A new swanky absinthe lounge is opening up on Bourbon Street this Friday, October 17. Belle Epoque Absinthe Lounge is opening up at 240 Bourbon Street in the same location where Tony Moran’s Restaurant was up until 2016. The lounge is located at the corner of Bienville and Bourbon near Restaurant R’evolution, Desire Oyster Bar, and Willie’s Chicken Shack. It is also adjacent to the Old Absinthe House, with the same owners as the lounge: Rue Bourbon Hospitality.
Opening up Belle Epoque is Laura Belluci of SoBou and Hayley Vanvleet at Curio. The cocktail menu they curated is centered on the obvious – absinthe – as well as French-fused dishes including oysters with absinthe mignonette; gnocchi with grab, sweet potato, chilis, mead, and herbs; seared duck and other hearty meat entree options, and more. The dishes range from $10-$22, with craft cocktails and absinthe options varying from $11 to $23. In addition to the regular menu, Belle Epoque will also offer a late-night happy hour featuring plates from $6 to $8.
One of the main focal points is a unique absinthe drip fountain which are actually original to the Old Absinthe House. The fountains date back to 1863, according to Gambit. Originally, the fountains were almost beyond repair, covered in cobwebs and filled with spray foam. Their team got lucky once they reached out to the Monumental Task Committee of New Orleans and Oak and Laurel Preservation, who worked to preserve the unique touch.
Their hours of operation come the 17th will be Thursday through Saturday from 4pm to 2am with dinner service until midnight. It will also be open from 3pm to 1am on Sunday’s for those NFL watch parties.
Featured image via bar.