When you’re on vacation, it can be hard to know what’s a tourist trap and what’s more in line with what the locals enjoy. New Orleans has so many amazing restaurants all over the city that you might have trouble knowing where to start. Take a look at a few places in the French Quarter that locals know and love. Use it to guide your eating itinerary — but don’t hesitate to try something else if you wander past a restaurant that piques your interest!
The Sambal Shrimp & Grits at Beachbum Berry’s Latitude 29 features spicy grilled shrimp, creamy white pork gravy and bacon marmalade.
Beachbum Berry’s Latitude 29
When to Go: Happy Hour or Late Night
What to Order: Sambal Shrimp and Grits
The Scoop: You don’t need to go far to enjoy this tiki paradise — it’s located right inside our hotel! Happy hour is served daily from 3-6 p.m. No matter what your dietary restrictions, Latitude 29 has you covered. They cater to a variety of tastes and needs from gluten free to vegan and vegetarian, and of course plenty of meat and seafood. The entire menu is served from 5-10 p.m. Sunday-Thursday and until 10:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
Brennan’s Restaurant
When to Go: Breakfast/Brunch
What to Order: Bananas Foster
The Scoop: OK, so Bananas Foster isn’t exactly a healthy breakfast item, and Brennan’s is a fine-dining institution that is truly transcendent for any meal you choose. But locals know it’s an unforgettable way to kick off the day… even if you go take a nap afterward.
Coop’s Place serves up Cajun Fried Chicken with Rabbit & Sausage Jambalaya. (Photo by City Foodsters via Flickr)
Coop’s Place
When to Go: Dinner or Late Night
What to Order: Rabbit & Sausage Jambalaya
The Scoop: One of our favorite low-key Creole restaurants in the French Quarter, Coop’s Place is as unpretentious as it gets. The ambiance is more dive bar than fine dining, but the food is worth it. Locals order the Cajun Fried Chicken or Rabbit & Sausage Jambalaya, but the Coop’s Taste Plate will get you a bite of those dishes plus seafood gumbo, shrimp creole, and red beans & rice with sausage.
EAT New Orleans
When to Go: Breakfast/Brunch
What to Order: Eggs Cochon
The Scoop: This sunny spot is BYOB, meaning it’s easy to make breakfast as decadent or as buttoned-up as you choose. The Eggs Cochon is an incredibly hearty dish to keep you sated throughout the morning: pork cake over mustard greens, two poached eggs, Creole hollandaise, with grits and a homemade biscuit. EAT New Orleans made our list of the 10 Best Spots for Brunch in the French Quarter for good reason. Once you eat here, you’ll be eating like the locals do.
The courtyard at Napoleon House is ideal for lunch. (Photo by Napoleon House via Facebook)
Napoleon House
When to Go: Lunch
What to Order: Pimms Cup
The Scoop: Not only is it one of the most historic sites in the French Quarter, it’s also a favorite dining spot amongst the neighborhood’s residents. Enjoy your lunch with a side of history at Napoleon House, dating back to 1797. Locals go for the muffulettas and the Pimms Cups, which are the perfect refresher on a spring day.
Felipe’s Taqueria
When to Go: Lunch
What to Order: Chimichanga
The Scoop: Felipe’s is a local Tex-Mex chain with a location just steps from our hotel. Affordable and so delicious! Locals love it for group dining as your food is prepared to order at the counter and you can seat yourself. (Pro tip: Head to Tiki Tolteca upstairs for a tropical-inspired drink.)
Criollo Restaurant serves up a daily Eggs Benedict special that locals love.
Criollo/Carousel Bar & Lounge
When to Go: Breakfast, Lunch or Late Night
What to Order: Eggs Benedict or Mini Po-Boys
The Scoop: Criollo and Carousel Bar & Lounge are located right next door to each other in our sister property, Hotel Monteleone. We like Criollo for breakfast — it features a rotating daily Eggs Benedict. In need of a late-night snack and some live jazz? Carousel Bar & Lounge has you covered.
Book Your French Quarter Vacation (or Staycation!)
Whether you’re a New Orleans local or a tourist, Bienville House offers the perfect home-base for exploring the Vieux Carré. Our relaxing French Quarter courtyard is a luxurious retreat after you’ve spent the day exploring.