I have to be honest I’m majorly LATE to the game. I experienced New Orleans for the very first time in Nov. 2019. I’ve always wanted to go but really didn’t have the means or the time really to go. The main activity I was looking forward to doing in NOLA was EATING. Eating in New Orleans was right at the top of everyone’s list when I said I was going. My hopes were at an all-time high and New Orleans DID NOT disappoint. Here are 8 great places to eat in New Orleans.
Galliers
If you’re looking for a good food spot for a super affordable price, this place is it. Their happy hour menu hit the spot just right. From 3pm-6 pm they have $5 gumbo, shrimp & grits, red beans & rice, crawfish etouffee all of which were beyond delicious & filling.
The Gumbo Shop
The name speaks for itself however, the menu was not limited by any means. Located in the french quarter, the gumbo shop did not skimp on flavor or portions. With a plethora of options, the Gumbo shop can satisfy multiple taste buds. From gumbo to soup, to fish, to steak, there is something for everyone.
We Dat’s Chicken & Shrimp
The night I landed I was hungry and wanted something quick but good. I stopped down at We Dat’s Chicken & Shrimp at the suggestion of the hotel front desk. It’s a new franchise in New Orleans with a couple of locations around the city as well as food trucks. And it was black-owned, so I had to stop in. We Dat’s has fresh fried catfish, shrimps, wings
Cajun Seafood
If you’re in the mood for some good seafood with a fast-food vibe, go find you a Cajun Seafood location. This was clearly the hot spot on the weekends. Folks showed up in their best to hang out, look cute & eat.
The Palace Cafe
The palace cafe is anything but a cafe. It offers a very nice upscale feel with great options for food and drinks. If you’re a lover of rum (particularly dark rum) you MUST stop by the Palace Cafe. The rum options touch every part of the world and will leave you wanting to try rums from countries you’ve never thought of.
The food is very good and you get solidly good portions for the amount of money you will pay. Seasoned well, quite filling, you won’t feel the need to find something else to eat 2 hours later.
Dooky Chase
This one pretty much goes without saying. A staple in the New Orleans food list and the city as a whole it was a must that I go to Dooky Chase. It was worth every bit of the hype. I was also lucky, going on a random Tuesday there was 0 wait. They have a buffet during lunch that was had my belly full after just one plate. For $20 you get the soup of the day, a full buffet & dessert. The buffet offered salad, red beans & rice, spinach, green beans, mac & cheese, smothered chicken, their famous fried chicken. For dessert, I indulged in their peach cobbler and GIRL!!! Nothing short of finger-licking good.
Cafe Du Monde/Cafe Beigents
NOW one of the staples that are on a bucket list for pretty much anyone going to NOLA is making sure you have beignets. That is completely synonymous with Cafe Du Monde. Which is completely understandable.
Going to Cafe Du Monde has an extensive history with the city of New Orleans and has been the poster child for all things beignets & being covered in powdered sugar. The beignets are fluffy and quite doughy
Cafe Du Monde is open 24 hours so you can always grab a sweet treat. You seat yourself upon arrival.
It’s CASH ONLY. This was so important because not 1 person mentioned the cafe du monde was cash only and it was until I sat down at the table and read the menu that it said cash only. Anywho, make sure you stop by an ATM before arriving.
Cafe Beignets
Last on my list of 8 places to eat in New Orleans is Cafe Beignets. My hotel bartender suggested this location when I mentioned I was going to stop at cafe du monde. He understood my reason for going to cafe du monde due to its tourist appeal. But he highly recommended cafe beignets. Cafe Beignets is literally a block away from Cafe du monde and in my humble novice opinion, Cafe Beignets and WAY better. I found it to be not as puffy and doughy and had a slight crunch around the edges that was right up my ally.
Cafe Beignet had a much fuller menu, a bar, and live music every day from 2 pm-10 pm. Cafe Beignets offers more of an experience that I didn’t get at Cafe du Monde. They are not open 24 hrs and takes cards and cash.
New Orleans was a blast and I will most certainly be back. These are my 8 places to eat in New Orleans. Of course, there are countless more places. If you frequent NOLA, what are some of your favorite places to eat? Let me know in the comments. Check out the hotel I stayed at while in NOLA here.
xoxo
Shay
Im glad you enjoyed your time here. I’m from and currently live in new Orleans. These are some great choices. I have been to several of these places and you hit the nail on the head with these. And if you loved these girl there are plenty more!! Let me know next time you are here!!
This was extremely helpful! I grew up in Shreveport, LA and visited NOLA for the first time two years ago. Whew those cities are night and day! Funny thing is…I decided to go vegetarian right before the trip lol. I went to Cafe Beignets though and that was yummy. These are wonderful options and my husband and I will keep this in mind the next time we visit. Thanks for sharing!