Former Longway Tavern now The Will & the Way

Listen to this article

Longway Tavern, the French Quarter restaurant and bar that closed in February, has reopened with the same owners and a new name.

The business is now named The Will & the Way and described as a wine bar with small plates that pair with cocktails.

Located at 719 Toulouse St., The Will & the Way’s menu includes charcuterie, burgers, salads, bar snacks, pre-bottled cocktails, beer and wine. Josh Williams is executive chef, and Tommy Linville is beverage director.

LeBlanc + Smith opened Longway Tavern in 2018 and said it would “regroup” when its doors closed. The New Orleans-based company also runs Sylvain, Barrel Proof, and the Chloe, a new hotel and restaurant on St. Charles Avenue.

“After an eerily quiet year in the French Quarter, we craved the warmth and conviviality that has made our neighborhood a beloved destination for locals and travelers alike,” according to a news release announcing the opening of The Will & the Way.

LeBlanc + Smith closed French Quarter restaurant Meauxbar a year ago amid the challenges of the pandemic. Cavan, their restaurant on Magazine Street, closed in September.