Chris McMillian's Hotly-Anticipated Revel Cafe & Bar Opens in Mid City

The godfather of New Orleans craft cocktail scene Chris McMillian has just opened his hotly-anticipated casual restaurant and bar Revel in Mid City for lunch and dinner, and Helen Freund has the scoop:

The two-level space consists of a front dining room with windows overlooking Carrollton Avenue and an upper level bar area outfitted with a long mahogany bar brought in from Kentucky and seating for 15 to 20 people.

The restaurant is a family affair with McMillian's wife/Museum of the American Cocktail co-founder Laura running the front of house, and their son-in-law/former Boulangerie baker Jose Ayala running the kitchen.

As for the food and beverage, Ayala is obviously baking fresh bread in house. A menu of sandwiches, salads, and small bites hover in the $5 to $12 range, per The Times-Pic's Todd Price: "brioche pretzel bites ($5), a Gulf shrimp, avocado and feta salad ($12), a cheeseburger on housemade buns ($12) and pulled pork on brioche with slaw and pickles ($10)."  Brunch to come.

At the bar, McMillian isn't so much relying on a set menu, as just crafting classics and signature cocktails he's created over his long career.

Revel Cafe & Bar. Officially open at 133 N. Carrollton Ave. Phone: 504-309-6122 Official Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.