The Best Places for Pre-Theater Drinks and Dinner by Venue

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 you’re headed to a concert or a Broadway production, make a night out of it with dinner at one of these nearby restaurants.

Where to Eat Before Near the Saenger and Joy theatres

The Saenger Theatre and Joy Theater are located across Canal Street from each other, so these restaurants will work for either venue. Cleo’s is an unassuming corner store/ restaurant with delicious Mediterranean flavors. GW Fins is a great spot nearby for fresh seafood in an upscale atmosphere, and Mr. B’s has Creole cuisine in an elegant setting. If you’re still hungry after the show, Palm&Pine offers their late-night menu until 1 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and is a quick walk from both theaters.

Where to Eat near the Mahalia Jackson Theater

Feel fancy sipping champagne at Effervescence before your show at the Mahalia Jackson Theater. Hungry? Bijou is a restaurant boasting international flavors, and Jewel of the South is known for their cocktails and creative cuisine. Fritai is an authentic Haitian restaurant just around the corner from the theater. Bar Tonique is great for a nightcap.

Where to Eat Near The Orpheum Theater

If you’re headed to the Orpheum, there are plenty of restaurants to dine at (or drink at) that are within walking distance. A true New Orleans classic, the historic Sazerac Bar is located inside of The Roosevelt New Orleans, and is just a moments from the theatre, making it a great choice for a pre-show cocktail. Domenica, an Italian spot, is also located in the hotel. When it comes to cocktails, it doesn’t get much more convenient than Double Dealer, the speakeasy-themed lounge hidden just beneath the theater.

Where to Eat Near The Civic Theatre

Near the Civic Theatre, enjoy Southeast Asian cuisine at Maypop, barbecue and beer at Devil Moon BBQ,  and American cuisine and wine at Copper Vine. Thirsty? Grab a cocktail with a view from the rooftop bar at Virgin Hotels New Orleans.

Where to Eat Near The Fillmore

The Fillmore is a concert venue located inside Harrah’s Casino, where there are over 10 dining options available. Enjoy prime rib at The Steakhouse or check out local chef Nina Compton’s Creole dining spot, Nina’s Creole Cottage. You certainly won’t go hungry when attending a show at The Fillmore.

Where to Eat Near the House of Blues

House of Blues is in the French Quarter, so you have no shortage of great food and dining options around. Located inside the venue is the House of Blues Restaurant & Bar, which serves locally inspired cuisine and Southern fare. Not too far from the venue is Napoleon House with their iconic muffuletta and Brennan’s, a landmark restaurant known for Creole cuisine.