Endymion will be rolling through Mid-City Saturday, February 10 starting at 4:15 p.m. One of NOLA's three favorite super-krewes, it is guaranteed to be a night of festive floats, flying throws, and famous Mid-City foods. Of course the parade is sure to be lined with all the classic Carnival street eats, but those looking for a comfortable spot to sit and dine along the route can be sure to enjoy some of Mid-City's best bites. Here are 10 of the best spots to dine during Endymion this year.
10 Spots to Eat & Drink for Endymion
1. Angelo Brocato
214 N. Carrollton Ave, 504-486-0078, angelobrocatoicecream.com
NOLA's best Italian dessert shop sits right on the parade route on North Carrollton, where those craving a sweet treat to enjoy during the parade can take out or dine in.
Whether the day brings a warm Southern climate calling for gelato in all classic Italian flavors or NOLA gets another cold front from up north causing the need for a piping hot classic cappuccino, Angelo Brocato is sure to have its usual long but quick moving line. Sit and enjoy a chocolate dipped cannoli or slice of cheesecake before heading out to catch more throws.
2. Felipe's
411 N. Carrollton Ave., 504-408-2626, felipestaqueria.com
In addition to being one of the city's most consistent choices for Tex-Mex food and margaritas, Felipe's Taqueria also has a prime location along Endymion's parade route on North Carrollton.
For $100, you can be admitted to their exclusive viewing party, which includes a private viewing space on their patio, complimentary food and drink from their satellite bar, and easy access to the restroom (a highly sought-after luxury around this time). Event capacity is limited to 60, so be sure to get on this offer early!
3. Zasu
127 N. Carrollton Ave., 504-267-3233, zasunola.com
Zasu is an upscale restaurant serving unique twists on classic dishes with all the freshest ingredients. James Beard Award winning chef Sue Zemanick is creating a delicate and exciting menu at this not to miss establishment.
Come enjoy their Endymion watch party with refreshments and delicious bites provided all day long, but make sure to make a reservation for this sure to be booked up event.
4. Theo's Neighborhood Pizza
4024 Canal St., 504-302-1133, theospizza.com
The Mid-City location of this popular local establishment, which has four spots in New Orleans and one in Covington, is a great spot to watch Endymion.
Try one of Theo's many specialty pizzas including the Prosciutto & Arugula, the Garden Party, and the West Bank Special. All of their pizzas are baked in Theo's stone hearth oven for 30 minutes, so you know you'll be getting a quality pizza while there.
5. Juan's Flying Burrito
4724 S. Carrollton Ave., 504 486-9950, juansflyingburrito.com
Juan's Fly Burrito is neighborhood favorite in Mid-City, as well as in the CBD, Lower Garden District, and Uptown.
Juan's promises a filling meal with leftovers nearly guaranteed. Enjoy a classic margarita accompanied by a jam packed burrito or fully loaded nachos. Juan's is the perfect spot to rest and fuel up before continuing with a night of parade watching.
6. Mandina's
3800 Canal St., 504-482-9179, mandinasrestaurant.com
Mandina's has been serving the New Orleans community with delicious seafood and Italian fare for over 80 years.
Try their catfish meuniere, veal parmesan, or any of the delicious homemade soup selections on offer and you'll see why Mandina's has remained a Canal Street staple all this time. Equipped with a large parking lot and security staff on hire all night, they're also one of the best options for catching Endymion.
7. St. James Cheese Company
For those finding themselves further down the parade route in the Warehouse District, St. James Cheese Company is the perfect spot to have a gourmet cheese sandwich or fresh salad.
St. James is a great spot to dine in and take a beat while waiting for the parade to reach downtown or to grab a bite to hold while catching throws with the other hand. Consider ordering ahead and picking up one of St. James' Carnival Platters to enjoy on the route.
8. We Dat's Chicken & Shrimp
1407 Canal St., 504-252-4927, wedatschickenandshrimp.com
Home of the New Orleans famous Wuzzam Wings, We Dat's has long excelled at maintaining that crucial balance in a chicken wing—saucy without too much sauce and crispy but still tender.
With a wide selection of original seasonings and sauces on offer, they're one of the best places to go to for fresh fried indulgences in the city. Their location on Canal Street also makes them an ideal place to post up for the remaining stretch of Endymion's route.
9. The Bean Gallery
637 N. Carrollton Ave., 504-324-8176, thebeangallery.net
The Bean Gallery is open daily starting at 6:30 a.m. serving the people of Mid-City fresh hot coffee, a variety of iced teas, sandwiches, and bakes goods. This is a perfect spot to get a caffeine fix before the parade or take a much needed rest throughout.
The space is cozy, filled with a variety of large lounge chairs and tables, perfect for a day of working remotely or a night of parade watching. Enjoy a sourdough sandwich or grilled panini, both with crispy chips on the side.
10. Ikura Hibachi and Sushi
310 N Carrollton Ave., 504-485-5658, ikurahibachisushi.com
Ikura is a local sushi spot serving exciting rolls including shrimp tempura, snow crab, and more. Stop in to enjoy some table-side hibachi, which is a tasty dinner with a show.
If the parade has worked up an insatiable apatite, commit to their all you can eat sushi deal for unlimited specialty rolls. Enjoy a way miso soup to warm up from watching the parade after dark!
Eat, Drink, and Be Merry During Endymion
No matter where along the parade route you choose to watch Endymion roll by, there are a wide range of great restaurants to enjoy a tasty bite. Whether looking for a quick break with food to grab and go or an all inclusive food and viewing experience, these NOLA restaurants have the perfect options for all.
