It’s Jazz Fest again, and we all know how delicious the food is on the Fairgrounds. However, when the shows are over, you will be looking for a delectable bite to eat from one of the many incredible restaurants New Orleans has to offer. To set you in the right direction, check out our OffBeat EATS section for suggestions for the tastiest spots you won’t want to miss!

New High-End Restaurants

Emeril’s Brasserie: 228 Poydras St., 504-533-6996
Located in Harrah’s Casino, Emeril’s Brasserie is the newest restaurant from famed chef Emeril Lagasse and his first French-inspired restaurant. Lagasse’s latest endeavor has all the elegance you would expect from one of his restaurants. Menu selections include Roasted Bone Marrow, Louisiana Crawfish and Angel Hair Pasta, and Warm Goat Cheese Salad.

Pigeon & Whale: 4525 Freret St., 504- 249-5487
John Michael Rowland wants to create an experience at his new Freret restaurant, Pigeon & Whale. This restaurant is different from any other in the city and offers oysters and other snacks in an atmosphere that you have to see to believe. Menu selections include Swordfish Schnitzel, Parmesan-Crusted Bass, New Zealand Rack of Lamb, and Squid and Mushrooms.

Tana: 2919 Metairie Rd., 504-533-8262
The latest restaurant from Chef Michael Gulotta serves Sicilian dishes in a modern atmosphere. The restaurant boasts an extensive wine selection and a menu that offers Red Snapper alla Piastra, Smoked Pork Cappelletti with Blue Crab Crema, and Tagliatelle al Tartufo.

New Casual Restaurants

Fives Oyster Bar: 529 St. Ann St., 504-399-6954
Fives Oyster Bar has a fabulous raw menu and a delicious cocktail menu. The restaurant offers oysters from all over the country and mains such as tuna crudo, Butter-Poached Lobster Roll, and Tomahawk Porkchop. Fives is also a great place to try an array of iconic New Orleans cocktails like the Sazerac and the Ramos Gin Fizz.

Nighthawk Napoletana: 141 Delaronde St., 504-605-3365
Just across the river in Algiers Point, Chef Adrian Chelette wanted to fill the void left when Tavolino Pizza closed. Nighthawk Napoletana serves unique pies like the Fun Gus Pizza, made with charred poblano cream, confit garlic, and mushrooms; LeBlanc Pizza, made with mozzarella, raclette, ricotta, and pecorino, red chili flake; and Salsiccia Pizza, made with fresh sausage, poblano cream, and taleggio cheese. The restaurant also has a cocktail menu if you want a refreshment.

Plates Restaurant & Bar: 1051 Annunciation St., 504-582-9020
Chef Farrell Harrison works closely with local farmers and fishermen to bring the freshest food to Plates Restaurant & Bar. Plates is located in the Warehouse District and is the perfect spot for after-work cocktails and a bite. Menu highlights include Grilled Prime Flank Steak, Beef Short Rib, and Duck Confit.

Old Standbys, High-End

Brigsten’s: 77 Dante St., 504-861-7610
You can’t go wrong with this Riverbend restaurant serving classic New Orleans fare since 1986. Menu highlights include Fried Des Allemands Catfish, Pan-Fried Speckled Trout, and New Orleans BBQ Shrimp.

Galatoire’s: 209 Bourbon St., 504-505-2021
Many say that no trip to New Orleans is complete without a trip to Galatorie’s. This restaurant is famous for its French-Creole menu and Friday lunch. You can’t go wrong with anything served here, from the Crabmeat au Gratin to the Shrimp Creole.

Gautreau’s Restaurant: 1728 Soniat St., 504-899-7397
Since its inception in 1982, Gautreau’s has had a few different owners, but the restaurant’s classic feel and delicious food remain. Stop in for Duck Confit with blue cheese-imbued lentils, Gautreaus’s chicken with whipped potatoes, or Redfish a la Maxime.

Old Standbys, Casual

La Crepe Nanou: 1410 Robert St., 504-899-2670
Since 1983, this French bistro has been considered a hidden gem in Uptown, New Orleans. This cozy spot is perfect for a date night or when you feel like being transported to another world without purchasing a plane ticket. Menu highlights include Escargots de Bourgogne, Saumon Grillé (grilled salmon), Côtelettes d’Agneau (lamb chops), and Filet Mignon. The restaurant also has a selection of delicious, savory crepes.

Liuzza’s Restaurant & Bar: 3636 Bienville St., 504-482-9120
Liuzza’s is one of those places that feels like home. A New Orleans classic, the restaurant boasts a friendly, family atmosphere, beer served in huge icy glasses, and a selection of New Orleans classics such as po boys, gumbo, red beans and rice, seafood platters, and Italian specials.

Mandina’s Restaurant: 3800 Canal St., 504-482-9179
Mandina’s is one of my favorite restaurants in New Orleans. With a friendly atmosphere and down-home menu, you can’t go wrong. Not to mention that Mandina’s is a central hub in New Orleans, and it’s easy to run into someone you know there. Menu highlights include Fried Chicken, Gulf Fish Meuniere or Almandine, Soft Shell Crab, and Chicken Parmesan.

Rosedale: 801 Rosedale Drive, 504-309-9595
Even for New Orleans, Rosedale is a unique, eclectic spot. It has the vibe of a fishing camp with a clamshell gravelly parking lot that leads to an elevated roadhouse-style space. Kitchen aromatics pair nicely with music selections offered, such as Lucinda Williams (who has dined here often) and local bands.

Restaurants with Music OffBeat EATS

Carrollton Station: 8140 Willow St., 504-865-9190
Carrollton Station has a little bit of everything happening in its famed walls. This spot right off of Carrollton has live music and open mic comedy nights every week. Bertie’s Intergalactic Diner is the nightly popup here and offers out-of-this-world fare like Mac ‘n Cheese Pancakes, Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits, PB ‘n J Wings, and Croque Ma’Dang.

Kermit’s Tremé Mother-in-Law Lounge: 1500 N. Claiborne Ave., 504-975-3995
This iconic spot was opened by Ernie K-Doe in 1994 and named after his most famous song. In 2014, musician Kermit Ruffins bought it and brought it back to life. This spot doesn’t have a set menu, but it serves home cooking that Ruffins himself often makes. When he isn’t on stage, Ruffins is on the grill or boiling pot, serving up crawfish, fried fish, and more.

Rivershack Tavern: 3449 River Road, Jefferson, 504-834-4938
Located just outside of New Orleans, Rivershack Tavern is where novice and seasoned musicians come to take the stage and perform their latest music. You never know who you’re going to run into at this little spot, which is a combination dive bar and music venue. Rivershack boasts a selection of bar food such as burgers, po boys, chicken tenders, and catfish.

Casual Breakfast and Brunch OffBeat EATS

Ayu Bakehouse: 801 Frenchmen St., 504-302-7985
For two years, Ayu Bakehouse has been serving breads, sweet, and delicious breakfast in the Marigny and they were just named one of Bon Appetit’s most exciting bakeries in the nation! Breakfast highlights include Scrambled Egg and Cheese Roll, Cro’ Madame, Frittata, and an assortment of sweet and savory pastries.

Bywater Bakery: 3624 Dauphine St., 504-336-3336
Owners Chaya Conrad and Alton Osborne are known for their amazing king cakes during carnival season, but Bywater Bakery is so much more than just king cake. Along with incredible cakes and pastries, this spot boasts a menu that includes Breakfast Gumbo, Tofu Scramble, Yaka-Mein, Tuna Melt, and Bacon, Eggs, Grits, and Cheese served in a tasty bowl for enjoying on the go.

Satsuma Café: 3218 Dauphine St., 504-304-5962
Since 2009, Satsuma Cafe has been serving breakfast and lunch using quality, local and organic ingredients. Owners Peter and Cassi Dymond want to provide healthy food options to the neighborhood they love and the result is a cozy café with breakfast options that include a Bacon, Egg, and Cheese breakfast sandwich, a Green Breakfast sandwich packed with veggies, Mexican breakfast plate, and a Breakfast burrito made with eggs or tofu.

 High-End Breakfast and Brunch OffBeat EATS

Chapter IV: 1315 Gravier St., 504-766-7851
Chapter IV proprietor Edgar “Dook” Chase IV is the grandson of Leah Chase and her husband Dooky Chase of Dooky Chase’s fame. The Chase family is New Orleans culinary royalty, and Edgar Chase brings his expertise to this spot on Gravier. Menu highlights include Shrimp and Grits, BBQ Shrimp Omelette, Oyster Benedict, and Grilled Redfish.

Commander’s Palace: 1403 Washington Ave., 504-899-8221
Commander’s Palace serves brunch in the city and puts brunch on the map. The atmosphere during brunch at Commander’s Palace is hard to beat, and every seat is the best in the house. Menu highlights include Creole Gumbo, Shrimp and Tasso Henican, and Cochon de Lait Eggs Benedict.

Miss River: 2 Canal St., 504-434-5701
Located in the Four Seasons Hotel, Miss River serves an upscale, unforgettable brunch in an elegant atmosphere on Saturday and Sunday. Menu selections include Beignets and Ham, with Sliced Prosciutto Crudo, Gorgonzola Dolce, Honey, Spicy Chili Crunch, Persillade; Duck and Andouille Gumbo made with a Rich Dark Roux, Louisiana Jasmine Rice, Yukon Gold Potato Salad and Scallions; and Giardiniera Salad with Pickled Market Vegetables, Iceberg Lettuce Cabernet Vinegar, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Freshly Shaved Parmigiano-Reggiano. The restaurant also has cocktail service, fresh juice, and smoothies.

New Orleans-Style Food OffBeat EATS

Coop’s Place: 1109 Decatur St., 504-525-9053
Located in the French Quarter, Coop’s Place is a great place to people watch while enjoying some tasty food. You’ll meet everyone here, from local musicians to pros in the service industry. This place is 21+, so leave the kids at home. Selections include Shrimp Creole, Jambalaya Supreme, Chicken Tchoupitoulas, and Red Beans and Rice.

Dooky Chase Restaurant: 2301 Orleans Ave.504-821-0600
Dooky Chase restaurant has not only been serving delicious food since 1941, but it has also been a cultural center in New Orleans. The late Leah Chase spent her life feeding the neighborhood, visitors to the city, and sitting presidents. Eating at Dooky Chase is a bucket-list experience in New Orleans. Menu highlights include Chicken Creole, Stuffed Shrimp, and Fried Chicken.

The Munch Factory: 6514 Congress Dr., 504-459-2180
Jordan Ruiz and his business partner and wife, Alexis, have served tasty Creole classics at this hidden gem for over ten years. Fans of The Munch Factory know you can’t go wrong with anything you order here. Menu highlights include Fried Pork Ribs, Hot Sausage Patty Melt, and Blackened Fish.

Seafood and Crawfish OffBeat EATS

Cajun Seafood: 1479 N. Claiborne Ave., 504-948-6000
With a vast menu, you can’t go wrong with Cajun Seafood. This spot offers every type of seafood you can imagine, and if that isn’t your thing, they also have sandwiches with roast beef, ham, turkey, hamburger, and hot sausage. Cajun Seafood has four locations in different corners of the city, so check the website to find the one closest to you.

Felix’s Restaurant and Oyster Bar: 739 Iberville St., 504-522-4440
Since the 1940s, Felix’s has served tasty seafood to eager New Orleanians. Just steps away from Bourbon St., the oysters here are fresh and shipped straight from the oyster bed to the restaurant. Here, you’ll find every kind of seafood you could want served in poboys, platters, and gumbo. They even have alligator and Bloody Marys!

Porgy’s Seafood Market: 236 N. Carrollton Ave., 504-429-3474
Don’t let the name confuse you—while Porgy’s Seafood Market is a market, it’s also a restaurant serving the freshest catches. Here, you can get boiled seafood by the pound and po boys, gumbo, and their variation of the Muffaletta made with Gulf tuna conserva.

Late Night Eats OffBeat EATS

Beachcorner Bar and Grill: 4905 Canal St., 504-488-7357
Beachcorner Bar and Grill is the perfect spot for when that late-night craving hits. Open until 2:00 a.m., Beachcorner is famous for its wide selection of burgers. If a burger doesn’t strike your fancy, this spot also has chicken sandwiches, a fried shrimp sandwich, and cheese fries.

Dat Dog: 601 Frenchmen St., 504-309-3362
The Frenchmen location of this local hot dog chain is open on weekdays until midnight and until 3:00 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Locals have fallen in love with Dat Dog’s selection of hot dogs and sausages served in a funky atmosphere. After a night of enjoying the music the Frenchmen St. has to offer, a gator dog hits the spot.

Buffa’s: 1001 Esplanade Ave, 504-949-0038
Buffa’s is so beloved in New Orleans that when this bar and restaurant was in danger of closing, fans of this spot came from far and wide to support them. Saved from the brink of extinction, Buffa’s is the perfect late-night spot for burgers, boudin balls, chicken wings, and specialty sandwiches. If you come early in the evening, you can catch some incredible live music in the bar’s backroom. Can’t make it over? Buffa’s live streams performances on its website! OffBeat EATS OffBeat EATS OffBeat EATS
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