A few weeks ago, after attending an event at the Cita Dennis Hubbell Library in Algiers Point, I heard some locals talking about a cool new bar worth checking out. The Little House, 640 Bouny St., is a casual spot that opened in April selling wine, cocktails, and small bites out of, you guessed it, a little house with a huge yard where visitors can mix and mingle.
Owner Hillary Hanning has over twenty years in the hospitality industry working in wine. She previously worked at Mondo in Lakeview as their beverage director and manager, and was part owner of Tavolino Pizza in Algiers Point until two years ago.
Hanning lives in Algiers Point and wanted to open a spot where people from the neighborhood and beyond could enjoy a drink and a bite to eat. Leashed dogs and children are welcome in The Little House’s yard, which includes plenty of seating on a vast lawn that Hanning has dubbed “the wineyard.”
“I wanted the spot to be what I like to focus on and what I like to do,” Hanning said. “I like small, boutique, family-owned wines and I like to get people out of their box. I wanted a space where I could offer the wine that I love at an approachable margin for people to purchase and enjoy.”
At The Little House, Hanning is cultivating a fun, non-pretentious space where visitors can try various wines in a no-pressure environment.
When it comes to the food, Hanning wanted a simple, uncomplicated menu inspired by her roots. The menu is seasonal and currently offers Smoked Catfish Dip made with locally caught Des Allemands catfish, cream cheese, and fresh lemon; Pickled Shrimp made with lightly marinated Gulf shrimp, fresh corn, heirloom tomatoes, sweet peppers, citrus, fennel, and mint; and The Board, a charcuterie board that includes three kinds of cheese, two types of meat, fresh green beans, house-made pickles and preserves, and served with Hi-Do bread. The Big Board is also available for larger groups with advance notice.
Hanning wants The Little House to reflect the tight-knit community in which she was raised.
She said, “We grew up south of I-10 and my mom was raised in the country in Mississippi. I had the best of both worlds—I was in the city and would visit the country when I would go to see my grandparents. There were always gardens and fresh vegetables and we went fishing. I just really want to do what I love to do and be surrounded by things that remind me of my family and how I got here.”
In addition to wine, Hanning is designing The Little House’s cocktail program, which will include fun hand-crafted and curated drinks. The bar currently offers mixed drinks and three house-made cocktails on tap, including Sangria of the Bulls, made with red wine, booze, and fresh fruit juice; Grapefruit Basil Lemonade made with fresh ruby grapefruit and lemon juices, basil syrup and vodka; and Filthy Marty made with Dorothy Parker Gin, Axta Vermouth, Hill’s house-made “dirt,” and served on the rocks.
With so much outdoor space, The Little House is perfect for fun events. The bar hosts trivia twice a month, and pop-up Oyster Daddy will serve oysters on September 9 and 23. Hanning also plans to host a weekly peanut boil, live acoustic music, and monthly family-style dinners with wine pairings.
Most importantly, Hanning wants The Little House to be connected to the Algiers Point neighborhood.
“We’re a little bitty place with a big giant heart,” she said. “Algiers Point is a special place. It’s fun to be hanging out with the neighborhood sharing wine and cocktails. What’s better than sharing memories and really great beverages with your neighbors and fam?”
The Little House is open Tuesday through Thursday, 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. The bar hosts happy hour Tuesday through Friday from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
