It is almost universally known that New Orleans shines when it comes to food, but what happens when the normal city hangouts lock their doors for the night? Luckily, there's always a local bar, tavern, or hangout to help satisfy your midnight cravings!
With no shortage of kitchens open late, there are a select few that stand out as having some of the best bar food in New Orleans. Whether you want a meal that tastes like your grandma's Southern cooking or you want to be transported to a hole-in-the-wall in France, New Orleans has a place for you.
Bars with the Best Food in New Orleans
1. Buffa's Bar and Restaurant
1001 Esplanade Ave., (504) 949-0038
buffasbar.com
This dive bar is on the border of the Quarter and serves the best bar food in the city. Buffa's is great for a laid-back drink and meal with live music you can enjoy every day.
Fried-to-perfection appetizers like beer-battered onion rings and gator balls, burgers with every combination of toppings, hot grilled sandwiches, and house specialties like red beans and rice with sausage are available. Disappointment doesn't exist in a bar with this many mouth-watering food options. While you can't go wrong with any of the choices at Buffa's, everyone raves about the red beans and rice, and their bleu cheese coleslaw is so loved that it was put back on the menu after a brief hiatus. See a local performer and eat to your stomach's desire at Buffa's.
2. Ernst Cafe
600 S. Peters St., (504) 525-8544
ernstcafe.com
With New Orleans staples and classic pub grub, Ernst Cafe is the best of both worlds. With a number of po-boy options, jambalaya, gumbo, and red beans and rice, this bar provides a taste of Louisiana and affordable drinks as a bonus.
Typical po-boy options are offered, but The Ernester Po'boy is made with roast beef, deep-fried Gulf shrimp, Swiss cheese, and house-speciality Ernest sauce. People can't get enough of any of their NOLA favorites, so don't skip on their gumbo, made with chicken and sausage. Bring your dog and your friends to have food and drinks at Ernst Cafe.
3. Avenue Pub
1732 St. Charles Ave., (504) 586-9243
theavenuepub.com
Southern flavor meets European pub food at this beer-focused bar. Avenue Pub's sandwiches, salads, wraps, and appetizers make it the perfect place to have a pint and refreshments to hold you over. Whether you're hungry for a whole meal or just a dish to share with friends, Avenue Pub has something for you.
Their kitchen is open from 11 a.m. to 12 a.m., so you never have to worry about missing a meal while you're there. Fan favorites from the menu include their fish and chips, the Pub Chop Salad, and the Southwest Patty Melt. Their salads are topped with an in-house vinaigrette, giving them a unique taste. Stop by Avenue Pub for a good drink and good food.
4. The Will & The Way
719 Toulouse St., (504) 354-1139
thewillandtheway.com
The Will & The Way is a great option for gluten-free dishes with amazing cocktails to go with them. Not only do they have an impressive selection of gluten-free options but also most of their menu items can be modified to be gluten-free.
Open till 1 a.m. every night, The Will & The Way is there for you when you want a late-night bite with flavor. Try their crispy Brussel sprouts made with jalapeno and pickled shallots or their Double-Crunch Salt-N-Peppa Wings, made with ginger and Thai basil.
5. Backspace Bar & Kitchen
139 Chartres St., (504) 322-2245
facebook.com/backspacenola
Backspace Bar & Kitchen has proclaimed itself as having the "Best Burger in the Quarter" for good reason. People flock to this neighborhood favorite to grab late-night eats and good drinks throughout the week!
Their loaded bacon cheese fries and BBQ pulled pork sandwich are sure to hit the spot during a late night out. While there, order one of their craft cocktails or a local beer to enjoy with your meal.
6. Bar Métier
544 Carondelet St., (504) 814-7711
barmetier.com
This French-style bar serves cocktails and small plates in a former library decorated in a trendy and chic style. Formerly Bar Marilou, Bar Métier has live music on Tuesday and Thursday nights and Apéritif Hour every day from 4 to 6 p.m.
Enjoy delicious French appetizers, entrees, and desserts like Pommes Pave, Moules Marinieres, and Passionfruit Mousse. All the dishes are served spectacularly and pair perfectly with the cocktails on the menu.
7. Cooter Brown's
509 S. Carrollton Ave., (504) 866-9104
cooterbrowns.com
Located in the Black Pearl neighborhood, Cooter Brown's is renowned for their oysters that are half priced from 3 p.m. to midnight on Tuesdays. This sports bar has a number of beers and no shortage of food to go with them.
Along with their house-shucked oysters, Cooter Brown's has a variety of po-boys, sandwiches, and appetizers. For appetizing seafood and fresh fried food seven days a week, stop by Cooter Brown's for your next meal.
8. Le Bon Temps Roule
4801 Magazine St., (504) 897-3448
lbtrnola.com
Open 24 hours with frequent live music performances, Le Bon Temps Roule lives up to its fun-loving name.
The highlight of their menu is the burgers. Le Bon Temps Roule has a selection of burgers to pick from like the pimento cheese and bacon burger or the Roule Burger, made with pepper sauce and grilled onion. Diners can make any of the burgers a single or a double or they can build their own burger from the variety of toppings they offer.
9. Copper Monkey
725 Conti St., (504) 527-0869
facebook.com/CopperMonkeyNOLA
This 21+ bar and restaurant is open from 11 a.m. to midnight seven days a week, so you can satisfy your cravings nearly any time.
Their menu ranges from the usual bar foods like wings and nachos to New Orleans favorites including gumbo and red beans and rice. More adventurous eaters can try their peanut butter burger, a classic dressed hamburger with creamy peanut butter.
10. Bouligny Tavern
3641 Magazine St., (504) 891-1810
boulignytavern.com
Bouligny Tavern is a wine bar that also serves cocktails and fine-dining small plates. Their short menu is packed with enjoyable sides, small plates, desserts, and cheeses.
Guests can order snacks like deviled eggs made with duck confit or order a meal like pork meatballs or fried blue crab claws. Whatever you decide on, there is no doubt that it will be delicious.
Great Bars, Great Drinks, and Great Food in New Orleans
New Orleans has no shortage of bars with great food, so you'll never go hungry when you're out late exploring the city or simply catching up over a drink with friends. If you've got your fill but still want to explore all that the city has to offer, make sure to check out the best happy hours in the city!
Next time you're craving a great drink with a great meal to go along with it, just remember that NOLA has you covered at any hour of the night.
