When rumors first arose that Jeff “Beachbum” Berry was moving to New Orleans and opening up a bar/restaurant, the buzz in the tiki community (yes, there is one) was deafening. After all, Berry literally wrote the book on tiki. That the cocktails deliver was never in doubt, but Lat 29 succeeds because it’s all the tiki you could hope for and less: There’s bamboo, wood, and thatch decor, but it’s understated; the fun, made-for-sharing rum-bombs in bowls and giant clamshells are nuanced and ingredient-driven. The ratcheted-up Polynesian fare is less cloy, more Cantonese-meets-Creole-meets-craft than the midcentury version. But do expect elaborate garni, cute umbrellas, and kitschy custom stir sticks. And don’t skip the riblets or the light veggie poke with the oddly excellent pistachio froth.
New Orleans
Travel Guide
New Orleans› Restaurant
Latitude 29
321 N. Peters St., in the Bienville House hotel
Our Rating
Neighborhood
French Quarter
Hours
Sun–Thurs 3pm–11; Fri–Sat 1pm–midnight
Phone
504/609-3811
Prices
Main courses $14–$23
Cuisine Type
International/Polynesian
Web site
Latitude 29

Map
321 N. Peters St., in the Bienville House hotel New OrleansNote: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.