Tatlo
Asian restaurant · French Quarter ·
Filipino witch bar with tarot readings & absinthe cocktails
Filipino witch bar with tarot readings & absinthe cocktails
"After less than a year of bewitching French Quarter diners, chef Cristina Quackenbush closed this Filipino absinthe bar on July 27 due to a significant rent hike, but in characteristically upbeat fashion she says she’s proud of what they did and promises they’ll be back somewhere with reasonable rent." - Beth D’Addono
"Situated behind a historic Bourbon Street landmark, this witchy, emerald-hued bar blends Filipino flavors and spiritual ritual into a vibey (more soothing than spooky) experience: palo santo smoke, a tarot reader, and absinthe poured from antique fountains set the tone while cocktails—like a seasonal Zodiaquiri that swaps ingredients by astrological sign using ginger, rose water, and turmeric—are framed as positive-affirmation spellwork. The food echoes the same fusion of flavor and intent, with items such as tender pork ribs lacquered in lemongrass barbecue that balance sweet and savory alongside the bar’s mystic flourishes." - ByJoseph Hernandez
"Tucked behind the historic Old Absinthe House just off Bourbon Street, this emerald-hued, witchy bar offers a serene, vibey refuge from the tourist bustle—Spanish-moss-draped rafters, a cloud of palo santo smoke, and an on-site tarot reader set a quietly mystical tone. Chef Cristina Quackenbush infuses Filipino flavors and her personal spiritual practice into a menu where every dish and cocktail is tied to intentions, positive affirmations, and spellwork; absinthe is woven into the concept as a nod to the city's occult history. The space honors local and Filipino lore (including a tribute to Marie Laveau and African witchcraft) and is intentionally curated so guests can order based on how they want to feel, with many patrons reporting a sense of change, fulfillment, and calm after their visit." - ByElazar Sontag
"The French Quarter’s newest absinthe bar is a choose-your-own dining and drinking adventure, facilitated by chef Cristina Quackenbush’s lifelong dedication to Southeast Asian cuisine and decades-long practice of witchcraft. Order drinks and food according to your state of being — or the state you’d like to be in — like sticky lemongrass barbecue pork ribs for spiritual enlightenment or chicken adobo arancini served with purple sticky rice for abundance, paired with a Zodiaquiri developed according to the season or an absinthe cocktail made with ginger, turmeric, and lime for a digestive spiritual bath. Tatlo offers a meaningful ritual of nourishment and connection, one that’s equally delicious and exciting." - Clair Lorell
"Part speakeasy, part Filipino restaurant and witch bar, and part absinthe den — Tatlo offers an abundance of reasons to visit. Milkfish chef Cristina Quackenbush wants to bring back instinctive eating and drinking, with drinks meant to match the diner’s state of being. The Zodiaquiri is inspired by the zodiac season; Aunt Nan’s Old Fashioned is made with local rice whiskey and jackfruit and promises prosperity; and the Florida Water with gin, rose water, lavender, and citrus offers energy healing. But the bar’s absinthe cocktails are the stars of the drinks menu, made with 300-year-old water drips. The Golden Healer includes local Atelier Vie absinthe, ginger, turmeric, and lime for a digestive spiritual bath, while the Spell Breaker intends endings and rebirth via elderflower, pineapple, and calamansi." - Clair Lorell