French Quarter-Based El Libre Is Opening a Spot Uptown

French Quarter-based Cuban darling El Libre will expand Uptown in early 2018, taking over the spot on Calhoun Street near Tulane University that iconic burger hub Bud’s Broiler will vacate this Sunday when it closes for good, reports the Uptown Messenger

Jason Qatar, owner of the Calhoun Street Bud’s Broiler, plans to retire, but he will retain ownership of the building. He’s looking forward to leasing it to “a young person with fresh ideas — just as he was when he first started in business.” El Libre owner Blake Lindberg said he ate at Bud’s Broiler once a week while he was in high school.

The El Libre in the French Quarter exists in a petite space, but the larger Calhoun location will offer Lindberg the opportunity to expand his offerings. He’ll stick with what’s on the menu in the French Quarter (pressed sandwiches, rum cocktails, veggie bowls), but add burgers and fries as a homage to the Bud’s that was there for 40 years.

He’ll also add ropa vieja, perhaps served on poboy bread, to bring in some New Orleans traditions.

Importantly, he’ll try to keep menu items at an “accessible” price point, around $10.

MORE READING

Bud’s Broiler on Calhoun Will Serve Its Final Burger This Sunday [ENOLA]

All El Libre Coverage [ENOLA]

Bud’s Broiler on Calhoun to Close Sunday; Space to Reopen Next Year as El Libre’s Uptown Expansion [UPTOWN MESSENGER]

Peek Inside El Libre, a Cuban Charmer Opening Wednesday In The Quarter [ENOLA]