Libations for Locals!
Pop in for a sip at one of these three New Orleans hotspots.
Tiki Tolteca at Felipe’s
Looking for something to ease your pain after a long workday? Try a painkiller variation, called “What An Aspirin Is,” and transport yourself to the tropics at this kitschy-cool tiki den, located above Felipe’s. “We have a dynamic menu, ranging from fruity and tart drinks to more spirit-forward and stirred,” says Bartender, Maxton Kennedy. “Our style of tiki incorporates the traditional Polynesian elements that Don the Beachcomber and Trader Vic conjured, but we also use spirits other than rum, like pisco, mescal and tequila.” Don’t miss special events at the bar, including occasional burlesque performances and bartender roasts. 301 N. Peters St., (504) 267-4406, felipestaqueria.com
Café Adelaide, Loews Hotel
The beloved Swizzle Stick Bar and Café Adelaide’s dining room got a glamorous makeover this fall, with new cocktails to match. “Adelaide Brennan always said, ‘If you’ve got it, flaunt it.’ I like to take that same attitude and apply it to our cocktails,” says Bar Chef, Lu Brow. “This fall, we’ve debuted the Sparkle Plenty (made with gold-dust bitters), that sparkles like our new design. We’re really excited to show off the new menu, so come in for a drink!” 300 Poydras St., (504) 595-3305 cafeadelaide.com
Bar R’evolution, Royal Sonesta Hotel
The Royal Sonesta Hotel’s upscale Restaurant R’evolution may be known for its expansive wine cellar — it boasts some 10,000 bottles — but Bar R’evolution has winning cocktails, courtesy of Mixologist, Michael Glassberg. “We’re very excited to roll out our new fall cocktails,” Glassberg says. “These drinks have deeply rooted historical connections, updated with modern twists to complement the food menu. I especially like the Blackthorn No. 2, a version of a pre-Prohibition cocktail, featuring sloe gin, vermouth and bitters. [It’s] the perfect way to begin any culinary adventure.” 777 Bienville St., (504) 553-2277, revolutionnola.com
Wine of the Month
The Pour: Elouan 2013 Pinot Noir
The Palate: Pulling fruit from the Northwest’s premiere Pinot-producing regions — including Oregon’s Umpqua, Willamette and Rogue valleys — this Pinot Noir release is new to New Orleans. It offers a brilliant ruby-red hue and hits high notes of rich cherry and cranberry. There’s a backbone of earthiness to the wine, too; it’s perfect for alfresco sipping this fall.
The Place: Patrick’s Bar Vin offers Elouan for $10 per glass, bottles for $25 to $30. 730 Bienville St., (504) 200-3180, patricksbarvin.com