[Image by Gustavo Escanelle]

Top 10 Food Vendors to Try at Bayou Boogaloo This Year

05:00 May 07, 2025
By: Ayanna Lovelady

Food Vendors at Bayou Boogaloo 2025

As one of New Orleans' beloved neighborhood festivals, Bayou Boogaloo, from May 16 to May 18 this year, transforms the banks of Bayou St. John into a vibrant celebration of local cuisine, music, and culture.

From traditional New Orleans fare to innovative fusion dishes, the festival's food vendors offer something for every palate. Here are the top 10 food vendors you won't want to miss at this year's celebration.


1. Bub's Nola

[Bub's Nola, Facebook]

Step into the welcoming festival booth of Bub's NOLA, where the enticing aromas of their signature smash burgers draw crowds throughout the day. This local favorite brings their renowned Microdose burgers to the bayou's edge, serving up perfectly grilled single patties topped with melted American cheese, grilled onions, and their famous Bub Sauce that makes their restaurant a year-round destination.

While their classic burgers are the star attraction, don't miss their plant-based Impossible Burger—a perfect festival option for vegetarian visitors that delivers all the flavor of their traditional offerings. Whether you're craving a single Microdose or the hearty double-patty Bub, expect friendly service and authentic flavors that showcase the best of local cuisine.


2. Any O' Cajun

[Any O' Cajun, Facebook]

Among the vibrant festival booths lining the bayou, Any O'Cajun stands as a beacon of authentic Cajun cuisine. This local favorite brings their renowned crawfish beignets to the bayou's edge, serving up perfectly fried French bread batter filled with a delectable corn and crawfish bisque mixture that makes them a standout destination.

While their signature beignets are the star attraction, don't miss their hearty Cajun jambalaya—a gluten-free dish featuring smoked chicken and pork sausage in a rich brown sauce. For a unique festival treat, try their seafood stuft pistolette, a fresh yeast roll generously filled with a savory blend of crawfish, shrimp, and cheese.


3. Jamaican Jerk House

[Jamaican Jerk House, Facebook]

Among the vibrant festival booths lining the bayou, Jamaican Jerk House brings Caribbean heat to the Bayou Boogaloo celebration. Their renowned jerk plate offers a choice of perfectly seasoned pork or chicken, served with traditional rice and peas and your choice of side, making them a standout destination for authentic island flavors.

While their signature jerk dishes are the star attraction, don't miss their tender oxtails served with rice and peas and a side. For plant-based festival-goers, their jerk vegan wings deliver all the bold Jamaican flavors in a meat-free option.


4. Southerns

[Southerns, Website]

Southerns brings classic comfort food to Bayou Boogaloo. Their signature chicken sandwich leads their menu, featuring perfectly seasoned tenders served with a selection of house-made sauces. For those seeking authentic Southern snacks, don't miss their crispy, flavorful cracklins.

While their sandwiches and tenders are the main attraction, their crispy French fries offer a delicious side option that shouldn't be passed up. Whether you're craving Southern comfort food or a quick festival snack, expect satisfying portions that showcase traditional Southern flavors from Southerns.


5. Asian Outdoor Kitchen

[AOK Caterer, Facebook]

Asian Outdoor Kitchen will captivate visitors with their innovative Asian fusion offerings. Their signature lemongrass chicken skewers showcase perfectly grilled meat infused with house-made marinade, while their creative Dirty Bird Fries elevate the festival experience with a blend of seasoned fries topped with lemongrass chicken, spicy mayo, pickled carrots, and fresh cilantro.

Don't miss their Nola Banh Mi served on authentic Dong Phuong French bread with your choice of protein. For a unique festival treat, try their Korean Corn Dog—a creative fusion featuring both mozzarella and sausage in a crispy panko coating.


6. Biscuits and Buns on Banks

[Biscuits & Buns on Banks, Facebook]

Bringing classic Southern comfort to the bayou's edge, Biscuits and Buns on Banks delivers festival portions of their renowned shrimp and grits that keep crowds coming back for more. Their signature dish combines plump Gulf shrimp with creamy, perfectly seasoned grits, while their catfish variation offers a delightful twist on this Southern staple.

While their seafood dishes shine bright, don't overlook their savory boudin balls—a perfect festival snack. For the ultimate comfort food experience, their chicken and waffle plate delivers crispy fried chicken atop a golden waffle, embodying the perfect blend of sweet and savory.


7. Tia Maria's Kitchen

[Tia Maria's Kitchen, Facebook]

Tia Maria's Kitchen serves up authentic Honduran cuisine that will draw festival-goers from across all of Bayou Boogaloo's grounds. Their signature Honduran enchiladas feature crispy corn tortillas topped with your choice of seasoned ground beef or tender shredded chicken, complemented by fresh cabbage slaw, traditional Honduran cheese, and their house-made salsa roja.

While their enchiladas are the star, don't miss their innovative pupusa tacos, which are cheese-filled tortillas topped with your choice of protein and fresh garnishes. For a unique treat, try their mini maduro boats, where sweet fried plantains serve as the perfect vessel for savory toppings including shredded meats, refried beans, and creamy Honduran crema.


8. Empanola

[Empanola, Facebook]

Step into Empanola's festival booth, where New Orleans meets Latin American flavors to create perfectly crafted empanadas. Their signature crawfish étouffée empanada combines traditional Louisiana flavors with authentic Argentinian pastry technique. Each handcrafted empanada features a perfectly flaky crust filled with carefully seasoned ingredients.

Don't miss their beef Argentina empanada for a taste of traditional Latin flavors, or try their innovative Buffalo Chicken version for a creative fusion option. Festival-goers can enjoy single empanadas or opt for their "pick three special," perfect for sampling multiple flavors.


9. Soule 2 Geaux

[Soule' Cafe, Facebook]

Soule 2 Geaux offers a diverse menu with plenty of options for vegans, vegetarians, and gluten-free diners. Their signature bread pudding bites and beignets showcase classic New Orleans flavors while accommodating various dietary preferences, making these sweet treats a festival must-try.

While their desserts are delightful, don't miss their savory offerings including their popular Cajun wings. Their innovative Soule Rolls come in various flavors—from veggie to seafood—served two per order. For a hearty festival meal, try their Catfish Soule served over rice with a signature seafood sauce.


10. DA GM's Smoke & Soul BBQ

[DA GM's Smoke & Soul BBQ, Facebook]

Step into DA GM's Smoke & Soul BBQ's festival booth, where mouthwatering barbecue meets Louisiana flair. Their signature Loaded Louisiana Nachos headline the menu, featuring fresh tortilla chips smothered in creamy cheese and topped with red onions and jalapeños, crowned with your choice of tender pulled pork or perfectly smoked brisket.

While their loaded nachos draw crowds, don't miss their Da GM's Stuffed Potato, a buttery russet potato loaded with your choice of smoked meats and traditional fixings. For a creative twist, try their Bangin' Bayou Tacos, featuring your choice of expertly smoked meats topped with their signature "NOT YOUR AVERAGE" slaw and complementary sauce.


FESTIVAL FLAVORS ON THE BAYOU

The Mid-City Bayou Boogaloo Festival is produced by Friends of Bayou St. John, an organization dedicated to celebrating Louisiana culture and creating opportunities within local communities. The festival brings together local businesses, performers, and food vendors along the historic Bayou St. John for a unique New Orleans cultural experience.
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