Rosie's Rivets the Higgins

The World War II Museum continues to expand its footprint in the New Orleans warehouse district and last week's opening of the new Higgins Hotel did not disappoint. The design is so well thought out that even the main phone number ends in 1941 which is the year the United States entered World War II after the bombing of Pearl Harbor.

The Higgins, named after the PT Boat manufacturer that helped win World War II, is an art deco, architectural dream filled with relics from the war nestled throughout the hotel. Kilroy's is the bar on the first floor and features clever cocktails including Bourbon Drinks made with Old Grand Dad Bourbon. Yes, OGD is making a comeback for those of you that are way too young to remember it from forty years ago. Make sure you buy the bonded version since it has more flavor than the 86 proof. Adjacent to Kilroy's is Cafe Normandy and features plush, velvet seating and really great food which rather surprised me since there is no famous chef creating the fare.

Behind the cafe, a private area for Hilton Honors members (yes, this is a fancy Hilton in the Curio division) as well as Patriot Circle Museum members features General Grant's grand piano. The well stocked coffee shop is right next to this area and has an adult cooler with wine, beer and champagnes for takeout as well as snacks if you want to be really classy with your to go bottles.

After you marvel at the chandeliers, embedded, terrazzo floors and additional art installations on the main floor, head into the elevator to the ninth floor for the best part of the Higgins, Rosie's on the Roof. Rosie's currently opens at 4PM (which we told them needs to change on the weekends) and features clever cocktails, inexpensive beer pricing, light food and the best views of any rooftop bar in the city. We arrived at twilight and the 360 degree views were spectacular as the sun set over the museum. Rosie's is comfortable with ample table space and even televisions for sports enthusiasts. There is ample bar space inside and wait staff cover the patio area making cock-tailing easy.