Where to Eat and Drink on the July 4th Weekend
There is no celebration like those in New Orleans, and the Fourth of July is no exception.
The weekend is packed with activities and events for everyone in town. With such a busy schedule, from the Uncle Sam Jam to a fireworks show at the Riverfront, it is important to enjoy the weekend well-fed and with a drink in hand. Here is a list of some of the best places to eat and drink as you celebrate America 250.
BBQ Specials
Bourrée
8115 Jeannette St., (504) 510-4040
boureenola.com
Bourrée is a Cajun smokehouse well-known for its in-house butchered meats served on award-winning po-boys, wings, and other Southern Louisiana fare. The menu highlights their bold flavors and quality ingredients while incorporating famous products from local businesses, such as Dong Phuong Bakery and Luzianne Tea. Bourré offers live music every Friday and Saturday, including this 4th of July weekend.
The restaurant will be offering 4th of July catering packages featuring steak burgers, hot dogs, and wings. Their catering menu includes the full spectrum of smoked meats to drinks for all. This menu is perfect for any event, from a pool party to a casual get-together. To order or for more information, email info@boucherie-nola.com.
The Joint... Always Smokin'
701 Mazant St., (504)-949-3232
alwayssmokin.com
The Joint offers smoking-hot BBQ on custom pits in the Bywater. With exceptional staff and life-changing meals, The Joint is a must-see when in New Orleans. Multiple reviews state that The Joint has the best BBQ in the city, with highly praised pork chops and ribs along with a delicious coleslaw that complements the meat's unique flavor. With catering available and the option to order online, The Joint is a perfect spot for some 4th of July BBQ.
On both Friday, July 3rd, and Saturday, the 4th, the restaurant is offering some exciting specials. On Friday, there will be pastrami until it's all been wolfed down, and a happy hour with BBQ pistolette sliders plus $2 off draft beer, wine, and cocktails. On Saturday, more pastrami will be offered, this time on a sandwich, which is recommended with their house-made daiquiris.
Moe's Original BBQ
1101 N. Causeway Blvd., (504) 407-3533
moesoriginalbbq.com
Moe's offers Bama-style BBQ in addition to fresh seafood and Southern sides. All made in-house daily, Moe's meals are known for their fast-paced delivery, ready for large takeouts or a quick meal inside. With four TVs across the restaurant's walls, Moe's is also a great place to catch a game with friends and family. The restaurant offers customizable and pre-packaged catering, including a variety of slow-smoked meats, flavorful sides, and its signature sauce.
Moe's 4th of July pre-orders are now available online. Catering options include smoked pork chili, skillet corn, jambalaya, and various more delectable dishes. Don't miss their special $15 brisket sandwich and $17 platter, either, for a fun time and a memorable meal.
Seafood Boils
Hot N Cajun Boil House
Multiple Locations
hotncajunboilhouse.com
Hot N Cajun is a highly celebrated restaurant across Louisiana. Unique in its food's presentation, the restaurant does not give diners a plate or cutlery unless requested—diners eat straight from the bag with their hands, making Hot N Cajun a true, homemade seafood boil experience. Hot N Cajun is a homegrown brand that offers a wide range of seafood, some of the freshest in the city. To honor the seafood boil's legacy of bringing communities together through tradition and delicious food, the restaurant ensures a true taste of Louisiana with its seafood.
Stop by Hot N Cajun this weekend for an authentic Southern experience of chowing down on some fresh seafood. They offer their own carefully curated seafood combos along with the option to customize your boil, from their half-pound seafood base to spice level and toppings. Some of their own combos include the Bayou Blue Crab with two crabs and a half-pound of shrimp, as well as their signature combo with all of the seafood you could imagine.
Cajun Boil House
438 Canal St., (504) 355-0051
cajunboilhouse.com
The Cajun Boil House is celebrated for its mix of traditional Southern Louisiana cuisine and fresh Gulf seafood. In addition to their boils, the restaurant offers New Orleans classics bursting with rich, soulful flavor. Reviews praise the atmosphere and staff, noting their hospitality and educated recommendations. Even at the tail end of crawfish season, their seafood stays fresh and irresistible.
On top of their customizable boils, Cajun Boil House offers various boils from their shrimp and crab boils to premium boils such as the Cajun Commander, which includes lobster tails, Dungeness crabs, shrimp, mussels, and snow crab. From pot to table, their seafood is among the freshest and tastiest in the city.
Crafty Crab Seafood & Bar
2200 Magazine St., (504) 977-9593
craftycrablouisiana.fronteats.com
Crafty Crab Seafood & Bar delivers a lively dining experience where bold flavors meet a fun, welcoming atmosphere. From crispy appetizers to perfectly seasoned fried baskets and flavorful pasta dishes, the menu offers plenty of satisfying options beyond the expected. Friendly service and generous portions make it a favorite for both casual dinners and big celebrations like 4th of July.
Their seafood boil is the undeniable centerpiece at Crafty Crab Seafood & Bar, with diners praising its customizable seasoning, generous portions, and satisfying mix of seafood, corn, potatoes, and sausage. Reviews highlight the rich garlic butter and signature Boom sauce's bold flavors soaking into every bite. Whether you prefer a mild kick or extra spice, the boil delivers the messy, hands-on experience, offering an authentic Louisiana seafood experience.
Frozen Cocktails
Barrel Proof
1201 Magazine St.
drinkbarrelproof.com
With over 500 different whiskeys, Barrel Proof has earned its reputation as one of New Orleans' best neighborhood bars. Friendly, knowledgeable bartenders are always ready to recommend a new favorite pour, creating an experience that keeps locals and visitors coming back. At Barrel Proof, you feel at home no matter what—whether for a post-work drink or a night full of celebration.
When the heat comes, Barrel Proof's frozen cocktails become a summer staple, with refreshing flavors that are perfect for beating the New Orleans sun. Their annual Fourth of July celebration adds even more excitement with festive drinks, lively crowds, and a welcoming atmosphere that captures the spirit of the holiday. You can meet friends before the fireworks or spend the entire evening enjoying great cocktails; either way, Barrel Proof delivers a memorable Independence Day experience.
Wrong Iron on the Greenway
3532 Toulouse St., 504-302-1503
wrongiron.com
Wrong Iron, named after the main railroad track that once ran the opposite way as a commemoration of the city's history, is located in the heart of the city surrounded by various local businesses. Wrong Iron placed in second for the best patio bar and beer selection in the city in this year's Best of the Big Easy list. Their patio is the centerpiece of a good time. With a spacious, welcoming outdoor area, Wrong Iron is the best place to spend some time with friends and listen to good music.
This space is a perfect spot to celebrate Independence Day while also cheering on the nation playing in the FIFA World Cup match on July 1. With discounted drinks and the game on, nothing can top sipping on a Wrong Iron Mango Freeze or Strawberry Frosé this 4th of July weekend. If you have a big group, visit their website and book a Game Day Table for six to eight guests for an unforgettable experience.
St. Pizza Tavern
1152 Magazine St., (504) 603-7771
st.pizza
St. Pizza is among the best in the city; Vogue even named it one of New Orleans' favorites. The tavern is a full-service restaurant and bar behind the pizzeria. It's a dark, cozy joint where you can order full pizza pies, chicken parm, pastas, meatballs, and any drink you can dream up. The tavern is a cash-free establishment. For some exciting and reliable fun, visit St. Pizza—open at 5 p.m. every single day.
Their frozen cocktails are especially memorable. The perfect way to cool down, sipping their alcoholic Italian ice is a joy to be experienced at St. Pizza's. The flavor of the summer, pomegranate lemon, has become a crowd favorite. Be sure to stop by the tavern for a time to remember this weekend.
Happy Hours
Evangeline Lounge
4501 Toulouse St., (504) 766-0893
evangelinelounge.com
Up and running for over 50 years, Evangeline Lounge is all about having fun. Almost always open, the lounge is here for the good times, all the time. This is the place to enjoy a laid-back atmosphere and a perfectly curated selection of drinks. Their welcoming vibe and friendly service make the space perfect for any kind of night, especially a weekend celebrating our nation's 250th anniversary.
Visit Evangeline on Friday night for their happy hour Monday to Friday, 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. With delicious food and even better cocktails, the lounge offers a night to remember with a fun-filled happy hour and discounted drinks. Stop by for $4 Fireball shots and $2 off bourbons and whiskeys this weekend to make a fun time even better.
Bayou Beer Garden
326 N. Norman C. Francis Pkwy., (504) 302-9357
bayoubeergarden.com
Whether for wine and cheese or for beers and burgers, Bayou Beer Garden is a unique spot that opens every day at noon. The area is a relaxing, locally focused spot with an extensive outdoor space. The bar earns endless praise for its 30+ beer taps, popular and tasty crawfish, and vibrant atmosphere.
Bayou Beer Garden, while incomparable at any time of day, is an especially good—and affordable—time during happy hour. Visit Monday to Friday from 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. for an $8 beer and shot or $7 cocktails. This Friday is the best time to visit for happy hour, whether to stop by and say happy U.S.A. Day or to celebrate the day with your friends.
Monday
4327 Bienville St., (504) 581-8900
mondaynola.com
Monday Restaurant and Bar is known to transform a dreaded Monday, or, frankly, any day of the work week, into an eagerly anticipated day. The venue offers a stylish atmosphere paired with flavorful, well-crafted dishes. The menu features a creative blend of Southern favorites and contemporary cuisine, making it a great choice for a variety of tastes with even better drinks. Attentive service and a welcoming ambiance make it an excellent destination for both casual dinners and special occasions.
The bar is well known for its "all-day happy hour" from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday. The space gives guests a chance to enjoy select drinks and appetizers at great prices in a lively setting. Come one, come all, to enjoy $2 Cajun butter oysters and $7 cocktails. With a relaxed vibe and quality food and beverages, happy hour adds even more value to the overall experience without compromising on atmosphere, perfect for an evening of celebration this weekend.
