The Avenue Pub

"Known for its vast beer selection, the Avenue Pub is back open under new owners with a better-than-ever menu of pub food. Downstairs, a cluster of high tables means the room can get crowded with dining patrons; upstairs the balcony is back open with its wrap-around balcony overlooking the streetcar line and a smaller bar with an impressive selection of brown goods: bourbon, whiskey, and rye. Happy hour is Monday through Friday from 3 to 6 p.m. with a slew of $5 offerings — wine, pilsners, margaritas, and a High Life/Tullamore Dew combo; and for food, there are $5 boudin balls, wings, and pub sliders." - Eater Staff

"The Avenue Pub’s vast beer selection features local breweries as well as relatively unknown, seasonal, and artisanal ales from around the world. Bartenders are knowledgeable and ready to help; downstairs the focus is on beer and pub grub, upstairs is a smaller bar with an impressive selection of bourbon, whiskey and rye, as well as a wrap-around balcony overlooking the streetcar line (and Mardi Gras parade route). As for its impressive food, an ever-changing menu from the guys at Blue Oak BBQ combines classic Cajun flavors with elevated pub food." - Clair Lorell, Beth D'Addono, Justine Jones

"While the Avenue Pub is known for its world-class beer list, the food menu is not to be missed. Served until midnight every day except Sunday (11 p.m.), the new cuisine under Blue Oak BBQ ownership ranges from straight-up pub food like cheesy boudin balls and beef fat tater tot poutine smothered with gumbo gravy, Hook’s cheddar, and jalapenos, to a refined chopped kale salad with collard greens and fried Ranch chickpeas and a grilled chicken club with white barbecue sauce. Everything is delicious, and specials abound." - Beth D'Addono, Clair Lorell

"Mardi Gras central since it opened in 1987, Avenue Pub is now owned by the guys behind Blue Oak Barbecue, who know better than to mess with tradition. There’s a $10 wrist band for the bathroom and a menu that ranges from fish tacos and fried shrimp to boudin balls and loaded tots. On the drink side, besides 40 beers on tap, there will be frozen Irish coffee and jello shots to keep the party going." - Beth D'Addono

"Open every day, Avenue Pub offers a $10 daily bathroom access and upstairs parade viewing when it’s not booked for a party. Lots of Mardi Gras specials on the menu, frozen Irish coffees, Jell-O shots, tons of beer, and Avenue Pub logo ice chests to take with, $40 including a six-pack." - Beth D'Addono