Younger people may know the building at the foot of Esplanade Avenue, across from the New Orleans Jazz Museum as the old Dragon’s Den, but before that, it was a burger joint known as Ruby Red’s. Currently, the building is undergoing renovations that will bring back burger spot vibes, and live music, at a new bar-restaurant called Stellar.
The majority owner, J.P. Badeaux, recently told What Now New Orleans that there will be three main areas at Stellar. The first floor will have a neighborhood pub feel. The courtyard will have a relaxed look for hanging out, and the second floor will return as a live music venue.
“Every area is gonna have its own vibe,” he said. “Except, we’ll be focusing on our signature food item, which is going to be a premium hamburger, made with fresh buns and the best ingredients.”
Badeaux said the building won’t be undergoing major renovations, but it does need a bit of TLC. He said the biggest change will be a switch in color scheme, from Dragon’s Den’s signature red to a cool blue. He added that Stellar will have a protracted, unannounced soft opening phase this spring and likely hold a grand opening in the early summer.
“It’s gonna be a stealth open,” Badeaux said, “just so the staff can get used to a new place, a new operation and all.”
