Henry R.
Yelp
STAFF is the problem here. Visited here for dinner a few nights ago. Had been a few times before, for a mid-day repast. First time for dinner. Reservation for two for 6:45. Seated at 6:45 by a wonderful hostess. Ambience is an eclectic mix of 20 somethings from out of town, staying in a historical period property, unlikely to be duplicated in the environs in which they reside, mixed with a core of older uptown New Orleanians unwilling to give flight away from this, of late, endlessly dysfunctional city.
The hotel property and its restaurant are truly wonderfully "done". An updated version of a former avenue upscale residence.
The menu is eclectic, ie eggplant and lentils to smash burgers. The food on this night was well prepared and presented. A double smash burger was delish and salty. House made pickles were tangy and sweet simultaneously. Accompanied by fries that were, well let's face it any fries are pretty good. Eggplant fried with lentils, flavorful and unexpected.
Ice cream sandwich yummy.
If only our waiter had not allowed the kitchen to take literally 1 hour and 20 minutes to prepare our entrees. Some excuse was given for a "kitchen" printer. Perhaps after 20-30 minutes the waiter could have, you know, actually waited, and checked on the entree status with the kitchen.
The restaurant was half full when we arrived, full while we waited, and less than half full by the time our entrees met our table. Apparently we waited through the entire evening's service!
I know what many will say, this is apparently the new normal for dining post Covid. Of course, it is likely to remain so as long as people pretend not to notice, spending their dollars anyway.
While I am here I thought I would give a little opinion regarding the hotel bar. This place would never be considered a "friendly neighborhood watering hole". The staff here is "pseudo-woke"-welcoming to only those they deem worthy of inhabiting their world.
That said, don't expect to find ANY small talk, conviviality, or conversation typical of many classic hotel bars/staff. Definitely an arrogant and unfriendly staff vibe.
This bar, on my second visit in as many days to the Chloe, was staffed by individuals interested only in each other's own "uniqueness".
If new to NOLA I suggest that you try one of the many "unique" bars, which this city has in abundance, all capable of providing a memorable drinking experience in this unforgettable city.
The Cure, The Sazurac Bar at the Roosevelt Hotel, Bar Tonique, Miss May's, the bar at Pascal Manales, the Bar at The High Hat, College Inn's bar, The Country Club, and Val's are all a 15-5 minute drive away, and staffed by talented professionals that are actually interesting, interested, friendly people who will welcome you to their establishments.