Belli, located at 701 Spanish Town Rd in Baton Rouge, may soon have a liquor license. The bodega located in the Spanish Town neighborhood opened in June and now owner Kristen Guarisco is taking steps to get a liquor license. Guarisco tells What Now New Orleans that once it’s obtained, she’s hoping to source craft beers from Louisiana based Pelican Craft Brands and craft wines from small or family-owned vineyards.
Since many craft beers are over 6% alcohol by volume, the Alcoholic Beverage Control considers those brews liquor, so for Guarisco to carry a wide selection of craft beers, and even some wines with a higher ABV, the liquor license is necessary. Although it’s only been open a short time, the establishment has quickly become a fixture in the Spanish Town community through not only the market offerings and food and coffee menu, but also the community events at Belli.
On any given day, guests can find fast casual menu offerings like smashburgers, which according to Guarisco, are one of the best-selling menu items, along with other sandwiches including po’boys and grilled cheese. There are also daily specials that vary from lasagna to shrimp etouffee and coffees ranging from drip to cold brew, iced coffee and dalgona style.
Beyond the food and market items, the daily events held at Belli draw in community members, sometimes multiple days a week, and Guarisco wouldn’t have it any other way. “I love the neighborhood, we’re a tight knit subcommunity in Spanish Town. I consider these people to be my second family,” Guarisco said.
The events range from an evening networking session to Saturday morning yoga and even a “flabingo” night, a bingo night named as an homage to the neighborhood mascot, which is a flamingo.
