Tonique

To quote Tonique's website, this fabulous little place on the distant northwest edge of the French Quarter, is "a neighbourhood bar with hand-crafted cocktails, fine wine, eclectic beer... and no pretence."

Tonique lies well off the beaten tourist trail on a nondescript stretch of Rampart Street opposite the entrance arch of Louis Armstrong Park. Inside, the small candle-lit room is dominated by a square shaped chunky dark oak bar, which juts out from the wall. This is backed by a vintage mirror framed by dark wood shelves and bare brick walls. Twin open fireplaces and well-chosen eclectic music adds to the warm, homely ambiance. White banquets line the walls and the even darker side room.