Best Budget Eats in New Orleans, United States
1. Cafe du Monde
Famous beignet shop in Jackson Square offering classic fried dough pastries covered with powdered sugar since 1862. Best enjoyed warm.
- Affordable Indulgence: Reasonably priced beignets for a sweet treat
- Historical Significance: Oldest coffee shop in the city with a rich history
- Open 24/7: Beignets available anytime, day or night
2. Dooky Chase's Restaurant
Legendary Creole restaurant in Tremé serving authentic New Orleans cuisine including gumbo and fried chicken. A local Leah Chase's family-owned business.
- Authentic Cuisine: Serves traditional Creole dishes
- Historically Significant: Leah Chase, known as the 'Queen of Creole Cuisine', was a civil rights activist.
- Reasonable Portions: Generous portions for the price
3. Coop's Place
Iconic Creole restaurant in the French Quarter with a unique menu and eccentric atmosphere. Known for its grillades and smothered pork chops.
- Eclectic Experience: Unforgettable dining experience in an offbeat setting
- Famous Dishes: Notable for its grillades and smothered pork chops
- Affordable Fine Dining: Reasonable prices for such a distinctive dining experience
4. Mu Mu's Food Truck
Gourmet sandwich food truck in the Bywater neighborhood serving unique and flavorful offerings like the 'Rosie' (roast beef and gravy on French bread).
- Affordable Gourmet: High-quality sandwiches at reasonable prices
- Mobile Dining Option: Conveniently moves around the city, making it easy to find
- Unique Sandwiches: Creative twists on traditional New Orleans sandwiches
5. Willie Mae's Scotch House
Famous fried chicken spot in the Tremé neighborhood with a longstanding reputation for excellent Southern comfort food.
- Historically Significant: Long-standing restaurant, Willie Mae's is a New Orleans institution
- Famous Fried Chicken: Legendary fried chicken that's worth the wait
- Reasonable Portions: Generous portions for a fair price
6. Parkway Bakery & Tavern
Famous po-boy and bakery in Mid-City known for its roast beef po-boys and King Cakes during Mardi Gras season.
- Authentic Po-Boys: Offers classic New Orleans-style sandwiches
- Famous King Cake: Known for its delicious King Cakes during Mardi Gras
- Reasonable Prices: Affordable prices for quality food
7. Cajun Seafood
Seafood boil restaurant with multiple locations in New Orleans offering spicy and flavorful seafood boils.
- Authentic Cajun Seafood: Serves traditional Louisiana-style seafood boils
- Spicy Options: Variety of heat levels to suit your taste buds
- Reasonable Prices: Affordable seafood options for a large group
8. The Joint
BBQ restaurant in the Bywater neighborhood known for its smoked meats and Southern-style sides.
- Authentic BBQ: Offers traditional slow-smoked barbecue
- Reasonable Portions: Generous portions for the price
- Unique Sauces: Variety of signature sauces to complement your meal
9. The Munch Factory
24-hour food truck in the Marigny serving delicious and filling sandwiches, including their famous 'Gator Bites' and 'Poor Boy'.
- Affordable Late Night Eats: Open 24/7 for late-night dining options
- Unique Menu Items: Offers alligator and other unique sandwich fillings
- Reasonable Prices: Affordable prices for quality food
10. Glass Half Full
Creole-American restaurant in the Warehouse District serving fresh and innovative dishes with a focus on locally sourced ingredients.
- Farm-to-Table Approach: Uses locally sourced, fresh ingredients
- Creative Menu: Offers unique and innovative dishes
- Reasonable Prices: Affordable prices for such high-quality food
11. Turkey and the Wolf
Modern sandwich shop in the Garden District serving creative and delicious sandwiches with Southern flair.
- Creative Sandwiches: Offers unique, inventive sandwich options
- Reasonable Prices: Affordable prices for quality food
- Farm-to-Table Approach: Uses locally sourced, fresh ingredients
12. Slim Goodies Donuts & Coffee
Donut shop in the Bywater neighborhood offering a variety of creative donut flavors and hot coffee.
- Affordable Treats: Reasonably priced donuts and coffee
- Creative Flavors: Offers unique and interesting donut flavors
- Local Coffee Roaster: Uses coffee beans from local roasters
13. French Truck Coffee
Gourmet coffee truck with multiple locations in New Orleans, serving a variety of hot and cold beverages.
- Affordable Gourmet Coffee: High-quality coffee at reasonable prices
- Mobile Dining Option: Conveniently moves around the city, making it easy to find
- Variety of Beverages: Offers a wide selection of hot and cold coffee drinks
14. Cafe Istanbul
Middle Eastern restaurant in the French Quarter serving authentic Turkish cuisine, including falafel and shawarma.
- Authentic Turkish Cuisine: Serves traditional Middle Eastern dishes
- Reasonable Prices: Affordable prices for such delicious food
- Vegetarian Options: Offers numerous vegetarian and vegan dishes
15. The Tavern at the Rusty Nail
Creole-American restaurant in the Bywater neighborhood serving classic New Orleans dishes with a modern twist.
- Creative Spin on Classics: Offers unique twists on traditional Creole dishes
- Reasonable Prices: Affordable prices for quality food
- Farm-to-Table Approach: Uses locally sourced, fresh ingredients