the wondrous institution that is the to go cup.