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Eat NOLA - Taste New Orleans, LA

Eat NOLA - Taste New Orleans, LA

Gerard S
I grew up ON the bayou (not down the bayou; there's a difference), with freshly caught fish always in season and home-cooked southern comfort food never in short supply. Needless to say, the bar is set pretty high. Only the best of the best have made it onto this list. So, unbutton your pants, and always leave room for dessert! This comprehensive guide is the culmination of living in NOLA for 10+ years. Curated by a Louisiana native & certified Cajun.
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Because You Brunch

A selection of the best brunch spots in town.

Buttermilk Drop Bakery
@TheQueerCajun
THE best donuts and Apple fritters in the entire city. So fluffy and light!
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Who Dat Coffee Cafe
@TheQueerCajun
This super queer brunch spot packs a ton of flavor into a tiny space. Their full-service boozy coffee bar is truly something to behold.
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T-Rev Recommends: Crab Cake Benedict | Chicken Fried Steak | Breakfast Potatoes

Ruby Slipper Cafe
@TheQueerCajun
Reserve your spot in advance using their website. Any of their several locations are delicious.
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T-Rev Recommends: Bacon-infused vodka Bloody Mary | Chicken St. Charles

Another Broken Egg Cafe
@TheQueerCajun
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T-Rev Recommends: Shrimp and Grits

Molly's Rise and Shine
@TheQueerCajun
Get there early, but don't stress too much about it. Although the line is known to pour out onto the street most days, they move pretty quickly to get people in and out.
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T-Rev Recommends: Chicken Biscuit

BEARCAT CBD
@TheQueerCajun
*Multiple Locations* T-Rev Recommends: The breakfast potatoes.
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Because You're Tired

It's my solemn duty to encourage others to consume local caffeine and avoid generic/corporate coffee shops. There are so many great places out there that are not only locally owned and operated in our communities, but also way more ethical. #DRINKLOCAL

French Truck Coffee
@TheQueerCajun
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T-Rev Recommends: The NOLA

Mojo Coffee House
@TheQueerCajun
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T-Rev Recommends: Cold Brew (black, w/ light ice) | Just the Tip: keep it simple!

Old Road Coffee
@TheQueerCajun
The owner of this adorable coffee shop opened its doors the same month everything shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite this, he's still operating with an impressive following. | For the first 6 months of the pandemic, my roommate and I would walk there every morning for coffee with the dogos. He even ordered and kept soy milk in stock just so I'd have it. What a guy!
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T-Rev Recommends: The Lavender or Wildflower Lemonades

CR Coffee Shop
@TheQueerCajun
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T-Rev Recommends: The Chocolate-Covered Espresso Bean

Because You're Hangry

My top picks for lunch and dinner.

Monday | Restaurant + Bar
@TheQueerCajun
Great ambiance, great food, and great vibes!
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Tip: Get there early!

Nice Guys Nola
@TheQueerCajun
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Tip: Get there early!

Zea Rotisserie & Bar
@TheQueerCajun
My absolute favorite New Orleans restaurant specializing in gourmet rotisserie meats. At Zea, there’s something for everyone.
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T-Rev Recommends: The Sedona Chicken Panini (no tomatoes) with a side of corn grits (add cheese) | Mediterranean Hummus | Asian Almond Shrimp

New Orleans Vampire Cafe
@TheQueerCajun
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Rosalita's Backyard Tacos
@TheQueerCajun
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T-Rev Recommends: Fresh Squeezed Passion Fruit Juice | Chicken Nachos

Pizza Delicious
@TheQueerCajun
"Pizza D's" features a rotating menu depending on what fresh ingredients they can get locally. Yum!
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T-Rev Recommends: Caesar Salad (w/ extra croutons) | "The Hot Coppa" (when they have it)

The Rum House
@TheQueerCajun
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T-Rev Recommends: Jerk Chicken Nachos (serves 2) | Chili Glazed Shrimp Tacos

Arabella Casa Di Pasta
@TheQueerCajun
An amazing build your own pasta experience. They make everything in house, from scratch, fresh daily.
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T-Rev Recommends: Black Pepper Fettuccine Noodles (w/ sauce of choice) | Meatballs

Nirvana Indian Cuisine / Call if you are coming after 10:00pm, please!
@TheQueerCajun
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T-Rev Recommends: The Indian Flag | Naan

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T-Rev Recommends: Crispy Tamarind Noodles (spice level "3")

Tip: Their other location on Magazine Street is just as delicious.

ANOTHER ONE: They won't do more than 4 separate checks, so plan accordingly!

Chef Ron's Gumbo Stop
@TheQueerCajun
Queer owned and operated!
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St. Roch Market
@TheQueerCajun
A collection of small, authentic eateries of all kinds.
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T-Rev Recommends: The Gyro Plate

Tip: The Coast Roast, one of my coffee shop recommendations, also has a location inside the market.

Pho Kang
@TheQueerCajun
The best pho I've ever had.
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T-Rev Recommends: Spring Rolls w/ Peanut Sauce | Brisket and Meatball Pho

Pho Bang Restaurant
@TheQueerCajun
A solid choice for Pho.
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Banh Mi Boys
@TheQueerCajun
Their original location is out on Airline Highway inside of a gas station. Don't let that deter you, though.
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T-Rev Recommends: The K-Town Fries

Jacques-Imo's
@TheQueerCajun
Damn good cajun-inspired dishes. It's so good in fact, they've taken over the building next door.
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Tip: Make dinner reservations ahead.

Boswell's Jamaican Grill
@TheQueerCajun
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Tip: Don't miss their weekday lunch buffet!

Lebanon's Cafe
@TheQueerCajun
Greek and lesbian food.
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T-Rev Recommends: The gyro plate, no salad, extra rice or hummus.

Juan's Flying Burrito - CBD
@TheQueerCajun
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T-Rev Recommends: The Luau Quesadilla | Bad Ass Bacon Bean Dip | Frozen Lemon Berry | Cadillac Margarita

Turkey and the Wolf
@TheQueerCajun
Sandwiches, but make it elevated.
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Tip: Get there early! The line is known to spill out onto/down the street.

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T-Rev Recommends: Egg Drop Soup | Hoshun Trio | Streetcar Roll

Tip: Tell them ahead if you need separate checks, otherwise your experience WILL end in a nightmare from hell.

Origami Restaurant
@TheQueerCajun
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Bub's NOLA
@TheQueerCajun
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T-Rev Recommends: Chili Glazed Brussels Sprouts | The Peanut Burber

Blue Oak BBQ
@TheQueerCajun
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T-Rev Recommends: Roasted Garlic Mac-and-cheese | Chicken Wings

Central City BBQ
@TheQueerCajun
*Award Winning* Not only do they have THE best BBQ in town, but their sides are absolutely delicious as well.
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The way I "C" it: Any time I go to a modern-day BBQ restaurant, I can't help but feel robbed. $20 for 3 thin slices of briquet, coleslaw that's been sitting uncovered in a fridge for 3 days, and a single slice of the lowest quality white bread they could find (say it with me: DRY)? Just take my debit card! It's less painful that way... This is NOT the case with Central City BBQ. You won't leave hungry.

Because You're Spicy

Cajun Seafood
@TheQueerCajun
The best boiled crawfish in the city.
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Clesi's Seafood Restaurant & Catering
@TheQueerCajun
Another solid pick for boiled crawfish.
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Because You're Romantic

Intimate spots for you and your "boo thang."

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Mona Lisa
@TheQueerCajun
There's something absolutely magical about this hole-in-the-wall pizza joint. Maybe it's the rustic-looking butcher paper and crayons that adorn every table for your amusement. It could also be the wall-to-ceiling Mona Lisa spoof paintings. Either way, call ahead and reserve your place at this intimate eatery.
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Vincent's Italian Cuisine
@TheQueerCajun
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T-Rev Recommends: Parmesan Crusted Shrimp

Bacchanal Fine Wine & Spirits
@TheQueerCajun
Delicious and unique small plates and a large wine selection.
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Baru Bistro & Tapas
@TheQueerCajun
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Silk Road Restaurant & Wine Bar
@TheQueerCajun
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Because You're Fancy

Upscale Dining - not for the faint of wallet.

Doris Metropolitan New Orleans
@TheQueerCajun
When you walk through the front door, you're greeted by a meat aging room directly to your left, and it just gets better from here. Every single piece of meet served in this place melts in your mouth as it transports you through time and space to meat heaven. The bread service is also divine.
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T-Rev Recommends: MEAT | Truffle Polenta

Commander's Palace
@TheQueerCajun
This is my absolute favorite place for birthday celebrations. From the moment you walk through those big double doors, every member of the wait staff makes you feel super special.
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T-Rev Recommends: Boudin Stuffed Quail | Turtle Soup | Bread Pudding Souffle

Tip: Reservations are booked up about a month in advance.

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T-Rev Recommends: The Steak

Because You're Drunk or Lazy

Late-night eats.

Clover Grill
@TheQueerCajun
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Vieux Carre Pizza
@TheQueerCajun
The absolute best pizza by the slice within the confines of the French Quarter. *Always* my last stop before heading home.
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T-Rev Recommends: "The Bourbon" (Chicken and Spinach)

Green Tea
@TheQueerCajun
The best Chinese take-out in town.
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T-Rev Recommends: Dragon and Phoenix 

Because You’re Sweet

Drip Affogato Bar NOLA
@TheQueerCajun
Espresso and gelato: a match made in heaven.
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Frey Smoked Meat Co.
@TheQueerCajun
I was conflicted about which section I should put this restaurant in. They have an amazing barbecue, but the real highlight has to be their mega-sized milkshakes.
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T-Rev Recommends: Bucket of Biscuits | Mega Milkshakes

Legendairy Milkshake Bar™
@TheQueerCajun
This milkshake shop’s name is an accurate description of their offerings.
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T-Rev Recommends: Death by Chocolate

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Gerard S
Hey, y’all! I’m a proud queer/nonbinary Cajun from the River Parishes, blending my Louisiana roots with a passion for storytelling, culture, and damn good food. I curate unique Southern experiences through a queer lens, spotlighting the best of New Orleans and beyond. Whether it’s uncovering hidden gems, sharing must-try eats, or guiding you to the best local experiences, my travel guides are always fresh, up-to-date, and free.
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