When you’re on vacation, it can be hard to tell the difference between tourist traps ad authentic local favorites. 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 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.
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.
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 Sandwiches
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. But if you’re in need of a late-night snack and some live jazz, Carousel Bar & Lounge has you covered.
Book Your French Quarter Vacation
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. Book a trip during the summer time and receive 15% off our standard rates!