Bacchanal

600 Poland Ave, New Orleans, Louisiana

504-948-9111 http://www.bacchanalwine.com/

Overall Ratings (H in orange, C in purple)

Food: A / A

Ambiance: A / A

Service: B- / B-

Drinks: A

Overall Experience: A / A

The Courtyard--Photo Courtesy of Bacchanal's Website

H says, Bacchanal is giving Adolfo's a run for its money as the place to bring new people when they come to town. Now, it might not have as great a location, but honestly once you show up, unless you really want to go bar hopping and dancing there is no reason to leave. It is just that great. Definitely has a European feel and is definitely one of my top places to bring people for a relaxing dinner and drinks.

Upstairs--Photo Courtesy of Bacchanal's website

C says, I finally convinced H we should give Bacchanal a try, since it is just a hop, skip, and a jump from his apartment. We took two of our friends and had a lovely night out. Service is limited at Bacchanal--you can buy a bottle of wine or get some cocktails, find a seat wherever you like, and when you’re ready for some food, head up to the counter and order (Cash only for the food!). There are no waiters/waitresses. They have live music every night, so it is a great place to go and have a relaxed night out with friends.

Overall thoughts from H: Bacchanal is located in the Bywater almost into the Lower 9th. Now, that might scare you at first if you don’t know the area but trust me, driving there and parking is fine. Even me, as timid as I am when it comes to crime in New Orleans, felt comfortable. When you first walk in, you're greeted by a wonderful wine selection and a helpful staff to pick something out. The wine selection is great. Some are better than others but it is honestly all in the eye of the beholder.

A small secret is in the main foyer on the left side of the entrance is a fridge with different types of cheeses. Pick out a few that you like and bring them to the desk along with your wine, order extra bread and they will give you a table number. Now sit down have some wine, enjoy some cheese and listen to the music. (They almost always have a live band playing in the later evening). After enjoying the cheese, wine, and company, go up to the window and order dinner. Make sure you have cash as it is a cash-only window. There is an ATM right there as well, but don’t be that person who doesn’t have enough cash to pay and they have to wait for you to use the ATM. It’s just not to be done, plus there is a sign right on the window stating this! [C says, The wine shop in the front takes credit cards, and I think the cocktail bar upstairs does, too, but food is cash-only!]

My favorite meal that I had there was the flat iron steak. Their menu changes a bit from time to time but all the food that I have had there was wonderful. The flat iron steak, though, might have been the best steak I have had since moving to New Orleans--it was cooked to perfection. Overall, a great place to go. If you come to New Orleans this has to be on your list of venues to go to. Period.

C says, Bacchanal is now one of fave spots for a laid-back evening with friends. As H says, the menu changes a bit depending upon what the kitchen can get, but I have had the mussels, green curry shrimp, the warm cannellini beans on ciabatta, the braised butternut squash, the bacon-wrapped dates, and the chocolate bark, and everything is yummy. I wish they had more desserts, but next time, maybe we'll just swing by Maurepas Foods for dessert after--never a bad option!