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The Best Bars for Foodies in New Orleans

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by The OpenTable Team
Updated February 26, 2020

Laissez les bons temps rouler in New Orleans! When you think of the greatest American cities for a good time, you don't have to go too far down the list before the name "New Orleans" comes up. The Big Easy is one of the best cities on the planet to grab a drink. But where are the smartest, savviest diners eating out? Welcome to our Tastemakers List. We’ve pulled data from thousands of restaurants to find the top spots among OpenTable's most expert, seasoned diners. Bars and restaurants in NOLA deliver some of the finest cuisines in America—traditional Cajun and Creole favorites, Gulf seafood, sweet treats, and so much more. Let the good times roll at these New Orleans bars.

A photo of Ye Olde College Inn restaurant
Ye Olde College Inn
4.8
4.8 (1716)
$30 and under
Creole
Carrollton
About the restaurant
One of the coolest dining experiences in New Orleans. The name might scream out cheap beers and pub food, but Ye Olde College Inn is a true farm-to-table restaurant. The proof of that? It's right next door. The Olde College Inn's urban farm is next to the restaurant. This is the place to go to with a group of friends to admire the work of true food artisans and enjoy the fruits of their labor. Dine on their fabled onion rings, shrimp remoulade, or the incredible fried green tomato shrimp po-boy sandwich, and pair the dishes with a cold beer or a cocktail.
Top review
DjuanaVIP
Dined 5 days ago
Delicious New Orleans cuisine and great bartenders! Go for the Shrimp and Grits or Lamb Shank.
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A photo of Breaded Veal Cutlet of a restaurant
Popular dish
Breaded Veal Cutlet
A photo of Shrimp Remoulade of a restaurant
Popular dish
Shrimp Remoulade
A photo of Oysters Bleu of a restaurant
Popular dish
Oysters Bleu
A photo of Meril restaurant
Meril
4.5
4.5 (6467)
$30 and under
Contemporary American
Warehouse District
About the restaurant
Famous Food Network chef Emeril Lagasse's fourth New Orleans restaurant is a hot spot in the town's Warehouse district. The bar scene is always lively here. Patrons can sip on a wide selection of fantastic and unique house cocktails. The food is classic Emeril. There's lots of Gulf seafood, wood oven-fired flatbread pizzas, fresh pasta, oversized salads, and sweet dessert treats.
Top review
Peg
Dined 4 days ago
We had an amazing experience at Meril. The staff and service were impeccable. The flavor profiles of the dishes were excellent. Strongly suggest Mexican street corn, meatballs, and banana cream pie. We highly recommend dining at Meril.
A photo of Desi Vega's Steakhouse restaurant
Desi Vega's Steakhouse
4.6
4.6 (2707)
$50 and over
Steakhouse
Warehouse District
About the restaurant
A beautiful, classic steakhouse tailored to New Orleans sensibilities, Desi Vega's is a bustling spot off of St. Charles Avenue with a dazzling white interior. It screams out Big Easy cool. There's a gorgeous bar to belly up to for a cocktail or a few glasses from the extensive wine list Desi Vega's is so famous for.
Top review
PaulVIP
Dined 5 days ago
Excellent as always!! Perfect for my business meeting over lunch. Thank you Diego and Jasmine
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A photo of Spinach Salad of a restaurant
Popular dish
Spinach Salad
A photo of Petite Filet of a restaurant
Popular dish
Petite Filet
A photo of Caesar Salad of a restaurant
Popular dish
Caesar Salad
A photo of Superior Seafood restaurant
Superior Seafood
4.8
4.8 (4837)
$31 to $50
Seafood
Uptown
About the restaurant
A prime fresh seafood destination in New Orleans that's ideal for anyone who wants to hop off the streetcar and hop into a restaurant for a delicious dinner. Oyster fans will be in briny heaven. Superior's oyster bar is the place to go to for selections from the Gulf. Stop into the bar for a classic New Orleans cocktail or one of their signature frozen drinks.
Top review
Jennifer
Dined 5 days ago
From the moment you walked in you felt the Holiday spirit! Our waiter, Kevin was wonderful. I asked him for his recommendations and they were all on point…kinda want to eat there again tonight!!
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A photo of Raw Gulf Oysters of a restaurant
Popular dish
Raw Gulf Oysters
A photo of Oysters Superior of a restaurant
Popular dish
Oysters Superior
A photo of Char-Grilled Oysters of a restaurant
Popular dish
Char-Grilled Oysters
A photo of GW Fins restaurant
GW Fins
4.9
4.9 (19991)
$50 and over
Seafood
French Quarter
About the restaurant
Amazing seafood in a beautiful location. This French Quarter institution prides itself on having some of the best seafood in the city. There's an ever-changing menu based on the daily catch that arrives at the restaurant—Louisiana bigeye tuna, local drum, and blackened swordfish are some of the favorites. Stop in for dinner in the gorgeous dining room or have a bite at the curving, modern bar with one of the GW Fins cocktails.
Top review
BrianVIP
Dined 5 days ago
Our fave in time. Excellent every time-as long as they don’t run out!
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A photo of Salty Malty Ice Cream Pie of a restaurant
Popular dish
Salty Malty Ice Cream Pie
A photo of Lobster Dumplings of a restaurant
Popular dish
Lobster Dumplings
A photo of Snapper Ceviche of a restaurant
Popular dish
Snapper Ceviche
A photo of Mr. B's Bistro restaurant
Mr. B's Bistro
4.7
4.7 (6334)
$31 to $50
Creole
French Quarter
About the restaurant
One of the coolest restaurants in all the city. Stylish lamps light Mr. B's entrance off of Royal Street in the French Quarter. There's plenty of seafood on the menu—jumbo scallops, lump crab cakes, fried oysters, seafood gumbo—along with excellent filet mignon, chicken, pork chops and a whole lot more. Get in there and groove with Mr. B's famous Sunday jazz brunch.
Top review
Castner
Dined 2 days ago
Outstanding I. Every way from service to customer service to food
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A photo of Bacon Wrapped Shrimp & Grits of a restaurant
Popular dish
Bacon Wrapped Shrimp & Grits
A photo of Hot Buttered Pecan Pie of a restaurant
Popular dish
Hot Buttered Pecan Pie
A photo of Crispy Fried Oysters of a restaurant
Popular dish
Crispy Fried Oysters
A photo of Ruth's Chris Steak House - New Orleans restaurant
Ruth's Chris Steak House - New Orleans
4.4
4.4 (3525)
$50 and over
Steakhouse
Central Business District
About the restaurant
Ruth's Chris is an institution around America. You know exactly what you're going to get here—delicious and sizzling steaks delivered on hot plates. Being New Orleans, this Ruth's Chris also offers excellent seafood and excellent cocktails alongside an extensive wine list.
Top review
Charlie
Dined 7 days ago
Jimmy was wonderful. Top notch service, 5 star!!!!
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A photo of Filet of a restaurant
Popular dish
Filet
A photo of Holiday Lunch of a restaurant
Experience
Holiday Lunch
A photo of Mr. John's Steakhouse restaurant
Mr. John's Steakhouse
4.6
4.6 (3058)
$31 to $50
Steakhouse
Garden District
About the restaurant
Mr. John's Steakhouse is a mixture of styles. It blends the atmosphere of classic New Orleans bar with the rich and elegant feel of a traditional steakhouse spot. It's earned accolades for its luxurious design and the excellent food and drinks served. There is a wonderful selection of fine wines, craft beer, and tasty cocktails.
Top review
Jean
Dined 2 days ago
Our waiter was exceptional and attentive, the food was delicious and atmosphere was perfect!
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A photo of Ribeye of a restaurant
Popular dish
Ribeye
A photo of New York Strip of a restaurant
Popular dish
New York Strip
A photo of The Pelican Club restaurant
The Pelican Club
4.6
4.6 (4554)
$31 to $50
Creole / Cajun / Southern
French Quarter
About the restaurant
A New Orleans bar that guests must visit—it's one of the finest Creole restaurants in the whole city. A French Quarter hot spot for tourists and locals, The Pelican Club is a gorgeous spot for dinner or for a quick bite and drink. There's a rich wine list from around the world with exotic selections from Argentina, Spain, Portugal, and elsewhere. Plus, they offer creative mixed drinks like the "Cool Hand Luke."
Top review
RichVIP
Dined 1 day ago
It was a great experience. The food and service was outstanding. I would highly recommend The Pelican Club.
A photo of Muriel's Jackson Square restaurant
Muriel's Jackson Square
4.7
4.7 (10291)
$50 and over
Creole / Cajun / Southern
French Quarter
About the restaurant
A spookily delicious dining experience. Muriel's Jackson Square has a fascinating ghost story that comes along with your drink or meal. There's a fine menu of New Orleans favorites and classic cocktails; be sure to stop in for the Sunday jazz brunch for some tunes and food.
Top review
Teresa
Dined 2 days ago
We had a lovely evening at Muriel’s. The service was excellent. My husband and I had the three course dinner. All the food was very good. My pecan crusted fish was outstanding. The drinks were delicious and creative. After our meal we were told that we could access the second floor bar. We enjoyed the ambiance and go great photos from the second floor balcony. Highly recommend!
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A photo of Wood Grilled Pork Chop of a restaurant
Popular dish
Wood Grilled Pork Chop
A photo of Shrimp and Grits of a restaurant
Popular dish
Shrimp and Grits
A photo of Pain Perdu Bread Pudding of a restaurant
Popular dish
Pain Perdu Bread Pudding
A photo of Revel Cafe and Bar restaurant
Revel Cafe and Bar
4.5
4.5 (75)
$30 and under
American
Mid-City / City Park
About the restaurant
The party is right there in the name. Revel is famous for its legendary New Orleans bartender and owner Chris McMillan—a man who co-founded a museum that celebrates the American cocktail. McMillan's classic cocktail menu is full of his colorful creations and some old New Orleans favorites, alongside tasty local bar snacks and filling meals.
Top review
shornkochVIP
Dined on Aug 13, 2021
Really great food very affordable. Attentive and friendly service

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