Bacchanal Wine

Bacchanal is a wine shop turned backyard party in the Bydwater: grab a bottle inside, they pop it, and you drink it under string lights in the courtyard with live jazz and real kitchen food. A friend sends you here for the vibe, not efficiency. Caveat: weekend nights get packed and seating is first-come.

Key facts

Frequently asked questions

How does Bacchanal actually work?

You walk into the wine shop, pick a bottle (staff will help you choose), and they open it for you. Then you head out back to the courtyard, order food from the kitchen window, and settle in for live music. There's a bar upstairs too if the yard is full.

Can I bring kids?

During daytime and early evening it's family-friendly and you'll see kids in the courtyard. Later at night it shifts into more of a bar crowd. Go early if you've got little ones.

Is it expensive?

You can keep it reasonable with a modest bottle and a plate or two, or spend more on a nicer wine. Since it's retail-priced wine opened for you, you often pay less than restaurant markup. Bring a card; they take plastic.

Is the food any good or is it just a wine bar?

The food is genuinely good, not an afterthought. There's a real chef-driven kitchen doing charcuterie, cheese, and rotating small plates that pair with the wine. People come for dinner, not just drinks.

How do I get there without a car?

It's in the Bywater, a bit off the transit grid. The St. Claude bus gets you within a few blocks, but honestly most people rideshare, especially at night. A cab from the French Quarter is short and cheap.

Is it good for a date?

It's one of the better date spots in the city, especially on a mild evening. String lights, live jazz, a bottle of wine outdoors. Just avoid peak weekend hours when it's shoulder-to-shoulder and hard to hear each other.

Is there a cover charge for the music?

No cover. The live jazz is free with your food and drink, which is a rare and lovely thing in this city. Tipping the band is expected and appreciated.

Do they take reservations?

Seating in the courtyard is first-come, first-served, so no reservations for that. If you want a guaranteed table, come early or on a weeknight. Weekend evenings you may wait for a spot to open up.

Nearby in Ask New Orleans

• BywaterNeighborhood1.61 km · 20 min walk
• Crescent ParkPark2.17 km · 27 min walk
• St. Roch MarketMarket2.45 km · 31 min walk
• Congregation CoffeeCafé2.55 km · 32 min walk
• Woldenberg Riverfront ParkPark2.78 km · 35 min walk