New Orleans Spotlight: Headquarters by Nice Guys Nola

Headquarters by Nice Guys Nola is a prominent bar and event space located in the Warehouse District of New Orleans, serving as a sister establishment to the popular Nice Guys Nola restaurant.¹

What Makes It Unique and Its History

• Sister Venue:² Headquarters extends the culinary and vibrant atmosphere of Nice Guys Nola, but primarily functions as a distinctive bar and event venue with an exclusive menu and signature craft cocktails.³

   

• Historic Location: The venue holds significant historical importance as it is situated in a building that was formerly home to the legendary Little Gem Saloon, an R&B historical landmark in the Central Business District, often referred to as “The Birthplace of Jazz.”⁴

   

• Preserving Cultural Heritage: Owners Glenn and Allison Charles expressed their vision for Headquarters to return music and energy to the historic building, underscoring the establishment’s role in preserving the cultural heritage of New Orleans.⁵

   

• Grand Opening: The venue celebrated its grand opening with a ceremonial ribbon cutting around May 2024, featuring community and local official support, live music, and appearances by local cultural groups.⁶

   

Customer Feedback Highlights

Customer feedback generally points to a memorable experience, although perspectives vary on pricing and automatic service charges:

• Positive Reviews: Many guests rave about the delicious and diverse food, praising dishes like smothered catfish, oxtail, and various seafood plates.⁷ The service is often described as top-notch, attentive, and kind.⁸ The atmosphere is appreciated for being vibrant, relaxed, and engaging with a good “vibe.”

   

• Specific Menu Favorites (often shared with Nice Guys Nola):
  • Smothered Catfish (sauce and flavorful potatoes mentioned)⁹

     

  • Oxtail (tender)¹⁰

     

  • Blackened Salmon & Crawfish Mac
  • Drunken Wings
  • Crawfish Jalapeño Bombs
• Areas of Concern: Some reviews mention high prices and the implementation of an automatic service charge (which is explicitly stated as not a tip for the server), which can lead to confusion regarding expected gratuity.

Highlight Menu Items

While Headquarters features an exclusive menu, it draws inspiration and shares culinary flair with Nice Guys Nola, offering a Southern-inflected menu with a New Orleans twist.¹¹ Items often highlighted in reviews or mentioned in connection with their offerings include:

• Seafood Specialties: Dishes like Seafood Bread, Crawfish Étouffée, and Lobster Pasta.¹²

   

• Brunch Staples (especially during events): Catfish and Grits, various Chicken and Waffle combinations (e.g., Praline Chicken and Waffle), Steak and Eggs, and various New Orleans-style breakfast plates.¹³

   

• Desserts: Items such as Glazed Beignets and Praline Bread Pudding.¹⁴

   

• Signature Craft Cocktails¹⁵

   

Significant Events

Headquarters is known for regularly hosting vibrant events, leveraging its unique setting and ample space:¹⁶

• Regular Events: The venue hosts frequent events such as live music performances, DJ nights, and themed evenings like Taco Tuesday and Latin Night.¹⁷

   

• Brunch Events: The establishment often hosts themed brunches, such as 90s Brunch Music and Brunch, Booze, & Beats with DJs and live music.¹⁸

   

• Private Events: The venue is frequently utilized for private events due to its capacity (up to 250 standing) and features like a stage, full bar service, and catering options.¹⁹

   

Location and Contact Information

Links to Social Media and Website