Revel Cafe and Bar

Best hamburger in the whole of New Orleans? I'm not sure I agree with "best," as there are many contenders and styles. This one is up there, though. To be really picky about it, I prefer a seeded bun, I like blue as a cheese option, and overall the burger is a little unwieldy and is best approached with the big steak knife provided with your meal. To get back to the superlatives: the meat is a blend of brisket this and prime that, not just a grind of random cow parts, details that show up as excellence in both flavor and texture. Everything on the burger is fresh. The bun is fresh and pretty robust even with all the burger and toppings included. So what no seeds? It's an excellent burger that deserved its award (from nola.com, if you're wondering). The "pommes frites" are really more American style fries in that they're thicker and denser than what's on a typical pomme frites plate in France, but they're not quite steak fries, either. We're not in France, so no points off. Fries come out hot and fresh with a delicious aioli that reminded us of Jules telling Vincent Vega about the fries in Holland. (If you're like Jules and can't imagine that, they also have ketchup. ) The fries themselves are cooked in beef tallow, soon to be recommended by the HHS as a replacement for "evil" seed oils. That goes against what most cardiologists would tell you, but did they win the election? After all, you didn't come here for an ECG. Enjoy these fries. They're a real throwback to the old days when beef tallow frying was commonplace (and life expectancy was 38 years). Then, be sure to fast and work out. Tomorrow. The more expensive steak is close to perfect, a strip cooked exactly to order with a strong crust of salt and pepper. Steak comes with the same fries as the burger, Don't pass on the cocktails, as that what's on the big menu; the one page food menu seems modest by comparison. I can vouch for the New Orleans is Drowning, a terrible name but a delicious variant something like a Sazerac. The Sazerac itself is also worthwhile. The drinks here were comparable to what I've had at Cure, and I that's about as big a cocktail compliment as I can give. Atmosphere here is convivial and the service is attentive and prompt. We didn't sit at the bar, but that looked even more convivial (not sure how prompt, and do expect to wait a bit for your drink. These things are "crafted"--a word that's horribly overused in the industry but applies here.

I do not say this lightly when I say this is the best cocktail bar in the city. Not only is the drink menu expansive, but you can't go wrong with whatever you pick. Not only are the menu drinks amazing, but any cocktail you're in the mood for will be done well and couldn't get it better anywhere else. Now on top of all that they're making amazing hamburgers. It's juicy, flavorful, they mix their own burger meat to get the perfect balance. And from what they've told me they are continuing to kinda add items to the menu. I had the burger, deviled eggs, and a wedge salad. You can never go wrong with a wedge and this one proves it. Besides the burger I was surprised just how good the deviled eggs were. Delicious. Love coming here to try new drinks the atmosphere is dark and comfortable. Now I come here for drinks and food.

We came because the burger just won best in New Orleans. Let's start with the cocktails! They were delicious. They were on the high side...between $12-14. The cocktail menu is large and has lots of options. We ordered the burger and frites which was $18. The burger was good but I can't say best in New Orleans. The server was super friendly but it does take a little while to get cocktails. The place is very cute. I would come back for their cocktails. Especially because they have a special cocktail at a discount each day for happy hour.

What a nice evening. Was out after 9 looking for a bite and a drink and options aren't great so we tried a new spot. Revel was a wonderful surprise. Absolutely amazing burger!!! And cocktail menu was well thought out and the drinks were well made. We'll be back. This spot is going to be a regular

I'm so happy that Revel is back! Pre-pandemic it was our go to near the house with outdoor seating so we could bring our pup. When I heard they finally reopened we went without the dog so we could be seated inside. It was great to see Chris and Laura behind the bar and one of our old favorite bartenders from there made a special appearance. Until they're staffed up they're only offering burgers and fries, but they're a delicious blend and super juicy. Don't skip the aioli! As with most of our trips there when we're seated at the bar, we'll order a few cocktails off the menu and then let them lead us on a cocktail journey based off our likes and dislikes. I went on a tequila journey that I was sure I would instantly despise myself for in the morning but was chipper as I can be for a Sunday morning. The cocktails aren't cheap, but you're getting what you paid for and more in the quality of all the ingredients and the company you'll have.

I am from the Dallas area. I first discovered Revel with some friends in early January 2020. We wandered from dinner and were looking for a place to have a drink. Walked up to the doors as Chris and Laura were heading out. We had five of us, and we wanted to spend money, so they were gracious enough to invite us in. Four hours later, every single one of us vowed to return at any of our next opportunity. Chris educated us and told excellent stories while Laura assisted or hosted, depending on the moment. The cocktails were exquisite. Many times they would have us tell them what we wanted (sour, sweet, spicy, chocolate, boozy, type of liquor) and they would create something specifically for that person.The next day was our last day in NOLA, so we returned to have lunch and drink some more. This was a little different since we didn't have the place to ourselves, but everyone at the bar was adept at social interaction, so it ended up feeling like a bunch of regulars hanging out. Another A+ experience. And the food was delicious.Then the COVID-19 pandemic happened. I was certain it would kill Revel. I was so certain, that I was heartbroken about it.I am happy to say, Chris and Laura came through that (practically) unscathed and are still going strong today!Last night, June 30, 2023, I returned. Welp. Amazing again. I brought a different buddy there this time, and we had an excellent experience. He ordered the burger, which was perfectly prepared and I ordered the steak frites, which were also perfectly prepared. The house-made chimichurri was on point. And of course the cocktails were to die for.Chris is a master bartender in every sense of the role. Laura executes his vision flawlessly.I want this restaurant & bar to thrive. It's hard being a small business. It's harder being a small 2- or 3-person operation. It's hard to find the time to focus on marketing and promotions to get the word out when the toilets need cleaning and the dishes need washing after they close. So I am begging you, if you're reading this, please please go experience this place. Sit at the bar. Interact and ask them to wow you with their cocktail expertise. Tell your friends. Write positive reviews. Bring your friends. I implore you. It is obvious that Chris and Laura care deeply about creating an experience for their patrons that is second-to-none. I'd hate to see that not be rewarded with the prosperity they so deserve.I'll be back. Hope I have to make a reservation.

Y'all have fries cooked in beef tallow served with an aioli with canola oil in it?! lol why, wtf. Seed oils are terrible.

We had heard about the burger and decided to give it a try.We were both pleased.High quality meat and perfectly prepared.Good drinks as well.. But we knew that going in.Will definitely be back there

The cocktails were amazing, service great , very knowledgeable mixologist a great find, food was great although being vegan not much for me to eat but my companions loved the food.Will return very soon when we go back to New Orleans.

This place is the bomb. It is old New Orleans type of place. We got the salmon dip which was sooooo good.Perfect actually because it was creamy with the seafood aroma at the back of your throat after you swallow. We all got burger with the only difference being the cheese. They were all cooked perfectly. They are put on a Brioche bun with aioli,lettuce and tomato and red onion. The fries are ok but the burger has star power. It is perfectly located on Carrollton right off canal so perfect for tourist to take the street car. I can't end this review without bragging on the bar tender. Can't remember his name but excellent crafting cocktails. So perfect place to stop and have a cocktail and small plate.I am a local and have lived in NOLA most of my life and this place is a 15 out of 10 in all 3 categories.