COOLinary is one of our favorite New Orleans culinary events. Held during the entire month of August, over 80 New Orleans area restaurants participate, giving you your choice of cuisine to indulge in. And with special, multicourse pre-fixe menus priced at $28 or less for lunch and $58 or less for dinner or brunch, you can plan the perfect culinary roadmap without breaking the bank.

We’ve rounded up a few of our favorite splurge-worthy picks and iconic restaurants but special dining opportunities should feel, well, special. And what better way to add some pomp and circumstance to the week than by sharing a meal with friends?

Choose from restaurants like Costera, which offers family-style “feed me” options, or  plates, with its tapas-centric menu, and plan to steal bites from across the table. Craving fun and festive vibes? La Boca Steakhouse, Commander's Palace, and Common’s Club all have a naturally celebratory and fun atmosphere–perfect for keeping things lively over the course of a meal.

Interested in dining outdoors? Check out Blue Oak BBQ and Birdy's. Or maybe you're looking for a cozy spot where the AC is blasting? Try Rosella or Messina's Runway Cafe.

There’s no shortage of restaurants that are perfect for lively meals spent catching up with friends. See below for some of our favorite COOLinary restaurants to dine with a group, or click here to explore all participating COOLinary restaurants.