There’s so many amazing places to eat and drink in New Orleans. You really can’t have a bad meal in the Big Easy, but to help narrow down your search on where to go here’s a list of the best New Orleans bars and restaurants. New places are constantly opening, so we will update accordingly.
By: Heather Newgen | Twitter: @hnvoluntourist
New Orleans is a city known for its vibrant history, friendly locals, fun festivals and of course amazing food and music. NOLA draws in millions of people every year to enjoy the sites and culture, so whether you’re looking for a night out on the town, a quick bite or an unforgettable romantic meal, we’ve got you covered. From the French Quarter to the Bywater, there’s so many mouth-watering places to eat and drink, so live it up and enjoy. Here’s a list of must see places to check out before you leave the Big Easy.
BYWATER RESTAURANTS–Best New Orleans Bars and Restaurants
600 Poland Avenue
New Orleans, LA 70117-4722
(504)948-9111
Bacchanal is a place I go every time I’m in NOLA. It’s open for lunch and dinner, but it’s more lively and festive in the evening. It doesn’t look like much from the outside, but its simple looks are deceiving. Inside is a cute wine and cheese shop. You pick out a bottle of wine and cheese and head outside, which looks like you’re in someone’s backyard. There is patio furniture set up and beautiful lights strung across the grass area. There is always a good live music and a great menu with vegetarian options. This place used to be a cool local hangout, but it’s grown so much and now it’s packed with tourists. But it’s still totally worth going and still has a cool vibe and atmosphere.
**Must be 21 or over. No babies, no kids under age.
738 Poland Ave.
New Orleans, LA 70117
504-943-9914
If you’re looking for great seafood, this is it. But make sure to have a dinner reservation well in advance. This family owned eatery can be hard to get into without one.
1117 Montegut Street
New Orleans, Louisiana 70117
The French restaurant and wine bar was founded by Aaron Walker and chef Yuki Yamaguchi, N7 specializes in French cuisine, often infused with a Japanese touch.
634 Louisa Street
New Orleans, LA, 70117
Beautiful, poolside bar, outdoor kitchen and Saturday Drag Brunch. What more can you ask for?
**Must be 21 or over. No babies, no kids under age.
4017 St Claude Street
New Orleans, LA 70117
Great vegetarian restaurant where everything is made from scratch using local ingredients.
2401 Burgundy St
70117 New Orleans, Louisiana
Who Dat Coffee Cafe
Who Dat Coffee Cafe
Cool local spot with delicious food and vegetarian options.
BYWATER BARS–Best New Orleans Bars and Restaurants
2240 St. Claude Ave.
New Orleans, LA 70117
This bar scene isn’t for everyone, but if you’re into cabaret shows and dingy bars, this this your spot.
2239 Saint Claude Avenue
New Orleans, LA 70117-8441
(504)945-4446
Hi-Ho is the place to be on Monday nights from 8:00pm to 10:00pm. It’s bluegrass night and locals come to play together in a large group. If you have an instrument you’re welcome to join along but only if you can keep up. They don’t like people that think they can play but really can’t. It’s free to get in and there’s a cute restaurant hidden in the back courtyard.
Siberia Lounge
2227 St Claude Ave
New Orleans, LA 70117
The Siberia also has cabaret shows, as well as standup comics, trivia and live music. In the back there’s a restaurant that offers vegan and gluten free options. It’s good and really cheap!
FRENCHMAN ST. RESTAURANTS–Best New Orleans Bars and Restaurants
Adolfo’s
611 Frenchmen St.
New Orleans, LA 70116
(504) 948-3800
Upstairs from the popular Apple Barrel dive bar is a charming and causal restaurant with only 11 tables called Adolfo’s, which is known for their amazing Italian and seafood dishes. It’s a local favorite, but they don’t take reservations so you have to get there around 5:30pm in order to get a seat. It’s also cash only, but there is an ATM.
517 Frenchmen St,
New Orleans, LA 70116-2023
You can’t leave Frenchmen St., until you stop by Thirteen for their tater tots. Open until 4a.m. this is the perfect place to stop in after a night of partying. There’s vegan/vegetarian/gluten free options.
536 Frenchmen St.
New Orleans, LA 70116-2024
504-252-4801
Three Muses is a fun restaurant for dinner and live music. It’s small and cozy, but offers great service and a chill atmosphere. Not many vegetarian or gluten free options, but a good place for drinks. So if you’re vegan/veg/gluten free, come here for cocktails then head somewhere else for dinner.
FRENCHMEN ST BARS–Best New Orleans Bars and Restaurants
609 Frenchmen St
New Orleans, LA 70116
(504) 949-9399
Inside is very small, but it’s a great gritty dive bar and there are people dancing on the street to the live music, which is fun and worth the hassle of the crowd. It’s cash only and a couple doors down from The Spotted Cat. The drinks are strong and cheap and the bartenders are cool. Be sure to bring extra cash to tip the band!
606 Frenchmen St,
New Orleans, LA 70116-2002
504-229-4236
Loud, fun bar where you’ll have a good time dancing and listening to live music. They also serve tacos, burritos, pizza and po-boys.
618 Frenchmen Street
New Orleans, LA 70116-2002
(504) 942-3731
Little Freddie King at dba, Jazz Fest Tuesday Night shows…..Enjoy the pix!! Jerry 😉 All Rights Reserved ©2005-2014 Jerry Moran Native Orleanian LLC Photo by: d.b.a.
Little Freddie King at dba, Jazz Fest Tuesday Night shows.....Enjoy the pix!! Jerry ;-) All Rights Reserved ©2005-2014 Jerry Moran Native Orleanian LLC Many more pics and a musical slideshow can be seen athttp://www.nativeorleanian.org/dragon_smoke_oej_little_freddie_king_treme_brass_band_dba_4_29_14
Itʼs literally across the street from The Spotted Cat and has a $5-10 cover. Always good live music and they accept credit cards. Itʼs You can only buy tickets at the door for the shows and it’s also 21 and over. And bring extra cash to tip the band.
623 Frenchmen Street
New Orleans, LA 70116
(206) 337-3273
Inside The Spotted Cat Photo by: Heather Newgen
Itʼs one of my favorite places to hang out. Itʼs a small space, but with a big personality. Itʼs always a cool crowd and when a great band is playing, the bar is packed. There is usually no cover, but there is one drink minimum. There’s always a long line to get in, you must be 21–a bouncer checks IDs and be sure to bring cash because they donʼt take cards. And bring extra cash to tip the band.
FRENCH QUARTER RESTAURANTS–Best New Orleans Bars and Restaurants
813 Rue Bienville, New Orleans, LA 70112
504-523-5433
Known for its 100 years of New Orleans’ history and traditions, romantic charm and southern hospitality, Arnaud’s is an unforgettable fine dining experience. The service is impeccable, the food is good and a live jazz band plays while you dine. They will even come around to your table, take requests and serenade you. This isn’t a casual restaurant so adhere to their dress code–men must wear collard shirts and jackets. No flip flops, shorts or t-shirts allowed. Reservations are recommended. If you can’t make dinner, try their four-course Sunday jazz brunch.
1212 Royal St,
New Orleans, LA 70116
French Quarter
African cuisine with New Orleans vibe. Anyone from meat eaters to vegans can find something mouthwatering here.
800 Decatur St
New Orleans, LA 70116
(504)525-4544
If there’s one thing you have to do in NOLA it’s go to Cafe Du Monde. They’re world famous for their beignets. An order of the fried dough smothered in powered sugar is only a couple of dollars and they live up to the hype. The cafe is open 24 hours a day so you can satisfy your craving for the delicious pastry any time of the day!
1109 Decatur St
New Orleans, LA 70116
Known for their fried chicken and no frills decor, Coop’s Place is authentic New Orleans cuisine at affordable prices.
630 Saint Peter Street
New Orleans LA, 70116
(504) 525-1486
I absolutely love the food in New Orleans but being a vegetarian makes your options very somewhat in this city. However, the good news is more and more vegan eateries are popping up. Red beans and rice is something I must have in NOLA but it’s hard to find without meat or meat flavoring until I finally stumbled upon the Gumbo Shop in the French Quarter. It’s great Cajun food and offers a few good veggie entrées, as well so meat and seafood dishes.
529 Bineville St.
New Orleans, LA
The chic family owned eatery is known for attracting a very Hollywood celebrity type crowd with its cool ambiance and irresistible Italian and seafood cuisine. This is a place you should go for at least a drink because it’s such a happening spot. Note, if you’re a vegetarian it’s very challenging to eat here. Make a reservation well in advance–and I mean like weeks ahead of time. Otherwise you’ll be waiting hours to dine.
416 Chartres St
New Orleans, LA 70130
(504)524-7394
You can definitely do New Orleans on a budget and can have great food on a shoe string, but you should absolutely treat yourself to at least one nice sit down meal at K-Paul’s if you can. Wear business casual attire and make a reservation . Since Paul Prudhomme is one of the most famous chefs in the city, tables go quick.
FRENCH QUARTER BARS–Best New Orleans Bars and Restaurants
rel="noopener">Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop
941 Bourbon St.
New Orleans, LA 70116
Considered to be the oldest bar in the U.S. and has a deeply historic and haunting vibe. It’s the only bar on Bourbon most locals will hang out.
GARDEN DISTRICT/MAGAZINE ST RESTAURANTS–Best New Orleans Bars and Restaurants
2800 Magazine ST.
New Orleans, LA 70115
Neighborhood spot that also serves as a great place for special occasions. Coquette has contemporary locally southern cuisine with two dining rooms and a small 12 seat bar.
Upscale James Beard Award winning restaurant. 5-star food and service. Try their crab beignets. Not many vegetarian/vegan/gluten free options. La Petite Grocery is worthy of the buzz and excellent reputation.
Mona’s Cafe 4126 Magazine Street
New Orleans, LA 70115
This casual Middle Eastern eatery has the best falafel and vegetable entree! Meat eaters there’s also plenty for you to choose from as well.
3128 Magazine St.
New Orleans, LA
In the mood for Caribbean? No problem. Head to the Rum House for their incredible tacos and rum cocktails.
2207 Magazine Street
in the Lower Garden District
Stein’s is a local favorite for bagels, Philly cheesesteak and just about any type of sandwich you’re in the mood for.
1418 Magazine St.
New Orleans
Another local favorite for breakfast, which is served all day, and healthy juices.
739 Jackson Ave
New Orleans, LA 70130
Lower Garden District
Famous for their collard greens, sandwiches and cocktails
MARIGNY RESTAURANTS–Best New Orleans Bars and Restaurants
2529 Dauphine St
New Orleans, LA 70117
(504) 400-6145
This is one of my new hangouts when I’m in NOLA. It’s another cool dive bar, but in the back is a kitchen where they serve Pho and other Vietnamese food. There’s free pool and great drink specials.
2483 Royal Street
New Orleans, Louisiana 70116
(504) 944-6666
Delicious Indian food, affordable prices and cool vibe. Several vegan/vegetarian/gluten free options
MARIGNY BARS–Best New Orleans Bars and Restaurants
1431 Royal St
New Orleans, LA 70116
PO-BOYS
Gene’s Po-Boys
1040 Elysian Fields Ave
New Orleans, LA 70117
511 St. Louis St.
New Orleans, LA
Service & Deli
3000 Elysian Fields Ave
New Orleans, LA 70122
2227 St Claude Ave
New Orleans, LA 70117
***vegan po-boys made with asparagus.
TREME BARS
rel="noopener">Candlelight Lounge
925 N Robertson St
New Orleans, LA 70116
(504)581-6689
If you’re looking for an authentic New Orleans experience then go to Candlelight Lounge in the Treme on Wednesday nights. The Treme Brass Band plays and it’s a hot sweaty good time. Everyone dances and gets into the music. It’s a $5 cover and a one drink minimum, but there’s free red beans & rice. On Monday nights starting at 6:00pm, there’s free boiled seafood that’s served until they run out, and there’s super cheap beer and well drink specials throughout the week. This is one of those hidden spots where locals hang out and tourists wish they knew about. The neighborhood can be rough, but it is safe. Be aware of your surroundings and you’ll be fine. I’ve been a couple of times and have not had any problems.
VEGAN/VEGETARIAN
3141 Ponce de Leon
New Orleans
2940 Canal St
New Orleans, LA 70119
Heart
1100 N. Peters St. Bay #13
New Orleans, LA 70116
Inside the Historic French Market
1330 Prytania St, New Orleans, LA 70130
1016 N. Broad St.
New Orleans, LA 70119
UPTOWN RESTAURANTS–Best New Orleans Bars and Restaurants
4905 Freret St, New Orleans, LA 70115
(504) 302-2357
This firehouse turned stylish, dimly lit cocktail lounge with creative drinks and eclectic array of dishes has landed on countless lists as one of New Orleans’ best cocktail bars.
321 Arabella St
New Orleans, LA 70115
Their goal: to the “best neighborhood restaurant” in New Orleans. The casual seafood eatery has good food, prices and happy hour specials. Not too vegan/vegetarian/gluten free friendly.
8324 Oak St, New Orleans, LA 70118
(504) 861-0886
Famous for their fried chicken, complimentary corn muffins and signature alligator cheesecake, this quirky, mural-lined hot spot has been luring locals and tourists with their creatively delicious Creole soul food for years. But arrive early and expect a wait. It’s first come first serve for parties of four or less. Reservations are required for parties of five or more.
1413 Upperline Street
New Orleans, LA 70115
Classic New Orleans dishes, great decor, service and food. Not too vegan/vegetarian/gluten free friendly.
Other great places: Stop Jockin for the best snowballs,
href="http://www.mothersrestaurant.net/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mother’s
is a favorite for breakfast, which is served all day, Cafè Amelie ,
href="https://www.commanderspalace.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Commander’s Palace
, Brennan’s,
href="https://hotelmonteleone.com/entertainment/carousel-bar/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Carousel Bar & Lounge,
The Avenue Pub, Public Service,
href="http://centralcitybbq.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Central City BBQ
, G’s Pizza and for coffee Mammoth Expresso is highly recommended.