Thank you, Publiq House!

I must admit, lately I have been uninspired by New Orleans' offerings for innovation and interest. I was feeling depressed. I would go into a really funky, well decorated restaurant and was disappointed by bland taupe walls and no decorations in the most fun places. Example: Juan's Flying Burrito. This is one of my favorite places to go in New Orleans. Honestly, who can reject a cranky wait staff, artwork covering the walls (and people), and tacos named after Mardi Gras Indians. When I visited with Lou here, though, I had nothing. A grey changing table, blue walls, bland soap, and a constant search for paper towels. Come on New Orleans, is that really the best you've got???

Any decent friend of mine would respond with the following, "well, Kelley if you ventured out to new places, you would probably be surprised." I listened to the voices inside my head and we headed to a brand new music hall on Freret Street called Publiq House.

Taken from their website

Ladies and gentlemen, I am happy to report that the Publiq House has reinvigorated my search for the perfect Lou. Some background first. The Freret Street neighborhood had been struggling for a while. The main drag was surrounded by houses that were falling apart, a failing school, and a semi successful art market on the weekends. Over the past five years, I have watched it transform from a distance, and now that it is in my neighborhood, it's been fun to explore. Lately, new restaurants, shops, gyms, coffeeshops, and music halls have joined the street. Businesses took a look at an opportunity to rebuild and they have stepped up to the plate. The best thing about rebuilding in this city is that people want local. They yearn for funk, originality, and places with soul.

The Public House is a new music hall that attracts an incredibly diverse crowd. It has Bingo on Wednesday nights and Thursdays it features a great brass band called the Brassaholics. (DC readers who love go-go will enjoy their sound.) The drinks are served in mason jars and the stage is a good size set off to the back with tables far enough back for a dance floor. When consumers walk past the stage and the Green Room, they are greeted with a modern door with a very modern sign that reads the gender of your choosing. As I walked to the door I though, "oh no! It's going to be shiny and polished and someone is going to ruin it." I should never assume.

Stone bottom of walls with wood
paneling on the top.
So cool!

This bathroom was awesome. I literally said outloud, "thank God that I finally found another fun place! This one is going on the blog." The walls are covered with old, recycled wood. The colors were so soothing. The wood is shaded in different tones of pinks and yellows. I would like to imagine that the boys' room has soft hints of blues and greens. The stalls are actual doors with a fun latch that locks you in. You know, the type that you would see if you were at a barn in the country. There is a place in the stall to hold your bag (a plus for us ladies.)  The entrance doors are thick enough that you could escape from the brass for a few minutes. I have to admit that I liked this bathroom so much that after I left, I came back in. I made some excuse that I thought I needed to reapply makeup just to get one last look.

Security latch!

So, if you are looking for a great new brass band or possible want to take it back old school and play some bingo, Publiq House is the place for you. Don't forget to spend some time in the soothing escape of Lou's company, but, unfortunately, you won't find foam soap.