re: Mandeville vs Covington

There are a few in old Mandeville itself:

Barley Oaks - on Lakefront. 30-plus beers on tap, good atmosphere.

Grapeful Ape - very cool local bar with craft cocktails, other half of building is a wine shop.

Lakehouse Restaurant - on lakefront - they have redone the outside patio and bar area - very popular spot in the late afternoons or early evenings - can sit outside for cocktails and order off bar menu for food if you like.

Nuvolaris - Restaurant has a very nice bar - often go there before eating out somewhere else.

Old Rail - Brewery/bar and restaurant - pretty good local beer, etc.

Ruby's Roadhouse - Really cool when someone like Tab Benoit or Eric Lindell is playing - they make everyone stop smoking about 2 hours before the music starts. I've honestly only been there when there is a good live show and it's a lot of fun.


Those would be my top choices, especially the first 3 listed - some people also like hanging out at the bar at Rips, Cafe Lynn, Mi Mamacita's (margaritas, etc), can't say I've done that much. For the real old-schoolers and for a different crowd there's Dons and the Red Barn Pub, been a long while for me for those.

Coming soon will be the renovation of the buildings right close to the Barley Oaks on Lakeshore - will be Gallaghers Seafood restaurant with outside bar, oyster bar, and separate wine tavern.

Within 5 minutes of old Mandeville is 527 Steakhouse with a good and fairly busy bar for cocktails and/or eating. Also within close range is St Ann Wine and Whiskey Bar as well as Felix's Restaurant and Oyster Bar.

There may be some I am missing - hope that helps. Cheers!