Bouligny Tavern

Bouligny Tavern Restaurant Review:

About the restaurant & décor: Bouligny Tavern’s exterior may look like a typical Garden District home, but the interior décor is strictly mid-20th-century, and the food is very “right now.” Upholstered walls and tufted banquettes absorb a lot of noise, so even when the place is crowded it’s relatively serene. Chef John Harris’ casual wine bar and small-plates restaurant adjoins his fine dining bistro, Lilette.

Likes: Blue crab claws with Old Bay rémoulade.
Dislikes: None.

Food & Drinks: The menu features short rib tacos, duck confit with pickled berries and quinoa, and a selection of brochette and crostini. Try the anchovy toasts with ricotta and pair them with a crisp California Chenin Blanc. Harris, true to form, offers a well thought out balance of French and California wines, with about 15 available by the glass and dozens more by the bottle. Indulge in house-made ice cream and cookies for dessert. For a place as busy as this, with people moving from room to room and even outside to the courtyard or the front porch, the service is surprisingly attentive and accurate.