Baroness on Baronne, located at 339 Baronne Street in downtown New Orleans, offers a refined yet energetic lounge experience where craft cocktails, gourmet small plates, and an immersive atmosphere come together under one roof. Set in a stylish, red-walled space with a nightclub-inspired ambiance, the concept is designed as much for conversation and connection as it is for dining and drinking.
At the center of it all is founder Camille Whitworth, whose background in media helped shape the vision for a hospitality concept rooted in storytelling and experience.
“I spent more than 25 years as a television news anchor, so storytelling, presence, and connecting with people have always been a passion of mine,” Whitworth tells Whatnow in an exclusive interview. “Hospitality became a natural extension of that. I did not start out thinking I would own a bar and lounge, but I always knew I would build something of my own. I always dreamed of being an entrepreneur, and I wanted to create spaces where people feel seen, celebrated, and connected, and that is exactly what Baroness has become in the last 16 years.”
That vision ultimately evolved into Baroness on Baronne, a concept built around elevated nightlife, intentional design, and a strong sense of place in the heart of New Orleans.
“Baroness on Baronne was born out of a desire to create an elevated, experiential space in New Orleans,” Whitworth says. “I wanted more than just a bar, I wanted a destination, a place where people can network, do deals, and let their hair down all at the same time. I dreamed of a place where cocktails tell a story, where people can learn through our New Orleans Drink Lab classes, and where every visit feels intentional. It is a blend of culture, education, and celebration, all rooted in the ‘spirit’ of New Orleans.”
The menu reflects that same philosophy, balancing playful creativity with local influence. Guests can choose from gourmet small plates such as Cajun Pizza with andouille sausage and smoked chicken, Creole Pizza featuring local shrimp and Creole sauce, or the Crab Dip au Gratin served warm with housemade crostini. Other offerings include Jerk Chicken Wraps, Skillet Jambalaya, Shrimp Skillet Pasta, and Baronne Street Sliders, alongside lighter bites like truffle popcorn, candied pecans, and sweet crisp Brussels sprouts topped with strawberry jam and feta.
Beyond the food, cocktails remain a cornerstone of the experience, with a focus on house-made syrups, curated spirits, and a creative bar program designed to match the energy of the space. The result is an environment that feels equal parts lounge, social club, and culinary showcase.
Located on Baronne Street in the heart of downtown, the choice of location was both intentional and strategic for Whitworth and her team.
“Baronne Street sits right in the center of downtown New Orleans, and I saw an opportunity to bring something fresh and refined to that corridor,” she explains. “It is a place where business professionals, locals, and visitors naturally intersect. We wanted to create a space that meets that energy but elevates it, something that feels both sophisticated and approachable. Believe it or not, this location was a former Quiznos that opened after Hurricane Katrina. When it moved, we jumped in to grab the space.”
Since opening, Baroness on Baronne has steadily built a loyal following, driven by its programming, events, and evolving approach to hospitality.
“It has been an incredible journey. We have built a loyal following of guests who come for the full experience, not just drinks or food,” Whitworth says. “Our themed nights, private events, and cocktail classes have really taken off. What excites me most is that we are not static; we are constantly evolving and listening to our audience, which keeps the concept fresh and relevant.”
Like many hospitality ventures, the journey has not been without challenges, particularly in navigating external disruptions and the industry’s fast pace.
“The biggest challenge is managing the constant motion,” Whitworth says. “Hospitality is not a nine-to-five business; it is real-time, every day, seemingly all day. You are balancing staff, operations, guest experience, and financial decisions all at once. It requires resilience, quick thinking, and the ability to lead with clarity even in high-pressure moments.”
Still, Whitworth says the most meaningful reward comes from seeing the concept resonate with guests and the community.
“The most rewarding part is watching people experience something you created and truly enjoy it,” she says. “Seeing guests laugh, celebrate milestones, and return again and again, that is powerful. It also means a lot to create opportunities for others, from our team to the creatives and collaborators we work with.”
Looking ahead, the Baroness brand may continue to grow, with potential expansion rooted in New Orleans’ deep cultural history.
“I’ve gone back and forth with a second concept on historic Bayou Road, the oldest corridor in New Orleans,” Whitworth says. “This new space will draw from indigenous, Caribbean, African, and French influences, both in the menu and the overall experience. It is about honoring the city’s culture and history while continuing to push the concept forward. Stay tuned on that one.”
For now, Baroness on Baronne remains focused on delivering a consistent, elevated experience in the heart of downtown—one built on intention, hospitality, and connection.
“Baroness is about intention,” Whitworth says. “Every detail, from the cocktails to the programming, is designed to create a feeling. We want people to walk in and know they are somewhere special. This is not just a place to grab a drink, it is a place to connect, celebrate, and experience New Orleans in a meaningful way.”
As the lounge continues to evolve, its foundation remains clear: a space where guests are not just served, but truly welcomed.
