Freret Street

Dine, drink, and dance the night away on Freret Street

Freret Street is a popular place for dining, drinking, and live music running through the entirety of Uptown New Orleans. The street is flanked by Loyola and Tulane universities, making it a lively throughfare for college students. Between Jefferson and Napoleon avenues, you’ll find dozens of restaurants spanning different cuisines. Get off the beaten path and Freret Street—a local’s favorite.

History of Freret Street 

Freret Street wasn’t always known as Uptown’s restaurant row. The street runs through a quiet residential neighborhood with several schools nearby. Though the naming of the street dates back to the 1800s, it was 2009 that flipped Freret Street on its head. The revitalized area between Jefferson and Napoleon avenues is now home to over 32 restaurants, bars, coffee shops, and commercial businesses. 

Where to Eat and Drink on Freret Street 

Whether you come for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or drinks, you can’t go wrong dining on Freret Street. Humble Bagel serves hand rolled, kettle-boiled bagels made daily along with a menu of bagel sandwiches. The original Bearcat Café just off Freret offers both decadent and health-conscious breakfast and brunch menu items. For lunch on Freret Street, check out Good Bird, The Company Burger, Midway Pizza, or City Greens. Open for dinner is High Hat Café for authentic New Orleans cuisine, Mint for Vietnamese, Origami for sushi, Vals for tacos, and Mr. Tequila for Mexican. Coffee shops include Mojo Coffee House and Rook Café. And of course for dessert, Ice Cream 504 and Sweet & Boozy have you covered. 

Cocktail connoisseurs should add Cure to the top of their Freret Street list. In 2023, Cure took 36th place on North America’s 50 Best Bars 2023 List. Cure was previously awarded a James Beard Awarded for “Outstanding Bar Program” in 2018 and placed in The World’s 50 Best Bars list in 2014. Stop in for seasonal cocktails, wine and cider by the glass, beer, and cheese & meat plates.

Freret Street Art Market

Once a month on Freret Street at Napoleon Avenue, dozens of local artisans come out for an art market. Find jewelry, art, bath and skin care, vintage clothing, food pop-ups, and much more. Check here for information regarding the next monthly market. 

Once a year, Freret Street transforms into a block party known as Freret Street Festival. Typically held in late March or early April, this springtime tradition showcases the best of Freret Street and also features live music. Best of all, it’s free to attend!