Pre-Theater Dinner or Drinks in New Orleans

While New Orleans doesn’t have an official theater district, the city’s most iconic theater companies and performance venues aren’t far from one another, which makes coordinating pre-show dinner and drinks simple.

Whether your show is at the historic Saenger Theater or the newly opened Fillmore, here are some of the best places to enjoy the signature cuisines and cocktails of the Crescent City before a night filled with Broadway-inspired performances.

Where to Eat Before the Show in New Orleans

Best pre-theater dinner spots in New Orleans.

Gabrielle Restaurant

Located in the historic Treme neighborhood just a short distance from the Carver, Mahalia Jackson and Saenger Theaters, you’ll find Gabrielle - a quaint Creole restaurant. For major Broadway in New Orleans productions, Gabrielle offers specially-themed production menus.

Cleo’s

Spice up theater night with an authentic Mediterranean meal from Cleo’s. Open 24-hours, it’s a perfect place to grab a pre or post-show dinner.

Maypop

Just steps from the Civic Theater, Maypop is a contemporary dining experience specializing in modern, Asian and Cajun-inspired cuisine by owner and executive chef, Michael Gulotta. Catch them for a weekday showing between 4-6 p.m. for specially priced happy hour cocktails and appetizers. 

Chophouse New Orleans

If you’re looking for fine dining before a concert at the Fillmore, look no further than Chophouse. USDA prime steaks, a selection of Gulf fresh seafood and savory sides are among the Chophouse’s menu highlights. 

Domenica

Cool Cousin-approved for its delicious pizza, pasta and wine selection, Domenica makes for a great meal before any performance at the historic Orpheum Theater. 

GW Fins

A French Quarter favorite, GW Fins is an excellent choice for dinner and a show. Best known for its freshly caught and finely prepared seafood, the GW menu changes daily to reflect the local catch of the day. Ask about their free validated parking just five blocks from the Saenger Theater. 

Where to Grab a Pre-Show Cocktail in New Orleans 

Sazerac Bar

A true New Orleans classic, the historic Sazerac Bar is located inside of The Roosevelt New Orleans, just a moment’s walk from the Orpheum Theater. Stop in for their signature Sazerac or a number of other traditional New Orleans cocktails before or after your next big show, 

Effervescence

A chic champagne bar nestled along Rampart Street, this spot is perfect for weekend shows. Stop by Effervescence post-production and see the historic Storyville neighborhood come to life at night. 

Copper Vine

Copper Vine is a sleek gastropub down the street from the Civic Theater. Grab a group of friends following an evening of theater, comedy or music, and enjoy a wide selection of red, white and rose wines, craft cocktails, and beers on tap. 

Bar Tonique

A favorite among locals, Bar Tonique is an ideal after event following a show at the Joy Theater or Mahalia Jackson. Enjoy classic craft cocktails in an off-the-beaten-path setting. 

W.I.N.O

The Wine Institute of New Orleans, or WINO, is an innovative wine bar focused on discovery and tasting. Before a concert at the Fillmore Theater, take some time to peruse their selection of international wines, champagnes, beers and more.