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Take a First Look Inside Copper Vine, the Wine Tavern the New Orleans CBD Deserves

Even the restroom is pretty

Brandt Vicknair

Copper Vine, hospitality entrepreneur Kyle Brechtel’s new CBD wine-pub, will open its doors to an airy, dapper redo of its historic landmark building very soon, bringing with it a menu from Michael Brewer that raises the bar for wine taverns, as well as over 30 wines on tap.

Copper Vine represents more than a business venture for Brechtel, but the realization of a personal dream. Brechtel used to occupy an apartment across the street; daily he fantasized about transforming the then dark gem that had housed iconic Maylie’s restaurant for 110 years into a vibrant, bright spot that would cater to the area’s burgeoning residential population.

“There’s a lot of me in this project,” he says. “I wanted to make the kind of neighborhood place that I’d want to go to night after night.”

Copper Vine’s look begins with a strong statement in the form of a contemporary 30-seat corner patio with sea blue paint, cushy benches, half walls, and a lush array of hanging plants and wisteria recalling the profuse vines that once graced the front Maylie’s. All this defines an organic vibe in contrast the concrete surrounds, while dappled street views feed off Poydras’ kinetic energy. Overhead steel beams hint at enclosure without sealing off the space. Architect Jennie West of Studio West and landscape architect Wes Michaels of Spackman, Mossop, and Michaels designed the exterior space together.

Copper Vine’s has the only dining/drinking patio on Poydras
Brandt Vicknair

Inside, a dynamic, multi-layered space handsomely contrasts the historic building’s original details with modern finishes. Downstairs, a restored 24-foot long bar, likely as old as the building itself, anchors the room and has been outfitted with copper taps for wine and a sleek white stone countertop. Classic New Orleans features such as soaring ceilings and a wall of windowed french doors offer a vintage backdrop for steel blue tufted banquettes and decidedly more modern leatherette stools and high tables.

Copper Vine’s downstairs bar
Brandt Vicknair/Copper Vine

Taking a cue from the tavern’s name, West added some subtle copper touches throughout the space. Local art subtly underscores a New Orleans theme.

Copper Vine has over 30 wine taps
Brandt Vicknair

Upstairs offers flexibility with an overflow dining room replete with swaths of deep blue wainscoting, plus two petite private rooms separated by pocket doors that can be used individually or opened to accommodate mid-sized groups. Floor to ceiling windows overlook a street side balcony. “It’s a space that can scale up, or scale down depending on need,” says Brechtel. “For a restaurant, that’s a beautiful thing.”

One of two private dining rooms upstairs at Copper Vine
Brandt Vicknair/Copper Vine
Even the restrooms are pretty at Copper Vine
Brandt Vicknair
Copper Vine patio
Brandt Vicknair
Copper Vine
Brandt Vicknair

Copper Vine Winepub

1001 Poydras Street, , LA 70112 (504) 208-9535 Visit Website