We’ve been hard at work during our refresh, and while some of these updates are more glamorous than others, every single one will make your experience at The Italian Barrel even better.
From unglamorous (but essential) upgrades to big comfort boosts, here’s a peek at what’s been happening behind our temporarily closed doors.
A Grease Trap Worth Talking About (Yes, Really)
Let’s start with the least glamorous but most vital part of the refresh: our brand-new grease trap. The old one had served its time, and replacing it was key to keeping our kitchen running at its best.
Why should you care? Because tying it into the bar drains gave us the perfect opportunity to remodel the bar and the bathrooms. Sometimes, the “have-to” projects open the door for the “want-to” projects.
The Throne Has Retired
If you’ve dined here before, you might remember our infamous black-stone bathroom “throne” — a quirky raised platform that appeared in more than a few guest reviews. It was iconic… but it wasn’t exactly built for comfort or safety.
The throne has now been dethroned, making way for a beautiful, comfortable, and accessible bathroom design. While it might not be the conversation starter it once was, it’s a change we think you’ll appreciate.
A Bar with Breathing Room
The bar is getting a glow-up of its own. We’ve removed the shelving that hid our gorgeous antique brick wall and will soon replace it with open, lighted shelving to highlight the bottles you love.
While working on the layout, we discovered a full foot of unused space tucked behind the bar equipment. By shifting things around, we’ve opened up the tight area between the bar, the post, and the rest of the dining room. The result? A bar that feels more open, more inviting, and easier to move through — for guests and servers alike.
Cooler Than Ever
If you’ve visited us in the height of a New Orleans summer, you know just how important this one is. Our 22-year-old 4-ton AC unit has been replaced with a brand-new 5-ton powerhouse. That means no more worrying about the dining room feeling warm when the heat is on outside. Your wine will stay perfectly chilled, your pasta will arrive hot, and you will be just right.
The Countdown to September
We’re on track to reopen in September, and we can’t wait for you to see (and taste) the results of this refresh. Some changes you’ll notice right away, and others — like the new grease trap — will simply make your dining experience smoother for years to come.
Here’s to comfort, character, and a fresh chapter for The Italian Barrel. We’ll see you soon.
Reserve your table now and join us for an unforgettable return to exceptional dining.