Related Articles
In the short time Ale‘s been on Oak St. this watering hole has caused quite a stir in the media. Some claim that its overtly 
masculine style goes a bit too far with gender stereotyping, but I see it as another great place to grab a cold one on a hot summer day. Plus, I have a hard time not liking places termed “gastropub.” Any bar that you can munch some damn good snacks while sipping (or chugging) is good by me. So, before we order another round, let’s get into the details.
What We’re Drinking
Staying true to its name Ale offers a truck load of beers on tap. But there really is something for everyone, from the daintiest sipper to the toughest keg-stander. They’ve got 30 beers and 30 scotches behind the stainless steel bar, a perfect one to one ratio of sophisticated and laid back. I opted to stay local and took advantage of the brand new taps. My Abita Seersucker was crisp and fresh and not too bitter. I had a long week, so was a bit too worn to ask the barntender to recommend something, but if I went back, I would definitely try something new, and maybe even a scotch!
Ale’s got its feminine side too with specialty cocktail offerings to come. So, no matter what gender you consider yourself, anyone can be anyone here. Really, we’re all just too friendly (read: tipsy) to judge!
What We’re Eating
So, I snuck a peek at the food stuffs before heading over, and as I scrolled through the photos I couldn’t help thinking “Oh! I hope 
they have that tonight, and that, and that.” The menu boasts beer-accompanying bites like Ham & Gruyere Hot Pockets, hand cut fries, house-made sausages, and other noshes for a no-brainer night out. Part of the new construction included a fully stocked kitchen, and the chefs indulged my curiosity and invited me right in! I saw giant freshly rolled pretzels ready for the oven with my name all over them. I was reading over the menu with my crew, and I think we may have left a drool spot…sorry! Seriously though, total food porn.
Why We Like Ale
Ale is easy. It’s fun, welcoming, casual, and a great alternative to the same old spots uptown. They have a bunch of TVs, which I didn’t even notice at first (they were on mute), but I could see this being a really fun place to catch a Saints game in a few weeks! Ale’s got a good local atmosphere and is anything but pretentious.
The courtyard that joins Ale with it’s “older sister” Oak is a great mingling spot for patrons from both bars. I can’t wait for fall when the weather gets a little cooler. You’ll definitely see barristers, bros, southern belles, and babes co-mingling out here in the cooler months. Further, the courtyard serves as a portal between the sophisticated sounds of Oak’s live jazz and the casual funk of Ale’s wood clad den. So, whether it’s an evening of foie gras and fine wine or a night for snacks and brews you can come to the same great place for all of your needs!
If you’re near Oak Street or need a reason to go to the corridor, then stop by Ale and have a cold one and the Duck Confit Queso Fundido. Now, who can pass that up?
