The Best of New Orleans’ Newest Restaurants

There are plenty of established eateries and bars that have perfected New Orlean’s rich culture in their dishes and drinks. While old-standing establishments such as the Napoleon House are staples when it comes to grabbing a bite to eat, New Orleans’ dining has evolved from Jambalaya and the Muffuletta, although the classics are still revered.

New Orleans is continuously witnessing new restaurants and bars popping up with fresh takes on dining experiences. These notable destinations that were added to NOLA’s radar in 2016 might not have celebrated their first birthdays yet, but they are already packed with the same amount of enthusiasm and culture that originally turned New Orleans into a foodie’s utopia.

The Caribbean Room

Photo by Rebecca Ratliff

After a $10 million renovation of the Pontchartrain Hotel, the Caribbean Room, which was first introduced to the Hotel in 1948 by E. Lysle Aschaffenburg, returned on June 17 with elegance. While the Caribbean Room closed in 1994, chefs Chris Lusk and John Besh decided to reopen the Caribbean Room and revive its charm. Keeping with the restaurant’s past grace and virtue, jackets for gentleman are required while the restaurant features rattan furniture and Charles Reinike murals. Bringing new energy to the area, a portrait of Lil’ Wayne eating their classic Mile High Ice Cream Pie is the focal point when you enter. Continuing with the new pizzazz, chef Lusk infuses a contemporary vibe with classic dishes featuring the Crab Remeike with bacon and chili sauce and the Trout Veronique. A meal wouldn’t be complete at the Caribbean Room without their iconic Mile High Ice Cream Pie that is layered with chocolate, vanilla and peppermint ice cream topped with fluffed marshmallow and melted chocolate sauce poured tableside. If there is a portrait of the pie with Lil’ Wayne, it has to live up to its expectation, which it does.

Hot Tin Rooftop Bar

Photo by Christian Horan Photography

When the Pontchartrain Hotel was constructed in 1927, the building was full of ritzy residential apartments. However, it seemed to be missing a penthouse. Local lawyer Colonel Deutsch asked the original hotel proprietor, Aschaffenburg, about the availability of a penthouse and why there wasn’t one, Aschaffenburg responded by saying he would build one, which he did.

On June 17, 2016, the penthouse became home to Hot Tin Rooftop Bar, which provides a 270-degree view of the Mississippi River and Downtown NOLA. As you enter Hot Tin after getting off the golden elevator, you walk into a 1940s artistic studio. Lounge chairs, couches and possessions from the past including old photos and postcards line the shelves of the establishment. In relation to its name, a ceiling similar to a tin roof is above the bar as the bartenders perfect their mixology. Peacock rattan chairs and a classic Christmas Story leg lamp complete the speakeasy sensation. The bartenders create cocktails like the Blanco y Blanco with tequila, ancho reyes, lime, creme de cacao and chili-bourbon tincture. Sipping one of these drinks while peering through the glass accordion doors or enjoying the breeze from the balcony is a sure way to have a memorable, or possibly a forgotten night.

Toups South