New Orleans' biggest party of the year, Mardi Gras, is here! Locals and tourists alike are keeping the city alive with festive celebrations in honor of Fat Tuesday. Not only are parades being attended, our local restaurants are getting a huge boost in business because of the holiday. Here are 10 local spots to go to in order to keep the good times rolling into the night.
10 NOLA Late Night Bites for Carnival
1. Nice Guys Bar & Grill
7910 Earhart Blvd., (504) 302-2404, niceguysnola.com
If you're looking for a really nice place to eat at for Mardi Gras, Nice Guys Bar & Grill is a perfect choice. Their menu offers a number of different dishes like chargrilled oysters, boudin burgers, messy fries, and more.
You absolutely can't miss out on their delicious Drunken Chicken Wings. Nice Guys also offers plenty of drink specials, so enjoy a daiquiri or two. Nice Guys is a NOLA classic and one of the city's favorite spots for Creole food.
2. Seaworthy
630 Carondelet St., (504) 930-3071, seaworthynola.com
Seaworthy offers some of the best seafood plates that you will find in the Crescent City. All of the restaurant's catches are from American waters and the menu features tasty options like tuna, mussels, shrimp, and more.
Seaworthy's oysters, which come from the Gulf Coast, East Coast, and West Coast, are out of this world. Make sure to enjoy one the restaurant's craft cocktails or specialty desserts. If the timing is right, check out their amazing late night happy hour deal.
3. Buffa's Bar & Restaurant
1001 Esplanade Ave., (504) 949-0038, buffasbar.com
Voted as one of the best bars in America by Esquire, Buffa's is absolutely worth celebrating. This establishment on the border of the Quarter is one of the best spots in the city for live music.
Choose from Buffa's unique house specialties like bratwurst jambalaya or alligator and chicken gumbo. The restaurant also has plenty of burgers and deli sandwiches to enjoy. Spice up whatever you choose to order with their wide range of house made hot sauces.
4. Junction Bar & Grill
3021 St. Claude Ave., (504) 272-0205, junctionnola.com
Junction has 40 beers on tap to pair with their delicious and creative burgers. Those looking for some smaller classic bar bites will love their jumbo wings loaded with sauces including Buffalo and Thai chili.
This Bywater establishment is well loved by locals and is the perfect spot to stop in and close up a great night any day of the year. Be sure not to pass up Junction's fish and chips or the Tijuana fries.
5. Port of Call
838 Esplanade Ave., 504-523-0120, portofcallnola.com
Port of Call has many claims to fame; come see for yourself why they've been know as the best burgers in NOLA since the 60s. Sip on their specialty cocktails including Neptune's Monsoon, The Red Turtle, and Goombay Punch.
Those looking for something fancier than a classic burger will be happy to order their Filet Mignon or New York Strip Steak, perhaps with a hot baked potato on the side. All of Port of Call's food goes great with a cold bottle or two of beer.
6. Verti Marte
1201 Royal St., 504-525-4767, vertimartenola.com
Verti Marte is a French Quarter staple for late night snacks, meals, and drinks to go. This convenient store has so much to offer and is know for its classic breakfast sandwiches, as well as its delicious lunch and dinner specials.
Order a Philly cheese steak, a classic po-boy, or build your own custom sub. Make sure to grab a cold drink and maybe even a side of mac and cheese or onion rings to create the perfect late night feast.
7. Palm & Pine
308 N. Rampart St., (504) 814-6200, palmandpinenola.com
Come enjoy Palm and Pine for regular dinner service in their French Quarter establishment or come by after hours for their late night happy hour. Their happy hour provides the same South American-inspired cocktails in their regular menu, including the smoky Paloma, Chilcano, and Coconut Qaiquiris.
After getting your drink, order some curry crab beignets, turkey neck gumbo, and perhaps a spicy chicken sandwich. Palm and Pine is know for locally sourcing fresh ingredients for its dishes.
8. Clover Grill
900 Bourbon St., (504) 598-1010, clovergrill.com
Clover Grill is Bourbon Street staple. On any late night out, hungry bar goers shuffle into Clover Grill and are met with the delicious smell of burgers grilling and potatoes frying.
Grab a spot up at the counter and watch your burger hit the grill, get topped with melted cheese, and finally get tucked into a fresh bun before you dig in and enjoy. This is a not to miss late night bite any day of the year.
9. Avenue Pub
1732 St. Charles Ave., 504-586-9243, theavenuepub.com
Avenue Pub is a Garden District staple on St. Charles Avenue. With over 40 beers on tap, frozen Irish coffee, and range of menu options, this is the perfect spot for a late night bite right on the main parade route.
Options include a spicy chicken sandwich, fried fish sandwich, jalapeño boudin balls, and so much more. Grab a glass of Second Line Brewing's Blood Orange Saison and enjoy a good meal at Avenue Pub.
10. Melba's
Melba's is a New Orleans staple that opened shortly after Hurricane Katrina and has been serving late night hot meals to locals ever since. Known for their po-boys, mac and cheese, and other Southern classics, Melba's is always there.
Depending on where you find yourself at the end of the night, Melba's has you covered with it's original location, Mid-City addition, or even late night delivery options. They even have tasty and refreshing daiquiris.
The Big Easy Eats
Of course New Orleans is know for its incredible food scene and variety of cuisines, but don't miss out on the greasy spoons and late night spots that keep the city fed at all hours. Enjoy Mardi Gras to the fullest and visit any of these local classics to end any night of parade fun on the perfect note. Remember to support local businesses year round, tip well, and spread the Mardi Gras spirit. Bon appétit, and laissez les bons temps rouler!
