Courtesy of Barrel Proof
Barrel Proof, a New Orleans and Nashville bar known for its extensive (300-plus) whiskey and rare spirits selection, as well as expertly crafted cocktails, is joining the Westside Provisions District in early November. Taking over the former Little Trouble space, it will serve Southern bar food and classy cocktails in an upscale neighborhood environment. Founded by Robert LeBlanc and Liam Deegan, Barrel Proof Atlanta will offer a set menu, unlike the New Orleans location, which hosts food pop-ups seven days a week.
Lorenza Harrington (JoJo’s Beloved) will serve as lead bartender, having helped open the original Barrel Proof in New Orleans more than a decade ago. He’s putting together a list of creative takes on classic cocktails. Examples include Nux If You Buck, made with rum, lemon, date, and Nux Alpina; House of Leaves with gin, aquavit, Chareau, lemon, sugar, and shiso furikake; and Blood and Sand with blended scotch, orange juice, cherry heering, and sweet vermouth. More familiar drinks include a margarita, espresso martini, and house old fashioned. There’s also a list of shots and beers served together, including Secret Handshake (bonded whiskey and Gansett).
Courtesy of Barrel Proof
The food is designed to be approachable and shareable with menu items such as a crispy chicken sandwich, charred cauliflower Caesar salad, and a burger. Grilled bologna is topped with tomato pepper chow chow, and “3 Dip Fries” comes with ketchup, aioli, and tabasco mash mayo. LeBlanc calls the food “fun indulgences.” Bonus: they’re made with local ingredients whenever possible.
Located near Ford Fry’s Marcel steakhouse, the 3,500-square-foot space features a long hallway, windows overlooking the gulch, and the concrete beams overhead. Timeless finishes include a long wooden bar with brass detailing, chrome barstools, and plush banquet seating with velvet hues.
Courtesy of Barrel Proof
“Barrel Proof will always be a cocktail-driven neighborhood bar first and foremost. We love older buildings that have some historic context and some interesting architectural features,” Le Blanc says. “Because of all the cool architectural features of the Westside Provisions District development and how strong and tight-knit the neighborhood is, going into the Westside Provisions District seemed like the perfect confluence of a really cool building that happens to be located in a neighborhood we love.”
Look for a playlist of heavy rock and old school hip-hop, as well as DJs spinning vinyl.
