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8 Spots Serving Food 24 Hours in New Orleans

Sometimes the midnight meal is the most important of the day

by Eater Staff Updated
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by Eater Staff Updated
Getty Images/Tetra images RF

Even kitchens that stay open late eventually close. That’s when it’s critical to know where the 24/7 eateries lurk, the places that can satisfy hunger at even the most inopportune times. This list is essential for industry shift workers and anybody looking for a place to soak up a long evening of cocktailing.

Is this the best food in New Orleans? Unlikely, as these anti-trend dive bars don’t promise fancy. But they do dish rib-sticking eats to satisfy hungry customers around the clock, and that’s a beautiful thing.

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Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process.

Melba's Poboys

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“Eat Pray Love” proclaims a sign outside of this neighborhood staple on busy Claiborne Avenue. As in “Eat at Melba’s, Pray before meals, and Love New Orleans.” If that’s not enough to get you in the door, consider the long list of frozen daiquiris, every possible kind of over-stuffed po’ boy, and the shrimp and grits, all perfect any time of day. There just happens to be a laundromat next door that offers free dryers after midnight, in case you need to do a few loads while you munch.

1525 Elysian Fields Ave, New Orleans, LA 70117
(504) 267-7765
(504) 267-7765

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Verti Marte

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This cash-only, round-the-clock deli and convenience store really does have something for everybody. The menu goes on and on, beyond po-boys to grilled chicken salad and a handful of vegetarian items. Then there’s the meat and two sides, comfort fare including Grandma’s boarding house meatloaf and shrimp Creole. One can get breakfast whenever, best enjoyed standing at one of the tall tables that are sometimes by the door or on the stoop across the street, where stray picnickers always congregate.

1201 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70116
(504) 525-4767
(504) 525-4767
Josh Brasted/Eater NOLA

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Turtle Bay

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Open 24 hours — daily — Turtle Bay is well known for its 20-ounce rib eye served with potato skins and garlic bread, big enough for two to share and still under $20. The thin crust pizza is the cheesiest, with the cheeseburger and Hawaiian pies leading as customer favorites. Nachos and hot wings are good, there is boiled crawfish when it’s in season, and the bartender pours a strong drink — all in all, one of the best 24-hour food options in town.

1119 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70116
(504) 586-0563
(504) 586-0563

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Clover Grill

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So they make their burgers under a grease splattered hub cap and yes, they are good. The staff is a hoot, always talking some kind of smack, i.e. “We may not be pretty, but we think we are.” It doesn't get any more local than this. Great place for a snack after a night in the bars. Sit at the counter for best view of the shenanigans and order breakfast anytime at this old-school divey diner.

900 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70116
(504) 598-1010
(504) 598-1010
A view through the window of a waiter serving a patron at Clover Grill on Bourbon Street in New Orleans, Louisiana. Shutterstock

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Three Legged Dog

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The Three Legged Dog Tavern is an under-the-radar locals dive in the heart of the Quarter, known for daily crawfish boils and piping hot bar food served into the wee hours. Yes, it is fairly grungy, but friendly staff and patrons balance it out.

400 Burgundy St, New Orleans, LA 70112
(504) 412-8335
(504) 412-8335

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Cleo's

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Mediterranean food nearly 24 hours a day (it closes at 5 a.m.) gives night owls a downright healthy option in the CBD. Enjoy the likes of hummus, falafel, labneh, shawarma, lamb, and grilled pita at Cleo’s on the edge of the French Quarter. There’s a vast and quirky soda selection, too. The second, French Quarter location is a sit-down version, open until 10 p.m.

940 Canal St, New Orleans, LA 70112
(504) 522-4504
(504) 522-4504
Cleo’s

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Igor’s Bar & Grill

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Igor’s is the St. Charles Avenue barroom and pool lounge with a laundromat in the back, the oldest and possibly most iconic of the 24/7 watering holes founded by proprietor Igor Margan, who died a few years ago. A short menu sticks to what it’s always done best — burgers — and rounds it out with a fried chicken sandwich, hot sausage sandwich, and even a vegetarian sandwich option.

2133 St Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA 70130
(504) 568-9811
(504) 568-9811

Tic-Toc Café

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This brightly-painted, 24-hour Metairie diner has long been known for a range of affordable, solid breakfasts under $10 or so, like biscuits and sausage gravy for around $5. There are also burgers, sandwiches, and a few classic diner plates, like a Cajun-smothered pork chop, if you’re looking for a meal other than breakfast. Bring a sense of humor, and check the ever-changing sign out front.

3205 36th St, Metairie, LA 70001
(504) 834-6272
(504) 834-6272
Tic-Toc Café

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Melba's Poboys

1525 Elysian Fields Ave, New Orleans, LA 70117

“Eat Pray Love” proclaims a sign outside of this neighborhood staple on busy Claiborne Avenue. As in “Eat at Melba’s, Pray before meals, and Love New Orleans.” If that’s not enough to get you in the door, consider the long list of frozen daiquiris, every possible kind of over-stuffed po’ boy, and the shrimp and grits, all perfect any time of day. There just happens to be a laundromat next door that offers free dryers after midnight, in case you need to do a few loads while you munch.

1525 Elysian Fields Ave, New Orleans, LA 70117
(504) 267-7765
(504) 267-7765

Verti Marte

1201 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70116

This cash-only, round-the-clock deli and convenience store really does have something for everybody. The menu goes on and on, beyond po-boys to grilled chicken salad and a handful of vegetarian items. Then there’s the meat and two sides, comfort fare including Grandma’s boarding house meatloaf and shrimp Creole. One can get breakfast whenever, best enjoyed standing at one of the tall tables that are sometimes by the door or on the stoop across the street, where stray picnickers always congregate.

1201 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70116
(504) 525-4767
(504) 525-4767
Josh Brasted/Eater NOLA

Turtle Bay

1119 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70116

Open 24 hours — daily — Turtle Bay is well known for its 20-ounce rib eye served with potato skins and garlic bread, big enough for two to share and still under $20. The thin crust pizza is the cheesiest, with the cheeseburger and Hawaiian pies leading as customer favorites. Nachos and hot wings are good, there is boiled crawfish when it’s in season, and the bartender pours a strong drink — all in all, one of the best 24-hour food options in town.

1119 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70116
(504) 586-0563
(504) 586-0563

Clover Grill

900 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70116

So they make their burgers under a grease splattered hub cap and yes, they are good. The staff is a hoot, always talking some kind of smack, i.e. “We may not be pretty, but we think we are.” It doesn't get any more local than this. Great place for a snack after a night in the bars. Sit at the counter for best view of the shenanigans and order breakfast anytime at this old-school divey diner.

900 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70116
(504) 598-1010
(504) 598-1010
A view through the window of a waiter serving a patron at Clover Grill on Bourbon Street in New Orleans, Louisiana. Shutterstock

Three Legged Dog

400 Burgundy St, New Orleans, LA 70112

The Three Legged Dog Tavern is an under-the-radar locals dive in the heart of the Quarter, known for daily crawfish boils and piping hot bar food served into the wee hours. Yes, it is fairly grungy, but friendly staff and patrons balance it out.

400 Burgundy St, New Orleans, LA 70112
(504) 412-8335
(504) 412-8335

Cleo's

940 Canal St, New Orleans, LA 70112

Mediterranean food nearly 24 hours a day (it closes at 5 a.m.) gives night owls a downright healthy option in the CBD. Enjoy the likes of hummus, falafel, labneh, shawarma, lamb, and grilled pita at Cleo’s on the edge of the French Quarter. There’s a vast and quirky soda selection, too. The second, French Quarter location is a sit-down version, open until 10 p.m.

940 Canal St, New Orleans, LA 70112
(504) 522-4504
(504) 522-4504
Cleo’s

Igor’s Bar & Grill

2133 St Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA 70130

Igor’s is the St. Charles Avenue barroom and pool lounge with a laundromat in the back, the oldest and possibly most iconic of the 24/7 watering holes founded by proprietor Igor Margan, who died a few years ago. A short menu sticks to what it’s always done best — burgers — and rounds it out with a fried chicken sandwich, hot sausage sandwich, and even a vegetarian sandwich option.

2133 St Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA 70130
(504) 568-9811
(504) 568-9811

Tic-Toc Café

3205 36th St, Metairie, LA 70001

This brightly-painted, 24-hour Metairie diner has long been known for a range of affordable, solid breakfasts under $10 or so, like biscuits and sausage gravy for around $5. There are also burgers, sandwiches, and a few classic diner plates, like a Cajun-smothered pork chop, if you’re looking for a meal other than breakfast. Bring a sense of humor, and check the ever-changing sign out front.

3205 36th St, Metairie, LA 70001
(504) 834-6272
(504) 834-6272
Tic-Toc Café

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