10 Places to Eat & Drink at Before Chewbacchus
This year, the Intergalactic Krewe of Chewbacchus parade will take place on January 24 at 7 p.m., celebrating its 15th season with the theme "Rebellions Are Built on Hope."
The sci-fi themed parade procession includes fan-built contraptions, costumed sci-fi characters, and more than 150 sub-krewes honoring everything science fiction. The parade rolls through the Bywater, Faubourg Marigny, and French Quarter. After the march concludes, the celebration continues at The Fillmore New Orleans for the Chewbacchanal afterparty with live music, DJs, and other festivities.
These 10 spots offer some of the best places to eat, drink, and observe the parade along the Chewbacchus route.
1. St. Roch Market
2381 St. Claude Ave., (504) 609-3813
strochmarket.com
Located on St. Claude Avenue, St. Roch Market is a restored historic food hall with multiple locally owned vendors, making it a practical dining stop along the Chewbacchus route. The market offers a wide range of options, including Gulf oysters and lobster mac and cheese from The Salted Pearl; Burmese/Malaysian dishes including laksa and tea leaf salad from Laksa by Chef Lin; and charcuterie boards, flatbreads, and grilled cheese sandwiches from Olive Cheese & Crackers. Other vendors serve Cuban sandwiches, Bahamian plates, and an assortment of drink options. St. Roch Market is open from 7 a.m. through 10 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays and closes at 9 p.m. on weekdays.
2. Emporium Arcade Bar
2231 St. Claude Ave., (504) 208-4987
emporiumarcadebar.com/locations/nola
Emporium Arcade Bar on St. Claude Ave is an arcade bar that pairs arcade and pinball games with a menu of drinks, making it a good choice for parade energy and group hangouts. The space is set up for gaming and socializing rather than dining, with dozens of vintage machines, pool tables, and video cabinets that run on tokens. At the bar, there is a rotating selection of local craft beers, lagers, and mixed drinks. They are served in a warehouse setting with vibrant murals and DJs on weekends. The arcade is open from 3 p.m. through 2 a.m. on Saturdays and from 3 p.m. through 1 a.m. on Sundays. On weekdays, they are open from 5 p.m. through 1 a.m., while closing at 2 a.m. on Fridays.
3. City Market Nola
1101 Elysian Fields Ave., (504) 354-8803
citymarketnola.com
City Market is a food hall just off the parade corridor that brings several quick-serve food options under one roof. Inside, one can find vendors such as Bywater Burgers & Wings serving burgers, crispy wings, and loaded fries; Kiko Poke Bar with build your own poke bowls; Kim Son Express for Vietnamese favorites; Marigny Market offering po-boys and seafood options; and Suga, which serves an assortment of boba and fruit drinks. Most counters accept cards and dishes can be eaten on the go, with plenty of casual seating available as well. City Market is open from 11 a.m. through 8 p.m. every day of the week.
4. SukhoThai
2200 Royal St., (504) 948-9309
sukhothai-nola.com
SukhoThai is a Thai restaurant on Royal Street known for its Southeast Asian dishes. The restaurant is a sit-down option near the Chewbacchus parade route when visitors want a full meal. The menu features classics including Pad Thai with rice noodles, peanuts, and scallions; Massaman curry cooked with beef or chicken and potatoes; drunken noodles stir-fried with basil and chili; and Tom Kha coconut soup with lemongrass and galangal. Lunch and dinner menus also include spring rolls, spicy basil stir-fries, and vegetarian options, with an assortment of Thai beers, sake, and wine to accompany the dishes. The restaurant is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 11:30 a.m. through 10 p.m. On weekdays, they are open from 11:30 a.m. through 2:30 p.m. and reopen from 5 p.m. through 10 p.m., with the exception of being closed on Mondays.
5. New Orleans Jazz Museum
400 Esplanade Ave., (504) 568-6993
nolajazzmuseum.org
The New Orleans Jazz Museum occupies the historic Old U.S. Mint and highlights the city's musical heritage with exhibits on early jazz icons, brass bands, and the evolution of jazz in New Orleans. The museum's calendar includes frequent live performances, including courtyard and balcony concerts, that showcase local musicians. The museum is located off Esplanade Avenue near the Chewbacchus route. The exhibits offer a musical escape before rejoining the parade crowds. The museum is open from 9 a.m. through 4 p.m. every day with the exception of being closed on Mondays.
6. French Market
1008 N. Peters St., (504) 636-6400
frenchmarket.org
The French Market stretches along the Mississippi River in the French Quarter and offers a variety of ready-to-eat New Orleans classics. Vendors serve po-boys, gumbo, jambalaya, raw oysters, beignets, and pralines, plus local drinks and other snacks. Its layout makes it easy to grab handheld food items and sample New Orleans-focused cuisine while staying close to the parade route. On the date of the parade, there will be live music at the French Market from 2 p.m. through 3 p.m. Every day, the market is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
7. Willie's Chicken Shack
911 Decatur St., (504) 229-2307
willieschickenshackneworleans.com
Willie's Chicken Shack is a local favorite for crispy fried chicken, fried side dishes, and frozen daiquiris, making it a choice for a comfort meal on Chewbacchus night. The menu features fried chicken tenders and wings to chicken sandwiches and loaded sides served with Southern seasoning. The frozen daiquiris come in flavors such as strawberry and mango—a sweet refreshment to hold while watching the parade roll by. The restaurant's fast-food atmosphere makes it easy to grab food and drinks on the go or sit down for a meal. All locations are open on Fridays through Sundays at 10 a.m. through the early hours of the night. On all other weekdays, they open at 11 a.m.
8. Landry's Seafood House
620 Decatur St. Unit 1A, (504) 581-9825
landrysseafood.com
Landry's Seafood House brings seafood and American favorites to the French Quarter, making it an easy sit‑down stop just off the Chewbacchus parade route. The menu features seafood dishes such as fried calamari, crab fondue, blue crab cakes, stuffed jalapeños, and seafood salads, along with larger entrées including New Orleans barbecue shrimp and crawfish étouffée. Many dishes lean into traditional Southern spices and ingredients that are complemented by an array of cocktails, local beers, and wine. It's scenic French Quarter location makes it a good choice for an early dinner or a break from the parade. The restaurant is open on Fridays and Saturdays from 11:30 a.m. through 10 p.m. On Monday through Wednesday, the restaurant closes at 9 p.m. On Thursdays, they close at 9:30 p.m.
9. The Corner Oyster House
500 St. Peter St., (504) 522-2999
corneroysterhousefrenchquarter.com
The Corner Oyster House is located in the French Quarter. It is known for its chargrilled oysters, beignet fries, and "Big Easy Breakfast Sandwich," which combines scrambled eggs, melted eggs, and a meat of choice between a croissant. The menu highlights other seafood such as shrimp po-boys, clam chowder, and fried seafood baskets, alongside an assortment of drink options. It's casual interior and outdoor seating options make it easy to stop in for a meal between floats. The restaurant is open from 8 a.m. through 12 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays and opens at 9 a.m. on weekdays.
10. Crescent City Brewhouse
527 Decatur St., (504) 522-0571
crescentcitybrewhouse.com
Crescent City Brewhouse brings house‑brewed beers and a New Orleans‑inspired pub environment to the French Quarter. The restaurant/bar offers appetizers such as hush puppies, gumbo, and even Bavarian baked pretzels. They also offer sandwiches and burgers including the "Brewhouse BLT" and the "Decatur St. Burger." Larger plates include the Crispy Chicken Salad, crabmeat stuffed shrimp, and filet mignon, which can be served alongside an assortment of drinks. The restaurant has both indoor seating and a rooftop deck overlooking Decatur Street. It is open from 11 a.m. through 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and closes at 10 p.m. on all other days of the week.
After the Parade
After the parade, the celebration continues at The Fillmore New Orleans with the official Chewbacchanal afterparty. Live music, DJs, and themed performances keep the party energy alive indoors, while drinks and snacks are available. It's the perfect way to cap off the night, dance, and toast to another year of intergalactic energy.
