The Bywater is a rum- and Chartreuse-based riff on the Brooklyn created by Chris Hannah at French 75 Bar in 2008, now served at Fives Bar.
• The bar offers oyster and drink specials from 3 to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday.
• Under the “NOLA Classics” section of the menu, don’t miss the Bywater, a rum- and Chartreuse-based riff on the Brooklyn created by Chris Hannah at French 75 Bar in 2008; it’s since become a modern classic.
NICE TO KNOW
A longtime restaurant bar go-to in the Quarter, Sylvain is your reliable local standard with great classic cocktails, a solid burger and a short list of wines that always delights.
NOTABLE AND NEARBY
Located in a landmarked building (est. 1851) in Jackson Square in the French Quarter, this newcomer from the group behind Columns and the St. Vincent Hotel is effectively the bartender’s boomerang, in physical bar form. If the circular marble-topped bar, with bartenders in the front and oyster shuckers in back, looks at all familiar, you are not alone in noticing. The bar itself is a near-replica of Brooklyn’s Maison Premiere, an oyster and cocktail spot that took inspiration from historic New Orleans watering holes, down to its central absinthe drip—nearly identical to the one at the Napoleon House, just down the block from Fives. Call it a bar world call and response. The space is undeniably sexy, sporting a bit more gloss (green marble bar, French cut glass chandelier) than its muse, and in a city that loves an oyster bar, feels like it fills a gap. The drinks hit the right notes, too, offering something for everyone—whether it’s an obscure sherry-based thirst-quencher from southern Spain (the Rebujito), the requisite collection of New Orleans classics done well or one of five Martinis on offer.
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The menu offers a little bit of everything, from the obscure, sherry-based Rebujito (left) to the classic Ramos Gin Fizz (right).