It's Jazz Fest and likely you'll be eating your heart out on the festival grounds. But maybe, just maybe, after a few beers and a little too much sunshine, you'll be in the mood for a good meal and some air conditioning when the festival is over. Or maybe you just need a scone beforehand and a Bloody Mary to-go.
Look to these tried and true casual spots near the fest, which are all all open late enough (or early enough) to fit your feasting and boozing schedule.
Isaac Toups, fan favorite of the latest Top Chef season, cooks up incredible Cajun dishes, from the meatery board (cracklins, boudin and more Cajun charcuterie) to a killer pork chop and dirty rice. Bar program and doberge cake are on point too.
Michael Gulotta's casual, chef-driven take on Louisiana-inspired Vietnamese food is right down the street from City Park with restorative pho, delicious noodle/rice bowls, and a slew of incredible specials (including weekend hog/lamb roasts).
For the most bang for your buck, stop by Felipes for a quick and hearty super burrito loaded with meat, cheese, beans, and rice. The frozen margs are lethal.
If you need a little something sweet after listening to music and general festing, Angelo Brocato's is the place for gelato, Italian ice, a huge amount of pastries, filled to order cannoli, and authentic espresso. Open till 10:30 on Friday and Saturday, and until 9pm on Sunday.
All poboys, all the time. Get a roast beef, shrimp or the surf & turf, which combines both. Two poboys that don't get a lot of press but are quite tasty are the corned beef and the french fry. Try the sweet potato fries as a side and wash it all down with a local beer. Open from 11am-10pm.
This small, awesome spot in Faubourg St. John is a beautiful walk from the fair grounds with killer falafel and fries, lamb heart kebab, and more fresh, seasonal eats. Open until 9 p.m. (but closed Sunday except for brunch).
This Southern eatery is great for any meal, with sandwiches and huge salads for lunch, tasty brunch specials, and dinner entrees that border on the fine dining side (without the fine dining bill). Full bar and great beer selection.
This New Orleans' barbecue staple (formerly located in music club Chickie Wah Wah) debuts in its new restaurant space on Friday, April 22, with outdoor seating, a full bar, and loads of brisket, pulled pork and more specialties.
This spot is a must for a pre-fest Bloody Mary or post-festing with the masses. It's possible some folks never even make it to Jazz Fest, but just hang out here.
This newish bar on Bayou Road at Broad (a close walk to the fest) has plans for crawfish boils and more shenanigans when Jazz Fest lets out. But it's a good spot to pre-game too.
An exceptional neighborhood watering hole in Bayou St. John with great cocktails and service. There's always some sort of delicious food pop-up happening, but make sure to bring an ID or you can't get in.
Isaac Toups, fan favorite of the latest Top Chef season, cooks up incredible Cajun dishes, from the meatery board (cracklins, boudin and more Cajun charcuterie) to a killer pork chop and dirty rice. Bar program and doberge cake are on point too.
Michael Gulotta's casual, chef-driven take on Louisiana-inspired Vietnamese food is right down the street from City Park with restorative pho, delicious noodle/rice bowls, and a slew of incredible specials (including weekend hog/lamb roasts).
For the most bang for your buck, stop by Felipes for a quick and hearty super burrito loaded with meat, cheese, beans, and rice. The frozen margs are lethal.
If you need a little something sweet after listening to music and general festing, Angelo Brocato's is the place for gelato, Italian ice, a huge amount of pastries, filled to order cannoli, and authentic espresso. Open till 10:30 on Friday and Saturday, and until 9pm on Sunday.
All poboys, all the time. Get a roast beef, shrimp or the surf & turf, which combines both. Two poboys that don't get a lot of press but are quite tasty are the corned beef and the french fry. Try the sweet potato fries as a side and wash it all down with a local beer. Open from 11am-10pm.
This small, awesome spot in Faubourg St. John is a beautiful walk from the fair grounds with killer falafel and fries, lamb heart kebab, and more fresh, seasonal eats. Open until 9 p.m. (but closed Sunday except for brunch).
This Southern eatery is great for any meal, with sandwiches and huge salads for lunch, tasty brunch specials, and dinner entrees that border on the fine dining side (without the fine dining bill). Full bar and great beer selection.
This New Orleans' barbecue staple (formerly located in music club Chickie Wah Wah) debuts in its new restaurant space on Friday, April 22, with outdoor seating, a full bar, and loads of brisket, pulled pork and more specialties.
This spot is a must for a pre-fest Bloody Mary or post-festing with the masses. It's possible some folks never even make it to Jazz Fest, but just hang out here.
This newish bar on Bayou Road at Broad (a close walk to the fest) has plans for crawfish boils and more shenanigans when Jazz Fest lets out. But it's a good spot to pre-game too.
An exceptional neighborhood watering hole in Bayou St. John with great cocktails and service. There's always some sort of delicious food pop-up happening, but make sure to bring an ID or you can't get in.
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