10 Dining Destinations to Savor this Fat Tuesday
1. Lebanon's Cafe
1500 S. Carrollton Ave., 504-862-6200, lebanonscafe.com
Boasting the title of the best Middle Eastern Restaurant in New Orleans, Lebanon's Cafe offers an extensive menu that's enjoyable for all those looking to pick up, take-out, or sit-down. Located just a step away from the Sr. Charles Streetcar Line, Lebanon's Café offers a casual and authentic experience, with ample family-sized tables both inside and out.
Try their famous homemade tzatziki sauce, a delicious dip enjoyed alone as a refreshing side with the fan favorite three day marinated chicken shawarma. With no lack of hummus optionsavailable--from fried cauliflower and pomegranate to roasted red pepper hummus--a three-course meal is a must. Having expanded their hours to include Tuesdays only a few months ago, Lebanon's Cafe is the perfect place to spend Fat Tuesday.
2. Crescent City Steaks
1001 N. Broad St., 504-821-3271, crescentcitysteaks.com
Gracing New Orleans for over 85 years, Crescent City Steaks is a beloved steakhouse renowned for its delicious comfort food and inviting ambiance. This institution is perfect for all looking for timeless cuisine. Boasting numerous private dining booths and two floors of seating, this family-owned gem exudes classic New Orleanian charm, complete with an antique jukebox and warm hospitality that brings customers back to where it all began.
Pioneers of the "New Orleans-style" of cooking steaks, Crescent City Steaks offers succulent steaks swimming in rich, melted butter--a quintessential indulgence for those seeking a quintessentially Fat Tuesday comfort meal.
3. New Orleans Creole Cookery
510 Toulouse St., 504-524-9632, neworleanscreolecookery.com
Located in the vibrant heart of the French Quarter, New Orleans Creole Cookery delights its patrons with lively music and exceptional seafood. Its warm and inviting interior, coupled with a charming courtyard, mirrors the dynamic and cozy atmosphere of the city itself.
Boasting authentic Creole cuisine, the rich jambalaya stands out as a must-try starter. Complemented with their fresh, flavorful raw and char-grilled oysters, the menu offers an array of delectable starters to complement your main course. Don't miss the shrimp and grits, generously coated in homemade barbecue sauce, a Fat Tuesday delight cherished by both visitors and locals alike.
4. The Bombay Club
830 Conti St., 504-577-2237, bombayclubneworleans.com
The Bombay Club exudes a dynamic British pub vibe, ideal for those looking to savor a delightful drink accompanied by jazz tunes for an authentic New Orleans experience. With an unmatched atmosphere, the bar features live music daily at 8 p.m. Leaning into the classic swanky atmosphere, you can indulge in an array of cocktails, liquors, and premium cigars. The Bombay Club is for the spirit connoisseur and bon vivant alike.
The bar presents New Orleanian cuisine with an Indian-inspired twist, offering a modern and playful gastronomic experience. Be sure to sample the boudin scotch egg, beer crab beignets, or an Indian street taco served on naan, for the perfect complement to your beverage of choice this Fat Tuesday.
5. Commons Club at The Virgin Hotel
550 Baronne St., 504-381-3534, virginhotels.com/new-orleans/eat-drink/commons-club
Nestled in the glorious Virgin Hotel, Commons Club offers an eclectic setting, artisanal drinks, a curated selection of beers and wine, and delicious bar bites. If you are looking for a relaxed, vibrant yet elegant experience, look no more. A must-try is the chicken schnitzel, perfectly complemented by a handcrafted cocktail amidst the exuberant and dynamic atmosphere.
Whether you are kicking off our evening or bidding it farewell, a visit to Commons Club is an essential stop on your Fat Tuesday. Make sure to save room for the olive oil cake or the apricot bread pudding.
6. Briquette
701 S. Peters St., 504-302-7496, briquette-nola.com
With its exceptional cuisine complementing its prime location in the Warehouse District, Briquette offers upscale seafood that is truly outstanding. Situated in the historic Rodd Brothers Molasses Refinery, its classic seafood dishes harmonize perfectly with the refined interior.
To begin your culinary journey, the seared scallops paired with fried goat cheese grits are the perfect starter. For the main course, the redfish is a standout choice--hardy and generously portioned, accompanied by a plethora of vegetables, and topped with a Chardonnay butter sauce.
7. Devil Moon BBQ
1188 Girod St., 504-788-0093, devilmoonbbq.com
Devil Moon BBQ is the definition of comfort food. Located in downtown New Orleans, the Cajun smokehouse exudes quintessential Southern charm through its atmosphere and cuisine. Shannon Bingham, a celebrated pit-master and a native of New Orleans, is the mastermind behind the culinary delights that have contributed to the success of many restaurants in the city.
The restaurant offers a laid-back dining experience with a walk-up counter providing a full view of the bustling kitchen, which enhances the authentic, local atmosphere. A must-try is the pork spare ribs, matched perfectly with Devil Moon BBQ's delectable mac and cheese, offering the ultimate indulgence for Fat Tuesday or any day of the week.
8. Josephine Estelle
600 Carondelet St., 504-930-3070, josephineestelle.com
Josephine Estelle, nestled in the Ace Hotel just a leisurely stroll from Bourbon Street, presents an upscale fusion of Italian and American culinary delights. The interior exudes a pristine ambiance, illuminated by streams of natural light from its walls of floor-to-ceiling windows, perfectly complimenting the vibrancy of its cuisine.
There are a plethora of pasta dishes to choose from. A fan favorite is the cacio s pepe, a hearty delight ideal for culminating the Carnival season. However, a visit would not be complete without diving into their seafood selection, especially their succulent oysters and crab claws.
9. Le Bon Temps Roule
4801 Magazine St., 504-897-3448, lbtrnola.com
This iconic bar perfectly embodies the relaxed, dive bar vibe with its unsuspecting red exterior and clear "open 24 hours" sign. The interior matches this aesthetic flawlessly: it's eclectic, dimly lit, and features pool tables along with kitschy decor. The bar is always bustling with a mix of locals and adventurers, all seeking to enjoy good food, good company, and good music.
Without a doubt, if you're looking for a delicious dish, live music, and season barflies, you must stop in Le Bon Temps Roule. Don't be shy--order one of their many delicious burgers or indulge in one of their classic bar-bites, like the chili nachos.
10. U Pizza
1513 St. Charles Ave., 504-381-4232, upizzanola.com
U Pizza, located on St. Charles Avenue, is the ideal setting for a casual dinner. With a diverse menu featuring pizza, sandwiches, wraps, pastas and more, there's something for everyone. The interior of U Pizza resembles a classic pizzeria with its red accents, checkerboard patterned flooring, and an exposed kitchen where the magic happens.
Whether you are dining in, taking out, or picking up, indulge in a few pizza pies paired with classic mozzarella cheese sticks to cap off your Mardi Gras season in style.
Eat Well this Fat Tuesday
No matter how you choose to celebrate the end of Mardi Gras season, there is no shortage of delectable dishes to enjoy in this vibrant city. Whether you're gearing up for a night of revelry with a cocktail or two, or looking to grab a casual bite with your family before returning to the routine, these 10 New Orleans restaurants offer something for everyone.
