Late Night Dinner

Hello all, we are visiting for our 35th wedding anniversary in October. We get in mid afternoon and will be hungry for sure and have lunch right after getting to the hotel. My question is, where can we dine later that night? We may not be hungry until 9-10 pm. Looking for more casual options. Any late happy hours that include food? TIA!

Happy 35th wedding anniversary! New Orleans is a fantastic place to celebrate, and you’ll find plenty of great options for a late-night dinner. The city has a lively food scene, and many restaurants offer late-night dining and happy hours, especially in the French Quarter, Warehouse District, and surrounding areas. Here are some casual dining spots with great food and late-night hours for you to consider:

If you're looking for casual dining options that are open late, here are some great places to check out:

  • Peche Seafood Grill: Located in the Warehouse District, Peche offers a laid-back atmosphere with excellent seafood dishes. They serve until midnight most nights, making it a great option for a late dinner. The casual yet trendy setting makes it perfect for a celebratory yet relaxed evening.
  • Dat Dog: For something more casual, Dat Dog serves up delicious gourmet hot dogs and casual eats, and they stay open late, until around 2 AM. They have a fun vibe, and it's a great option if you're in the mood for something quick and tasty after a long day of travel.
  • The Old Absinthe House: Located in the heart of the French Quarter, The Old Absinthe House is known for its late hours and casual bar-style dining. It’s a great spot if you're looking for classic New Orleans bar food like po’boys, fried seafood, and, of course, absinthe cocktails. They serve until 1 AM or later, depending on the day.

If you’re looking for a late-night happy hour with food, New Orleans has a few places that offer great deals and a lively atmosphere:

  • Pat O’Brien’s: Famous for its Hurricane cocktails, Pat O’Brien’s in the French Quarter offers a late-night happy hour with food and drink specials. They typically serve food until around midnight, and you can enjoy a casual dinner of New Orleans staples, including jambalaya, po’boys, and gumbo.
  • The Spotted Cat Music Club: If you're in the mood for live music with your late-night meal, The Spotted Cat on Frenchmen Street is a fantastic choice. They have a casual vibe with live jazz music and serve small plates, beer, and cocktails. While they don’t have a formal happy hour, the late-night ambiance makes it a fun place to grab a bite.
  • Bayou Beer Garden: Located in Mid-City, this laid-back beer garden has a great late-night happy hour and offers a full menu of delicious casual food. They stay open late (till midnight or later) and have a variety of comfort foods like burgers, po’boys, and fried food to enjoy while sipping on local brews.

If you’re feeling like something more traditional or New Orleans-specific, these spots also serve food late into the night:

  • Jacques-Imo’s Café: This spot is a favorite for classic Creole and Cajun cuisine. Located in the Riverbend area, it’s worth the trip for late-night food, as they’re known to serve until 10 or 11 PM on weekends. The atmosphere is fun, and they offer dishes like shrimp and grits, fried chicken, and crawfish étouffée.
  • Café du Monde: While not a dinner spot, Café du Monde is a must for late-night snacks. Open 24 hours, it’s the perfect place to stop for a late-night beignet and café au lait after a full meal elsewhere. Located in the French Quarter, it’s a New Orleans icon.

In summary, New Orleans has no shortage of late-night dining options, especially if you're looking for casual eats or a place to relax and enjoy a drink. Whether you're in the mood for seafood, po'boys, or a classic New Orleans dish, there’s something for everyone. Enjoy your anniversary celebration, and happy dining!


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