Exploration: Santos

Exploration: Santos
Location: 1135 Decatur Street

Just like New Orleans is more than the French Quarter, the Quarter is more than Bourbon Street. A few streets going riverward and towards the back of the Quarter is a bar called Santos. With high brick arches and a picture of Lemmy from Motorhead where he almost looks like a a bishop, Santos has a cathedral-like vibe to it.

In the back of Santos is a dance floor and space for a band, but it was not live music that brought Gieselle and me out that night. Santos is on the Krewe du Vieux parade route, and its upstairs balcony offered prime viewing. The space upstairs is chic—small, high tables and tall black and silver stools around a semi-circle and a door that leads outside.

(Parade tip: balconies offer great viewing spots for parades. Be above the crowd rather than in it! Of course, if you’re after parade throws, you won’t get them on a balcony. Note also that most bars will charge a fee for the balcony during parade time.)

I had a Strongbow cider and Gieselle drank Yeungling. They were priced reasonably for the Quarter. I give Santos 41/2 stars for atmosphere and friendly service.