Game Day, Grits, & Good Times
NOLA brunch as the new tailgate for Southern comfort, festive vibes, and boozy flair within a mile of the Superdome.
Not everyone pre-games with beer, bottomless mimosas, and shrimp and grits. New Orleans has long been a brunch town, but Sugar Bowl weekend brings it to a whole new level. This is our guide to the top local brunch spots to pre-game ahead of the Sugar Bowl, within a mile of the Caesars Superdome.
This list emphasizes vibrant joints serving up Southern comfort with a spin, encouraging festive brunch dishes, game-day playlists, and boozy atmospheres perfect for football enthusiasts craving flavor and flair. These places are ideal for locals entertaining friends or guests, making brunch the new tailgate. Whether you're pregaming with a mimosa tower or fueling up with biscuits and gravy, brunch is now part of the football ritual.
34 Restaurant & Bar
Location: 714 Baronne St.
Vibe: Sleek, modern, and made for mingling
Why Go: 34 offers a polished Portuguese brunch with Cajun-Creole accents. Their Sunday brunch menu includes Portuguese French toast, salt cod fritters, and signature cocktails. Guests can dine in their beautiful interior with green and wood accents and with a painting of the Portuguese rooster, which symbolizes good luck, for game day. The bar scene is lively and festive.
Tailgate Twist: Perfect for groups staying nearby or looking to brunch in style.
Bearcat CBD
Location: 845 Carondelet St.
Vibe: Wellness meets warehouse chic
Why Go: This hotspot dual-menu concept caters to both clean eaters and comfort seekers. "Good Cat" options include vegan ranchero and mushroom toast, while "Bad Cat" favorites such as scallop and grits and pulled brisket bring the indulgence.
Tailgate Twist: A chill vibe with serious flavors, great for early risers.
Copper Vine
Location: 1001 Poydras St.
Vibe: Garden-chic meets game-day buzz
Why Go: This spot is a blend of historic architecture with modern bar vibes. It's for those looking for a charming courtyard setting in the city. Copper Vine's balcony is a full-on football fête. Guests can enjoy brunch charcuterie, seasonal curated flights with snacks, and have access to one of the best balconies in the city. The menu features Southern staples with upscale twists such as Cajun caviar deviled eggs and a "wine pub" breakfast. Also, be on the lookout for balcony tailgate experiences.
Tailgate Twist: Live music and a buzzy patio scene make it ideal for brunch squads.
Daisy Mae's Southern Fried Chicken & Breakfast
Location: 920 Poydras St.
Vibe: Down-home and delicious
Why Go: Fried chicken and waffles, cheesy grits, and Cajun Bloody Marys at Daisy Mae's is Southern comfort at its finest. This adorable breakfast joint serves up classic dishes that remind you of Momma. The booths are intimate, the service is fuzzy and warm, and the food is created with love. It's the kind of place where you can get comfortable, pass plates around the table, and absorb pregame atmospheres with your crew.
Tailgate Twist: A hometown huddle with big flavor.
Headquarters by Nice Guys NOLA
Location: 445 S. Rampart St.
Vibe: Brunch party central
Why Go: This chic spot serves up Southern comfort with a side of swagger. Chicken and waffles, honey butter chicken biscuits, catfish and grits, and crawfish beignets headline the menu. There isn't just food to enjoy. Dressing to impress, DJ tunes, and a lively crowd turn brunch into a full-on pregame.
Tailgate Twist: Loud, proud, and perfect for football fans who brunch hard.
Majoria's Commerce Restaurant
Location: 300 Camp St.
Vibe: Old-school diner charm
Why Go: For locals, Majoria's Commerce Restaurant is a genuine New Orleans institution with a no-nonsense flair and tons of flavor. Tucked away in the CBD, this family-owned restaurant has been serving locals, politicians, and downtown businesspeople big breakfasts for decades. On weekends during game day, it's a staple place for those who wake up early and can get themselves energized up to watch the game. The brunch menu is loaded with Southern staples such as Orleans shrimp and grits, air-light omelets, and butter biscuits, as well as unique creations including hao chi dumplings. The service is fast, the servings are bountiful, and the vibe is charmingly retro.
Tailgate Twist: A nostalgic spot for early kickoff fuel.
Meril
Location: 424 Girod St.
Vibe: Upscale but unpretentious
Why Go: This downtown American gem brings bold flavors with global influences inspired by Chef Emeril Lagasse's travels. Steak and egg flatbread, buttermilk waffles, and bottomless Meril mimosas are just the beginning. Their open kitchen and spacious tables make it a social hotspot.
Tailgate Twist: Ideal for foodies who want flair with their football.
Tacos Del Cartel
Location: 1010 Girod St.
Vibe: Street-style brunch with a Latin flavor kick
Why Go: Brunch turns into a festive bash at Tacos Del Cartel, which serves up bold, Latin-spiced flavor with attitude. Their brunch menu features birria tacos, egg and chorizo tacos, and breakfast al pastor burritos. Many different craft cocktails start things off, and celebratory decor and a lively atmosphere segue into a high-energy pregame.
Tailgate Twist: Loud music, bold flavors, and a crowd that's ready to rumble.
Willa Jean
Location: 611 O'Keefe Ave.
Vibe: Southern staples with brunch swagger
Why Go: Willa Jean is a place where Southern comfort gets a hip, Instagram-influenced twist. Their vibe is bright and airy, from the front entrance to their comfortable interior. Many different biscuits, avocado toast, and Southern coconut cake make Willa Jean appear on a lot of lists of comfort food with attitude. The crowd is hip, and the vibe is always perky. Their signature baked goods are also a favorite.
Tailgate Twist: Whether seated at the bar or in one of their many tables, it's a win-win for an enjoyable brunch.
