The local food and bar scene had big plans for 2020. A pet-friendly bar. A shipping container food court. A pizza, art and wine concept. These are just a few of the new restaurants and bars that were expected to open this spring—before the coronavirus outbreak reached Louisiana.
During the statewide stay-at-home order, many businesses paused their plans. Now that the city is in phase one of reopening, local businesses are going back to the drawing board to plan their new opening dates. Here are some upcoming restaurant, bar and brewery openings to look forward to later this year:
• Istrouma Biere Republique—It won’t be long before St. Gabriel has its own brewery up and running. The small-batch brewery plans to start serving beer in June and have its grand opening in July.
• Le Chien Brewing Company—It’s been a long time in the making for this Denham Springs microbrewery. Since 2016, the brewery has been updating the local community on Instagram about its journey toward opening. This summer, Le Chien Brewing Company plans to officially open its doors.
• The Vintage—The New Orleans-born restaurant was all ready to go for its March opening. That likely made things a little easier, though, when it became Baton Rouge’s first new restaurant to open during phase one of Louisiana’s reopening. The restaurant took over the downtown space formerly occupied by Magpie Cafe. It serves beignets, breakfast dishes, flatbreads, sandwiches, savory bites, charcuterie and cheese boards.
• Sweet Society at Electric Depot—This summer, locals can cool down with Asian-inspired desserts like Japanese ice cream and Korean patbingsu (shaved ice) at this dessert shop in Electric Depot.
• Torchy’s Tacos—Baton Rouge: The wait is almost over for this Texas taco shop. The original plan was an April 1 opening, but the nearly complete restaurant near LSU sat empty during the COVID-19 shutdown. Locals can still hold onto hope—Torchy’s should finally begin serving its famous tacos this summer.
• Gov’t Taco— This summer, Gov’t Taco plans to open its own brick-and-mortar on Government Street. Taco fans will be able to get all of their menu favorites and some new additions just a few blocks down from where they used to dine at the market.
• Thaihey Thaifood—Thaihey Thaifood was the newest vendor when White Star Market shut down this March. But the authentic Thai food restaurant is opening its first brick-and-mortar on Lee Drive this Saturday, May 23. Follow it on social media for details about opening day.
This story first ran in 225 magazine. Subscribe to the free 225 Dine e-newsletter here to keep up with Baton Rouge food and events.
