The NOPSI Hotel opened a few years ago to much fanfare. It made all the lists of the cool new hotels in the United States, and with good reason. They did a great job giving an iconic building a wonderful new life. It was especially interesting to locals, whose parents and grandparents went into what is now the lobby of the hotel and paid their electricity and gas bills and got bus tokens at a desk now used as the hotel’s front desk. My attention remains focused on the table near the bar where people got a form to fill out to pay that bill. And where I got bus tokens. That desk also remains exactly where it was.
It’s a massive building with meandering hallways, making a search for a bathroom a hike. The restaurant, itself a lovely conversion, is off to the right. The bar is very large, occupying nearly half of the lobby, narrowing at one point into a more intimate space and hip bar. Henry’s Gin Bar, as it is called, is heavy on its namesake spirit. At a party there last night to celebrate the rebranding, these gin drinks were free-flowing, and so tasty even MA was drinking. A particularly refreshing one was made of watermelon and basil and ginger. Perfect for this hot weather. MA was intrigued when she saw a Ramos Gin Fizz made a few months ago and tried one for the first time last night. It was a delicious first try-she picked a good one. These drinks were so light and refreshing that when a blueberry and lemon one came out she drank it all. She never does that, so that’s really saying something.
There was a beautiful spread of meats and cheeses, and pickled vegetables and mustards prepared by former Broussard’s chef Neal Swidler. Neal opened Lucky Rooster with the Juan’s Flying Burrito group a few years ago, and is a talented chef. It was nice to see him again. The charcuterie board had some unusual items like roasted duck breast and duck pate, as well as chorizo, prosciutto, Calabrese and a few other regulars. The cheese board was especially diverse, running the gamut from Boursin to buffalo mozzarella.
Pass around appetizers showcased the bar menu, which included pimiento cheese crostini with a citrus glaze, pulled pork in dough, and a sweet and savory hush puppy. The best of these was a french fry cup with a crawfish sauce.’
This bar is an interesting collection of spaces; the bar itself, a smallish sitting room, and a much larger space which is also part of the bar where you’ll find the music. And of course the large and very comfortable outdoor space. The vibe in this whole place is welcoming, young, energetic, and fun. Add this one to your list.
Henry’s Gin Bar at the NOPSI Hotel
317 Baronne St New Orleans
844-439-1463
nopsihotel.com
