4 Cajun Spots To Avoid In New Orleans And 4 Local Favorites
New Orleans is famous for its mouth-watering Cajun cuisine that’ll make your taste buds dance like it’s Mardi Gras!
I’ve spent countless weekends exploring the Big Easy’s food scene, from tourist traps to hidden gems. Not all Cajun spots are created equal, though.
Some places serve up disappointment with a side of inflated prices, while others dish out authentic flavors that’ll have you speaking with a Louisiana drawl by dessert time.
1. Avoid: Oceana Grill
Stepping into Oceana Grill last summer, I was immediately seduced by its prime French Quarter location and buzzing atmosphere. Boy, was that a rookie mistake! The gumbo arrived lukewarm with a film on top that suggested it had been sitting around since breakfast.
Their jambalaya? More like a bland rice casserole with mysterious meat chunks that played hard-to-identify. The crawfish étouffée lacked that crucial cayenne kick, tasting more like something from a chain restaurant in Ohio than Louisiana.
Prices are what you’d expect for the tourist-heavy location – astronomical! Save your hard-earned dollars and appetite for somewhere that respects the sacred traditions of Cajun cooking. Trust me, your wallet and taste buds will thank you later.
2. Avoid: Pat O’Brien’s Courtyard
Famous for their hurricane cocktails, Pat O’Brien’s lures countless visitors with promises of authentic New Orleans charm. I made the pilgrimage there during Jazz Fest, excited to sample their Cajun offerings between sips of their legendary rum concoction.
The courtyard ambiance? Absolutely magical with its fountain and flickering gas lamps. The food? Tragically forgettable. Their gator bites were overcooked to the consistency of rubber bands, while the étouffée tasted suspiciously like it came from a food service package.
By all means, pop in for the iconic hurricane and the delightful piano bar experience. Just eat somewhere else before or after! Consider this spot a drinking destination rather than a culinary one – your taste adventure deserves better than their phoned-in food offerings.
3. Avoid: Meril
Celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse’s more casual outpost Meril initially had me star-struck. The sleek interior and buzz of excitement from fellow diners had me convinced I was in for a treat. Sadly, the Cajun dishes here lack soul – that indefinable quality that makes New Orleans cooking special.
The shrimp and grits arrived beautifully plated but missing that depth of flavor that makes you close your eyes and sigh with happiness. Their version of dirty rice was curiously clean – where was the rich giblet flavor and spice complexity? The crawfish bread appetizer was the lone standout.
For the hefty price tag, I expected dishes that honored traditional Cajun techniques while adding creative twists. Instead, I got watered-down versions seemingly designed not to offend tourist palates. When a restaurant tries to please everyone, it often ends up pleasing no one fully.
4. Avoid: Bourbon House
Bourbon House sits pretty on the corner of Bourbon Street, flaunting its prime real estate and promising authentic Creole seafood. Last Mardi Gras, exhausted from parade-watching, I ducked in seeking seafood salvation. The oysters? Admittedly fresh and fantastic – their raw bar deserves its reputation.
Everything else was a carnival of culinary disappointment. My seafood gumbo arrived suspiciously quickly and tasted like it had been simmering since the previous Mardi Gras – not in a good way. The roux lacked that crucial dark chocolate color that signals proper preparation.
Service moved at the pace of molasses in January, with our server disappearing for impressive stretches of time. When the check finally arrived, the sticker shock was real – French Quarter prices without the quality to match. Grab oysters at the bar if you must, then scoot elsewhere for your main course.
5. Local Favorite: Vacherie
Hidden in plain sight inside the Hotel St. Marie, Vacherie became my accidental discovery during a rainstorm dash for cover. The unassuming entrance gave no hint of the culinary magic happening inside. Named after Chef Jarred Zeringue’s hometown, this place serves Cajun food that tastes like someone’s grandmother is in the kitchen.
Their boudin balls arrive crispy-perfect outside, moist inside, with a house-made remoulade that I’d happily drink straight. The crawfish étouffée achieves that perfect balance – rich without being heavy, spicy without overwhelming the delicate crawfish flavor.
What truly sets Vacherie apart is consistency. Three visits over two years, and each dish maintained the same soulful quality. The prices won’t devastate your wallet either, making this my go-to recommendation for friends wanting authentic Cajun without the tourist markup. Just don’t tell too many people – I still enjoy getting a table without a reservation!
6. Local Favorite: Cochon
Cochon doesn’t just serve pork – though their name (French for ‘pig’) suggests their specialty. This Warehouse District gem celebrates all things Cajun with a reverence that borders on religious. Chef Donald Link has created a space where traditional Cajun country cooking meets modern restaurant techniques.
My first bite of their wood-fired oyster roast nearly brought tears to my eyes. The combination of chili-garlic butter and perfectly cooked bivalves showcased Louisiana seafood at its finest. Their rabbit and dumplings – a dish many restaurants don’t dare attempt – transported me straight to bayou country.
Fair warning: reservations are essential unless waiting at the bar (with excellent cocktails) doesn’t bother you. While not the cheapest option, every penny spent at Cochon feels like an investment in culinary joy rather than an expense. The rustic-chic atmosphere strikes that perfect balance between special occasion worthy and comfortably unpretentious.
7. Local Favorite: Dooky Chase’s
Walking into Dooky Chase’s feels like entering a living museum of New Orleans culinary history. The late Queen of Creole Cuisine, Leah Chase, created more than a restaurant – she built an institution that served civil rights leaders alongside incredible food. The walls adorned with African American art tell stories as rich as the gumbo.
Their fried chicken achieves that mythical status – shatteringly crisp outside, juicy inside, seasoned perfectly through and through. The red beans and rice, served on Mondays as tradition dictates, might be the best version in existence. Simple ingredients transformed through time-honored techniques.
During my last visit, Mrs. Chase’s family members still worked the dining room, sharing stories about their legendary matriarch. This place offers more than a meal – it provides a connection to New Orleans’ soul. While tourists do find their way here, they’re treated to the real deal, not some watered-down version of Creole cuisine.
8. Local Favorite: Broad & Banks Seafood
“You gonna want extra napkins, baby,” warned the woman behind the counter at Broad & Banks when I ordered my first seafood po’boy there. Truer words were never spoken! This unassuming corner spot with zero frills delivers the kind of seafood that makes you close your eyes and hum with happiness.
The crawfish boil here follows no trendy cooking techniques – just generations-old methods that result in perfectly seasoned mudbugs. Their seafood platters arrive overflowing with crispy catfish, shrimp, and oysters that taste like they jumped from the Gulf to the fryer.
Locals fill the place during lunch rush, many still in work uniforms from nearby businesses. The prices stay remarkably reasonable, especially considering the generous portions. No white tablecloths, no fancy service – just plastic forks and paper plates holding some of the most honest, delicious Cajun seafood in the city. Cash only, so hit the ATM beforehand!