In a world filled with deliveries, drive-thrus, and take-outs, the pop-up reigns supreme. It doesn't get much better than restaurant-quality dining paired in laid-back settings.

New Orleans' pop-up restaurants present the perfect opportunity to explore the city's unique neighborhoods while trying new and under-the-radar eats.

Typically housed at local bars and breweries, markets, and events around the Crescent City, these non-traditional eateries offer a wide range of bites that you can't get elsewhere. Everything from globally inspired fusion cuisine, hearty favorites like handcrafted burgers and BBQ, and a selection of vegan and vegetarian-friendly fixings can be found. 

Next time you're in town looking for a one-of-a-kind meal, check out a few of these pop-up restaurants below.

Magic Burger
Image Courtesy of Magic Burger
Magic Burger

The Magic Burger

Gourmet smash burgers meet street food culture at the Black-owned Magic Burger pop-up. Enjoy the classic Magic Burger, or vegetarian-friendly options like the Meatless Magic or Hot Honey Grilled Cheese. Follow along here to experience the magic for yourself.

Xanh NOLA

Chef Anh Luu’s Vietnamese food pop-up brings mouthwatering creations front and center. Take the Phởquedilla, the phorrito’s sassy baby cousin, for example: it’s soft phở noodles, Phở ribeye steak, shallots, cilantro, scallion, hoisin, & chili sauce melted with cheddar & provolone between a hot flour tortilla served with a side of Shrek sauce crema. See here for where to find it.

Waska Colombian-Inspired Food
Image Courtesy of Waska
Waska Colombian-Inspired Food

Waska

This Colombian food pop-up is sure to make mouths water. Empanadas, sweet plantains, and Colombian chicken & waffles are just a few of their offerings. Follow along here for where to find them.

Greta’s Sushi

Greta’s seasonal menus bring fresh flavors to the forefront in various handrolls and nigiri, and can be found at bars across the city. Follow the pop-up here.

Black Pepper Beef Dumplings - Get Your Mom and Dim Sum
Image Courtesy of Get Your Mom and Dim Sum
Black Pepper Beef Dumplings - Get Your Mom and Dim Sum

Get Your Mom and Dim Sum

A clever twist on a New Orleans phrase perfectly describes the style of cuisine at Get Your Mom and Dim Sim. This pop-up specializes in New Chinese-American with Southern influence and features menu items such as cilantro lime dry-fried chicken drumettes, Dong Po pork belly, crab Rangoon, and all sorts of dumplings. Follow here for pop-up location details.

Lobster Rolls and Chowder - Joel's Lobster Rolls
Kat Kimball, Courtesy of Joel's Lobster Rolls
Joel's Lobster Rolls

Joel's Lobster Rolls

Joel’s is a food truck bringing a taste of New England to New Orleans. Classic hot lobster rolls feature a quarter pound of Maine lobster meat served warm with melted butter on a New England bun. Add a creamy lobster bisque drizzle or make it “chunky New England style” for a little pizzaz. Follow along here for their weekly pop-up schedule.

Birria Bow Tie Pasta - Señor Gabagool
Image Courtesy of Señor Gabagool
Birria Bow Tie Pasta - Señor Gabagool

Señor Gabagool

Enjoy Italian-meets-Mexican cuisine at Señor Gabagool. Birria, ziti, and focaccia pizza (with vegan options) are in your future. Follow the pop-up here.

Kusina

Kusina is a Filipino pop-up found in several breweries in the city. Indulge in menu items like ube cheesecake, okoy, pancit, and lechon kawali. Find Kusina here.