Baroness on Baronne is betting big on cocktails in downtown New Orleans, as media veteran Camille Whitworth transforms a former Quiznos into a low-lit lounge with a nightlife edge. The red-walled spot leans into craft drinks, house-made syrups and curated spirits, backing them up with shareable plates that run from Cajun and Creole pizzas to crab dip au gratin, jerk chicken wraps and a skillet jambalaya. A steady lineup of themed nights, private events and tasting classes rounds out the program, giving the Central Business District address a clubby, immersive feel.
Whitworth, who told WhatNow she spent more than 25 years as a television news anchor, says that newsroom experience helped shape Baroness on Baronne’s emphasis on storytelling at the bar and genuine guest connection. WhatNow also reports that the Baroness brand has been evolving for roughly 16 years and that this downtown iteration lands in the Central Business District in what once housed a Quiznos.
The menu and bar program skew local and a little playful, with a Cajun pizza loaded with andouille, a Creole shrimp pizza, warm crab dip au gratin and Baronne Street sliders sharing space with snacks like truffle popcorn. On its site, Baroness highlights its house-made syrups, a selectively built spirits list and a creative cocktail lineup that powers weekly events, private bookings and the tucked-away VIP “Secreto” room.
Hands-on mixology classes
Upstairs, New Orleans Drink Lab runs interactive sessions that walk guests through classic New Orleans cocktails, core bartending techniques and guided tastings that typically last 90 to 120 minutes. The Drink Lab’s materials outline options ranging from “Classic New Orleans Cocktails” to bourbon and wine tastings, positioning the school as both a visitor-friendly attraction and a training ground for local bartenders, with bookings and press information handled through the Drink Lab site.
Plans and neighborhood fit
Looking beyond the CBD, Whitworth told WhatNow she has been exploring a second concept on historic Bayou Road, one that would reflect Caribbean, African and French influences. If the project moves ahead, it would extend the Baroness approach into a long-standing neighborhood corridor already known for its layered culinary history.
Reservations, private-event inquiries and current hours are listed on Baroness, which also routes guests to the Drink Lab for class bookings. A 2022 press release in MyNewOrleans notes that Whitworth and partner Sidney Webb rebranded Victory as Baroness on Baronne after the pandemic and positioned the business as majority female- and minority-owned.
