The Bell

Restaurant · Fairground

The Bell

Restaurant · Fairground

5

3125 Esplanade Ave, New Orleans, LA 70119

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Highlights

Cozy British-accented pub with elevated pub fare and cocktails  

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3125 Esplanade Ave, New Orleans, LA 70119 Get directions

thebellnola.com
@thebellnola

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3125 Esplanade Ave, New Orleans, LA 70119 Get directions

+1 504 381 4399
thebellnola.com
@thebellnola

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Last updated

Sep 20, 2025

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@eater

The Best New Restaurants in New Orleans | Eater New Orleans

"This prized Esplanade Avenue patio has a new, British-accented identity as of November 2024, a creation by acclaimed Charleston restaurateur Brooks Reitz. The Bell is a very plaid, emphatically masculine pub and restaurant decked out with Union Jack paraphernalia, rich fabrics, and quirky mementos, serving a menu of classic American bar snacks (like shrimp cocktail, smoked fish dip, and broiled oysters) and a few UK favorites (like carrot and onion bhaji, fishmonger’s pie, and a crispy fish sandwich). Keep an eye out for the oyster bar pop-up on the patio." - Clair Lorell

https://nola.eater.com/maps/best-new-restaurants-new-orleans-nola-heatmap
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@eater

The Bell, a Very Plaid Pub From a Charleston Restaurateur, Opens in New Orleans | Eater New Orleans

"Set along New Orleans’s tree-draped Esplanade Avenue, this new restaurant and bar eschews recent feminine trends and leans into an unmistakably masculine, 19th-century U.K. gentleman’s-club vibe — more laddish English pub than flirty Parisian café — with tartan fabric, Union Jack flags and pillows, black-and-white rugby photos, croquet mallets and wooden racquets, dark wood, squat leather stools, and library-esque antique lamps. Owned by Charleston restaurateur Brooks Reitz with New Orleans partners Tim Mink and Andrew Bell (Bell runs the restaurant’s front of house and lives in the neighborhood; Mink is largely based here too; Reitz remains based in Charleston), the team took over the Bayou St. John building and leaned into its homey nature: a cozy space known for its outdoor patio and front porch that could easily be mistaken for someone’s home. The menu was developed by Reitz’s Charleston team and features Marcus Jacobs (formerly of Marjie’s Grill and Seafood Sally’s and current co-owner of Porgy’s Seafood Market) in the kitchen. Offerings are a succinct mix of hearty, elevated pub food and Southern favorites: bhaji (described on the menu as curried onion and carrot fritters); a classic shrimp cocktail served with Marie Rose sauce (a British condiment made from a blend of ketchup, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and pepper); a smoked trout dip accompanied by fried saltines; broiled Gulf oysters topped with bubbly cheddar rather than Parmesan; fried mussels on the half shell; and crudité with a dill and fennel dip. Salad offerings—important to Reitz—include one with celery, arugula, pistachio, and olive; a classic endive salad with apple, Stilton, and walnuts; and a Siam salad with cabbage, crispy onions, avocado, and herb (the latter is a favorite at Leon’s Oyster Shop). British staples include a crispy fish sandwich with fries and a fishmonger’s pie served with a browned and bubbling cheese crust; other entrees include a horseradish, onion, and arugula steak sandwich; seared shrimp cakes with lentils and an herb salad; and a pork chop with braised fennel, with sides like peas with shallot and mint. The small bar seats eight (the bar and the small front “pub room” are first-come, first-served; the dining room takes reservations) and Reitz wants it to be a “Guinness bar,” noting that Guinness should be ice cold, served in the proper branded glass, with foam that’s “proud” of the rim, or settles just at or above it. A frozen drink machine dispenses a frozen gin and tonic, and the cocktail menu includes a negroni, a margarita, a Little Bird (tequila, grapefruit liqueur, lime, rosewater), a Gold Rush, a breakfast martini (orange marmalade, gin, lemon), and a “club style” gin and tonic. Wine (about 20 varieties) skews old world but includes an Argentinian sparkling chardonnay, a Chilean red blend, and an orange from Croatia. The most exciting forthcoming element is a horseshoe-shaped oyster bar to be built on the side patio (currently landscaped with about eight four-top tables), which will be covered, house the oyster bar as the centerpiece, and serve beer and three to four rotating oyster varieties each night — one from the Gulf, one from the West Coast, and one from the East Coast — on a first-come, first-served basis, with a vintage wrought-iron garden entryway separating the patio dining from the oyster bar. Current hours: Friday and Saturday 5–10 p.m.; Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday, and Monday 5–9:30 p.m.; closed Tuesday." - Clair Lorell

https://nola.eater.com/2024/11/14/24295918/the-bell-restaurant-pub-opens-new-orleans-brooks-reitz-esplanade-avenue
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@eater

The Most Anticipated New Orleans Restaurants Opening in Fall 2024 | Eater New Orleans

"I'm excited that Brooks Reitz is opening The Bell at 3125 Esplanade Avenue, a French-influenced New Orleans restaurant with an English pub vibe taking over the space that was briefly home to the Post (previously Nonna Mia)." - Clair Lorell

https://nola.eater.com/2024/9/4/24234838/biggest-most-anticipated-new-orleans-restaurant-openings-fall-2024
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@eater

The 6 Most Anticipated New Orleans Restaurant Openings This Summer | Eater New Orleans

"I'm looking forward to the Bell on Esplanade Avenue from Charleston restaurateur Brooks Reitz, which will be a bar and dining room with an English tilt and cozy pub feel while drawing on French and New Orleans culinary influences." - Clair Lorell

https://nola.eater.com/2024/6/7/24173106/most-anticipated-biggest-new-orleans-restaurant-openings-summer-2024
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@eater

The Biggest new Restaurant Openings in New Orleans This Spring 2024 | Eater New Orleans

"Charleston restaurateur Brooks Reitz is expanding to New Orleans with a bar and dining room on Esplanade Avenue that will have an “English accent” and cozy pub feel while leaning into New Orleans food culture and drawing on influences like the French House; an opening is expected later this spring." - Justine Jones

https://nola.eater.com/2024/3/12/24097572/new-restaurant-openings-new-orleans-anticiapted-2024
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Vaughn Trudeau

Google
Great spot. Absolutely love how they’ve used the space. It truly invokes a British pub in its sensibilities. I had the pleasure of Josie looking after me. The service was great. I want them to fake English accents, but this isn’t about that. I love the cozy dining atmosphere. The décor really completes the mood. I had the broiled oysters and fish sandwich, both of which I enjoyed. Will be back.

Alex A

Google
I met up with a high school friend that I had not seen in years here and she happened to have been a chef for a while. The food got very high praise from the former chef and the non-chef participant, me. We only got the smoked trout dip and the fishmonger pie, but both were excellent. The ambience of the space was very nice with UK themed artwork, etc. Will return.

Tara

Google
Love the commitment to the theme. This is such a unique place, I'd highly recommend it! We walked in after a wine tasting nearby and were seated at the bar. Lots of seafood on the menu. We had the fish and chips and it was very good. Some of the best fries I've had. Service was great as well. I will certainly go back.

Amy Davis

Google
Great new restaurant on Esplanade! Unique British pub with amazing cocktails and elevated classic British dishes. Our favorites were the crab soup and fishmonger pie

Gina Shuford

Google
The perfect after Jazz Fest dinner. My husband and I had The Bell on our list for a while now & it was fantastic. Try the hush puppies, the crudo and the endive salad to start. We shared the fish sandwich and the chicken thighs- both excellent. We sat on the porch and the atmosphere was lively and intimate, but the inside was the perfect pub atmosphere, as well.

Nicolette Tech (Nikita)

Google
We came for the Guinness and had a few of the appetizers. We need to come back to try the meals. Had to play ‘Split the G’ and tried their frozen gin & tonic- I would recommend even if you don’t like tonic like myself. The staff was great and super friendly, the atmosphere has cute decor and little rooms with small tables, definitely more ideal for smaller groups. It was rainy when we went, otherwise I’m sure the outside patio would be full because it is beautiful.

Katie Wenzel

Google
The Bell is everything you want in a neighborhood bar & restaurant — warm, charming, and effortlessly excellent. Since they opened, this delightful English pub has been the perfect addition to the New Orleans food and beverage scene. My fiancé and I have been loyal fans from day one, and it’s become our absolute favorite spot for date night in the city. Housed in a cozy, converted home with a beautiful porch and spacious patio, The Bell strikes the perfect balance between casual comfort and elevated hospitality. The vibe is always welcoming, and the staff go above and beyond — especially Andrew, the owner, who you’ll almost always see greeting guests and making sure everything feels just right. You can truly feel the care and thought he’s poured into every detail. The menu is consistently excellent. A perfectly poured Guinness or a crisp gin and tonic sets the tone, and from there, it’s hard to go wrong. The roasted chicken thighs are a standout — juicy, flavorful, and beautifully plated — and the crispy fish sandwich is next-level comfort food done right. The Bell is more than just a restaurant to us — it’s a gem of a place that makes every meal feel like a little celebration. We love it dearly and recommend it to everyone we know!

Sterling Talob Waters

Google
Had an outstanding meal at the Bell! The fish sandwich has a classic British fish and chips batter (so good) served on a pillowy soft brioche. Surprises were that I’ve been dreaming of their hush puppies and trout dip since leaving. She-crab soup on special was also a winner. Great service, can’t wait to visit again…
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Chuck A.

Yelp
Ambiance is lovely and service was friendly and efficient. The food, however was very mediocre. I had the celery and arugula salad. Nothing special - I could have made it from my pantry in five minutes. It baffles me why they don't serve at least a roll with my salad. My partner had the oysters - not quite raw but not char grilled. Just sort of hot with cheese. Cheese seems to be the unifying element in almost every dish. My main course was the fishmongers stew. It was very bland. Under a layer of melted cheese were a lot of mashed potatoes. The seafood was overwhelmed. The texture was baby food like. Now, we lived in London and have had good shepherds pie but this was just a boring dish. The steak frites was cooked perfectly and the fries were hot and crisp but, again, a tiny steak. The Bell, you have potential to become a neighborhood darling bit you can't do it in this city on atmosphere alone. You need to really up your food game. This is New Orleans and we are spoiled and demanding!
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Re H.

Yelp
Made reservations with son #2 and Jen L. . Glad we did as the place was packed at 7:30pm. It's the new kid on the block, so I get it. A group of 4 were just chatting away and completely blocked the entrance, if I was seated at the table closest to the entrance, I would be annoyed. We were seated quickly in the side room, great English pub type vibes and really fun art. While the atmosphere is very English looking the menu is not. We started with the Crudité, the smoked trout dip & crackers and the fried mussels. I really enjoyed the onion dip served with the crudité, but the veggies were odd and some undistinguishable, maybe fennel? I was surprised not to see a cheese plate or pickle plate. I ordered a Guinness, it was served in a fancy Guinness glass. Next we had the Siam salad and the Endive salads, I ate the Endive which arrived chopped with stilton and apples, a great combination. My son and I both had the fish sandwich with fries. We also ordered the peas. The bun was very soft with slaw and a sizable piece of fish. I added malt vinegar to my fries, fish and the peas and really enjoyed all of it. They served a vinegar aioli as well, but I personally preferred just using regular malt vinegar. These were probably the closest to traditional pub food on the menu. No dessert offered, we were just offered the bill. After we inquired we were told their soft ice cream machine would be up and running shortly. It was really noisy, the people behind us were shouting so loud, we could barely hear each other at our own table. After they left it was a way better atmosphere. Overall a great dining experience and surrounded by cool vibes. Pip pip and cheerio chaps.
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Erin K.

Yelp
Atmosphere was adorable and really liked the vibe. Bar is very cute and loved all of the decor. Food needs work. I would really like to see this place thrive but with the current state of the food maybe not. Steak and fries were great. The trout dip felt like the whole thing has just been taken out of the fridge with underwhelming fried saltines. The dip was tasty enough. The broiled oysters need to decide if they are raw or broiled because the lukewarm half cooked was not hitting right. I understand that the establishment is new but our server could have been a bit more knowledgeable. When asked if we could have pepper the response was "possibly?" and no knowledge of whether the bar had OJ or not. Would love to try the other items and see the kitchen solidify because it is a lovely space.

Hailey C.

Yelp
Drinks, food, and atmosphere are all 10/10. We had the endive salad, steak and chips, and peas. Breakfast martini is excellent, and they might have the best gin & tonic in the city. Also had a regular ole dirty martini and Guinness (pictured) - both yummy as well. Will absolutely be back to try more of the menu - the owner was super friendly and attentive. Awesome addition to the neighborhood!
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Connie C.

Yelp
We enjoyed trying a new place in our neighborhood and were excited for this place to open. We are hoping it adjusts to the neighborhood as time goes on. Confused why the fish sandwich bun is so much bigger than the actual piece of fish on the bun. So much bun and so little fish. It's geared as an adult establishment so also confused why soft serve ice cream is the upcoming dessert. Seems underwhelming. Why not sticky toffee pudding? Menu needs work. Why serve a chicken thigh as an entree when so few other real entrees are offered? Fish mongers pie seems like it needs something else on the side like cornbread and a vegetable. We realize they're just getting started but menu needs other entrees and possibly a burger option. So many other restaurants close by that serve the area. Hope this place understands expectations for New Orleans diners and adjusts as time goes on.
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Melanie M.

Yelp
Torn because I really loved the atmosphere and the drinks but the food was mediocre. I got the fish sandwich and it was "eh". Way too much bun for the thinness of the fish. Not enough crisp on the fry either. I'd be willing to try them again though if the food improves.

Chris R.

Yelp
Conjuring up visual memories of an English Pub but at the same time elegant and modern . Wonderful food. My Fishmonger's pie was to die for and the people at the next table were raving about their fish sandwich. Service was relaxed and very friendly and the experience felt new and different without being at all pretentious. Gonna go back to try more
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Bill R.

Yelp
Meh. I didn't care for it. Everything was mediocre. Charming place, but don't go if you have any tendencies of claustrophobia. I got to face a wall right by the door, and the server kept having to have me move to get past me. I won't go back. Disappointing.

Jacob M.

Yelp
My wife and I came here on one of the first nights they had opened and had a fantastic time. It's a cute little neighborhood restaurant with excellent food, drinks, and atmosphere in a relaxed, upscale setting with an English pub vibe. The service was also very good, with friendly and knowledgeable staff. It was just an excellent experience all around.

Elaine G.

Yelp
Cute place and great potential but New Orleans is a foodie town and this limited menu will not continue to draw people in when the newness wears off. Love having another option in the neighborhood so I hope they can up their food game. How about at least a great burger?