Parasol's Bar and Restaurant in the Irish Channel

Parasol's is my favorite po-boy place in the entire metro area. Mother's makes a better ham sandwich, and Streetcar a better roast beef, but neither can compete when you factor in the atmosphere and the ambiance. Parasol's is in the heart of the Irish Channel, at the corner of Constance and Third streets. The entrance to the bar is right in front, and the restaurant door is the one up the steps off to the left a bit. If you look closely just behind the window on the left side, you'll see the "service window" that was used in the days of segregation to accomodate black patrons. They're not used anymore (except at places that serve soft drinks to minors who can't come into the bar), but serve to date an establishment. Since I've been working on several clients' networks in the uptown area, I've been lucky enough to eat at Parasol's three times in the last two weeks. I've got a full review of the food that I'll add to the Dining Guide as soon as I mark it up.

Parasol's biggest claim to fame is that it's the focal point for New Orleans' celebrations on St. Patrick's Day. On March 17, the corner of Constance and Third is closed off to vehicles and a big block party starts about 10AM and goes on into the night. It's a fun day filled with lots of green beer and old and new friends.

Copyright © 1995, Yatcom Communications. All Rights Reserved.