Kevin Bennett has two sons and a building he owned on N Turnbull in Metairie. And a friend named Andrea, owner of Andrea’s Restaurant. This building had been another of the revolving door of restaurants as are so many other buildings, until something clicks. This building started restaurant life as Archie’s and Danny’s (yes, that Archie, and Danny Abramowicz) followed by Romanoff’s, with the last iteration being a Korean place called Kimchi.
After the last restaurant called it quits, Kevin, who was retired but bored, thought he’d try his hand at the restaurant business. He recruited his two sons, Blake and Brandon, who already had a time-consuming day job as a lawyer. And he collaborated with his friend Andrea to open Andy's Bistro. Andrea helped with general counseling to the newbies, but mostly lent his name to this unknown restaurant.
And soon Andy’s was a hit. Was it the need for just such a place in Metairie? The casual atmosphere? The great food? The affiliation with Andrea? Probably all of the above, coupled with the business savvy that made Kevin the owner of hundreds of oil change stores across the United States.
Whatever is the magic formula that makes new restaurants hits, Andy’s has it. Now the restaurant that started as a casual addition to the Metairie dining scene has gone more upscale, featuring excellent prime steaks on their menu. And one of the nicest private rooms in the area just upstairs.
We’re partial to the happy hour here, and come to sit out on the comfortable outdoor sofas under the lights and palm trees. Even though seating is very limited, and it is right by the road, we find this a favorite happy hour spot. We love the flatbreads and the burger and even the potato skins. But Andy’s shines at dinner, when it switches into steakhouse mode, featuring a new Prime Time special limited menu of $29, from 4:30 till 6.
Once Andy’s had settled into a comfortable and very successful groove, the Bennett’s didn’t stop. Moving into the space formerly housing Lakeview Harbor in Metairie, 3B’s Burger & Wine Bar is a very welcome addition to family friendly Lakeview. Look for their Little B meals for the little ones.
Pretty glitzy for a burger joint, it could be because it’s a glitzy burger joint. Fun and casual food here with a large selection of wines on tap. A good shareables menu and just a place to hang out.
Hanging out on the patio at Andy’s Bistro on a nice evening is where you’ll find Kevin, holding forth with his friends. And why not? The next generation has it all under control.
3B’s Burger and Wine Bar
911 Harrison Ave New Orleans 70124
504-249-8025
Sun-Tue 11-9
Wed-Th till 10
Fri-Sat till 11
threebs.com
Andy’s Bistro
Lunch Th-Fri 11-3:30pm
Sunday 11-3pm
Dinner Mon-TH 4:30-9pm
Fri-Sat 4:30-10pm
Happy Hour Mon-Fri 4:30-6pm
3322 N Turnbull Dr Metairie 70002
504-455-7363
andysbistro.com
