The historic grande dame of the French Quarter, The Roosevelt New Orleans, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel, today announced the opening of Café Alice, a new all-day dining concept that brings fresh energy and character to the storied property. Reimagining the former Teddy’s Café, the European-style café and bar features a menu from Executive Chef Daniel Mills and Pastry Chef Kareena Dennis. From coffee, house-made pastries and breakfast dishes to savory small plates and cocktails, Café Alice offers a creative range of options throughout the day.
Café Alice pays tribute to the legendary Alice Roosevelt, the first daughter of the hotel’s namesake, President Theodore Roosevelt, whose bold personality and unconventional spirit made her one of the most talked-about figures of her time. The café and bar channels that same sense of whimsy and individuality, with expressive design and an imaginative menu that feel unmistakably like The Roosevelt.
“Café Alice honors The Roosevelt’s storied legacy while creating a distinctive experience for today’s guests,” said Sebastian Stutz, general manager, The Roosevelt New Orleans, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel. “Through thoughtful storytelling, culinary creativity and a playful character all its own, it joins celebrated destinations such as the Sazerac Bar in offering guests and locals another memorable way to experience the hotel.”
The Menu
Executive Chef Daniel Mills has crafted a bespoke menu featuring inventive signature breakfast dishes and beverages alongside classic staples that celebrate the city’s culinary traditions. Guests will find dishes inspired by Alice Roosevelt and her colorful life, including Alice’s Emily Spinach Benedict, a nod to the first daughter’s pet garter snake, Emily Spinach, and her menagerie of pets at the White House, as well as the Alice Blue Latte which honors the color she wore so often that it became the unofficial name for the shade. The latte utilizes spirulina to achieve the pale blue shade that became known as “Alice Blue,” along with coconut, vanilla, espresso, and coconut milk.
Lunch and dinner menus pair elevated ingredients with quintessential Southern flavors such as The Black Tie Chicken, featuring crispy chicken bites alongside shaved black truffle, caviar and crème fraiche. Guests can also enjoy a selection of cocktails such as The Wild Child withBombay Sapphire Gin and matcha; the Espresso Beignet with Altamura Vodka, Beignet Liqueur, Caffè Lucano and espresso; and Doctor’s Bellini with Juliette Heirloom Peach Liqueur and Peychaud’s Bitters.
Hand-crafted pastries by The Roosevelt’s Pastry Chef Kareena Dennis will be available day and night, showcasing unexpected ingredients and flavor pairings, including the Matcha-Yuzu Éclair, Sazerac Apple Tatin Entremet and Ube Basque Cheesecake.
“The menu is inspired by Alice’s out-of-the-box personality and the relaxed style of French brasseries while remaining true to our roots and providing guests with authentic Southern cuisine,” said Executive Chef Daniel Mills, The Roosevelt New Orleans, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel. “What our team has delivered captures that vision entirely, elevating the traditional all-day café. We’re excited for guests to step into Alice’s world and discover it for themselves.”
The Design
Inspired by Alice Roosevelt’s spirited personality and unconventional style, the interiors by ForrestPerkins balance refined elegance with a playful sense of discovery. Climbing botanicals paper the walls, framing romantic architectural moldings and arched brass niches, while a green latticed ceiling brings an expressive note to the space. Warm cream and sun-washed terracotta tones soften the design, complemented by marble-topped tables and plush velvet banquettes that invite guests to linger. Together, these thoughtful details create a distinctive setting that captures the convivial spirit of New Orleans café culture while bringing the imaginative world of Café Alice to life.
To celebrate the launch and in recognition of Alice’s love of animals, Café Alice has partnered with the Audubon Nature Institute. For a limited time, guests who purchase the Critter Sable Cookie Sandwich, Café Alice’s twist on the classic animal cracker, will receive a discount on admission to the zoo. A portion of proceeds from the pastry will support the Audubon Nature Institute’s Marine Mammal Rescue program and its turtle release efforts.
Café Alice joins The Roosevelt New Orleans’ celebrated culinary portfolio, offering an all-day counterpoint to the relaunched Fountain Lounge, landmark Sazerac Bar, Italian-inspired Domenica, seasonal Rooftop Bar and 24-hour in-room dining. Together, these venues reflect Waldorf Astoria’s tradition of culinary excellence while providing guests with a range of dining options from morning through evening.
Café Alice was developed in collaboration with StiR Creative Collective, Hilton’s in-house global food and beverage consultancy arm, which worked alongside Executive Chef Daniel Mills and The Roosevelt team to shape the concept’s culinary direction, storytelling and guest journey. The collaboration builds on StiR’s work across Hilton’s luxury portfolio throughout the Americas, including Peacock Alley and Lex Yard at Waldorf Astoria New York, Leonessa at Conrad New York Downtown, Brassica at Waldorf Astoria Atlanta Buckhead, the culinary program at Conrad Orlando and more.
Café Alice is open daily from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Learn more at therooseveltneworleans.com.
Read more about Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts at stories.hilton.com/waldorfastoria.
