Travel guides and review websites can all be helpful, but sometimes doing a walk-in on a random encounter of a cosy little Creole terrace like Seaworthy is more than enough for a night well spent!
Located in the up and coming Warehouse District of downtown New Orleans, Seaworthy is part of the recent redevelopment of the Ace Hotel group. Set in a classic Creole cottage built in 1832, Seaworthy was opened by Ace Hotel with support from from the team at Grand Banks, a floating oyster restaurant in New York’s Hudson River. Seaworthy culls inspiration from Gulf Coast waterways, the time-worn traditions of Southern hospitality and the legendary exuberance of the city of New Orleans. All in all a perfect combo for a fun night out!
Dinner at Seaworthy works best when you steer clear of courses and aim for sharing everything with your party. And after all, with some very delicate oysters, sourced from east and west of the NOLA region, there’s bound to be some sharing… or not! Befitting its New York parentage, Seaworthy embraces the romance of the open sea as the dimly-lit ground floor resembles the tranquility and coziness of a boathouse. When the weather is good, you can also opt for the backdoor terrace which is cute enough.
As the oysters order is coming right up, we order some of their cocktails that are really nicely done. Oysters arrive and we start debating on the level of saltiness and complexity, as these can differ depending on the region from the Gulf coast up north to Massachusetts and all the way to Vancouver. Half a dozen is not enough so we double down for some more of the sea’s treasures.
Light music is playing on the background and despite the late hour, patrons keep on coming and going taking turns at the bar, also a good option for a quick bite and drinks. Complementing the second round, a light salty touch of boiled chilled shrimps is just about right and a half-decent ceviche to go with them. We skip the pork belly, although we hear it’s delish, and aim for a seafood only dinner… only to realize soon enough we’re in need of the heavy loaded burger (see below). Oh yes, medium grilled and accompanied by some crunchy fries, the burger is just about the right ending to a perfect night out. Soon enough, we find ourselves at the bar trying more cocktails as the early morning hours are closing up.
After all, Seaworthy is open until 2am every day so we’re cool.
8oz Raines Farm brisket and chuck with fontal cheese, garlic aioli and roasted ham