The Elysian Bar

My cousin and I pulled up to The Elysian Bar, which is an extension of the Peter & Paul Hotel. I believe they host two monthly installments, and this night featured DJ Jess, one of my absolute faves in the city! I’d never been before, and when we arrived, there was even a brass band practicing next door, which felt so New Orleans. Walking in, we were greeted right away. The place is stunning, atriums, old parlor rooms, nooks, and cozy corners everywhere. Think old-school New Orleans mansion turned stylish bar. It feels like you stepped into a period film, but with better cocktails. And when the sunlight hits the bar, the wood literally glows, it’s so gorgeous. Since I wanted to sit close to the music, we were placed outside in their courtyard under the cutest mustard yellow umbrellas. Now let’s get into the food & drinks: • Housemade Focaccia Bread with Honey Butter – 20/10. The STAR. Warm, fluffy, buttery perfection. I would honestly come back just for this. • Mai Tai – 10/10. This drink humbled me fast lol. Probably the best Mai Tai I’ve ever had. Smooth and balanced, but it does not play. • Smoked Trout – 7/10. It came with mushrooms, mushroom cracker, and was supposed to include smoked oyster dressing. After the fact, I don’t think mine had the dressing (I even went looking for pics online to check), so it felt like something was missing. It was still good, but could’ve used more salt or herbs to round it out. Also, Tuesdays are Oyster Club nights from 5–10pm! If you’re an oyster lover, this is your time to shine. The vibe was relaxed but fun, I’ll definitely be back to try brunch.

- Kay .Chambers -

I love this place very much and would like to stay at the hotel next time I'm in New Orleans and try their omelette. As it was I had an incredibly delicious meal the stuffed quail was outstanding and my frens brick chicken was no slouch. Really great historical and funky and friendly and really really tasty

- Jim Sherman -

My husband and I visited on a busy night during Halloween week without a reservation and were greeted by Sofia, who was super kind and helpful. She was able to offer us a quaint non-traditional table that was perfect for us! The atmosphere here is outstanding — and the service, food, and drinks were 5 stars. Jessica, the manager, is lovely. She made time to talk with us, answer questions, and share stories. Both she and Sofia helped make our experience extra special. Oh, definitely get the opera cake! And be sure to check out the outdoor patio if you're seated inside. Thanks for an amazing date night, y'all! We'll be back next time we're in town

- Melissa Ehret -

This place was absolutely fantastic! I came here for brunch several times during my stay in New Orleans. I ordered the avocado toast multiple times and it was amazing. Dequincy was hands down the best host my group and I could’ve asked for, he was friendly, attentive, and full of great local recommendations that made us feel right at home. He truly went above and beyond. We even came back later in the evening to try the drinks he suggested, and they ended up being some of the best cocktails we had in the city. Don’t miss this spot and definitely ask for Dequincy!

- Omar Benitez -

This hotel and restaurant is a whole vibe! The mix of antique charm and rustic modern feels so cozy yet stylish. And the food—WOW, beyond delicious. Drinks Excellent! Compliments and Big love to the Chefs (Chef Kyle & Chef CeCe) for their remarkable craft and making it unforgettable! Huge thank you as well to our server Isabel and the rest of the kitchen crew.

- Alyssa Asuncion -

The only reason this isn't a 5 is the smoked trout. So cute Inside. Even walking to the bathroom was a fun experience go through each room. Food: brussel sprouts and focaccia - good. Drinks- good but not amazing. Quail- so delicious. Tiny but satisfying. Smoked trout - this was terrible. We couldn't eat it. We were engulfed in smoke the whole time it was at the table. It's like it was reheated in smoke and then drizzled in liquid smoke. I think the waitress probably feels the same way because it was the only dish she didn't ask about and it was the only dish that was half eaten. This needs to be taken off the menu Opera cake- this really redeemed the food. There's like a spiced marshmallowy/whipped topping that tasted really special. It was odd that they don't have coffee or espresso in the evening to have with dessert. Even the manager mentioned she wants coffee to have with the opera cake. Our waitress was nice and I never felt like I was waiting a long time for anything even though it was a long meal. We enjoyed the ambiance and didn't feel rushed. I'm not marking against them for this but the sloppy wait staff was unexpected for a place that serves $30 small plates. They looked like they worked at Chili's with untucked red shirts.

- Katherine Dennis -

This place is everything you’d want for a cute dining experience. Chic space, well decorated and everything is so well curated to make the space incredibly inviting. The food…. holy it all really blew my mind. The honey butter I could eat for the rest of my life and the salmon roe on the crudo literally burst in your mouth. This is so far the best place I’ve eaten in New Orleans! Go here for sure.

- Kieran Dhaliwal -

The whole vibe was incredible during lunch. Everyone was so helpful. They were a little short-staffed, so it was a little tough but everyone was so extra nice. Honestly the food and non alcoholic drinks were mediocre but we weren't really there for the food anyways lol. (Dee was super helpful and our waitress too but I forgot to ask for her name)

- Bella -