From August 1 to September 15, restaurants across New Orleans are taking part in COOLinary, a culinary event where many of New Orleans' highest rated dining establishments offer carefully curated menus with top-notch specials. From two-course lunches for $28 or less to three-course dinners or brunches for $58 or less, COOLinary offers the perfect time to explore some of New Orleans' most acclaimed restaurants.
10 Local Spots for COOLinary
1. Crescent City Brewhouse
527 Decatur St., (504) 522-0571
crescentcitybrewhouse.com
Located in the heart of the French Quarter, Crescent City Brewhouse offers traditional Louisiana cuisine with a modern flair alongside world-class and all-natural beer. This COOLinary, Crescent City Brewhouse is offering a three-course dinner for $39, including choices of classic Southern dishes like Chicken & Sausage Gumbo, Hot Chicken, Bread Pudding and more.
For an elevated experience, guests can pair three 12-ounce beers with each dish. Whether you're looking for a handcrafted brew or three-course culinary escapade, Crescent City Brewhouse ensures a memorable dining experience for each and every customer.
2. Crescent City Steaks
1001 N. Broad St., (504) 821-3271
crescentcitysteaks.com
Established in 1934, Crescent City Steaks holds the title of Louisiana's oldest family-owned steakhouse, offering authentic New Orleans style and a classy, welcoming atmosphere.
During COOLinary, Crescent City Steaks is offering diners a two-course meal, consisting of one six-ounce Petite Filet with lyonnaise potatoes and an almond torte for $28. This unbeatable deal, offered during lunch Wednesday through Friday, promises a delectable meal and a fine-dining experience at an affordable price.
3. Desire Oyster Bar
300 Bourbon St., (504) 553-2281
sonesta.com
Located inside the Royal Sonesta, Desire Oyster Bar is a renowned Bourbon Street bar known for its Louisiana-style delicacies and notable interior design.
From Spinach Salad and Creole Jambalaya to Chicken and Sausage Gumbo and Old Fashioned Bread Pudding, Desire Oyster Bar's COOLinary deals offer a two-course lunch for $25 or a three-course dinner for $33. Gather some friends and grab a table at Desire Oyster Bar this COOlinary for an unmissable gastronomic experience at an unbeatable price.
4. Kilroy's Bar & Lounge
480 Andrew Higgins Blvd., (504) 528-1941
higginshotelnola.com
Tucked inside the Higgins Hotel, Kilroy's Bar and Lounge is a traditional lobby bar serving cocktails and bar bites with a Southern twist.
For $58, guests at Kilroy's can enjoy a three-course meal this COOLinary with options such as a Gulf Shrimp Avocado Salad, Andouille Crusted Redfish, Beignet Profiterole, and more. If you're in search of an upscale meal served alongside classic cocktails in a relaxed, comfortable setting, Kilroy's Bar and Lounge is the perfect spot to grab a table.
5. Legacy Tavern's Craft Kitchen
700 Tchoupitoulas St., (504) 613-2350
legacykitchen.com
The perfect balance of small plates, large-scale plates, and craft beers, Legacy Kitchen's Craft Tavern offers an industrial chic setting with a relaxed and welcoming lounge area.
For its COOLinary lunch special, Legacy Kitchen's Craft Tavern is offering a two-course meal for $28 consisting of options like Smoked Chicken Wings, a Nashville Hot Pork Sandwich, and more. For dinner, the restaurant is offering a $48 three-course meal, boasting plates such as Corn & Crab Bisque, Grillades & Grits, and a few more spectacularly crafted dishes.
6. Meril
424 Girod St., (504) 526-3745
bemeril.com
Named after Chef Emeril Lagasse's daughter, Meril is a Contemporary American restaurant showcasing globally influenced plates and a lively but refined atmosphere.
For its COOLinary special, Meril is offering a three-course meal for $58 consisting of a Watermelon Summer Salad, a Pan-roasted Fish of the Day, and a Buttermilk Panna Cotta. With a diverse menu, a carefully curated wine program, and this special summer deal, Meril has offerings to satisfy each and every guest.
7. New Orleans Creole Cookery
510 Toulouse St., (504) 524-9632
neworleanscreolecookery.com
Launched by A.J. and Anna Tusa of New Orleans' Tusa restaurant family, New Orleans Creole Cookery serves traditional Creole cuisine in the heart of the French Quarter.
This COOLinary, New Orleans Creole Cookery boasts an impressive lineup of specials, including three-course brunch, lunch, and dinner—all under $50. With dishes like Chicken & Waffles, Gumbo Ya Ya, Char Grilled Oysters, Chicken Pasta New Orleans, and more, New Orleans Creole Cookery is offering upscale and affordable dishes this summer that can satisfy even the pickiest of palates.
8. Sala
124 Lake Marina Ave., (504) 513-2670
Sala Nola is a Lakeview restaurant and bar specializing in great cocktails and wine that pairs perfectly with delicious and shareable small plates and entrées.
Featuring locally sourced seafood, Sala's $46 Tuesday through Sunday dinner special features three courses with dishes like Crab and Corn Bisque, Grilled Gulf Fish Meunière, Tiramisu, and more. Whether you're looking to stop by for bottomless brunch mimosas or take Sala up on this unbeatable deal, this restaurant offers the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy some of the best food that Lakeview has to offer.
9. Shaya
4213 Magazine St., (504) 891-4213
shayarestaurant.com
Drawing influence and inspiration from North Africa, the Middle East, Turkey, and Greece, Shaya combines Israeli flavors with Southern cuisine while utilizing seasonal, fresh, and locally-sourced ingredients.
With the choice of a two-course $28 lunch or a three-course $55 dinner, Shaya is offering affordable bites this COOLinary, ranging from Fried Chicken Hummus to Seared Striped Bass. Pull up a chair at Shaya to enjoy a fresh bites cooked in a wood fire oven and a contemporary menu reflecting the evolution of Israeli food and the abundance of Louisiana.
10. Vampire Apothecary
725 St. Peter St., (504) 766-8179
vampireapothecary.com
From tarot card readings and magic shows to vampire tea blends and spicy beet pickled eggs, the Vampire Apothecary has unsettlingly delicious bites for all who dare to enter.
This COOLinary, the Vampire Apothecary is offering a $28 two-course lunch special featuring an Almond Pesto Stuffed Burrata Salad and a Lobster and Crab Stuffed Portabella Mushroom. For dinner, guests and vampires alike can enjoy a $58 three-course special including Baked Pork Wings, Crab Toast, and Blueberry and White Chocolate Cheesecake. Grab your fangs and your cape and head over to the Vampire Apothecary for a scarily delightful meal at a spooky low price.
For more information on COOLinary and to view a list of all participating restaurants, visit neworleans.com/coolinary.
