Revel Cafe & Bar — Restaurant in New Orleans

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 was 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...

Great burger but horrible service.

I was just here enjoying an early day and craving a burger. I hear these were the #1 burgers in the city and Slap Burger is closed.

I go in and order p quickly. It’s not 5 yet so the bar is packed but it’s slow otherwise. I order my burger and a Pimm’s, and I have a book with me ready to settle in.

They immediately forget my Pimm’s and give it to someone already seated. I sit thinking it maybe comes when my drink comes. It takes like 10-15 minutes nothing crazy. During those 10-15 minutes one asks how I’m doing for me to ask about my Pimm’s not a single quick check. Another person brings out a whole gazpacho to explain the special of the day, multiple drinks are given, but no check ins. Even worse I’m making eye contact but nope no questions to me, about me, for me.

When she brings my burger, I ask for my Pimm’s. Everyone kinda scrambles and apologizes and makes it, and by then I decide I’m not going to stay long.

The burger is fine it’s not super flavorful and more or less saved by the onions and cheese. I’m quickly COATED in grease from the burger just sopping across my hands and plate. The redhead bartender is checking in and managing her flow well. But I’m eating even faster to save myself from the greasy mess to get the check. The check is full price no discount for the nuisance and lack of care, meanwhile someone got a whole free drink at the expense of my patience.

Whoever recommended this place was either white or easily recognizable. For $40 bucks for a simple burger with the worst service I’ve had in a long time I’ll definitely...

Chris and Laura McMillian are national treasures and we're lucky to have them in MidCity. In a neighborhood that's started to get better and better restaurants and bars, Revel stands apart from the pack. Despite being one of the best bartenders in the country (seriously...Google Chris McMillian), the bar maintains a low-key, family-run, you're-always-welcome, feeling. It's like Cheers, but with New Orleanians instead of Bostonians (a good trade, if you ask me). Chris is always quick with a story or a joke or a poem. Laura makes you feel like part of the family. Chris is fond of saying "there are only two kinds of drinks in the world - ones you like and ones you don't", but I've yet to find a drink on their menu that hasn't impressed. Favorites include the Gin Basil Smash and the Blood and Sand. Classic drinks like the Mint Julep, Sazerac and French 75 are prepared in a way that should be the gold standard of any other New Orleans bartender. In the food department, Revel really stepped up their game with the recent addition of Chef Chris DeBarr. Can't say enough good things about this place and people who run it. It's a high-class establishment with none of the hipster-greased-mustache pretensions that have spoiled some other places...