10 Spots to Eat & Drink for Endymion
The Krewe of Endymion parade, which will be rolling on February 14, is one of the major krewes of the New Orleans Carnival season. As one of Mardi Gras' super-krewes, with tandem floats and thousands of riders, the parade is a true sight to behold.
There are plenty of local establishments on and near the parade route that are perfect spots to grab a bite to eat. Here are 10 great spots to eat or drink at for this year's Endymion parade.
1. Rouses Market
400 N. Carrollton Ave., (504) 488-2129
With tons of stores across Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama, Rouses' is one of the Gulf South's premier supermarket chains. In addition to their groceries and other items, the market has plenty of prepared foods available at each of their stores.
For Endymion, be sure to head out to the Rouses location on N. Carrollton Avenue. Get some friends together, get a fried chicken plate and Abita beer from Rouses, and enjoy the festivities.
2. Alma
301 N. Carrollton Ave., (504) 872-9975
Located in Mid-City, Alma is a Honduran restaurant that uses bold flavors for their dishes. With their farm-to-table commitment and traditional Honduran flavors, their authenticity speaks for itself.
Chef Melissa Araujo was a 2024 James Beard Finalist for Best Chef in the South, and she incorporates that talent into every plate. They are known for dishes such as their baleadas and pollo chuco, as well as their vibrant atmosphere.
3. Revel
133 N. Carrollton Ave., (504) 309-6122,
Revel Cafe & Bar is where mouth-watering food and exquisite drinks come together. Located in Mid-City, Revel has mastered the art of a perfect cocktail, boasting a cocktail menu of over 40 drinks.
Stop on in and experience what has been voted as one of New Orleans' best burger! Revel's happy hour features some of their best cocktails for only $7.50 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
4. Mandina's
3800 Canal St., 504-482-9179
Blending Creole charm with an Italian palete, Mandina's serves perfect comfort food. In a pink building right off the streetcar route, it is a picture-perfect location.
They are known for their seafood, pasta, and steak. A great option is always their famous turtle soup or shrimp pasta. Because of their Italian inspiration, they have an impressive wine list to pair with any dish!
5. Chickie Wah Wah
2828 Canal St., (504) 541-2050
Chickie Wah Wah is a bar on Canal Street with live music and an intimate atmosphere. They have a nightly rotation of live performers and are known to be a premier spot in the city for music.
On February 14 at 1 p.m., Chickie Wah Wah will be holding their Endymion AZZTRAVAGANZA, featuring performances by HaSizzle, Rusty Lazer, and the Leevee One Sound System. Don't miss out on great food, strong drinks, and tons of fun over at Chickie Wah Wah.
6. Ruby Slipper
1001 Canal St., (504) 470-0800
With many locations across not only New Orleans but also the South, Ruby Slipper is on of the best places for brunch in the city. Their menu incorporates New Orleans and Southern flavors to create an award winning brunch experience.
Be sure to visit Ruby Slipper's Canal Street location for this year's Endymion. Grab their famous Cajun Bloody Mary or go for one of their seasonal Mardi Gras dishes including king cake beignets.
7. Luke Restaurant
333 St. Charles Ave., (504) 378-2840
Luke, which is part of the BRG Hospitality group of restaurants, is a Creole-inspired brasserie that is worth a visit. The restaurant is helmed by Chef Corey Sharp and is inspired by the great brasseries that are found in France and Germany.
From New Orleans favorites such as trout amandine to European classics such as crispy pork schnitzel, there's plenty to enjoy over at Luke. Be sure to save room for a doberge cake or a galette des rois.
8. Bearcat Baked
726 Julia St., (504) 438-8772
Bearcat Cafe, located in the CBD and Uptown, is a great place to visit for some interesting brunch dishes. However, did you know that Bearcat also has a bakery over on Julia Street.
Over at Bearcat Baked, you can find plenty of pastries and daily bread loaves, as well as coffee and loose leaf teas. Head out for breakfast and enjoy some sandwiches, quiche, scrambles, and more before heading out for the parade.
9. Anita's Grill
33 Howard Ave., (504) 354-8979
With a history spanning back over a hundred years ago, Anita's, originally Jerry's, is the definition of "old school." The restaurant has kept the menu the same since 1922 between its two incarnations, and the quality of its food speaks for itself.
The restaurant is known best for its wide variety of breakfast items including pancakes, waffles, and omelets. They also have delicious fried chicken, hamburger steak, and pork chops.
10. Willie Mae's NOLA
898 Baronne St., (504) 354-8194
If you want to experience some of the best fried chicken in the United States, then you definitely need to visit Willie Mae's. The restaurant, which was originally a bar in Tremé, has tons of different chicken dishes to choose from including Creole butter rotisserie chicken.
The restaurant also has plenty of other delicious Louisiana dishes and craft cocktails to enjoy. Be sure to order from Willie Mae's Mardi Gras menu and enjoy dishes such as lost bread, sweet potato waffles, and Mardi Gras fettuccini.
