Where to Eat Near the New Orleans Fair Grounds

Pagoda Cafe. | Josh Brasted/Eater NOLA

Hit these spots before or after Jazz Fest to keep the party going

It seems impossible for a Jazz Fest-er who spends all day eating crawfish bread, oyster patties, and hot sausage po’ boys to think about more food. But, in reality, there’s always room for more: Ahead of a day of festing, you might need to refuel from the late night before. After hours of taking in live music and wandering the Fair Grounds, it’s about keeping the party and conversation going over irresistible small plates and drinks. While the Fairgrounds neighborhood overlaps with some Bayou St. John restaurants, there are additional spots to discover close to Jazz Fest, all within a half-mile of the New Orleans Fair Grounds.

Breakfast and Brunch

Pagoda Cafe

1430 N. Dorgenois Street

Open at 7 a.m., this funky spot on Bayou Road serves breakfast and lunch every day but Monday, with a sweet little dog-friendly outdoor patio perfect for picnicking. Try the breakfast tacos and the savory pastry, or get their version of a veggie banh mi, served on Dong Phuong French bread.

Nonno’s Cajun Cuisine & Pastries

2517 Bayou Road

Breakfast is served at Nonno’s from 6 a.m., featuring the likes of shrimp and grits and eggs every which way. The all-day menu kicks in at 2 p.m., with dishes like seafood rolls, charbroiled oysters, fried seafood, and po’ boys. Cocktails are served too, from open to close. Charmaine Neville plays a $40 jazz brunch from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sunday, May 5; reservations are a must.

Toast

1845 Gentilly Boulevard

From Cara and Evan Benson, the team behind Tartine and the new Hen House in Gretna, Toast offers sweet and savory crepes, omelets, waffles, and of course, toasts with a variety of toppings, like bacon and mushrooms with a Mornay sauce and cream cheese, capers, and smoked salmon.

Leo’s Bread

2438 Bell Street

Looking for something more on the go? Pop by Leo’s, Kate Heller’s standout bakery, for coffee, savory seasonal pastries — right now it’s broccolini over feta and sesame seeds — buttery croissants, breakfast sandwiches on fresh, hearty bagels, and lunch sandwiches on semolina focaccia.

Lunch and Dinner

Thai’d Up

1839 Gentilly Boulevard

If you exit the festival from the Gentilly Stage side, likely intent on a cocktail at The Seahorse Saloon or Jockey’s Pub, stop by Thai’d Up for chef Kate Welch’s outstanding cuisine from her native country. The menu offers flavorful versions of the usual suspects, as well as grilled marinated chicken or pork served with nam jim jaew dipping sauce made with shallots, fish sauce, fresh lime juice, chilis, and herbs.

McHardy’s Chicken & Fixin

1458 N. Broad Street

Looking for something to take home? Swing for the fried chicken from McHardy’s on Broad. The neighborhood’s favorite fried chicken to-go option is rich and peppery with killer sides including fried okra, rice and beans, and mac and cheese.

Addis Nola

2514 Bayou Road

Addis is a family-owned restaurant along Bayou Road, a hub of Black-owned businesses about a half-mile from the Fair Grounds. The menu celebrates the culture of East Africa through traditional Ethiopian communal dining. Expect ample stews, sambusas, and spicy stewed chicken doro wat, served, as with all the food, alongside spongy injera bread for scooping, made fresh daily.

Liuzza’s by the Track

1518 N. Lopez Street

On Jazz Fest days, don’t look for Liuzza’s usual barbecue shrimp po’ boys and legendary gumbo. The popular neighborhood bar focuses on serving gallons of potent bloody marys pre-fest, and post, there is a limited menu of handhelds like grilled alligator sausage, pulled pork sandwiches, and boudin egg rolls. During the week, some regular menu items show up, but it’s only counter service. Don’t forget that the bar closes for a week after Jazz Fest to give staff a chance to recover.

Lola’s

3312 Esplanade Avenue

Exit from the Festival Stage side of the Grounds, and Lola’s paellas and fideuàs await. The tiny dining room and sidewalk cafe offers a sweet backdrop for Spanish fare, including stewed meats, fresh seafood, herby pastas, and lots of olive oil and garlic.

Cafe Degas

3127 Esplanade Avenue

When a pecan tree is growing through the romantic dining room and quail, escargot, and ethereal Iles Flotantes (floating islands) are on the menu, you’ve landed at Cafe Degas. Expect first-rate French fare including specialties like steak frites au poivre and mussels with fennel and crispy frites.

Santa Fe

3201 Esplanade Avenue

Just a few steps away from Cafe Degas, Santa Fe serves Southwestern fare in a relaxed but lively patio setting. The margaritas are always made from fresh juice, the ceviche is a pillar on the menu, and its tacos, nachos, and quesadillas will satisfy even the hungriest festival-goers.

1000 Figs

3141 Ponce de Leon

Around the corner from Santa Fe, next to the outstanding Swirl wine bar and shop, 1000 Figs features sprightly vegetable-forward Mediterranean fare like the falafel feast for two (or three), with lots of crunch and freshness in every bite. Everything is freshly prepared and expertly executed; the dining room has an inviting, living room vibe.

Velveteen Lounge and Restaurant

2565 Bayou Road

Have a drink and a nibble at Velveteen at the corner of Broad and Bayou Roads, a cooperatively owned establishment with a full bar and compelling wines by the glass. There are vegetarian options like the portobello “BLT” along with burgers and loaded fries.