1861 Southern Kitchen Bourbon Bar Info
Amenities
From the business
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Identifies as Black-owned
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Identifies as women-owned
Service options
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Dine-in
Highlights
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Fast service
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Fireplace
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Great beer selection
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Great cocktails
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Great dessert
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Great wine list
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Live music
Popular for
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Lunch
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Dinner
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Solo dining
Accessibility
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Wheelchair accessible entrance
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Wheelchair accessible parking lot
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Wheelchair accessible restroom
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Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
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Alcohol
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Beer
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Cocktails
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Coffee
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Comfort food
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Happy hour drinks
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Happy hour food
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Hard liquor
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Late-night food
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Small plates
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Wine
Dining options
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Breakfast
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Brunch
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Lunch
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Dinner
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Catering
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Dessert
Amenities
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Bar onsite
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Restroom
Atmosphere
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Cozy
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Romantic
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Trendy
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Upscale
Crowd
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Groups
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Tourists
Planning
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Reservations required
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Dinner reservations recommended
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Accepts reservations
Payments
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Credit cards
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Debit cards
Parking
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Free parking lot
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Free street parking
Other
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Identifies as Black-owned
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Identifies as women-owned
Best WLM Reviews
From the moment we arrived (party of 4) we were greeted like we were regulars even though we hadn't visited on several years. The refreshed menu and theme did not disappoint. The unique and thoughtful approach to drinks was appreciated don't pass on the prohibition old fashioned and the purple people eater was fun. Southern charm and hospitality is what comes through and the flavors of each dish brought back memories of my grandmother's cooking. The smothered salmon was generous and well prepared as was the Chicken and Waffle. Don't miss the hushpuppies and fried green tomatoes and be sure to have the collards and sweet potatoes - yes with marshmallows and candied pecans. Staff was attentive and knowledgeable. Hospitality was top notch. I agree with some previous postings where more attention should be paid to the exterior and entrance as it was very messy and unkempt. Don't pass on an opportunity to visit and experience a little slice of southern hospitality.
To the owners: could you clean up your act? Very nice music (a little loud), good vibe and friendly enough staff, food was quite good (dominated by fish & seafood) but options are limited, sides are starchy (how about more fresh vegetables and side salads - side note the cornbread is SO sweet, a plain corn bread that could come with the meal would be great).
My main complaint was with the facility and the little details such as: the entrance is NOT in the front, but the back. (Google maps picture of the front of the building is misleading, three other parties as well as my husband and I were totally confused); there was a large pot hole in the parking lot to greet patrons first off, overflowing with debris; the descent of steps at the entrance had litter and leaves; the chair prominent at the hostess station is badly torn and unsightly; the menu that was given me was also ripped (come on, it's a paper xerox, you can't make another one?); the double doors to the kitchen (which you can't miss as you go to and from the bathroom) are filthy top to bottom (just a little paint would do the trick or how about some decent metal double doors); lamps were falling down in the dining room with glaring bulbs, no one bothered to turn them upright.
Over all this restaurant has so much going for it, just seems as though a caring owner is absent.
You could just go here for the grits! I never had grits before and they gave me a free sample the first time I ate here. Omg they are so cheesy and creamy! You cannot go here and not get them as a side at least!
The food overall is very good it is a little expensive, but worth it for its elevated cuisine and atmosphere. They have good service and even made a brunch burger for me that is no longer on the menu that has jam, scrapple egg and bacon on it! So so so good!
The manager gave us a free drink sample for their new bath tub cups! So cute!
Don’t forget it’s a speak easy so the entrance is around back.
Man everything about this place is spot on. The atmosphere is beautiful and welcoming but the food!
The food was the best I've had in a while. As a frequent NOLA visitor 1861 does not disappoint ???? we went for brunch and i got the Fried Chicken Benedict and my husband got the churro waffle ???? hiiighly recommend
We celebrated our 20th anniversary. We had Smothered Salmon and Soul bowl. Appetizers were pan seared scallops and skillet cornbread with side of bourbon peaches. Topped with a black coffee and a sniffer of grand mariner.
My husband and I have been trying to dine here since it opened.
Can I say that I was NOT disappointed!!! The acknowledged at the door lacked - it was busy busy that no one would NOT notice that I was standing for about 10 minutes or so at the front to be seated. I had to walk over to the bar to get someone's attention to say: Hello, you have customers that are waiting to be seated. Me, being one of them: party of two! It was myself & hubby and another huge party of 13 (who had a reservation). They, of course, were seated before us - with the preliminary planned arrival time.
The service afterward was top-notch! I believe that the server name was Sophia (?)... she moved to DE for her dad's work, just before the pannini {Pandemic} and started hs, etc. Beautiful spirit.
●Pros●
Those blueberry pralines French toast was a stamp in my belly and mind! Omg!! It was definitely SWEET... however; I'm going back for another round in the near future.
The salmon was JUST right!!! Moist. Flavorful.
The vibe was cozy and quaint.
●Cons●
The chef should probably consider lighten up with the amount of salt ????used in the sauce for the shrimp ???? & grits sauce ???? Wow!!
The grits were VERY gritty (for lack of a better word) pun intended! They should have been cooked a little longer for a smoother consistency! I'm an avid grits maker... my husband LOVES them. I've mastered that craft in my kitchen.
●Overpriced ●
Note, I/we WILL & have paid for MEMORABLE, DELICIOUSLY, and esthetically pleasing made food! Now, for a brunch for (2) two customers - over $100 spent ...I felt was pricing for our high-end Biltmore or St. Regis brunch price points, not a local quaint spot.
Definitely was a nice brunch selection on a Sunday!!
Finally made it to this establishment though I have been recommending it for some time based on personal reviews I have receieved and I will say overall I was pleased. I made reservation for myself because I didn't want to sit at the bar, and while I was greeted politely it did seem as if the hostess was surprised that I was dining alone. I think all establishments need to understand that every patron is important and assumptions should never come across in interactions.
My server was personable and prompt throughout my meal. I appreciated how she immediately informed me what they were out of. I ordered the Purple People Eater cocktail which was very balanced; enjoyed it so much I got a second. That one cocktail informed me that they certainly know their libations and sure the positive things I've heard about their Bourbon selection must be true.
The fried green tomatoes were delicately fried, seasoned just right and had just enough goat cheese to add some texture as well as balance the tomatoes.
My main concern was with the loaded seafood grits, the description did not live up to what I receieved. It states that there is a lobster claw but I barely had 2 chunks of lobster in the dish. Also, either the lump crab was not lump crab to begin with (as a true crab eater that's my assumption) or when folding into the dish it was separated to the point that it appears to not be lump. The flavor of the dish was delectable and it was not as heavy considering grits were the base and sauce was creamy. The grits were perfectly cooked. I enjoyed it overall, but considering the price point I do not believe I receieved the value loaded seafood implies.
One final thought, I personally always tip, however if you're going to have an automatic gratuity you need to have it more prominent on your menu/website and also make sure that the service is on par because there are many consumers who are exhausted with forced tipping. I did not have any concerns with this and my server provided service akin to the gratuity therefore I would have provided that without being "forced" (that word is used due to how some may take the message regarding gratuity on the menu) .
Overall, I am looking to patronize again. I will stated that knowing what I do about the owners of this establishment that was a reason I often recommend and wanted to support. I'm leaving this review because I know that this is a high quality restaurant and want nothing more than for continued success!
This restaurant was very unique
The waitress was so nice and friendly
The food was good… the devil eggs were fried a lil too much and the waffles had too much syrup
The Mac and cheese was nice and cheesy
The Brussels should should have had a lil more color to them
The cornbread was delicious
I love catfish… but the corn meal was throwing me off I didn’t like that much
Over all the experience and the food was great! I’m so glad we got a chance to come dine there
Quick Facts About 1861 Southern Kitchen Bourbon Bar
Today
Opening Hours
| Monday | Closed |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | 11:00 AM - 02:00 AM |
| Thursday | 11:00 AM - 02:00 AM |
| Friday | 11:00 AM - 02:00 AM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM - 02:00 AM |
| Sunday | 10:00 AM - 02:00 PM |
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