the columns hotel

a greatplaceto lounge on the high-columned front veranda watching the trolleys zip by. the food was ok, but the service was incredibly slow.

cocktails. greatplacefor an afternoon cocktail, not many people know about this spot but it offers a great atmosphere for a busy cocktail hour. a spot on the porch is hard to come by, but worth the wait. with the huge oak trees and white columns, one instantly is transported to another time and captivated by the beautiful old south surroundings.

visit the historic bar inside. thisplacehas is a lovely converted mansion and it has a beautiful porch which is a very pleasant spot to sit talk and sip a cocktail. have eaten there twice the first time had holiday dinner here in a front room and was served fantastic coquilles st. jacques, that was pre katremia. returned recently for another holiday dinner in 2011 and food felt like served out of a frozen food section and reheated in microwave not at all the same. likely different staff and cooks. did not enjoy the wine pairings offered with the courses of the holiday meals as very acidic selection. but theplaceis beautiful and well kept so recommend a stop in after a ride down on the trolley as it stops out front. recommend stop in and go inside to take a look around and visit the bar.

from 5-7 this beautiful hotel cuts the price in half for their house wine, liquor and beer. this is theplaceto go if you want to meet law and med school students

greatplaceto sit, chat with friends, make new ones. my only complaint: the drinks are mediocre; stick with the basics, and you'll do fine.

relaxing. thisplaceis slow as christmas, but that's just how i like it. relax in comfort and enjoy your $2.50 cocktail every weekday from 5-7. it's the only 'classy'placethat comes to mind that doesn't have an obnoxious/pretentious crowd (yeah you, delachaise, monkey hill). go early to get a table, go to the bar for service (the cocktail waitresses are very slow), and don't be afraid to order the bar food (it's pretty good). and the location is perfect.

best for drinks, not eats.. perfect drinks. abita amber the only beer on tap. food is okay. nice places to lounge whether you're a group or a couple. sometimes overwhelmed by students, but on a good night, an older crowd gives theplaceall the class it's meant to have.