Best Takeout Food Restaurants in New Orleans

"Freret Beer Room, the first and only beer-focused restaurant in New Orleans, is killing it on both fronts. The sixteen taps are well chosen to complement the menu’s small and large plates and daily specials. Chef Charles Vincent’s steamed mussels come with a smoked oyster and tomato aioli, and the tomato-braised meatballs are served over polenta."

"This upscale cocktail bar is housed in a former fire station that dates back to 1903. The long, narrow room has striking arched windows at one end, casting light onto the bar, which frames a truly awe-inspiring wall of spirits and liqueurs. Most people come here for the ever-evolving menu of house cocktails."

"In a city known for its fiery Cajun and Creole cuisines, tongue-tingling dishes abound, but the gumbo at this neighborhood stalwart really stands out by combining the two culinary traditions. The resulting dish is “the absolute hottest and most-delicious gumbo out there,” Geoffrey Zakarian declared on Top 5 Restaurants. For this distinctive stew, a spice-laden savory stock is combined with a robust Cajun-style roux, okra, chicken thighs and andouille sausage."

"It started as a neighborhood bar near the horse tracks in 1936. Sixty years later, James Lemarie and Billy Gruber bought Liuzza’s by the Track and turned it into the quintessential neighborhood corner joint and the unofficial gathering place for Jazz Fest. Order the garlic oyster po-boy and a cold beer, served in a large frosted goblet."

"Say it out loud: “BBQ Shrimp.” It’s the most famous dish at this low-key restaurant near the Fairgrounds. Loads of peeled shrimp are swamped in a buttery sauce rife with pepper and loads of bright notes, then the lot is stuffed into a hollowed out roll. It acts like it’s food for one person but it’s sufficient for two."

"Ten years old and going strong, Magazine Street's quirky, always-slammed early morning to lunch time diner, is known for their Slammer options, a hangover-helper made with hashbrowns and scrambles of various sort (eggs, chili, tofu, what have you). There is also a potato latke/crawfish etouffee dish called the Jewish Coonass, not PC, but a fan favorite."

"Nestled in a charming Mid-City neighborhood cottage, Biscuits & Buns on Banks has gone from a locals hangout to a place well-known for some of the best American & Creole breakfast and lunch creations around. The eclectic menu includes a selection of freshly brewed coffees along with some seriously delicious vittles like the stuffed French toast, hearty crab & brie omelet, and the “wafflewhich”. A few of the restaurant’s accolades include one of Eater New Orleans 19 Essential Breakfast Spots and Best Brunches in New Orleans to Heal Your Hangover."

"Enjoy brunch in a cozy neighborhood setting with food selections ranging from simple to savory. Grab simple breakfast items around $3, with higher options peaking at $11. Some menu stand outs include Grilled Brie on Waffles, Fried Andouille Sausage Hash Cakes and Abita Glazed Pot Roast and Debris Jus."

"Comfy coffee shop with sidewalk seating serving American & Creole breakfast & lunch standards. Open for breakfast and lunchDress code: CasualPhone: +1 504-273-4600"

"(1201 Royal St.) Verti Marte is open 7 days a week, 24 hours, and delivery is available. Like Quartermaster a couple blocks away, it’s strictly a to-go operation, serving a heavily local clientele and offering a mind-bogglingly extensive menu of breakfast specialties, sandwiches and po-boys, entrees, and even desserts. You’ll see the Quarter workers stopping in for fried shrimp po-boys, BLTs, and Verti Marte’s Philly Cheese Steak."

"Situated kitty-corner from the storied LaLaurie Mansion, this simple convenience store and takeout counter is a favorite place to take out-of-town guests for their very first New Orleans po' boy. The menu of sandwiches and meals-to-go is huge, surprisingly affordable, and unbelievably delicious. Verti Marte is vegetarian-friendly, with grilled veggie and mushroom sandwich options, among others."

"4641 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, (504) 779-2252: www.carrabbas.com. Shrimp and scallop spiedino features wood-grilled seafood topped with Italian breadcrumbs served with lemon butter and a side."

"If you’re in need of some inspiration, consider trying these things: Chocolate Frozen Yogurt, Vanilla Ice Cream, and Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream."

"Red’s Chinese is a favorite spot where New Orleans’s residents want to indulge in a spread of Chinese flavors. It is a modern joint with a playful design that, coincidentally, creates an inviting and inspiring atmosphere for all kinds of diners. A visit here will bring you face to face with dishes such as crawfish rangoons, kabocha squash soup, General Lee’s chicken, and kung pao pastrami among other inventive and delicious dishes."

"(Various street corners in the French Quarter) The popular hot dogs and iconic weenie-in-bun-shaped carts have been part of the late-night Quarter scene for years; the company website claims over 21 million hot dogs have been sold in the past half-century. Lucky Dog makes a pretty good weenie, perfect for slowing your roll when you’ve had one too many Hurricanes at Pat O’Brien’s."

"These ubiquitous hot dog carts, immortalized as "Paradise Dogs" in the brilliant Pulitzer Prize-winning A Confederacy of Dunces, are all over the place in the Quarter. The enormous hot dogs taste like, well, something you bought off of a hot dog cart, but if you've had a few drinks and like the idea of connecting to some literary history, give 'em a try."

"After voodoo (or vodou) came to New Orleans in the 1700s—first via West African slaves, then with Haitians after the Haitian Revolution—it entwined with the city’s identity. Which is why, since the 1970s, a French Quarter visit has been deemed incomplete without a stop at the tiny Historic Voodoo Museum. If it’s lore you seek, you’ll find it here."

"This five-acre sculpture garden is a park within City Park, and acts as an open-air annex to the wonderful New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA). 90 sculptures—mostly modern and abstract—are set among magnolias and live oaks, framed by bridges and reflecting pools, with world-renowned artists Henry Moore, Antoine Bourdelle, and Ossip Zadkine represented. The lake-set Virlane Tower by Kenneth Snelson is a favorite, as is the familiar Love, Red Blue sign by Robert Indiana, but it’s best to come without a map."

"Mid-CityWhile the adjacent New Orleans Museum of Art charges an entrance fee on most days (see below), the glorious sculpture garden on its grounds is open seven days a week and totally gratis to all comers. Meander the footpaths and marvel at over 60 impressive -- and sometimes disturbing -- works of sculpture by a bevy of international artists. When you get tired, you can always avail yourself of mini-golf, beignets at Morning Call, or any other variety of fun activities to be had in City Park."

"Just off Jackson Square in the always-crowded French Quarter, this tucked-away gastropub manages to slip under the tourist radar thanks to a nearly hidden entrance. Stroll down a narrow alleyway to find your way inside, then bask in flattering candlelight as you fill up on hearty dishes such as Buffalo-style fried veal sweetbreads, tender braised beef cheeks and a crispy pork Milanese served over creamy white beans. End the night on a sweet note with the most romantic soda float you’ve ever had, made with local Abita root beer, caramel ice cream and a ginger crisp."

"Slylvian is an awesome, farm-to-table upscale dining space located just a block off of Jackson. Set in a carriage house built in the late 1700s, the building honors the French Quarter neighborhood’s roots. Slylvain doubles as a restaurant and bar with exquisite food and classy house cocktails."

"Pan-fried pork shoulder is served with braised greens, Coosa Valley’s McEwen & Sons grits and mustard jus. Reservations recommended. Lunch Fri., dinner daily, late-night Fri.-Sat., brunch Sat.-Sun."

"11 Westbank Expressway, Gretna, (504) 367-9512; 3124 David Drive, Metairie, (504) 454-9449; www.groundpati.com. Applewood-smoked bacon and cheddar cheese top a burger served with french fries. Reservations accepted for large parties."

"Head over to Arabella, housed in the space next to Kajun’s Pub on St. Claude Street. Choose your fresh, house-made pasta style, sauce, and any add-ins (gluten-free and vegan options are available for all). There are also small plates and salads."

"A seafood combination platter includes catfish, Gulf shrimp, oysters, crab cakes, french fries and a side. Reservations accepted. Lunch and dinner Tue.-Sat."

"530 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, (504) 833-7121; www.faustosbistro.com. Italian sausage is sauteed with bell peppers, onions, garlic, Italian herbs and marinara sauce and served over angel hair pasta. Reservations recommended."