The Will and the Way, the much-anticipated bar from the LeBlanc + Smith hospitality group, opened on October 15th in the spot that used to be occupied by Longway Tavern, also from LeBlanc + Smith. Robért LeBlanc and Liam Deegan are partners in the venture. General manager Bar Amar, executive chef Josh Williams, and bar director Tommy Linville round out The Will and the Way’s team.

The goal of The Will and the Way is to create a space for locals to spend time in the French Quarter. So whether they want to have a drink or two before a show or grab a cocktail after dinner, LeBlanc wants The Will and the Way to provide the local experience.

“I want it to be a place that people in the neighborhood can go,” LeBlanc said. “The Will and the Way is casual and is designed to feel like the lobby of a nice French Quarter hotel. We wanted to create a comfortable place that appeals to a local’s sensibilities.”

The menu here includes Natchitoches Meat Pies, Louisiana Hot Chicken, a local, gluten-free twist on Nashville Hot Chicken; The Will and the Way Burger; and Loaded Korean Hot Fries meant to have the same flavor profile as Andy Capp’s Hot Fries.

LeBlanc is happy to open The Will and the Way in an area that includes Peychaud’s, Molly’s Irish Pub, Toulouse Theater, formerly One Eyed Jack’s, another LeBlanc + Smith venture, Sylvain, and Preservation Hall. Those two blocks, LeBlanc explained, have a lot of great places for locals to enjoy, and he hopes that The Will and the Way will become a part of the fabric of the area.

“People will be able to come and grab a snack here and then go see some live music,” LeBlanc explained. “And we love people who are visiting the city, too. So we want to provide them with that local feel.”

The Will and the Way is open Monday through Friday, 3:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. and Saturday and Sunday, 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.