Has anyone been to the Sazerac yet at The Roosevelt? A few of us are going out to celebrate my birthday this Friday. Is the place packed or just a quiet place to have a drink?
I don't want to go to dinner because then I have to wait an hour or so to drink (stomach issue). So I asked them if we could just meet for drinks at 8 p.m. and then we'll go to Harrah's from there. They were asking if the bar has appetizers or anything. Their web site doesn't give much info. There does appear to be a Sazerac Bar and a Restaurant but I'm hoping they are separate. However, for the snackers, I'd like to know what is available in the bar.
I stopped in for a quick drink last week during the day. I did not see a food menu laying around, but I have to think they would serve you in the bar area. It is seperate from the restaurant, but you can just walk through an open doorway to the other.
There were some seats against the wall, so I would think you all could be comfortable there.
Worst case scenerio, walk across the street to MILA if your group needs appetizers.
We went last Friday for happy hour. Got there early, about 4:30, but the place filled up by 5:15. And I mean filled up. We sat at a table in order to get the best people-watching in. There were a few technical problems at first: our cocktail waitress was on her shift but unprepared, one of the registers was on the fritz, last minute training behind the bar, some drinks on the menu were not available (Vieux Carre) and table snacks did not appear for over 30 minutes. However, the place looks great; just like it did before! The Sazeracs were good, as were the Old Fashioneds and the Gin Martinis.
The people watching was equally impressive. Tourists in Aeropostale t-shirts and sandals, locals in white linen suits (dressing for the occasion?) and business folks like us looking to check out the 'new' Sazerac Bar. Our happy hour turned into three happy hours without any regrets. On a last note, I feel certain that some of the women we saw on our way out were 'working'. Maybe the Sazerac Bar has quickly made its way back!
It was great but not what I remember from the 90's. Much larger and grander. I was impressed and I agree the people watching was worth it all. The Sazeracs were good and one of my friends had Rusty Nails (tasted like a rusty nail to me and not the good kind). The service was a little slow but I expected that. I think a lot of people were there just to look and have a drink. We saw Travers Mackel hanging in the lobby on his cell phone.
The Blue Room isn't where I remember it being either. I always thought it was on the right when you entered from the Baronne St. entrance. Now it's right next to The Sazerac. I just poked my head in but it didn't look blue and there was no stage or band stand. The band was just sitting in chairs at the entrance. Maybe it's not complete yet?
I had to drag my friends out of there at 1 a.m. so I could go gamble. We all had a great time.
