This Tiny New Orleans Hole-In-The-Wall Restaurant Is One Of The Best In The US

Melinda and Ryan Dawson, a couple residing in Mendham, New Jersey, embarked on a unique home improvement project in 2019, transforming a prefabricated barn structure into a lively backyard pub and gathering space. Their motivation stemmed from a need for additional storage and, more importantly, a dedicated area for entertaining, as they frequently hosted parties. The Dawsons had previously enjoyed a custom-built basement bar in their former Roxbury home and were keen to replicate a similar social hub in their new residence, despite the substantial size of their existing bar. The genesis of their backyard pub, which they affectionately named "Second Wind," began with a visit to Amish Mike in Hackettstown, a prominent supplier of Amish-built prefab sheds and barns. There, they discovered a wooden barn model that perfectly suited their vision. Ryan meticulously planned the project, and after securing the necessary permits and approvals, the components of the two-story structure were delivered to their home. The Amish crew efficiently assembled the shell, including its unfinished beams, within two days, followed by the pouring of a concrete floor. The Dawsons then carefully installed their cherished 20-foot bar, which had been a centerpiece of their previous home. The couple dedicated another year to furnishing and decorating Second Wind, imbuing it with a distinctive vintage and antique nautical theme. This aesthetic was largely informed by their personal histories and professional backgrounds. Ryan, a Weichert Realtor, had inherited a wealth of relics from his ancestors, who were Mayflower descendants, and from his family's long-standing business, Dawson Marine, located in Lake Hopatcong. These heirlooms, including hundreds of signs, maps, and statues, provided a rich source of decorative elements. Melinda, who owns Caring Transitions of Morristown, a business specializing in estate sales, also had ready access to a variety of vintage tavern decor, further enhancing the pub's unique character. Since its completion, Second Wind has become a vibrant social hub for the Dawsons and their community. They frequently host parties, often joined by their pets and a close-knit group of Irish friends. Ryan, a former president of the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick and the 2023 grand marshal of the Morris County St. Patrick’s Day Parade, outfitted the pub to resemble an authentic tavern. Their annual calendar of events includes a Kentucky Derby party, a summer soiree, a Christmas party, and informal planning meetings for the parade committee. Notably, they opt out of hosting a St. Patrick's Day celebration at home, as they are actively involved in the larger Morristown festivities. During parties, Ryan is comfortable either tending bar or delegating to guest bartenders, especially when complex cocktails are requested. The pub is equipped with a vintage shuffleboard table, a popular spot for guests, and a wireless Sonos music system. They occasionally invite live bands and DJs, and a pizza truck has been known to cater events. When not in use for entertaining, the rustic structure serves a practical purpose, storing yard equipment and seasonal items. The Dawsons' inspiration for Second Wind, now in its fourth year, was highlighted during a photo shoot for New Jersey Monthly, attended by close friends. Melinda reflects on their vision, stating that for them, having their own Irish tavern just 50 feet from their back door provides the same joy that others might find in a backyard swimming pool or tennis court. #BackyardBar #HomeEntertainment #DIYProject #PrefabBarn #HomeRenovation #VintageDecor #NewJerseyLiving #SocialGatheringSpace #CustomBar

With the arrival of cooler weather in New Orleans, the focus shifts to outdoor dining. The trend of al fresco eating has expanded significantly, particularly accelerated by the pandemic, leading to a diverse range of options for enjoying meals and drinks outside. This article highlights several top spots for outdoor dining across various styles, price points, and locations in and around New Orleans, encompassing established favorites, new venues, and lesser-known gems. N7, located at 1117 Montegut St. in the 9th Ward, offers a unique outdoor dining experience within a covered patio designed with meticulous detail, evoking the ambiance of a wine country tasting room. The setting, complete with grapevines and farmhouse-style furnishings, provides a picturesque backdrop for enjoying fine wines, cheeseboards, and a bistro menu that subtly blends French and Japanese culinary influences. The distinct atmosphere is further enhanced by the sounds of freight cars on nearby Press Street tracks, adding to its urban charm. The Bell, a British pub situated at 3125 Esplanade Ave., provides multiple outdoor dining areas. While its interior is known for its cozy pub feel, the exterior spaces include an open patio that resembles a garden setting, offering views of Esplanade Avenue’s lush greenery. A back section features an open-air raw bar beneath a Union Jack canopy, and a covered front porch provides a comfortable spot for a casual pub meal and drinks, bridging the gap between an intimate and open-air experience. The Batture, at 25 Walnut St., is transforming a former marine industrial yard near Audubon Park into a vibrant riverfront destination. This venue functions more as a weekend event space than a traditional restaurant, hosting various food trucks and pop-ups that serve customers with expansive views of the river. Additionally, The Batture hosts the Tuesday edition of the Crescent City Farmers Market from 8 a.m. to noon, offering local produce and hot food options for breakfast or lunch with a scenic river backdrop. Sylvain, located at 625 Chartres St. in the French Quarter, features one of the area’s most charming courtyards. Enclosed by high brick walls with an aged patina, the courtyard creates an atmospheric dining space that combines modern and timeless elements, making it a favorite midrange option in the heart of the French Quarter. The Bower and Birdy’s Behind the Bower, at 1320 Magazine St., form a collective dining experience around a shared, hidden courtyard. The Bower serves a versatile Mediterranean-inspired bistro menu, while its adjacent Claret wine bar offers a dedicated space for drinks. Birdy’s, a brunch spot, also utilizes this covered outdoor area during the day, providing a comprehensive offering for different meal times. Aperitif, found at 1943 Lakeshore Drive in Old Mandeville, is a new northshore establishment. Its open patio offers a lakefront view, resembling a grand front porch. The menu focuses on upscale casual dining with a particular emphasis on local seafood, complemented by subtle Asian flavors in its first courses, ideal for shared plates and aperitifs. Sidecar Oyster Patio, discreetly located behind the Rusty Nail bar at 1114 Constance St., is an outdoor restaurant designed like a patio on a half-shell. Most seating is beneath green fronds and sun sails, creating a relaxed ambiance. The establishment specializes in a wide selection of oysters from various regions, alongside tavern fare like fried chicken sandwiches and other fresh seafood options. Rosedale, at 801 Rosedale Drive, is chef Susan Spicer’s neighborhood restaurant, known for its modern comfort food and well-curated wine list. Its leafy patio offers a tranquil outdoor dining space that feels surprisingly secluded from the city. Afrodisiac, located at 5363 Franklin Ave. in Gentilly, provides a hidden gem for outdoor dining. Despite its unassuming exterior, the multilevel back patio is a relaxing oasis. The menu features a blend of Caribbean and Creole cuisine, accompanied by a rum-focused bar. Gentilly has few dining establishments, making Afrodisiac a significant local offering. Bratz Y’All, at 617 Piety St., offers a German beer garden experience in the Bywater, reminiscent of Bavaria. The outdoor setting is perfect for enjoying large steins of beer and hearty Bavarian food, especially during cooler weather. Patrons also have the option to combine their meal with a slice of pizza from the adjacent Pizza Delicious, which also has a patio. Barracuda Taco Stand, with locations at 446 Pelican Ave. in Algiers Point and 3984 Tchoupitoulas St., specializes in outdoor taco dining. The Algiers Point location is built around a former filling station, serving as the kitchen and ordering counter for tacos made with fresh flour tortillas. Both locations provide pleasant outdoor seating areas, with the Algiers Point spot offering the added appeal of being in a burgeoning neighborhood accessible by ferry. The Audubon Clubhouse, at 6975 Magazine St. within Audubon Park, has evolved significantly under the management of the Dickie Brennan group. Its wraparound porch is a popular spot, particularly during happy hour, offering sunset views and a refined menu with drinks that stand on their own merit, regardless of the picturesque setting. #NewOrleans #OutdoorDining #RestaurantGuide #LocalCuisine #FoodAndDrink #PatioDining #HiddenGems #LouisianaFood #FallDining

Los Bar, an art installation conceived by four artists-in-residency at the MAK Center in Los Angeles, functions as both a pop-up bar and a conceptual art piece. The project is a 0.65:1 scale replica of Vienna’s renowned Loos Bar, designed in 1908 by Adolf Loos. Located in the garage of the Rudolph Schindler’s 1939 Mackey Apartments, where the artists reside, Los Bar meticulously reconstructs the original’s refined aesthetic using unconventional, everyday materials. The original Loos Bar, celebrated for its stripped-down yet sophisticated design and geometric simplicity, anticipated the Modernist movement. The artists – Andreas Bauer, Christoph Meier, Robert Schwarz, and Lukas Stopczynski from Austria and Germany – have reinterpreted these elements with readily available, inexpensive items. For instance, the marble coffered ceiling of the original is crafted from cardboard in Los Bar. Brass and wood handrails are ingeniously replaced with foam pool noodles, while a backlit onyx wall fixture is recreated using paper, glue, and sawdust. The artists deliberately opted for a quick and low-cost construction process, utilizing tools like a nail gun to emphasize an "American way of production," drawing inspiration from America’s DIY culture and Hollywood set design. Every Friday night, Los Bar transforms into a vibrant hub for Los Angeles’s art community. The artists, who met in April upon starting their residency, take on hosting and bartending duties. Visitors enjoy PBRs and schnapps, acquired through donations, amidst a rotating program of events. Past events have included a mariachi band performing on a small stage and an artist tattooing patrons. The bar’s distinct European atmosphere, characterized by its loudness and allowance for smoking, contrasts with the more orderly bar scene typically found in L.A. Los Bar serves a signature cocktail named TGV, a potent mix of tequila, gin, and vodka, presented in a glass atop a concrete plinth. The project is set to conclude in mid-September, coinciding with the end of the artists’ residency. The final night will feature performances by previous acts and a wedding ceremony, officiated by Stopczynski, who was ordained online. The artists express aspirations to construct further replicas of Los Bar, experimenting with different scales, and envision London’s Turbine Hall at the Tate Modern as a potential future site for a larger iteration. Los Bar challenges conventional notions of art and architecture by transforming a historically significant space through accessible materials and a temporary, performative context. It serves as a commentary on design, production methods, and cultural exchange, offering a unique social experience that blurs the lines between art installation and functioning social venue. #PopUpBar #ArtInstallation #MAKCenter #LoosBar #ArchitecturalReplica #DIYArt #RudolphSchindler #LosAngelesArtScene #TemporaryArt #EuropeanInfluence