Copper Vine Restaurant: A NOLA Dining Experience with Promise
Nestled on Poydras Street in downtown New Orleans, Copper Vine Restaurant has gained a reputation for delivering modern twists on classic cuisine. Eager to see if it lived up to the buzz, I finally had the chance to visit for dinner. It’s also worth noting that Copper Vine offers separate lunch and brunch menus, each differing slightly from the dinner menu, providing a variety of options depending on when you visit. Additionally, they have a happy hour Monday through Friday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., though I found the food and drink options during happy hour to be a bit underwhelming.
We had some difficulty finding parking close to the restaurant due to construction along Poydras Street for the upcoming Super Bowl. The area was blocked off, so I had to park about a block away and walk to the restaurant. Fortunately, this wasn’t much of an inconvenience. It also put us within walking distance of other restaurants like Walk-Ons. which I have also been looking to try.
I typically enjoy dining outdoors whenever it’s an option, and on this particular evening, the weather was cool and pleasant—perfect for outdoor seating. Copper Vine’s outdoor area is surrounded by lush greenery and has a relaxed, inviting ambiance. From the comfortable wicker chairs to the hanging plants and soft lighting, the space felt cozy yet open. It really added to the experience, making for a relaxing and enjoyable meal in a beautiful setting.
Food off the Copper Vine Menu
Truffle Fries
We began with an oversized bowl of truffle fries. The portion was generous, which was great for sharing, but they lacked the robust flavor I usually expect from truffle fries. They didn’t seem to pick up the truffle oil as well as they could have. While they were served with a parmesan aioli dipping sauce, the sauce didn’t add much complexity to the fries, leaving the overall flavor somewhat underwhelming. To be honest, I much preferred the truffle fries I recently had at Junior’s, another restaurant in New Orleans, where the balance of flavors was spot-on.
Pork Belly and Corn Fried Oysters
Next, we sampled the pork belly and corn fried oysters from the Copper Vine menu’s snacks and shareables section. The dish arrived with a crystal glaze, pickled okra, blue cheese, and buttermilk dressing, creating a vibrant mix of flavors and textures. The pork belly was flavorful, with a rich, tender bite that paired nicely with the tang of the pickled okra and the creaminess of the blue cheese. The corn fried oysters were equally enjoyable, though on the smaller side. Despite their size, the oysters were perfectly cooked and packed with flavor. It’s worth noting that the smaller size could be attributed to the fact that oyster season is just beginning, which may have affected their availability and size. A little more pork belly would have balanced the dish better, but overall, the combination of flavors came together well, offering a satisfying experience.
Margherita Flatbread
We also tried the margherita flatbread, a classic choice featuring a topping of rich tomato sauce, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil. The ingredients were high-quality, vibrant, and well-balanced, which made for a satisfying bite. However, the flatbread itself leaned more toward the texture of a traditional pizza, with a thicker, softer crust than what you might expect from a true flatbread. While this wasn’t necessarily a negative, I personally prefer a flatbread to have a lighter, crispier base, providing that satisfying crunch with each bite. In this case, the bread was slightly doughy, detracting from the contrast you typically seek in a flatbread. A thinner, more cracker-like crust would have allowed the fresh ingredients to shine even more, adding a level of refinement to the dish. For diners who enjoy a heartier, more substantial flatbread, this may hit the mark, but for those seeking something crisp and delicate, it may fall a bit short.
Wagyu Burger
The wagyu burger came next, presented with all the right elements to suggest a top-tier burger experience: gruyere cheese, caramelized onions, dijon mustard, lettuce, and tomato. On paper, it sounded like a delightful combination, but in execution, it fell short in several ways. I requested the burger to be cooked medium, expecting a juicy patty with a slight pink center. What arrived, however, was far from that—a bright red, undercooked center throughout the entire burger. It wasn’t just a small miss; it was almost raw in the middle, which for wagyu, detracts from the luxurious quality that makes the beef shine.
After sending it back to be cooked properly, I was hopeful that things would improve, but another problem soon emerged—the bun. A burger is only as good as the sum of its parts, and in this case, the bun was a critical letdown. It lacked the structure to support the rich ingredients, turning what could have been a satisfying bite into a frustratingly messy experience. The patty slid around with each bite, and by the end, I was left battling more with the bun than enjoying the flavors.
A wagyu burger, with its high-quality beef, should feel like an indulgence, but this one didn’t deliver. The attention to detail on something as fundamental as the bun was missing, leaving an otherwise promising dish to feel incomplete. For a place that excels in atmosphere and creativity, this burger didn’t live up to the same standard.
Looking back, I wish I had tried the Louisiana crawfish beignets, a dish I usually enjoy, but I overlooked it on the Copper Vine menu. It’s definitely something I’ll return for on a future visit, as the appetizers here often offer a more curated experience of the restaurant’s strengths. The wagyu burger, which was off the main course menu, ultimately left me underwhelmed. In hindsight, sometimes it’s better to stick to what’s on the appetizer menu, where the focus seems to be on smaller, well-executed plates that showcase a creative twist on classic flavors. I won’t make that same mistake next time.
Copper Vine Restaurant Drink Selection
In terms of beverages, Copper Vine offers an extensive selection, including wines, cocktails, and non-alcoholic options. However, we opted for the Mountain Valley Spring Water over the standard tap water. While Mountain Valley is a solid choice, we personally prefer Acqua Panna, which is often served in high-end restaurants across downtown New Orleans. Acqua Panna has a smoother, more refined taste, making it our go-to option when available.
One of the things I liked about Copper Vine Restaurant is that they offer gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options on the menu. They even label dishes with initials, making it easy to identify which items meet these dietary preferences.
The restaurant also boasts a well-curated wine bar, perfect for those who enjoy pairing their meals with a quality wine selection. This is one area where Copper Vine shines, offering an array of choices for wine lovers.
Service and Atmosphere at Copper Vine NOLA
The service, while attentive, wasn’t particularly memorable. My requests were handled, but the experience lacked the warmth or personal touch that elevates service from good to great. We didn’t make reservations, but we were seated right away. However, the restaurant was quite crowded and busy, so it never hurts to have a reservation to ensure a timely seating.
As for the atmosphere, Copper Vine Wine Bar and Inn has a casual yet upscale vibe, with no strict dress code, making it a versatile option for both relaxed dinners and slightly more formal occasions. Copper Vine Wine Bar and Inn also has 10 guest rooms, making it a convenient choice for travelers who want to stay in the heart of New Orleans.
Executive Chef Amy Mehrtens, a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, has over a decade of experience in renowned New Orleans kitchens, including Commander’s Palace and Café Adelaide. She brings a creative, globally influenced Southern style to Copper Vine, enhancing the dining experience with innovative dishes that reflect her impressive culinary background.
Restaurant Hours and Address
Copper Vine is located at 1001 Poydras Street, New Orleans, LA 70112. Phone: 504-208-9535. Make Reservations at Copper Vine New Orleans
Their hours of operation are:
• Monday to Thursday: 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. (Happy Hour from 3 p.m. – 6 p.m.)
• Friday: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. (Happy Hour from 3 p.m. – 6 p.m.)
• Saturday: Brunch from 10:30 a.m. – 3 p.m., Dinner from 3 p.m. – 10 p.m.
• Sunday: Brunch from 10:30 a.m. – 3 p.m., Dinner from 3 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Overall, Copper Vine Wine Bar and Inn offers promise but didn’t fully meet my expectations in a few key areas. While the truffle fries and wagyu burger were disappointing, the pork belly and oysters, along with the wine selection, showed potential. The brunch menu offers a solid variety of appealing dishes, but I didn’t find the food or drink options on the happy hour menu to be as extensive. If you’re in downtown New Orleans and looking for a place with good atmosphere, dietary-friendly options, and decent food, Copper Vine Restaurant is worth a visit, but there’s room for improvement to bring it to the next level.
Ralph