El Libre Bringing Cuban Food and Cocktails to the French Quarter

Sugary, neon-colored daiquiris abound in the French Quarter, but the forthcoming Dumaine Street spot from a trio of bar gurus will treat the classic cocktail with the respect it deserves. Per Todd Price at NOLA.com, El Libre is the brainchild of barmen Konrad Kantor, Bazil Zerinsky, and Blake Lindberg and is slated to open in early July.

Expect "a small menu of rice, beans, plantains and pressed sandwiches," plus Cuban coffee and breakfast options; delivery will be available within the Quarter. El Libre "plans to stock at least 20 different rums" to make daiquiris, mojitos, and other cocktails; the restaurant won't have a liquor license when it first opens, but "you can bring your own rum, pay $1 for a lime, $1 for simple syrup and El Libre will make you a traditional, hand-shaken daiquiri."