Just in time for Prohibition nearly a century ago, a New Orleans grande dame opened its doors. Broussard’s has a beautiful bar called the Empire Bar, which was pretty quiet in its early years. But ever since, it has been a central part of the restaurant. It’s a smallish space off to the side in what was the carriageway and stables. And it’s quite cozy if you are looking for romance. True story: Before a statue of Napoleon disappeared in a renovation, it sat in the back of the courtyard. If a guest ordered a Napoleon Brandy, a bell was rung and the Maitre D took the guest to the courtyard to pay homage to the statue. Rumor has it a song about Napoleon may have been involved. Wish I was there.
Alas, the statue is gone. But the bar is still fun. Beginning Monday June 17th, the Empire Bar will be front and center, featuring a weekly cocktaiI during Happy Hour for $1.92, in celebration of the restaurant’s 1920 birth year.. The first week’s special is the Bee’s Knees, and is a simple but delicious combination of gin, honey, and lemon.
But the real star of Broussard’s summer special 1920 celebration is the dinner menu for $19.20.
The pre-fixe menu is three courses: choice of a Creole tomato gazpacho. Broussard’s Caeser, salad or cochon de lait rillette. Entree offerings are diverse, with some having a creole spin. Choose from rosemary rubbed chicken breast, moules frites, grilled pork tenderloin, or Creole tomato ratatouille. Third course dessert selections are almond bread pudding, blueberry mint cobbler, and raspberry gateau Basque.
An updated full dinner menu featuring a broad range of seasonal Gulf seafood is of course also available. Don’t miss the special pricing on wine and drinks. The $19.20 birthday price is available on a generous selection of wine bottles, and the Happy Hour special $1.92 cocktail can be had from 3-7pm daily.
This is a beautiful restaurant with a lovely courtyard, and a glamorous ambience. If you haven’t visited yet, here is an excellent opportunity to experience this grande dame. With prices like these we can hardly wait for the official 100th birthday celebration next year.
Broussard’s
Brunch daily 10am-2:30pm
Happy Hour 3-7pm daily
Dinner 5:30-10pm nightly
819 Rue Conti New Orleans 70112
504-581-3866
Broussards.com
Parking validated from Royal Sonesta
