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The Best Bars for Foodies in New Orleans

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The Best Bars for Foodies in New Orleans

by The OpenTable Team

Updated 26 February 2020

Laissez les bons temps rouler in New Orleans! When you think of the greatest American cities for a good time, you don't have to go too far down the list before the name "New Orleans" comes up. The Big Easy is one of the best cities on the planet to grab a drink. But where are the smartest, savviest diners eating out? Welcome to our Tastemakers List. We’ve pulled data from thousands of restaurants to find the top spots among OpenTable's most expert, seasoned diners. Bars and restaurants in NOLA deliver some of the finest cuisines in America—traditional Cajun and Creole favorites, Gulf seafood, sweet treats, and so much more. Let the good times roll at these New Orleans bars.

A photo of Ye Olde College Inn restaurant

Ye Olde College Inn

4.8

4.8 (1707)

$30 and under

Creole

Carrollton

About the restaurant

One of the coolest dining experiences in New Orleans. The name might scream out cheap beers and pub food, but Ye Olde College Inn is a true farm-to-table restaurant. The proof of that? It's right next door. The Olde College Inn's urban farm is next to the restaurant. This is the place to go to with a group of friends to admire the work of true food artisans and enjoy the fruits of their labor. Dine on their fabled onion rings, shrimp remoulade, or the incredible fried green tomato shrimp po-boy sandwich, and pair the dishes with a cold beer or a cocktail.

Top review

K

Kimberly

Dined 5 days ago

Our waiter Tim was the most amazing. He was funny and smart and took care of all of our needs. We will definitely be requesting Tim everytime we come in. Food was amazing and prices were good also.

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A photo of Breaded Veal Cutlet of a restaurant

Breaded Veal Cutlet

A photo of Shrimp Remoulade of a restaurant

Shrimp Remoulade

A photo of Oysters Bleu of a restaurant

A photo of Meril restaurant

4.5

4.5 (6445)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Warehouse District

About the restaurant

Famous Food Network chef Emeril Lagasse's fourth New Orleans restaurant is a hot spot in the town's Warehouse district. The bar scene is always lively here. Patrons can sip on a wide selection of fantastic and unique house cocktails. The food is classic Emeril. There's lots of Gulf seafood, wood oven-fired flatbread pizzas, fresh pasta, oversized salads, and sweet dessert treats.

Top review

M

Michael

Dined 2 days ago

Most food is definitely shareable. Each item ordered popped with its own explosion of flavors and was beautiful. Service was incredible… Highly recommend!

A photo of Desi Vega's Steakhouse restaurant

Desi Vega's Steakhouse

4.7

4.7 (2688)

$50 and over

Steakhouse

Warehouse District

About the restaurant

A beautiful, classic steakhouse tailored to New Orleans sensibilities, Desi Vega's is a bustling spot off of St. Charles Avenue with a dazzling white interior. It screams out Big Easy cool. There's a gorgeous bar to belly up to for a cocktail or a few glasses from the extensive wine list Desi Vega's is so famous for.

Top review

M

Mileen

Dined 3 days ago

We had the most delicious dinner ever! The Hoo Dat shrimp were why we came, but we added the tuna stack appetizer and it was so good! The steak with marrow butter was indescribably delicious. I can’t wait to come back. BUT, the real kicker making our dinner fantastic was Brian our waiter! His suggestions were spot on. He was funny and attentive. Brian was ably assisted by Gina, who also did a great job. Hope to see Brian and eat some tasty food at Desi Vega’s next time we’re in town!

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A photo of Spinach Salad of a restaurant

A photo of Petite Filet of a restaurant

A photo of Caesar Salad of a restaurant

A photo of Superior Seafood restaurant

Superior Seafood

4.8

4.8 (4811)

$31 to $50

Seafood

Uptown

About the restaurant

A prime fresh seafood destination in New Orleans that's ideal for anyone who wants to hop off the streetcar and hop into a restaurant for a delicious dinner. Oyster fans will be in briny heaven. Superior's oyster bar is the place to go to for selections from the Gulf. Stop into the bar for a classic New Orleans cocktail or one of their signature frozen drinks.

Top review

R

Rebecca

Dined 2 days ago

We loved the restaurant but the noise level was horrible. It was hard to hear each other talk. The piano player didn’t help

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A photo of Raw Gulf Oysters of a restaurant

Raw Gulf Oysters

A photo of Oysters Superior of a restaurant

Oysters Superior

A photo of Char-Grilled Oysters of a restaurant

Char-Grilled Oysters

A photo of GW Fins restaurant

4.9

4.9 (19878)

$50 and over

Seafood

French Quarter

About the restaurant

Amazing seafood in a beautiful location. This French Quarter institution prides itself on having some of the best seafood in the city. There's an ever-changing menu based on the daily catch that arrives at the restaurant—Louisiana bigeye tuna, local drum, and blackened swordfish are some of the favorites. Stop in for dinner in the gorgeous dining room or have a bite at the curving, modern bar with one of the GW Fins cocktails.

Top review

T

Troy

Dined 4 days ago

Exceptional service provided and the great food was a plus!

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A photo of Salty Malty Ice Cream Pie of a restaurant

Salty Malty Ice Cream Pie

A photo of Lobster Dumplings of a restaurant

Lobster Dumplings

A photo of Firecracker Tuna Tacos of a restaurant

Firecracker Tuna Tacos

A photo of Mr. B's Bistro restaurant

4.7

4.7 (6249)

$31 to $50

Creole

French Quarter

About the restaurant

One of the coolest restaurants in all the city. Stylish lamps light Mr. B's entrance off of Royal Street in the French Quarter. There's plenty of seafood on the menu—jumbo scallops, lump crab cakes, fried oysters, seafood gumbo—along with excellent filet mignon, chicken, pork chops and a whole lot more. Get in there and groove with Mr. B's famous Sunday jazz brunch.

Top review

T

Taurus518vip

Dined 3 days ago

Wonderful food, service and lively atmosphere!! Highly recommend!

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A photo of Bacon Wrapped Shrimp & Grits of a restaurant

Bacon Wrapped Shrimp & Grits

A photo of Hot Buttered Pecan Pie of a restaurant

Hot Buttered Pecan Pie

A photo of Crispy Fried Oysters of a restaurant

Crispy Fried Oysters

A photo of Ruth's Chris Steak House - New Orleans restaurant

Ruth's Chris Steak House - New Orleans

4.5

4.5 (3495)

$50 and over

Steakhouse

Central Business District

About the restaurant

Ruth's Chris is an institution around America. You know exactly what you're going to get here—delicious and sizzling steaks delivered on hot plates. Being New Orleans, this Ruth's Chris also offers excellent seafood and excellent cocktails alongside an extensive wine list.

Top review

C

Camellavip

Dined 2 days ago

Service was absolutely wonderful! Food was phenomenal!

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A photo of Filet of a restaurant

A photo of Holiday Lunch of a restaurant

A photo of Mr. John's Steakhouse restaurant

Mr. John's Steakhouse

4.7

4.7 (3049)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

Garden District

About the restaurant

Mr. John's Steakhouse is a mixture of styles. It blends the atmosphere of classic New Orleans bar with the rich and elegant feel of a traditional steakhouse spot. It's earned accolades for its luxurious design and the excellent food and drinks served. There is a wonderful selection of fine wines, craft beer, and tasty cocktails.

Top review

A

Alyssa

Dined 2 days ago

Great experience. Steak and mashed potatoes were amazing. Service was excellent. Love this restaurant will be back.

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A photo of New York Strip of a restaurant

A photo of The Pelican Club restaurant

The Pelican Club

4.7

4.7 (4514)

$31 to $50

Creole / Cajun / Southern

French Quarter

About the restaurant

A New Orleans bar that guests must visit—it's one of the finest Creole restaurants in the whole city. A French Quarter hot spot for tourists and locals, The Pelican Club is a gorgeous spot for dinner or for a quick bite and drink. There's a rich wine list from around the world with exotic selections from Argentina, Spain, Portugal, and elsewhere. Plus, they offer creative mixed drinks like the "Cool Hand Luke."

Top review

L

Lisabethvip

Dined 2 days ago

We’re traveling for a conference and saw this place was nearby - did not disappoint. The escargot was so good. Absolutely loved my Louisiana Cioppino and the bread pudding flavors and texture was spot on. Would definitely recommend.

A photo of Muriel's Jackson Square restaurant

Muriel's Jackson Square

4.7

4.7 (10227)

$50 and over

Creole / Cajun / Southern

French Quarter

About the restaurant

A spookily delicious dining experience. Muriel's Jackson Square has a fascinating ghost story that comes along with your drink or meal. There's a fine menu of New Orleans favorites and classic cocktails; be sure to stop in for the Sunday jazz brunch for some tunes and food.

Top review

A

Allison

Dined 2 days ago

This was a wonderful place to eat. It was delicious and the ambience was wonderful. We will definitely eat here again.

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A photo of Wood Grilled Pork Chop of a restaurant

Wood Grilled Pork Chop

A photo of Shrimp and Grits of a restaurant

Shrimp and Grits

A photo of Pain Perdu Bread Pudding of a restaurant

Pain Perdu Bread Pudding

A photo of Revel Cafe and Bar restaurant

Revel Cafe and Bar

4.5

4.5 (75)

$30 and under

American

Mid-City / City Park

About the restaurant

The party is right there in the name. Revel is famous for its legendary New Orleans bartender and owner Chris McMillan—a man who co-founded a museum that celebrates the American cocktail. McMillan's classic cocktail menu is full of his colorful creations and some old New Orleans favorites, alongside tasty local bar snacks and filling meals.

Top review

S

shornkochvip

Dined on 13 Aug 2021

Really great food very affordable. Attentive and friendly service

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