Brennan’s on Royal is known for its iconic breakfast, and for its great dining experience overall. But they also have a great Happy Hour. We have been doing more of this after-work dining in the early evening, and have run into Happy Hour, even though we are not looking for it. The idea of going to Brennan’s for dinner hit us recently, so we did not take our own advice about reservations. The place was packed, and the hostess gave us the “fully committed” announcement.
Mary Ann was delighted with this news, because she noticed the Happy Hour blackboard out front when we walked in and was already about to campaign for it. Only in the bar, or on the patio? Thrilling news to my wife, who would opt for dining outside in a snowstorm. Good thing that is never a consideration in New Orleans. But it had been raining all afternoon, so the patio was wet and the chairs still drying.
After a careful investigation of seating options, MA settled on the one table without an umbrella. The patio was pretty full as well, and each table was already into the special champagne offer, which sets this Happy Hour above others we have seen. Whole bottles of champagne at greatly reduced prices, set on the table in outdoor buckets. There are bubbly cocktails and spritzes for regular happy hour prices-$7
The menu is generous for a Happy Hour, and features unusual offerings. Poutine is mysteriously popular all over, but it’s not something you’d run into in this area. Gourmet versions of dishes like this seem silly, but this one really works. A generous portion of duck confit sits atop a huge pile of golden brown fresh cut fries. Cheese curds do not overpower the dish here, as they often do.
I started with something I get wherever I go: baked oysters. These came with bacon, scallions, and pimiento cheese. Not the best version of baked oysters I’ve seen but, they were baked oysters.
MA is crazy about sliders, so that was a given. I have to admit these were delicious. They came sandwiched in a slab of the signature Parker House Rolls. Inside was prime beef patties, American cheese, fried onions, aioli, and BBQ sauce. Sounds like a lot of flavors, and it was. But it definitely worked together well.
We were intrigued by another thing on the menu-potato chip salad. Next time. Already too much food here. These are very generous portions. There is also a cheese plate, and fried pickles and peppers, and sweet potato pot stickers.
But what may be one of the most appealing things about this very good Happy Hour is the Roost Bar itself. It includes the Courtyard, which is an oasis from the chaos of the French Quarter and its cacophony of sounds. These special prices on champagnes, called Bubbles at Brennan’s, make it more than just a Happy Hour. A happy day.
Bubbles at Brennan’s
Roost Bar and Courtyard
Mon-Th 2-7pm
Fridays 9am-7pm
Also available in main dining room on Fridays
Happy Hour 4-7pm
Montmartre Sparkling Rose $35
Perrier-Jouet Brut NV $45
Taittinger “La Francaise” Brut NV $55
Billecart-Salmon Brut NV $65
Bollinger Special Cuvee Brut NV $75
Bollinger-Brut NV $75
Veuve-Clicquot NV $80
Krug Grand Cuvee Brut NV $175
Brennan’s
417 Royal St New Orleans 70130
504-525-9711
brennansneworleans.com
