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St. Charles Avenue streetcar in the Garden District of New Orleans.
St. Charles Avenue streetcar in New Orleans.
Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

Where to Eat and Drink Along the St. Charles Avenue Streetcar Line

Grazing along the iconic New Orleans thoroughfare

by Beth D'Addono and Clair Lorell Updated
View as Map
St. Charles Avenue streetcar in New Orleans.
| Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images
by Beth D'Addono and Clair Lorell Updated

Grazing along the St. Charles Avenue streetcar line is a brilliant way to spend the day. While there are scads of restaurants and cafes along Magazine and on cross streets, Commander’s Palace being a prime example, this lineup shines the spotlight on eateries either on St. Charles or within one block’s stroll. Good to know any time of year, but especially helpful when Carnival season rolls. Best of all, for the overindulged, the option to walk the 5.7 miles of avenue to aid digestion is ever-present.

For the best spots for a pre-Carnival parade bite on Canal Street, see here.

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Cooter Brown's Tavern

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The streetcar essentially culminates (ok, well it turns) at Cooter Brown’s Uptown, a boffo tap room with a million-ish different beers, chargrilled oysters, and ample portions of elevated bar bites. The burger with fried jalapenos is mighty tasty, same goes for fries slathered with cheese, bacon, and ranch dressing. Consider walking home.

509 S Carrollton Ave, New Orleans, LA 70118
(504) 866-9104
(504) 866-9104
The jalapeno burger from Cooter Brown’s.
Cooter Brown’s Tavern

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The Camellia Grill

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This iconic Uptown greasy spoon, which opened in 1946, is known for waits out the door and a slew of diner-fare. That includes a huge breakfast menu with a focus on omelets, as well as grilled pecan pie, the orange Julius, and cheeseburgers. The inside of this legendary Carrollton Avenue diner has a counter with seating that winds through the restaurant.

626 S Carrollton Ave, New Orleans, LA 70118
(504) 309-2679
(504) 309-2679
Josh Brasted/Eater NOLA

Also featured in:

Vincent's Italian Cuisine

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Fine dining Italian on the Riverbend, many dishes on Vincent’s menu reflects chef Vincent Catalanotto’s Sicilian roots. Beyond favorites like veal parm and chicken Marsala, the house special is seafood cannelloni, tender pasta stuffed with shrimp, crawfish, and crab simmered in a delicate rosa sauce — think the love child of red sauce and Alfredo.

7839 St Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA 70118
(504) 866-9313
(504) 866-9313

Also featured in:

La Crepe Nanou

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Enjoy a taste of Paris at Crepe Nanou, a lovely little bistro with sidewalk seating and a menu of French specialties offered for dinner Wednesday through Sunday from 5 p.m. From moules steamed in garlic and wine, a crisp order of frites on the side, to crepes oozing savory or sweet goodness, this romantic spot never disappoints.

1410 Robert St, New Orleans, LA 70115
(504) 899-2670
(504) 899-2670
Mussels from La Crepe Nanou.
La Crepe Nanou

Also featured in:

Superior Seafood & Oyster Bar

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The buck-a-shuck happy hour (ok, now they’re $1.25 a piece) is reason enough to pop into this family-friendly, often frenetic seafood destination along the streetcar line. Superior Seafood offers hefty portions of rib-sticking fare, like the crawfish mac and cheese and the shrimp and grits. Get off at stop number 24.

4338 St Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA 70115
(504) 293-3474
(504) 293-3474

Also featured in:

The Chloe

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For drinks, stop at the Chloe, a lovely 19th-century mansion and former bed and breakfast-turned-boutique hotel on St. Charles Avenue. Redesigned by the hip LeBlanc and Smith restaurant group (Sylvain, the Will and the Way), there’s a dreamy outdoor space and live music on some weekends. There’s a pool and patio bar out back and a perfectly dark hideaway in the lobby that provides a chill space to unwind after touring the city.

4125 St Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA 70115
(504) 541-5500
(504) 541-5500

Also featured in:

Columns

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This historic hotel is home to one of the city’s essential bars, drawing visitors with the chance to be steeped in a quintessential New Orleans atmosphere. Drinking at the Columns is best in mild weather — a seat on the hotel’s veranda offers a gorgeous view of St. Charles Avenue. Otherwise, multiple rooms inside replete with soaring ceilings, jewel tones, and ornate plaster trim make for prime hot toddy or Irish coffee sipping spots.

3811 St Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA 70115
(504) 899-9308
(504) 899-9308
Columns/Official

Also featured in:

The Delachaise Wine Bar

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Locals love the Delachaise wine bar, with its charcuterie options, fabulous goose fat frites, and terrific house pours. Also love that of the 350 or so wines offered, 36 of them are priced at $36 or less. The nibbles delight and surprise — like the shrimp Clemenceau, Bangkok style with Brabant potatoes.

3442 St Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA 70115
(504) 895-0858
(504) 895-0858

Also featured in:

Mr. John's Steakhouse

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If a good steak is on the wishlist, skip nearby Houston’s and opt for a local house, a city favorite at that. Mr. John’s is an Italian steakhouse with an old-school feel and attentive service that has been around for 30 years. Stick to classic cuts served medium rare, au gratin vegetables, twice-baked potatoes, and the perfectly-browned French onion soup.

2111 St Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA 70130
(504) 679-7697
(504) 679-7697

Also featured in:

Jack Rose

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Jack Rose is a swell spot, an art-filled oasis with seating options that include the leafy patio a stone’s throw from the tracks. Perfect for cocktails and bites or a celebratory feast, the menu offers small plates like crab and polenta with roasted corn and larger portions of entrees including a saltimbocca-treated veal chop with prosciutto and sage. Stay for outstanding live jazz at the Bayou Bar next door.

2031 St Charles Ave FL 1, New Orleans, LA 70130
(504) 323-1500
(504) 323-1500
Inside Hot Tin.
Neil Alexander/Jack Rose

Also featured in:

Please-U-Restaurant

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This place isn’t being cheeky retro, it actually is a vintage breakfast and lunch place that dates back to 1946. Please-U-Restaurant’s legion of fans adores the wide array of omelets — including oyster — and po’ boys including the crowd-pleasing french fries and gravy. Easy on the budget too. Open 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., closed Sunday.

1751 St Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA 70130
(504) 525-9131
(504) 525-9131

The Avenue Pub

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Known for its vast beer selection, the longtime and much-loved Avenue Pub got new owners in 2022, a team that includes the owners of Blue Oak BBQ. That’s resulted in a better-than-ever menu of pub food, a mix of classics like tater tot poutine and boudin balls and less-expected dishes like a kale chop salad and Argentinian choripán. Downstairs, the room can get crowded with dining patrons; upstairs the balcony is again open with its wrap-around balcony overlooking the streetcar line and a smaller bar with an impressive selection of brown goods: bourbon, whiskey, and rye. Specials are always a good choice.

1732 St Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA 70130
(504) 586-9243
(504) 586-9243

Also featured in:

Tito's Ceviche & Pisco

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This new multi-level outpost of the original Tito’s Ceviche and Pisco Peruvian restaurant on Magazine Street is a bright spot in what used to be the Saint Charles Tavern. Founders Tatiana and Juan Lock are excited to bring authentic flavors to the Garden District, dishes like various types of composed raw seafood, and cooked specialties like tallarin verde, a hanger steak with garlicky pesto linguine. A pair of pretty bars specialize in pisco, the clear, strong brandy that is the national spirit of Peru.

1433 St Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA 70130
(504) 354-1342
(504) 354-1342
Tito’s Ceviche and Pisco

Also featured in:

Maïs Arepas

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Maïs Arepas opened in Central City in 2012, bringing a vital restaurant to the neighborhood that pulled the culinary curtains back on authentic Colombian cuisine. Owner David Mantilla puts arepas front and center with a lineup of 10 sandwiches, winning combos like shredded chicken with avocados, green peppers, and lime. Get the sampler app, it’s delicious.

1200 Carondelet St, New Orleans, LA 70130
(504) 523-6247
(504) 523-6247
Bandeja paisa from Mais Arepas.
Maïs Arepas

Also featured in:

Pluck Wine Bar & Restaurant

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Pluck is the brainchild of sommelier Skye LaTorre, who pairs a spunky menu of Spanish, Creole, and global flavors with her devotion to the grape. Pluck offers indoor and courtyard dining at 722 Girod Street just off St. Charles Avenue. This place flies under the radar but deserves attention for its creative menu — developed by chef consultant Heathcliffe Hailey — and thoughtful approach to wine drinking and education.

722 Girod St, New Orleans, LA 70130
(504) 233-9780
(504) 233-9780

Also featured in:

More in Maps

Herbsaint

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The flagship of the Link Restaurant Group, Herbsaint has graced St. Charles Avenue since 2000. Definitely the prettiest of Link’s restaurants, this welcoming light-filled space spotlights chef Tyler Spreen’s contemporary, seasonal French-Southern cuisine, informed by local farmers and fishermen. The cornmeal fried oysters, muscovy duck leg confit with dirty rice, and duck, tasso and andouille gumbo are just a few lip-smacking options.

701 St Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA 70130
(504) 524-4114
(504) 524-4114
Inside Herbsaint.
Inside Herbsaint.
Bill Addison/Eater

Also featured in:

Trenasse

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This sleeper in the hip pocket of the Intercontinental Hotel is a gem worth discovering. From its housemade beignets at brunch to oversized po’boys and a riff on a muffuletta that includes house-smoked pastrami and homemade pickled vedge, Trenasse delivers. The cauliflower steak with Saint Andre cheese and pistachio pesto is just one inspired vegetarian option.

444 St Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA 70130
(504) 680-7000
(504) 680-7000
The Muffi from Trenasse.
Trenasse

Also featured in:

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Cooter Brown's Tavern

509 S Carrollton Ave, New Orleans, LA 70118

The streetcar essentially culminates (ok, well it turns) at Cooter Brown’s Uptown, a boffo tap room with a million-ish different beers, chargrilled oysters, and ample portions of elevated bar bites. The burger with fried jalapenos is mighty tasty, same goes for fries slathered with cheese, bacon, and ranch dressing. Consider walking home.

509 S Carrollton Ave, New Orleans, LA 70118
(504) 866-9104
(504) 866-9104
The jalapeno burger from Cooter Brown’s.
Cooter Brown’s Tavern

The Camellia Grill

626 S Carrollton Ave, New Orleans, LA 70118

This iconic Uptown greasy spoon, which opened in 1946, is known for waits out the door and a slew of diner-fare. That includes a huge breakfast menu with a focus on omelets, as well as grilled pecan pie, the orange Julius, and cheeseburgers. The inside of this legendary Carrollton Avenue diner has a counter with seating that winds through the restaurant.

626 S Carrollton Ave, New Orleans, LA 70118
(504) 309-2679
(504) 309-2679
Josh Brasted/Eater NOLA

Vincent's Italian Cuisine

7839 St Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA 70118

Fine dining Italian on the Riverbend, many dishes on Vincent’s menu reflects chef Vincent Catalanotto’s Sicilian roots. Beyond favorites like veal parm and chicken Marsala, the house special is seafood cannelloni, tender pasta stuffed with shrimp, crawfish, and crab simmered in a delicate rosa sauce — think the love child of red sauce and Alfredo.

7839 St Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA 70118
(504) 866-9313
(504) 866-9313

La Crepe Nanou

1410 Robert St, New Orleans, LA 70115

Enjoy a taste of Paris at Crepe Nanou, a lovely little bistro with sidewalk seating and a menu of French specialties offered for dinner Wednesday through Sunday from 5 p.m. From moules steamed in garlic and wine, a crisp order of frites on the side, to crepes oozing savory or sweet goodness, this romantic spot never disappoints.

1410 Robert St, New Orleans, LA 70115
(504) 899-2670
(504) 899-2670
Mussels from La Crepe Nanou.
La Crepe Nanou

Superior Seafood & Oyster Bar

4338 St Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA 70115

The buck-a-shuck happy hour (ok, now they’re $1.25 a piece) is reason enough to pop into this family-friendly, often frenetic seafood destination along the streetcar line. Superior Seafood offers hefty portions of rib-sticking fare, like the crawfish mac and cheese and the shrimp and grits. Get off at stop number 24.

4338 St Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA 70115
(504) 293-3474
(504) 293-3474

The Chloe

4125 St Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA 70115

For drinks, stop at the Chloe, a lovely 19th-century mansion and former bed and breakfast-turned-boutique hotel on St. Charles Avenue. Redesigned by the hip LeBlanc and Smith restaurant group (Sylvain, the Will and the Way), there’s a dreamy outdoor space and live music on some weekends. There’s a pool and patio bar out back and a perfectly dark hideaway in the lobby that provides a chill space to unwind after touring the city.

4125 St Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA 70115
(504) 541-5500
(504) 541-5500

Columns

3811 St Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA 70115

This historic hotel is home to one of the city’s essential bars, drawing visitors with the chance to be steeped in a quintessential New Orleans atmosphere. Drinking at the Columns is best in mild weather — a seat on the hotel’s veranda offers a gorgeous view of St. Charles Avenue. Otherwise, multiple rooms inside replete with soaring ceilings, jewel tones, and ornate plaster trim make for prime hot toddy or Irish coffee sipping spots.

3811 St Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA 70115
(504) 899-9308
(504) 899-9308
Columns/Official

The Delachaise Wine Bar

3442 St Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA 70115

Locals love the Delachaise wine bar, with its charcuterie options, fabulous goose fat frites, and terrific house pours. Also love that of the 350 or so wines offered, 36 of them are priced at $36 or less. The nibbles delight and surprise — like the shrimp Clemenceau, Bangkok style with Brabant potatoes.

3442 St Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA 70115
(504) 895-0858
(504) 895-0858

Mr. John's Steakhouse

2111 St Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA 70130

If a good steak is on the wishlist, skip nearby Houston’s and opt for a local house, a city favorite at that. Mr. John’s is an Italian steakhouse with an old-school feel and attentive service that has been around for 30 years. Stick to classic cuts served medium rare, au gratin vegetables, twice-baked potatoes, and the perfectly-browned French onion soup.

2111 St Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA 70130
(504) 679-7697
(504) 679-7697

Jack Rose

2031 St Charles Ave FL 1, New Orleans, LA 70130

Jack Rose is a swell spot, an art-filled oasis with seating options that include the leafy patio a stone’s throw from the tracks. Perfect for cocktails and bites or a celebratory feast, the menu offers small plates like crab and polenta with roasted corn and larger portions of entrees including a saltimbocca-treated veal chop with prosciutto and sage. Stay for outstanding live jazz at the Bayou Bar next door.

2031 St Charles Ave FL 1, New Orleans, LA 70130
(504) 323-1500
(504) 323-1500
Inside Hot Tin.
Neil Alexander/Jack Rose

Please-U-Restaurant

1751 St Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA 70130

This place isn’t being cheeky retro, it actually is a vintage breakfast and lunch place that dates back to 1946. Please-U-Restaurant’s legion of fans adores the wide array of omelets — including oyster — and po’ boys including the crowd-pleasing french fries and gravy. Easy on the budget too. Open 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., closed Sunday.

1751 St Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA 70130
(504) 525-9131
(504) 525-9131

The Avenue Pub

1732 St Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA 70130

Known for its vast beer selection, the longtime and much-loved Avenue Pub got new owners in 2022, a team that includes the owners of Blue Oak BBQ. That’s resulted in a better-than-ever menu of pub food, a mix of classics like tater tot poutine and boudin balls and less-expected dishes like a kale chop salad and Argentinian choripán. Downstairs, the room can get crowded with dining patrons; upstairs the balcony is again open with its wrap-around balcony overlooking the streetcar line and a smaller bar with an impressive selection of brown goods: bourbon, whiskey, and rye. Specials are always a good choice.

1732 St Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA 70130
(504) 586-9243
(504) 586-9243

Tito's Ceviche & Pisco

1433 St Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA 70130

This new multi-level outpost of the original Tito’s Ceviche and Pisco Peruvian restaurant on Magazine Street is a bright spot in what used to be the Saint Charles Tavern. Founders Tatiana and Juan Lock are excited to bring authentic flavors to the Garden District, dishes like various types of composed raw seafood, and cooked specialties like tallarin verde, a hanger steak with garlicky pesto linguine. A pair of pretty bars specialize in pisco, the clear, strong brandy that is the national spirit of Peru.

1433 St Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA 70130
(504) 354-1342
(504) 354-1342
Tito’s Ceviche and Pisco

Maïs Arepas

1200 Carondelet St, New Orleans, LA 70130

Maïs Arepas opened in Central City in 2012, bringing a vital restaurant to the neighborhood that pulled the culinary curtains back on authentic Colombian cuisine. Owner David Mantilla puts arepas front and center with a lineup of 10 sandwiches, winning combos like shredded chicken with avocados, green peppers, and lime. Get the sampler app, it’s delicious.

1200 Carondelet St, New Orleans, LA 70130
(504) 523-6247
(504) 523-6247
Bandeja paisa from Mais Arepas.
Maïs Arepas

Pluck Wine Bar & Restaurant

722 Girod St, New Orleans, LA 70130

Pluck is the brainchild of sommelier Skye LaTorre, who pairs a spunky menu of Spanish, Creole, and global flavors with her devotion to the grape. Pluck offers indoor and courtyard dining at 722 Girod Street just off St. Charles Avenue. This place flies under the radar but deserves attention for its creative menu — developed by chef consultant Heathcliffe Hailey — and thoughtful approach to wine drinking and education.

722 Girod St, New Orleans, LA 70130
(504) 233-9780
(504) 233-9780

Related Maps

Herbsaint

701 St Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA 70130

The flagship of the Link Restaurant Group, Herbsaint has graced St. Charles Avenue since 2000. Definitely the prettiest of Link’s restaurants, this welcoming light-filled space spotlights chef Tyler Spreen’s contemporary, seasonal French-Southern cuisine, informed by local farmers and fishermen. The cornmeal fried oysters, muscovy duck leg confit with dirty rice, and duck, tasso and andouille gumbo are just a few lip-smacking options.

701 St Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA 70130
(504) 524-4114
(504) 524-4114
Inside Herbsaint.
Inside Herbsaint.
Bill Addison/Eater

Trenasse

444 St Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA 70130

This sleeper in the hip pocket of the Intercontinental Hotel is a gem worth discovering. From its housemade beignets at brunch to oversized po’boys and a riff on a muffuletta that includes house-smoked pastrami and homemade pickled vedge, Trenasse delivers. The cauliflower steak with Saint Andre cheese and pistachio pesto is just one inspired vegetarian option.

444 St Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA 70130
(504) 680-7000
(504) 680-7000
The Muffi from Trenasse.
Trenasse

Related Maps