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Bacchanal’s courtyard.
Melina Mara/The Washington Post via Getty Images

New Orleans’s Essential Outdoor Dining Spots

From kid-friendly patios to romantic hideaways, these are New Orleans’s al fresco powerhouses

by Beth D'Addono and Clair Lorell Updated
View as Map
Bacchanal’s courtyard.
| Melina Mara/The Washington Post via Getty Images
by Beth D'Addono and Clair Lorell Updated

Outdoor dining is more important than ever, though it has always been a central pillar of New Orleans food and drink scene, given the city’s affinity for courtyards, balconies, and porches. There’s such an abundance of al fresco options in every New Orleans neighborhood, so let this serve as a selection of some of the finest. A mix of new and old, backyard party vibes and chic sanctuaries, these are some of New Orleans’s best patios and courtyards for outdoor dining.

Don’t miss our other outdoor dining and drinking maps, including covered patios for when it rains, restaurants with heated outdoor dining for cold nights, and the best bar patios.

Did we miss your favorite restaurant patio in New Orleans? Send us a tip.

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Seafood Sally's

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Seafood Sally’s, the second restaurant from Marjie’s Grill owners Caitlin Carney and Marcus Jacobs, was an instant hit upon opening — in no small part due to the restaurant’s outstanding outdoor dining options. There’s a classic New Orleans porch with funky tables and chairs, and a large, pretty patio out front that’s cozy and comfortable. Oh, and the boiled and fried seafood, oysters, picnic sides, and cocktails are all phenomenal, too.

8400 Oak St, New Orleans, LA 70118
(504) 766-8736
(504) 766-8736
Randy Schmidt/Eater NOLA

Also featured in:

Cure

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New Orleans’s gold standard of craft cocktail bars, Cure’s outdoor patio on Freret is a tranquil space to recharge over some of the best cocktails in the city. With riffs on the classics, a seasonal menu, and a great outdoor space, Cure draws a solid crowd of neighborhood regulars.

4905 Freret St, New Orleans, LA 70115
(504) 302-2357
(504) 302-2357

Also featured in:

Mosquito Supper Club

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Reserve a spot in the garden at Mosquito Supper Club and imagine yourself sitting along a Louisiana bayou as you slurp raw oysters and scrape the meat off of crab claws. The prix-fixe, modern Cajun meal is best enjoyed outside, on the courtyard previously only used for private events, or on the porch. Note: the restaurant now also offers bites and drinks that can be had at the bar, no commitment necessary.

3824 Dryades St, New Orleans, LA 70115
(504) 494-9777
(504) 494-9777

Also featured in:

Barracuda

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Think patio meets margarita garden meets funky picnic space and you’ll get the drift of what Barracuda has going for it. Order food inside and then grab a picnic table out back. The crowd is a fun mix of families with kids, pals, and date-night couples. Oh, and the food is across the board excellent.

3984 Tchoupitoulas St, New Orleans, LA 70115
(504) 266-2961
(504) 266-2961
Barracuda’s “margarita garden”
Barracuda/Facebook

Also featured in:

Blue Oak BBQ

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Blue Oak BBQ’s spacious patio fills up on game days, but then again any day is good for chilling at this popular Mid City spot. The creative kitchen and bar staff are always tempting with specials and happy hour runs from Tuesday through Friday, 3 to 6 p.m. The smoked wings are always a good idea.

900 N Carrollton Ave, New Orleans, LA 70119
(504) 822-2583
(504) 822-2583
Blue Oak BBQ

Also featured in:

Bayou Beer Garden and Bayou Wine Garden

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Just a block away from the bayou, Bayou Beer Garden and Bayou Wine Garden connect through an always buzzing outdoor patio. Big with the city’s young professional crowd, there are hundreds of local and craft beers on the menu and weekly crawfish boils during the season.

326 N Norman C Francis Parkway, New Orleans, LA 70119
(504) 302-9357
(504) 302-9357

Also featured in:

Marjie's Grill

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The ever-chill, ever-delicious Marjie’s also boasts a picture-perfect back patio for a fun evening out. Delve into the likes of smoked eggplant with naam phrik awng sauce, herbs, and fried garlic; crispy pork knuckles tossed with fish sauce and cane syrup; and a cocktail and wine list that can compete with any in town.

320 S Broad St, New Orleans, LA 70119
(504) 603-2234
(504) 603-2234

Also featured in:

Lola's

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Lola’s paellas and fideuàs (same idea but with angel-hair pasta) are legend in these parts. A tiny dining room is a sweet backdrop for Spanish peasant fare, but the charming sidewalk seating accompanied by sangria is beyond dreamy.

3312 Esplanade Ave, New Orleans, LA 70119
(504) 488-6946
(504) 488-6946

Also featured in:

Santa Fe

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This Faubourg St. John restaurant draws crowds with simple but tasty New Mexico/Tex-Mex food, great margs and most importantly, its pretty, covered outdoor seating overlooking beautiful and bustling Esplanade.

3201 Esplanade Ave, New Orleans, LA 70119
(504) 948-0077
(504) 948-0077

Also featured in:

Copper Vine

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A massive selection of tapped wine and a changing menu of sprightly American cuisine (grilled vegetable flatbread with mozzarella, herb roasted mushroom pasta, steak frites, for example) distinguish this Poydras Street bistro. Copper Vine is such a pretty spot, thanks in large part to its lush outdoor patio, with its live plant wall and glass ceiling.

1001 Poydras St, New Orleans, LA 70112
(504) 208-9535
(504) 208-9535
Copper Vine’s patio
Copper Vine/Facebook

Also featured in:

Jewel of the South

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Jewel of the South’s 19th century Creole cottage offers a classy respite from French Quarter chaos, whether inside the elegant, antique-y dining room or the enchanting courtyard out back, strung with lights and tucked away from its busy surroundings. One sip of a cocktail and you’ll want to try them all, but make sure to try Chris Hannah’s classic Brandy Crusta.

1026 St Louis St, New Orleans, LA 70112
(504) 265-8816
(504) 265-8816
Jewel of the South

Also featured in:

Sidecar Patio & Oyster Bar

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If it’s in the name, you know the patio must be a priority. And really, it doesn’t get much better than Sidecar’s patio — pretty, lush, and spacious. Plus, some of the best oysters in town by the piece or dozen, ceviche and tartare, and natural wine.

1114 Constance St, New Orleans, LA 70130
(504) 381-5079
(504) 381-5079

Also featured in:

Bayona

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Bayona, set in an 18th-century Creole cottage, has been charming diners since Regina Keever and chef Susan Spicer opened the doors in 1990. Bayona drips with romance, but the vibe is casual and inviting. Pair chef Spicer’s award-winning global cuisine with one of the most serene patios for fine dining in New Orleans.

430 Dauphine St, New Orleans, LA 70112
(504) 525-4455
(504) 525-4455
Bayona/Facebook

Also featured in:

Broussard's Restaurant & Courtyard

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This century-old restaurant, though bought by huge local restaurant group Creole Cuisine Restaurant Concepts in 2013, remains true to its French-Creole history dating back to 1920. Causal but special, the restaurant’s lush courtyard is legendary, with umbrella-topped tables lined by pretty bistro chairs.

819 Conti St, New Orleans, LA 70112
(504) 581-3866
(504) 581-3866

Also featured in:

Vyoone’s Restaurant

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Vyoone’s is one of the Warehouse District’s best-kept secrets, a romantic French-meets-Creole spot oozing with ambience. Love the walk to the charming patio through an enchanting brick hallway covered in a seemingly impossible number of string lights.

412 Girod St, New Orleans, LA 70130
(504) 518-6007
(504) 518-6007
Vyoone’s

Also featured in:

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Brennan's

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This quintessential French Quarter courtyard is home to a champagne-based happy hour every Thursday to Monday, 9 a.m. to 6p.m. with a special menu, bubbly discounts, and champagne sabering at 5 p.m. on Fridays.

417 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70130
(504) 525-9711
(504) 525-9711
Brennan’s

Also featured in:

The Court of Two Sisters

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A go-to for weddings and private parties, the Court of Two Sisters is also known for its ample jazz buffet and stunning outdoor dining area. Its Creole Louisiana fare, while not reinventing the wheel, is solid, a old-school cocktails are solid. There are seemingly endless nooks and crannies to discover on the courtyard, a lovely setting. Did we mention its haunted?

613 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70130
(504) 522-7261
(504) 522-7261

Also featured in:

Cane and Table

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Cane and Table delivers super cocktails on lower Decatur, along with a vegetable-forward menu that is best enjoyed in one of the most beautiful outdoor spaces in the Quarter. Done up in tropical oasis meets tiki, this is the spot to enjoy the likes of avocado salad, tuna ala plancha, and garlic soup with sourdough croutons.

1113 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70116
(504) 581-1112
(504) 581-1112

Also featured in:

Bratz Y'all! Bistro • Bakery • Biergarten

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Schnitzel hanging over the plate, German beer and wine on tap, fresh baked pretzels, all kinds of sausages and a roomy area for kids to roam. That’s the gist of this friendly spot in the Bywater next door to Pizza D. Bratz Ya’ll has a few indoor high tops, but try for a seat at the communal picnic tables, where Fido is welcome and the vibe is beyond chill.

617-B, Piety St, New Orleans, LA 70117
(504) 301-3222
(504) 301-3222
The patio at Bratz Y’all
Bratz Y’all/Facebook

Also featured in:

Bacchanal Fine Wine & Spirits

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Head out back at Bacchanal, after choosing a bottle of wine and cheeses and meats for what might just be one of the tastiest cheese platters in town. Welcome to the funkiest yard party in Bywater, where there’s live music on the patio, bright Mediterranean small plates on deck, and good vibes all around.

600 Poland Ave, New Orleans, LA 70117
(504) 948-9111
(504) 948-9111
Bacchanal’s outdoor courtyard
Josh Brasted/Eater NOLA

Also featured in:

Kitchen Table Cafe

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This homespun comfort food cafe in Arabi is swell on all counts, from the pork chop special (orange glazed grilled bone-in chop with whipped potatoes and roasted vegetables) to homemade desserts and welcoming service. Kitchen Table also has a lovely outside space, where live music sometimes takes the stage and folks relax and visit.

7005 St Claude Ave, Arabi, LA 70032
(504) 301-2285
(504) 301-2285

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Seafood Sally's

8400 Oak St, New Orleans, LA 70118

Seafood Sally’s, the second restaurant from Marjie’s Grill owners Caitlin Carney and Marcus Jacobs, was an instant hit upon opening — in no small part due to the restaurant’s outstanding outdoor dining options. There’s a classic New Orleans porch with funky tables and chairs, and a large, pretty patio out front that’s cozy and comfortable. Oh, and the boiled and fried seafood, oysters, picnic sides, and cocktails are all phenomenal, too.

8400 Oak St, New Orleans, LA 70118
(504) 766-8736
(504) 766-8736
Randy Schmidt/Eater NOLA

Cure

4905 Freret St, New Orleans, LA 70115

New Orleans’s gold standard of craft cocktail bars, Cure’s outdoor patio on Freret is a tranquil space to recharge over some of the best cocktails in the city. With riffs on the classics, a seasonal menu, and a great outdoor space, Cure draws a solid crowd of neighborhood regulars.

4905 Freret St, New Orleans, LA 70115
(504) 302-2357
(504) 302-2357

Mosquito Supper Club

3824 Dryades St, New Orleans, LA 70115

Reserve a spot in the garden at Mosquito Supper Club and imagine yourself sitting along a Louisiana bayou as you slurp raw oysters and scrape the meat off of crab claws. The prix-fixe, modern Cajun meal is best enjoyed outside, on the courtyard previously only used for private events, or on the porch. Note: the restaurant now also offers bites and drinks that can be had at the bar, no commitment necessary.

3824 Dryades St, New Orleans, LA 70115
(504) 494-9777
(504) 494-9777

Barracuda

3984 Tchoupitoulas St, New Orleans, LA 70115

Think patio meets margarita garden meets funky picnic space and you’ll get the drift of what Barracuda has going for it. Order food inside and then grab a picnic table out back. The crowd is a fun mix of families with kids, pals, and date-night couples. Oh, and the food is across the board excellent.

3984 Tchoupitoulas St, New Orleans, LA 70115
(504) 266-2961
(504) 266-2961
Barracuda’s “margarita garden”
Barracuda/Facebook

Blue Oak BBQ

900 N Carrollton Ave, New Orleans, LA 70119

Blue Oak BBQ’s spacious patio fills up on game days, but then again any day is good for chilling at this popular Mid City spot. The creative kitchen and bar staff are always tempting with specials and happy hour runs from Tuesday through Friday, 3 to 6 p.m. The smoked wings are always a good idea.

900 N Carrollton Ave, New Orleans, LA 70119
(504) 822-2583
(504) 822-2583
Blue Oak BBQ

Bayou Beer Garden and Bayou Wine Garden

326 N Norman C Francis Parkway, New Orleans, LA 70119

Just a block away from the bayou, Bayou Beer Garden and Bayou Wine Garden connect through an always buzzing outdoor patio. Big with the city’s young professional crowd, there are hundreds of local and craft beers on the menu and weekly crawfish boils during the season.

326 N Norman C Francis Parkway, New Orleans, LA 70119
(504) 302-9357
(504) 302-9357

Marjie's Grill

320 S Broad St, New Orleans, LA 70119

The ever-chill, ever-delicious Marjie’s also boasts a picture-perfect back patio for a fun evening out. Delve into the likes of smoked eggplant with naam phrik awng sauce, herbs, and fried garlic; crispy pork knuckles tossed with fish sauce and cane syrup; and a cocktail and wine list that can compete with any in town.

320 S Broad St, New Orleans, LA 70119
(504) 603-2234
(504) 603-2234

Lola's

3312 Esplanade Ave, New Orleans, LA 70119

Lola’s paellas and fideuàs (same idea but with angel-hair pasta) are legend in these parts. A tiny dining room is a sweet backdrop for Spanish peasant fare, but the charming sidewalk seating accompanied by sangria is beyond dreamy.

3312 Esplanade Ave, New Orleans, LA 70119
(504) 488-6946
(504) 488-6946

Santa Fe

3201 Esplanade Ave, New Orleans, LA 70119

This Faubourg St. John restaurant draws crowds with simple but tasty New Mexico/Tex-Mex food, great margs and most importantly, its pretty, covered outdoor seating overlooking beautiful and bustling Esplanade.

3201 Esplanade Ave, New Orleans, LA 70119
(504) 948-0077
(504) 948-0077

Copper Vine

1001 Poydras St, New Orleans, LA 70112

A massive selection of tapped wine and a changing menu of sprightly American cuisine (grilled vegetable flatbread with mozzarella, herb roasted mushroom pasta, steak frites, for example) distinguish this Poydras Street bistro. Copper Vine is such a pretty spot, thanks in large part to its lush outdoor patio, with its live plant wall and glass ceiling.

1001 Poydras St, New Orleans, LA 70112
(504) 208-9535
(504) 208-9535
Copper Vine’s patio
Copper Vine/Facebook

Jewel of the South

1026 St Louis St, New Orleans, LA 70112

Jewel of the South’s 19th century Creole cottage offers a classy respite from French Quarter chaos, whether inside the elegant, antique-y dining room or the enchanting courtyard out back, strung with lights and tucked away from its busy surroundings. One sip of a cocktail and you’ll want to try them all, but make sure to try Chris Hannah’s classic Brandy Crusta.

1026 St Louis St, New Orleans, LA 70112
(504) 265-8816
(504) 265-8816
Jewel of the South

Sidecar Patio & Oyster Bar

1114 Constance St, New Orleans, LA 70130

If it’s in the name, you know the patio must be a priority. And really, it doesn’t get much better than Sidecar’s patio — pretty, lush, and spacious. Plus, some of the best oysters in town by the piece or dozen, ceviche and tartare, and natural wine.

1114 Constance St, New Orleans, LA 70130
(504) 381-5079
(504) 381-5079

Bayona

430 Dauphine St, New Orleans, LA 70112

Bayona, set in an 18th-century Creole cottage, has been charming diners since Regina Keever and chef Susan Spicer opened the doors in 1990. Bayona drips with romance, but the vibe is casual and inviting. Pair chef Spicer’s award-winning global cuisine with one of the most serene patios for fine dining in New Orleans.

430 Dauphine St, New Orleans, LA 70112
(504) 525-4455
(504) 525-4455
Bayona/Facebook

Broussard's Restaurant & Courtyard

819 Conti St, New Orleans, LA 70112

This century-old restaurant, though bought by huge local restaurant group Creole Cuisine Restaurant Concepts in 2013, remains true to its French-Creole history dating back to 1920. Causal but special, the restaurant’s lush courtyard is legendary, with umbrella-topped tables lined by pretty bistro chairs.

819 Conti St, New Orleans, LA 70112
(504) 581-3866
(504) 581-3866

Vyoone’s Restaurant

412 Girod St, New Orleans, LA 70130

Vyoone’s is one of the Warehouse District’s best-kept secrets, a romantic French-meets-Creole spot oozing with ambience. Love the walk to the charming patio through an enchanting brick hallway covered in a seemingly impossible number of string lights.

412 Girod St, New Orleans, LA 70130
(504) 518-6007
(504) 518-6007
Vyoone’s

Related Maps

Brennan's

417 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70130

This quintessential French Quarter courtyard is home to a champagne-based happy hour every Thursday to Monday, 9 a.m. to 6p.m. with a special menu, bubbly discounts, and champagne sabering at 5 p.m. on Fridays.

417 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70130
(504) 525-9711
(504) 525-9711
Brennan’s

The Court of Two Sisters

613 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70130

A go-to for weddings and private parties, the Court of Two Sisters is also known for its ample jazz buffet and stunning outdoor dining area. Its Creole Louisiana fare, while not reinventing the wheel, is solid, a old-school cocktails are solid. There are seemingly endless nooks and crannies to discover on the courtyard, a lovely setting. Did we mention its haunted?

613 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70130
(504) 522-7261
(504) 522-7261

Cane and Table

1113 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70116

Cane and Table delivers super cocktails on lower Decatur, along with a vegetable-forward menu that is best enjoyed in one of the most beautiful outdoor spaces in the Quarter. Done up in tropical oasis meets tiki, this is the spot to enjoy the likes of avocado salad, tuna ala plancha, and garlic soup with sourdough croutons.

1113 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70116
(504) 581-1112
(504) 581-1112

Bratz Y'all! Bistro • Bakery • Biergarten

617-B, Piety St, New Orleans, LA 70117

Schnitzel hanging over the plate, German beer and wine on tap, fresh baked pretzels, all kinds of sausages and a roomy area for kids to roam. That’s the gist of this friendly spot in the Bywater next door to Pizza D. Bratz Ya’ll has a few indoor high tops, but try for a seat at the communal picnic tables, where Fido is welcome and the vibe is beyond chill.

617-B, Piety St, New Orleans, LA 70117
(504) 301-3222
(504) 301-3222
The patio at Bratz Y’all
Bratz Y’all/Facebook

Bacchanal Fine Wine & Spirits

600 Poland Ave, New Orleans, LA 70117

Head out back at Bacchanal, after choosing a bottle of wine and cheeses and meats for what might just be one of the tastiest cheese platters in town. Welcome to the funkiest yard party in Bywater, where there’s live music on the patio, bright Mediterranean small plates on deck, and good vibes all around.

600 Poland Ave, New Orleans, LA 70117
(504) 948-9111
(504) 948-9111
Bacchanal’s outdoor courtyard
Josh Brasted/Eater NOLA

Kitchen Table Cafe

7005 St Claude Ave, Arabi, LA 70032

This homespun comfort food cafe in Arabi is swell on all counts, from the pork chop special (orange glazed grilled bone-in chop with whipped potatoes and roasted vegetables) to homemade desserts and welcoming service. Kitchen Table also has a lovely outside space, where live music sometimes takes the stage and folks relax and visit.

7005 St Claude Ave, Arabi, LA 70032
(504) 301-2285
(504) 301-2285

Related Maps