Pre-Fest fuel, Post-Fest cocktails, and Stylish Places to Hang during New Orleans’ Busiest Festival Season
PRE-FEST: WHERE TO FUEL UP BEFORE THE MUSIC
Charmant: Before the first note hits the stage, make your way to Charmant for the perfect kickoff to Jazz Fest. Conveniently located just steps from the fairgrounds with opening hours starting at 8AM, this neighborhood favorite blends relaxed charm with elevated flavors, making it an ideal spot to gather with friends, grab a bite, and fuel up before heading into the music. Enjoy crawfish boils on the patio every Saturday and Sunday, along with vibrant dishes built for sharing. Menu highlights include the signature Fried Brussels Sprouts Salad with lima beans, golden raisins, sourdough croutons, cardamom yogurt and an apple cider vinaigrette; the decadent Charmant Croque Madame with tartufo salami, fontina, spigarello, a green onion soubise pasture egg, and a celeriac remoulade; and PhoMo with star anise braised beef shortrib grillades, rice grits beansprout salad, and a sunny egg, an homage to the previous owners who occupied the space. To get you in the spirit, they’ll also be offering a select lineup of festival-themed cocktails crafted especially for the occasion. Charmant is located at 514 City Park Avenue in Mid-City. For more information, visit https://charmantnola.com/.
Tujague’s: Heading to the French Quarter Festival? Start the celebration at Tujague's, a historic New Orleans dining destination located just steps from the festival action. Celebrating its 170th anniversary this year, Tujague’s features classic Creole flavors, multi-level dining, and even balcony seating to take in all the action of French Quarter Fest. Tujague’s will feature a selection of festival cocktails alongside their beloved favorites, such as the world-famous Grasshopper. Fuel up with Shrimp & Artichoke Au Gratin; Roasted Mushroom Crepes with herbed goat cheese, truffled mushroom salad, and balsamic reduction; Gulf Fish Orleans, a pan-seared Gulf fish with crawfish étouffée, 'after the boil' fried fingerlings, along with brown butter haricot verts. With its lively atmosphere and unbeatable proximity to the stages, it’s an easy and delicious way to kick off your French Quarter Fest experience before heading out to catch the music. Located at 429 Decatur Street in New Orleans. For more information, visit https://tujaguesrestaurant.com/.
Birdy’s: Make your way to Birdy’s Behind the Bower, the ultimate pre-fest fueling station in the Lower Garden District. This lively brunch spot is where festival days start right, serving up bold New Orleans flavors designed to keep you going from the first set to the late-night encore. Think indulgent brunch plates, crave-worthy sandwiches, and comforting Southern staples that hit the sweet spot between hearty and celebratory. Whether you’re loading up on a French Onion Grilled Cheese with caramelized onions, thyme, smoked gouda, beef tallow aioli, multigrain bread, sharing a decadent Brunch Board with friends, or sipping something refreshing before heading to the Fair Grounds, Birdy’s delivers the kind of satisfying start that powers a full day of music, dancing, and festival wandering. Located at 1320 Magazine Street in New Orleans. For more information, visit https://birdysnola.com/.
Chi Chi’s: Festival season in New Orleans calls for bold flavors, quick bites, and a place that keeps the energy going, and Chi Chi’s delivers on all fronts. Whether you’re fueling up between sets or kicking off the party, it’s the perfect stop with crowd-pleasers like crispy Korean Wings in either soy garlic, gochujang or mixed; a crave-worthy Southern Fried Chicken Sandwich with buttermilk ranch, lettuce and pickles; and their signature Sushi Sandos. Pair it all with ice-cold beer towers made for sharing, and you’ve got everything you need to keep the good times rolling. Fast, flavorful, and festival-ready, Chi Chi’s is your go-to this season. Chi Chi’s is located at 4714 Freret Street in New Orleans. For more information, visit https://eatchichis.com/.
POST-FEST: WHERE TO EAT & DRINK AFTER THE MUSIC ENDS
Compère Lapin: When the final encore fades, and the crowds disperse, make your way to Compère Lapin for a post-fest wind-down that’s anything but ordinary. Located inside the stylish Old No. 77 Hotel & Chandlery, this celebrated restaurant from Nina Compton is the perfect place to trade festival crowds for bold flavors, great cocktails, and a relaxed vibe. The menu blends Caribbean influences with New Orleans soul, offering crave-worthy dishes that feel both comforting and elevated after a long day on your feet. Shareable plates, vibrant spices, and satisfying entrées make it easy to refuel while reliving the best sets of the day with friends. Highlights include Pickled Shrimp with taro crisps, Blackened Pig Ears with smoked aioli, and Tuna Crudo with mango and dasheen chips. Inventive cocktails - such as Lucian Gold with Chairman’s Reserve Rum, Lillet, Lemon, Mint, Licor 43, and Sparkling wine - and thoughtfully selected wines keep the night going, whether you’re in the mood for something refreshing or spirit-forward. Located at 535 Tchoupitoulas Street in New Orleans. For more information, visit http://comperelapin.com/.
Dolfy’s: Recently opened on Freret Street, Dolfy’s is the perfect place to keep the vibe going. Chef Adolfo Garcia Jr’s charming Spanish restaurant melds the flavors and techniques of Basque Country with the bounty of Louisiana, all with a laid-back, Spanish-inspired energy that’s perfect for lingering between events or winding down after a long day out. Dive into shareable pintxos like patatas bravas, braised oxtail croquetas, and fried olives, perfect for passing around the table. If you’re settling in a bit longer, highlights like the Grilled Octopus or the rich Arroz Meloso, loaded with crawfish and Gulf shrimp, deliver flavors that rival the festival itself. And of course, don’t skip the Basque Cheesecake to close it all out. Whether you’re popping in for a quick bite or making it your post-festival hang, Dolfy’s hits that sweet spot of vibrant, flavorful, and effortlessly cool. Dolfy’s is located at 4508 Freret Street in New Orleans. For more information, visit https://dolfys.com/.
The Bower/Bower Bar: Looking for the perfect post-fest retreat? Look no further than The Bower/Bower Bar. This cozy spot serves up craft cocktails and a laid-back atmosphere that’s ideal for unwinding after a long day of music. Whether you’re in the mood for a smooth drink at the bar or a casual bite to eat like the Crispy Cauliflower with Napa cabbage, cilantro, green onion, chili oil, sesame seeds; Tuna Crudo with orange, Calabrian chili, cucumber, green onion, crispy rice, roasted rice powder; The Bower hits the sweet spot between chill vibes and flavorful indulgence. Come for the post-festival wind-down, stay for the welcoming ambiance, you might even find yourself dancing a little, even with the music gone. Located at 1320 Magazine Street in New Orleans. For more information, visit https://www.thebowernola.com/.