In light of the pandemic, outdoor dining took on a new level of importance. Many restaurants shifted their arrangements to accommodate those who wanted to return to eating out but not indoor dining. With National Eat Outside Day approaching on August 31, there is no better time to show support for the restaurants that offer great outdoor dining options and have allowed us to return to some normalcy this year.
Chef Ron's Gumbo Stop
Chef Ron's Gumbo Stop serves some of the most traditional NOLA dishes and comfort foods around. From award winning gumbo to seafood platters and po-boys, each dish is as tasty and authentic as the next. Their outdoor patio opened at the beginning of the summer and is a perfect area for outdoor dining. Coming soon, an outdoor Gumbo Deck! 2309 N. Causeway Blvd, Metairie, 504-835-2022, gumbostop.com.
MRB
With an outdoor courtyard in the French Quarter, MRB does outdoor dining right. MRB is a casual outdoor sports bar with music, art, and an occasional Drag Brunch! Serving oysters, grits, po-boys, crawfish, crab cakes, alligator, and more, you're sure to find your favorite NOLA staple on the menu. The outdoor patio is the perfect spot to enjoy their Watermelon Smash or Strawberry Cucumber Chiller cocktails on a hot summer day. 515 St. Philip St., 504-524-2558, mrbnola.com.
Bratz Y'all
Sandwiches, sausages, platters, desserts, and German beers and wines are just some of the many things you can find on the Bratz Y'all menu. You can find many of their menu items at many monthly and annual events around the city such as at the Freret Street Market and the N.O. Fair Grounds Race Course, and so many more. But if you're just looking for some outdoor dining and to experience a biergarten, you can visit their Bywater location. 617 Piety St., 504-301-3222, bratzyall.com.
New Orleans Creole Cookery
New Orleans Creole Cookery offers a classic New Orleans taste with an incredible atmosphere and ambiance, making it a popular spot for traditional Creole cuisine. With a long list of fun signature cocktails such as Bourbon Street Tea, Poppy's Voodoo Juice, and Bacon Bloody Mary, it's sure to be a good time. Their beautiful outdoor courtyard, bordering a classic New Orleans fountain, makes it a perfect spot for private events or romantic date nights. 510 Toulouse St., 504-524-9632, neworleanscreolecookery.com.
Bywater Brew Pub
Bywater Brew Pub is a full-scale brewery and full-service bar and restaurant offering Cajun, Vietnamese, and Gastropub food. Local artists have some of their work featured throughout the space, making it an inviting atmosphere for neighbors. With trivia on Monday nights and live music from 4-6 p.m. on Fridays, it's never a dull moment at Bywater Brew Pub. 3000 Royal St, 504-766-8118, bywaterbrewpub.com.
