Pre-Theater Dinner or Drinks in New Orleans
Where to go if you’re looking for dinner and a show
Last Updated: Monday, May 18, 2020 11:31 AM
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.
Best pre-theater dinner spots in New Orleans.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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,
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 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.
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.
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.