SoBou — Restaurant in New Orleans

OhhhhOhhhh. So Bou. You almost had me at Hello, but unfortunately the waitress with the multi colored thirsty bob wig that was receding from her hair line sort of ruined for me- oh yes she did.

See there is thing that gets my nerves when dealing with people of color in the work place.

And before you jump crazy with assumptions I’m a chocolate morsel myself.

But getting back to my review- for some reason the line of being down to earth and professionalism is very hazy.

I don’t mind friendly, my God I love a sense of humor- but please - please don’t act as if I’m your ignorant cousin or little brother b/c that opens up a completely different layer of issues with me. I shouldn’t encounter issues where I am getting ready to dine.

Shall we continue to the story at hand.

I walked into So Bou and I was greeted with smiles and (WELCOME TO SO BOU) +++

We were seated where we requested ++

Let’s say this restaurant is beautiful, an absolute gem. There was no smudges or oily fingers, the tables were clean and it smelled very inviting. +++++++

So I was asked what would we like to drink- I prefer a cucumber with water (slices of cucumber with water) and I the waitress replied - eww you’re nasty, but I will fix whatever you would like.

Strike 1

Now So Bou dishes are very small when ordering the small bites, and when I say very small I mean 1 item small and as the waitress said - So Bou believes in quality not quantity. So Bou is like the ratchet version of Commander’s Palace.

Strike 2

You are never to refer to your establishment as ratchet anything especially when it looks like So Bou.

So I asked the hostess about certain dishes and the small bites fried chicken and she told me you only get one and that if I wanted more than I can order the chicken meal which is like $18 and it comes with 4 pieces and I just nodded my head like ok no problem and then these lovely words slipped out of that mouth of hers....

She said.. You know So Bou ain’t like Popeyes, this restaurant is a quality restaurant. You can’t get 4 pieces for $7.99.

When I tell you- I was 3 shakes from telling rainbow dull - what I really felt. Listen. There is nothing wrong with being yourself but monitor who you are b/c sometimes what you’re reaching for in others will come for you. But this is typical from what I have experienced in New Orleans from melanated people..

So moving forward I replied, I don’t eat at Popeyes - so I wouldn’t know.

Her comment was Strike 3.

Was the food good- yes - yes and yes! Instead of rice with gumbo they do it with mash potatoes. That’s a very interesting twist.

Was the waitress knowledgeable about the menu. Yes yes and yes.

Was she attentive and checked on us thoroughly. Yes indeed.

Would I visit So Bou again?

I most definitely will , but I will not want her as a waitress.

Did she get tipped.. No.

I was insulted too many times.

Did I mentioned that I applauded her on the amount of cucumbers she had placed in my water. Then she mentioned, “oh that’s b/c I wouldn’t have to get anymore I can just keep refilling your glasses with water”.

I’m like mmmk thanks.

Would I recommend this restaurant to anyone else? Yes indeed. It’s beautiful- we just had the wrong...

My partner and I first visited SoBou back in January of 2022. We booked a last minute reservation for the Bar Chef experience through Open Table.

Unfortunately, the system should not have allowed us to book the experience because they needed 24 hours to properly prepare, so when we arrived, Jade, the operations manager, let us know that they wouldn’t be able to serve us that particular experience, but offered us a “personalized experience.” They definitely “made it right” and made us want to return.

She went above and beyond to provide us an exceptional experience.

They made us feel like special guests while serving us great food. Christina, the Bar Chef, made us fantastic drinks, and the chef, Martin, came out and explained his delicious plates.

Christina’s Palanquin is a phenomenal drink! Her Patron espresso martini is also a must try!

Brussels sprouts, oyster tacos, corn dogs, boudin, beignets—all fancily prepared and delicious!

Tonight we decided to come back because we had such a great time back in January. We had the true “Bar Chef Experience” and it was wonderful.

Jade welcomed us like guests of honor, yet again, and we lucked out and Christina was our Bar Chef this time as well.

Nick, the chef, was very informative and explained each well executed plate we ate. Their gumbo, which focused on the roux and proteins, was the best I’ve ever had—better than Miss River’s rendition (which is also incredible, don’t get me wrong.)

Each plate was tasty and the overall experience was great! I kept telling myself I’d write a review, but this second time around, they left me no choice but to write an essay about how excellent everything was.

Overall, I’m looking forward to another experience here. Next time, we’ll have to bring friends and show off this amazing establishment.

This was a 5 star experience—twice.

Consistency is important and they nailed it...

If I could give this place 10 stars I would!! Absolutely loved my experience both times!! A local suggested this place so I decided to go because local suggestions are always the best anyway! I went on a Friday night for dessert and had the white chocolate and cherry jubilee bread pudding with a shot of the hooch of the day... it was Amazing! If you're a fan of bread pudding you definitely need to try this! My wife loved it even though she rarely likes sweets. While there that Friday I noticed on the menu they offered a burlesque brunch on Sunday's so I returned Sunday (today) for the brunch & I was totally NOT DISAPPOINTED!! The burlesque dancer was doing her thang when we arrived around 12! They offer a two course brunch and a bottomless hooch or Bellini option. I took advantage of both and did the bottomless Bellini, crab claws (for the crab lovers!! Don't pass them up!!) and the Bananas Foster. I had seen photos of the sweet potato beignets on Yelp so I asked the waiter about them and the Chef came out and offered to make some up for us since they weren't on the menu and I must say they were deliciously savory and sweet!! They ended up having duck in them and we didn't know so the chef apologized (even though it was my fault I requested them not knowing they had meat in them) and offered a free glass hooch! I really appreciate when the chef comes out to talk with you! He thanked us for returning to the restaurant also. Top tier service! Beautiful venue! Amazing food! Don't come to NOLA without giving this place a try! Especially for the burlesque brunch!! @bellabluenola was beautiful!! & the show was awesome!! Seriously try...