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Saucy's
Saucy's
Photo: Brasted

Nola's Most Underrated Restaurants, Reader Decided

by Gwendolyn Knapp
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Saucy's
| Photo: Brasted
by Gwendolyn Knapp

In Eater NOLA's latest Open Thread, we asked you, dearest readers, what restaurants simply don't get enough credit for the work they do day in and day out. The little guys who don't get as much press coverage as they deserve. The old-standbys whose buzz has worn off. As Yoda says, ready are you? Because here now, are New Orleans Most Underrated Restaurants, decided by readers.

Don't see an underrated restaurant the rocks your world? Leave a comment, or email us down the tip line.


More Reader-Decided Underrated Restaurants
· Vincents (Metairie location)
· Yo Mama's
· Basin Seafood & Spirits
· Houston's
· Bon Ton Cafe
· Ruby Slipper

· All Eater Maps [-ENOLA-]

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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. If you buy something or book a reservation from an Eater link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics policy.

Capdeville

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Of this gastropub hidden in the CBD, readers note: "The food is great, the ambiance is cool and it's never a problem to get a table on a Friday night. Great drinks and their truffle mac and cheese is out of this world."
520 Capdeville St, New Orleans, LA 70130
(504) 371-5161
(504) 371-5161

Maïs Arepas

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Readers believe David Mantilla's Columbian/Cajun comfort food gem in Central City needs more love for those killer arepas: "Although it finally seems to be getting some buzz, I don't think Mais Arepas gets the attention that it deserves."
1200 Carondelet St, New Orleans, LA 70130
(504) 523-6247
(504) 523-6247

Also featured in:

The Pelican Club

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The Pelican Club is tucked away on Exchange Alley, and for being a truly exceptional dining destination, is often overlooked. Here, chef/owner Richard Hughes does elegant Creole, with some exotic twists, amid a very classy ambience with impeccable service.
312 Exchange Pl, New Orleans, LA 70130
(504) 523-1504
(504) 523-1504

Baie Rouge

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This relative newcomer to one of the busiest blocks of Magazine serves French/Spanish inspired comfort food— think brie fries, bacon fritters, and a fish sandwich that recently won the heart of Brett Anderson. Readers believe they deserve more cred, other than really good Yelp reviews.
4128 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70115
(504) 304-3667
(504) 304-3667

Meauxbar

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This quiet bistro on Rampart has been going strong for 10 years and is "hands down" underrated. It's a perfect spot for pre-theatre dining, with readers noting that "Nobody talks about the place, but they really should" since chef Matthew Guidry's knack for working Asian flavors into his French cuisine.
942 N Rampart St, New Orleans, LA 70116
(504) 569-9979
(504) 569-9979

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Saucy's BBQ

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Perhaps it's the sheer location, surrounded by all those amazing restaurants on Magazine, that has left this barbecue joint overlooked, but readers declare "the food is hot, always consistent and delicious, and the people are very nice," an experience one reader prefers to Squeal and The Joint even.
New Orleans, LA 70115
(504) 301-2755
(504) 301-2755

Adolfo's

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"It's somewhat hidden and does get some buzz," but not really that much considering its on Frenchmen Street (above Apple Barrel). At this Italian hub "the ocean sauce is heavenly. Just be ready to be in a food coma after."
611 Frenchmen St, New Orleans, LA 70116
(504) 948-3800
(504) 948-3800

High Hat

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When you're on a buzz-crazy street like Freret it's not easy to always get attention, but "they usually have good specials and always have brunch specials." Also, it's pimento city with an excellent pimento burger and pimento mac and cheese. Ryan Iriarte runs a great cocktail program too, and deserves some buzz.
4510 Freret St, New Orleans, LA 70115
(504) 754-1336
(504) 754-1336

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Commerce Restaurant

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Readers note the "excellent breakfast, especially the biscuits and great lunch table for quick service" at this little talked-about CBD gem with "very friendly folks and fair prices too," so note that for your lunch break.
300 Camp St, New Orleans, LA 70130

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Capdeville

520 Capdeville St, New Orleans, LA 70130
Of this gastropub hidden in the CBD, readers note: "The food is great, the ambiance is cool and it's never a problem to get a table on a Friday night. Great drinks and their truffle mac and cheese is out of this world."
520 Capdeville St, New Orleans, LA 70130
(504) 371-5161
(504) 371-5161

Maïs Arepas

1200 Carondelet St, New Orleans, LA 70130
Readers believe David Mantilla's Columbian/Cajun comfort food gem in Central City needs more love for those killer arepas: "Although it finally seems to be getting some buzz, I don't think Mais Arepas gets the attention that it deserves."
1200 Carondelet St, New Orleans, LA 70130
(504) 523-6247
(504) 523-6247

The Pelican Club

312 Exchange Pl, New Orleans, LA 70130
The Pelican Club is tucked away on Exchange Alley, and for being a truly exceptional dining destination, is often overlooked. Here, chef/owner Richard Hughes does elegant Creole, with some exotic twists, amid a very classy ambience with impeccable service.
312 Exchange Pl, New Orleans, LA 70130
(504) 523-1504
(504) 523-1504

Baie Rouge

4128 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70115
This relative newcomer to one of the busiest blocks of Magazine serves French/Spanish inspired comfort food— think brie fries, bacon fritters, and a fish sandwich that recently won the heart of Brett Anderson. Readers believe they deserve more cred, other than really good Yelp reviews.
4128 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70115
(504) 304-3667
(504) 304-3667

Meauxbar

942 N Rampart St, New Orleans, LA 70116
This quiet bistro on Rampart has been going strong for 10 years and is "hands down" underrated. It's a perfect spot for pre-theatre dining, with readers noting that "Nobody talks about the place, but they really should" since chef Matthew Guidry's knack for working Asian flavors into his French cuisine.
942 N Rampart St, New Orleans, LA 70116
(504) 569-9979
(504) 569-9979

Saucy's BBQ

New Orleans, LA 70115
Perhaps it's the sheer location, surrounded by all those amazing restaurants on Magazine, that has left this barbecue joint overlooked, but readers declare "the food is hot, always consistent and delicious, and the people are very nice," an experience one reader prefers to Squeal and The Joint even.
New Orleans, LA 70115
(504) 301-2755
(504) 301-2755

Adolfo's

611 Frenchmen St, New Orleans, LA 70116
"It's somewhat hidden and does get some buzz," but not really that much considering its on Frenchmen Street (above Apple Barrel). At this Italian hub "the ocean sauce is heavenly. Just be ready to be in a food coma after."
611 Frenchmen St, New Orleans, LA 70116
(504) 948-3800
(504) 948-3800

High Hat

4510 Freret St, New Orleans, LA 70115
When you're on a buzz-crazy street like Freret it's not easy to always get attention, but "they usually have good specials and always have brunch specials." Also, it's pimento city with an excellent pimento burger and pimento mac and cheese. Ryan Iriarte runs a great cocktail program too, and deserves some buzz.
4510 Freret St, New Orleans, LA 70115
(504) 754-1336
(504) 754-1336

Commerce Restaurant

300 Camp St, New Orleans, LA 70130
Readers note the "excellent breakfast, especially the biscuits and great lunch table for quick service" at this little talked-about CBD gem with "very friendly folks and fair prices too," so note that for your lunch break.
300 Camp St, New Orleans, LA 70130

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