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A sandwich of sliced chicken, purple slaw, pickles, sauce, and melted swiss on toasted sourdough — The Birdman Jr. from Good Bird

Where to Feast on New Orleans’s Freret Street

This funky street in the heart of Uptown New Orleans has glorious options for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert

by Beth D'Addono Jun 23, 2021, 11:55am CDT

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The Birdman Jr. from Good Bird

| Good Bird

by Beth D'Addono Jun 23, 2021, 11:55am CDT

Freret Street wasn’t always a hive of hospitality. The once-quiet residential street in the heart of Uptown New Orleans has seen an explosion of commercial growth in the last decade or so, kicked off by Neal Bodenheimer and partners’ ground-breaking Cure cocktail bar. Now, in the eight block stretch between Jefferson and Napoleon Avenues, there’s a ton of eating and drinking options. Here are some of the best spots on this now bustling street named for William Freret, a mid 19th century New Orleans mayor who couldn’t have dreamed he’d ever be so popular.

The latest CDC guidance for vaccinated diners during the COVID-19 outbreak is here; dining out still carries risks for unvaccinated diners and workers. Please be aware of changing local rules, and check individual restaurant websites for any additional restrictions such as mask requirements. Find a local vaccination site here.

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Origami Restaurant

Open summer hours Monday through Saturdays, noon to 9 pm, Origami has dished sustainable seafood and interesting riffs on Japanese cuisine since 2011. Try the eggplant miso, soft shell crab tempura, any of the noodle dishes, and the sushi/sashimi dinners, a great bargain.

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5130 Freret St, New Orleans, LA 70115

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Mint Modern Vietnamese

This fun Vietnamese spot offers familiar Vietnamese dishes and some less familiar. Say yes to vermicelli bowls and a variety of banh mi on fresh baguette. But also try the fried chicken with a thick and chewy pandan waffle, its greenish hue coming from the herbaceous plant of the same name. The kimchi burger is spicy, pairing perfectly with a fruity Singapore sling.

5100 Freret St, New Orleans, LA 70115

A bright green sign hangs outside a restaurant reading “Mint Modern Vietnamese Bistro & Bar” — Mint Modern

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Liberty Cheesesteaks

Bringing Philly soul on a roll to Freret since 2013, Liberty Cheesesteaks is the real deal, informed by one of the partner’s hometown experience. Thin sliced NY strip steak is grilled and best enjoyed “dressed” with either provolone or wiz, fried onions and hot peppers. Or try the steak hoagie which comes with lettuce, tomato vinegar and oil. There’s a chicken option too.

5041 Freret St, New Orleans, LA 70115

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An extra cheesy cheesesteak in two halves sits on white paper

Iacovone Kitchen

Chef Bob Iacovone left the fine dining world of Cuvee to focus on being a stay at home dad in 2009. But the kitchen called him back in 2017 when he opened Iacovone Kitchen with his wife Joanna. Fresh and healthy options abound, from family meals for delivery to rice bowls flavored with Indian or Mediterranean spices, paninis, and lots of salads. Follow on Instagram for daily menu.

5033 Freret St, New Orleans, LA 70115

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Good Bird

The birds are free ranging farm chicks at Good Bird, which also has a location in Baton Range. Rotisserie chickens are sliced for sandwiches like the Larry bird, with BLT on ciabatta and with egg, cheese, and arugula in the a.m. Vegetable-forward bowls and salads along with smoothies round out the menu.

5031 Freret St, New Orleans, LA 70115

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The Birdman Jr.

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City Greens

Healthy salads are at the heart of the locally grown City Greens founded by entrepreneurs Abhi Bhansali and Ben Kazenmaier in 2012. The Freret Street location is the second in their portfolio, with a trademark seasonal menu fueled by the company’s own hydroponic farm in Cottondale, Florida as well as other local growers. Build your own bowl, pick up a family meal, or try verdant combos with ingredients like avocado, quinoa, and sous vide beets.

5001 Freret St B, New Orleans, LA 70115

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Midway Pizza

Pizza comes deep dish or thin crusted at Midway, with combos like the Kingpin made with house meatballs and caramelized onions, or the King Creole topped with garlic marinated Gulf shrimp and an Alfredo sauce. Or build your own. There are salads too, and starters that include the gold star of pigs in a blanket — fresh pizza dough rolled around Italian sausage, mozzarella, and caramelized onions finished with tomato-basil relish and Creole mustard-jalapeno sauce. The best.

4725 Freret St, New Orleans, LA 70115

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Pizza topped with shrimp, Alfredo sauce, tomato relish, green onion — Midway’s King Creole pizza

Humble Bagel

Humble Bagel founders Casey Mackintosh and Tara Mikhail dreamed up this New York-style bagel shop for their adopted hometown and they get it right. Watch the process of hand-rolling and kettle-boiling the bagels fresh daily. The crunchy rounds come in a bunch of flavors (salt, yay!) including daily specials (Sunday is chocolate chip) and can be ordered by the dozen or as sandwiches and with schmear. Note: Humble Bagel is closed for summer break June 28 through July 14, 2021, returning July 15.

4716 Freret St, New Orleans, LA 70115

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The Kolache Kitchen - Freret St.

Kolache Kitchen expanded from Baton Rouge to Freret Street in 2018, bringing its version of the savory Czech-by-way-of-Texas filled pastry to New Orleans. Filled with the likes of bacon and cheese or boudin, there’s also “ranchero” versions with eggs in a ranchero salsa spiked with chorizo, potatoes or broccoli. Sweet versions come filled with fruit and cheese.

4701 Freret St, New Orleans, LA 70115

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Boudin kolache

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Where to Find Delicious Breakfast Tacos and Burritos in New Orleans

Vals

Another winner from CureCo, Vals opened a year ago during the height of the pandemic. But the garage turned taco joint with expansive outdoor seating thrived from the start, better still once its bar could beopen for business. The menu of tacos and not tacos, margaritas and not margaritas, deserves careful scrutiny — start with the locally-made Mawi tortilla chips and house salsas and keep going.

4632 Freret St, New Orleans, LA 70115

Visit Website

Vals patio

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Piccola Gelateria

Swoon — gelato cake is a thing at this over the top, small-batch gelateria opened in 2016. Piccola — which is popping up on menus all over town — offers sweet and savory crepes along with a changing menu of gelato in flavors like spicy chocolate, lavender, and tiramisu.

4525 Freret St, New Orleans, LA 70115

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Sarita's Grill Latin Fusion

Sarita’s Grill Latin Fusion - NOT to be confused with the restaurants of the same name in Baton Rouge - offers a straight forward menu of Mexican and Central American cuisine, with a bonus $2 taco Tuesday menu with $15 bottomless margaritas that won’t disappoint. It’s a homespun little spot where quasadilla, pots of black beans, fried plantains and made to order tacos rule.

4520 Freret St, New Orleans, LA 70115

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Acropolis on Freret

This mediterranean favorite in Metairie expanded to a larger location on Freret at the end of 2019, Acropolis is known for its traditional Greek cooking — along with a smattering of Italian dishes and pizza. Nibble through an appetizer sample of dips and spinach pie and move on to the signature six-onion soup, served under a puff pastry cap. Salads, pita wraps, and platters of savory grilled meats and vegetables round out the menu.

4510 Freret St, New Orleans, LA 70115

Visit Website

Spinach pie

Also featured in:

18 Destinations for Excellent Mediterranean Cuisine in New Orleans

Ancora Pizzeria

Owned by the same folks who have the High Hat next door, Ancora dishes terrific Neapolitan-style pizza fired in a wood burning oven along with house cured Italian meats and salamis. There’s a full bar that includes an outstanding negroni made with Bristow gin.

4508 Freret St, New Orleans, LA 70115

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Also featured in:

High Hat Cafe

Louisiana cuisine is the heartbeat of the High Hat Cafe, a relaxed spot that features dishes like a rich, dark gumbo; fried catfish with cornbread and greens; and a smoked roasted half chicken with a side-eyed peas or pimento mac and cheese.

4500 Freret St, New Orleans, LA 70115

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Also featured in:

Bearcat Cafe Uptown

Just off Freret on Jena Street, the Bearcat is a swell breakfast and lunch spot with terrific options like chia pudding tofu scramble and chai pancakes with pecans. The vegan-friendly menu includes Buffalo cauliflower and a toothsome bowl with trumpet mushrooms, hummus, cauliflower, and asparagus. Burgers and chicken sandwiches are also good.

Open in Google Maps

2521 Jena St, New Orleans, LA 70115

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A crab croquette on a grilled green tomato with a sunny egg and crabmeat on top of a biscuit — The Cat Momma Biscuit: crab croquette on a grilled green tomato with a sunny egg and crabmeat on top of a biscuit

Also featured in:

Ice Cream 504

Michael Southall makes his small batch ice cream the way his late Aunt Ruby made it, with quality seasonal ingredients and lots of love. Ice Cream 504 offers gluten free options and flavors like peppermint, blueberry basil, and banana pudding. Get a double.

2511 Jena St, New Orleans, LA 70115

Visit Website

504’s fruitcake ice cream

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Origami Restaurant

5130 Freret St, New Orleans, LA 70115

Open summer hours Monday through Saturdays, noon to 9 pm, Origami has dished sustainable seafood and interesting riffs on Japanese cuisine since 2011. Try the eggplant miso, soft shell crab tempura, any of the noodle dishes, and the sushi/sashimi dinners, a great bargain.

Open in Google Maps

5130 Freret St, New Orleans, LA 70115

Visit Website

Mint Modern Vietnamese

5100 Freret St, New Orleans, LA 70115

This fun Vietnamese spot offers familiar Vietnamese dishes and some less familiar. Say yes to vermicelli bowls and a variety of banh mi on fresh baguette. But also try the fried chicken with a thick and chewy pandan waffle, its greenish hue coming from the herbaceous plant of the same name. The kimchi burger is spicy, pairing perfectly with a fruity Singapore sling.

5100 Freret St, New Orleans, LA 70115

A bright green sign hangs outside a restaurant reading “Mint Modern Vietnamese Bistro & Bar” — Mint Modern

Liberty Cheesesteaks

5041 Freret St, New Orleans, LA 70115

Bringing Philly soul on a roll to Freret since 2013, Liberty Cheesesteaks is the real deal, informed by one of the partner’s hometown experience. Thin sliced NY strip steak is grilled and best enjoyed “dressed” with either provolone or wiz, fried onions and hot peppers. Or try the steak hoagie which comes with lettuce, tomato vinegar and oil. There’s a chicken option too.

5041 Freret St, New Orleans, LA 70115

Visit Website

An extra cheesy cheesesteak in two halves sits on white paper

Iacovone Kitchen

5033 Freret St, New Orleans, LA 70115

Chef Bob Iacovone left the fine dining world of Cuvee to focus on being a stay at home dad in 2009. But the kitchen called him back in 2017 when he opened Iacovone Kitchen with his wife Joanna. Fresh and healthy options abound, from family meals for delivery to rice bowls flavored with Indian or Mediterranean spices, paninis, and lots of salads. Follow on Instagram for daily menu.

5033 Freret St, New Orleans, LA 70115

Visit Website

Good Bird

5031 Freret St, New Orleans, LA 70115

The birds are free ranging farm chicks at Good Bird, which also has a location in Baton Range. Rotisserie chickens are sliced for sandwiches like the Larry bird, with BLT on ciabatta and with egg, cheese, and arugula in the a.m. Vegetable-forward bowls and salads along with smoothies round out the menu.

5031 Freret St, New Orleans, LA 70115

Visit Website

The Birdman Jr.

City Greens

5001 Freret St B, New Orleans, LA 70115

Healthy salads are at the heart of the locally grown City Greens founded by entrepreneurs Abhi Bhansali and Ben Kazenmaier in 2012. The Freret Street location is the second in their portfolio, with a trademark seasonal menu fueled by the company’s own hydroponic farm in Cottondale, Florida as well as other local growers. Build your own bowl, pick up a family meal, or try verdant combos with ingredients like avocado, quinoa, and sous vide beets.

5001 Freret St B, New Orleans, LA 70115

Visit Website

Midway Pizza

4725 Freret St, New Orleans, LA 70115

Pizza comes deep dish or thin crusted at Midway, with combos like the Kingpin made with house meatballs and caramelized onions, or the King Creole topped with garlic marinated Gulf shrimp and an Alfredo sauce. Or build your own. There are salads too, and starters that include the gold star of pigs in a blanket — fresh pizza dough rolled around Italian sausage, mozzarella, and caramelized onions finished with tomato-basil relish and Creole mustard-jalapeno sauce. The best.

4725 Freret St, New Orleans, LA 70115

Visit Website

Pizza topped with shrimp, Alfredo sauce, tomato relish, green onion — Midway’s King Creole pizza

Humble Bagel

4716 Freret St, New Orleans, LA 70115

Humble Bagel founders Casey Mackintosh and Tara Mikhail dreamed up this New York-style bagel shop for their adopted hometown and they get it right. Watch the process of hand-rolling and kettle-boiling the bagels fresh daily. The crunchy rounds come in a bunch of flavors (salt, yay!) including daily specials (Sunday is chocolate chip) and can be ordered by the dozen or as sandwiches and with schmear. Note: Humble Bagel is closed for summer break June 28 through July 14, 2021, returning July 15.

4716 Freret St, New Orleans, LA 70115

Visit Website

The Kolache Kitchen - Freret St.

4701 Freret St, New Orleans, LA 70115

Kolache Kitchen expanded from Baton Rouge to Freret Street in 2018, bringing its version of the savory Czech-by-way-of-Texas filled pastry to New Orleans. Filled with the likes of bacon and cheese or boudin, there’s also “ranchero” versions with eggs in a ranchero salsa spiked with chorizo, potatoes or broccoli. Sweet versions come filled with fruit and cheese.

4701 Freret St, New Orleans, LA 70115

Visit Website

Boudin kolache

Vals

4632 Freret St, New Orleans, LA 70115

Another winner from CureCo, Vals opened a year ago during the height of the pandemic. But the garage turned taco joint with expansive outdoor seating thrived from the start, better still once its bar could beopen for business. The menu of tacos and not tacos, margaritas and not margaritas, deserves careful scrutiny — start with the locally-made Mawi tortilla chips and house salsas and keep going.

4632 Freret St, New Orleans, LA 70115

Visit Website

Vals patio

Piccola Gelateria

4525 Freret St, New Orleans, LA 70115

Swoon — gelato cake is a thing at this over the top, small-batch gelateria opened in 2016. Piccola — which is popping up on menus all over town — offers sweet and savory crepes along with a changing menu of gelato in flavors like spicy chocolate, lavender, and tiramisu.

4525 Freret St, New Orleans, LA 70115

Visit Website

Sarita's Grill Latin Fusion

4520 Freret St, New Orleans, LA 70115

Sarita’s Grill Latin Fusion - NOT to be confused with the restaurants of the same name in Baton Rouge - offers a straight forward menu of Mexican and Central American cuisine, with a bonus $2 taco Tuesday menu with $15 bottomless margaritas that won’t disappoint. It’s a homespun little spot where quasadilla, pots of black beans, fried plantains and made to order tacos rule.

4520 Freret St, New Orleans, LA 70115

Visit Website

Acropolis on Freret

4510 Freret St, New Orleans, LA 70115

This mediterranean favorite in Metairie expanded to a larger location on Freret at the end of 2019, Acropolis is known for its traditional Greek cooking — along with a smattering of Italian dishes and pizza. Nibble through an appetizer sample of dips and spinach pie and move on to the signature six-onion soup, served under a puff pastry cap. Salads, pita wraps, and platters of savory grilled meats and vegetables round out the menu.

4510 Freret St, New Orleans, LA 70115

Visit Website

Spinach pie

Ancora Pizzeria

4508 Freret St, New Orleans, LA 70115

Owned by the same folks who have the High Hat next door, Ancora dishes terrific Neapolitan-style pizza fired in a wood burning oven along with house cured Italian meats and salamis. There’s a full bar that includes an outstanding negroni made with Bristow gin.

4508 Freret St, New Orleans, LA 70115

Visit Website

High Hat Cafe

4500 Freret St, New Orleans, LA 70115

Louisiana cuisine is the heartbeat of the High Hat Cafe, a relaxed spot that features dishes like a rich, dark gumbo; fried catfish with cornbread and greens; and a smoked roasted half chicken with a side-eyed peas or pimento mac and cheese.

4500 Freret St, New Orleans, LA 70115

Visit Website

Related Maps

Bearcat Cafe Uptown

2521 Jena St, New Orleans, LA 70115

Just off Freret on Jena Street, the Bearcat is a swell breakfast and lunch spot with terrific options like chia pudding tofu scramble and chai pancakes with pecans. The vegan-friendly menu includes Buffalo cauliflower and a toothsome bowl with trumpet mushrooms, hummus, cauliflower, and asparagus. Burgers and chicken sandwiches are also good.

Open in Google Maps

2521 Jena St, New Orleans, LA 70115

Visit Website

A crab croquette on a grilled green tomato with a sunny egg and crabmeat on top of a biscuit — The Cat Momma Biscuit: crab croquette on a grilled green tomato with a sunny egg and crabmeat on top of a biscuit

Ice Cream 504

2511 Jena St, New Orleans, LA 70115

Michael Southall makes his small batch ice cream the way his late Aunt Ruby made it, with quality seasonal ingredients and lots of love. Ice Cream 504 offers gluten free options and flavors like peppermint, blueberry basil, and banana pudding. Get a double.

2511 Jena St, New Orleans, LA 70115

Visit Website

504’s fruitcake ice cream

Related Maps