If I had to describe Bourbon Street Barrel Room in one word, I would describe it as a destination. Because when you step through the doors of the restaurant, you immediately feel like you’ve left the streets of Tremont and entered New Orleans. The decor has a cozy, simplistic elegance that never feels overdone. The ceiling is adorned with copper tiles and interesting light fixtures hang low from the second floor down to the first.
While you feel like you’ve left Cleveland, the restaurant doesn’t contain a hint of gaudiness. Seating is ample, as there are two floors for dining or drinking. We were seated on the second level, which overlooks the bottom part of the restaurant. Our waiter was superb – very attentive, friendly and full of suggestions. He’s honestly one of the best waiters I’ve had in awhile. I sampled a flight of beers ($10) before settling on Southern Tier Goat Boy for my final selection.
The menu ranges in price up to $18 and truthfully has a little bit of something for everyone. I was torn between the Crispy Shrimp Po Boy, Mardi Gras Pasta, Shrimp Creole and New Orleans BBQ Shrimp and Grits choices. All sounded incredibly tasty. The waiter sold me on the Po Boy as he raved about the decadent Bistro Sauce that accompanies it. I was not disappointed. The sauce was delicious and the portion sizes were more than filling.
For dessert my friend Katy insisted upon beignets. She said our meal wouldn’t be complete without them. While I was already feeling pretty full by then, the warm beignets sprinkled in powdered sugar and served with fresh fruit really hit the spot. They remind me of funnel cakes, but so much better.
The only complaint I could think to give this restaurant is their mediocre happy hour specials. In a city where happy hours can serve as full meals, the Bourbon Street Barrel Room falls a little short. From 2 – 7 p.m. you can receive $1 off starters, Abita drafts, house wines and hurricanes. Other than that, I can’t think of one thing I’d change about my visit to this fine dining establishment.
2393 Professor Avenue, Cleveland OH 44113
Mon – Tues 4 p.m. – 2 a.m.; Wed – Sat 11 a.m. – 2 a.m. and Sun 10 a.m. – 1 a.m.
cleunleashed.com 