Playboy magazine has named the Central Business District's Compére Lapin as one of the nation's top 10 bars. Following a nomination process in which Playboy writers, readers, and editors, as well as top bartenders and industry insiders, suggested their favorite new establishments for inclusion on the list, Playboy's readers and writers voted to rank the contenders, and when the dust settled, Compére Lapin had beaten out 42 competitors to earn the number eight spot on the list. The acclaim is only the latest accolade for the bar and restaurant, which opened roughly a year ago and has quickly earned a reputation for excellent atmosphere and exquisitely mixed cocktails.
Compére Lapin is part of a group of three converted warehouses that make up the Old No. 77 Hotel & Chandlery. The restaurant's cuisine is a fusion of Creole and Caribbean flavors, expertly curated by chef Nina Compton, who hails from St. Lucia and placed second on "Top Chef: New Orleans," an appearance that earned her a reputation among foodies with a taste for island flavors. The food is served in a warm, unpretentious space with hardwood floors and exposed brick, complemented by the long, blue-tiled bar, where Abigail Gullo, a longtime bar professional, serves an array of creative cocktails, whose bright, sunny flavors pair perfectly with Compton's spicy sensibilities. Playboy chose the Andromeda, a combination of Pisco, green chile vodka, lime, grapefruit, and rose as a highlight. Their happy hour runs from 3-6 p.m. on weekdays and includes classic cocktails for $6 and snacks for $5.
Photo from The Old No. 77 Hotel & Chandlery
