Where to Eat During Super Bowl LVIII in New Orleans: A Food Lover's Guide
As football fans descend upon the Crescent City for Super Bowl LVIII at Caesars Superdome, they'll discover that New Orleans offers much more than just incredible football – it's one of America's greatest food cities. Here's your guide to the must-visit restaurants during your Super Bowl weekend.
Classic French Quarter Destinations
Galatoire's
209 Bourbon Street
No visit to New Orleans is complete without experiencing this historic French-Creole institution. Founded in 1905, Galatoire's represents the pinnacle of traditional New Orleans dining. The Friday lunch is legendary, but during Super Bowl weekend, any reservation you can secure will be worth it. Don't miss the Shrimp Remoulade, Trout Meunière, and their famous Soufflé Potatoes.
Antoine's
713 St. Louis Street
As America's oldest family-run restaurant (established 1840), Antoine's offers an unparalleled dining experience. The inventor of Oysters Rockefeller remains a testament to New Orleans' culinary heritage. The wine cellar houses over 25,000 bottles, and the 14 dining rooms each tell their own story of New Orleans history.
Modern New Orleans Standouts
Cochon
930 Tchoupitoulas Street
James Beard Award-winning chefs Donald Link and Stephen Stryjewski offer a contemporary take on Cajun cuisine. Located in a renovated warehouse, Cochon serves up exceptional wood-fired meats and locally sourced dishes. The wood-fired oysters and rabbit and dumplings are must-try items.
Compère Lapin
535 Tchoupitoulas Street
Chef Nina Compton blends her Caribbean heritage with New Orleans flavors to create something truly unique. The curried goat with sweet potato gnocchi has become a modern New Orleans classic, and the spiced pig ears are a perfect game day snack.
For the True Local Experience
Willie Mae's Scotch House
2401 St Ann Street
Featured on countless "best of" lists, Willie Mae's serves what many consider the world's best fried chicken. Though it's a bit off the tourist path, this historic restaurant is worth the trip. The crispy, spicy chicken puts most other versions to shame.
Dooky Chase's Restaurant
2301 Orleans Avenue
A civil rights movement landmark and culinary institution, Dooky Chase's represents the heart and soul of New Orleans cooking. The late Chef Leah Chase's legacy lives on through their impeccable Creole cuisine, including their famous gumbo and fried chicken.
Game Day Specific Tips
- Make reservations well in advance – these restaurants will be extraordinarily busy during Super Bowl weekend
- Many restaurants will offer special Super Bowl menus or extended hours
- Consider lunch reservations, which might be easier to secure than dinner
- Look for restaurants offering takeout options if you're planning to tailgate
- Some restaurants may have special viewing areas for the game
Beyond the Restaurants
Don't forget to explore the city's other culinary traditions:
- Grab a po'boy from Parkway Bakery & Tavern
- Try beignets and café au lait at Café du Monde
- Sample a muffuletta from Central Grocery
- Visit the French Market for local specialties
Remember, New Orleans dining is about more than just the food – it's about the experience, the history, and the culture. Take time to savor every bite and every moment in this extraordinary culinary destination.