Inside Maison de la Luz, Bar Marilou brings New Orleans all the style, taste, and delicious cocktails we’ve come to expect from the minds behind Paris’ beloved Quixotic Projects.
Sitting inside hotel Maison de la Luz, just a short walk from the French Quarter, Bar Marilou is the first U.S.-based bar from Quixotic Projects–the people behind Paris’ beloved Candelaria and Le Mary Celeste. Studio Shamshiri transformed this former law library into a space inspired by Gertrude Stein and Iris Apfel, meaning coral-colored walls, floral accents, and a broad range of art and ornaments.
The bar is the only space in the hotel actually accessible to the public, while a speakeasy inside the hotel remains solely for hotel guests. A variety of small plates are available for visitors, but the cocktails remain the true calling card as drinks like the Blind Serpent (gin, grapefruit seed cordial, cucumber) keep you coming back for more.
Joshua Fontaine, co-founder of Quixotic Partners and bar-partner of Bar Marilou, tells us…
Please describe Bar Marilou as if you’re explaining the experience of walking through the doors and ordering your first drink.
Bar Marilou is located on the ground floor of the luxurious private hotel guesthouse, Maison de la Luz. It’s the only space in the hotel that is accessible to the general public. (There is a speakeasy lounge located within Bar Marilou that’s only accessible to hotel guests.) It’s a partnership between our Paris-based hospitality group Quixotic Projects – and is our first bar in the U.S. The award-winning architecture and interior design firm Studio Shamshiri reimagined and transformed the building – formerly a city hall annex and law office – into the lush space you see today. When conceptualizing the space, we imagined Bar Marilou’s muses as Gertrude Stein and Iris Apfel, so when you step through the doors you’re met with coral and red walls accented with pink floral wallpaper, mirrors, oil paintings, eclectic curiosities from global travels and an extensive, curated selection of books ranging in genre and edition, which pays homage to the space’s history as a former law library. We see Bar Marilou as a sanctuary of French café culture located right in the heart of New Orleans’ bustling Central Business District.
How would you describe Bar Marilou in a three-word text to a friend that you’re trying to convince to join you?
Relaxing French vibes
Other than Bar Marilou, what else is happening in the neighborhood that you’re in?
Like most everyone in New Orleans, our neighborhood doesn’t lack for great shopping and dining. Directly across the street is our sister property, Ace Hotel New Orleans, which is a gathering spot for both locals and visitors, and is also home to the restaurants Josephine Estelle and Seaworthy, and the rooftop poolside bar and grill, Alto. Bar Marilou is also a short stroll from Bourbon Street and the French Quarter.
Aside from Happy Hour, when is the best time to get to the bar?
Tuesday and Thursday evenings we have a rotating cast of fantastic musicians come down to entertain our guests!
Describe the average drinkers that you serve?
A great mix of both locals and out-of-towners who love visiting us regularly for our relaxed, yet elevated, menu of drinks and food. Definitely people who enjoy a cool, vibe-y spot but also don’t want to compromise on quality.
Please tell us more about your drinks menu.
We take a lot of pride in our reputation for being one of the best cocktail bars in New Orleans. Everything we do is about craft, care and creativity. In addition to our great selection of spirits we offer a surprising selection of French wines and local craft beers.
What’s your signature drink–or your favorite drink currently on the menu–and why should I order it?
The Blind Serpent’s been a long-time favorite on our menu. It’s an easy, refreshing cocktail perfect for cooling you down on those hot-and-humid New Orleans nights.
How much do drinks cost?
Our cocktails are $16.
Is there anything to eat? If so – what’s your favorite dish on the menu?
Our dining menu is almost as popular as our drinks list! We serve a variety of seasonal small plates, perfect for sharing with friends. Our most popular and signature dish is the Pommes Marilou, which are crispy layered potatoes topped with crème fraîche, bowfin caviar and chives.
What are the distinguishing features of Bar Marilou?
Our beautiful cocktails and space have garnered us numerous accolades over the years. There’s really no place like Bar Marilou, and we love being this tucked away oasis of true joie de vivre in the city.
What’s that music we hear playing on the Bar Marilou stereo?
Our soundtrack is eclectically French ranging from classics to hip hop. We also host live music every Tuesday and Thursday night featuring New Orleans’ best jazz musicians.
Hours:
Sunday – Thursday: 4pm-12am
Friday & Saturday: 4pm-1am
Happy Hour everyday: 4pm-6pm
Reservations:
Book a table via Resy.
Website:
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/barmarilou/?hl=en
Address:
544 Carondelet St, New Orleans, LA 70130