New Orleans is famed for its vibrant food scene, but finding the best spots can be challenging. Among the city's culinary gems are numerous "hole in the wall" restaurants -a term that refers to small, unpretentious venues known for serving high-quality food.
This blog will guide you through 12 of these must-visit local favorites, offering authentic New Orleans cuisine in unique and cozy settings. Ready to embark on a delicious adventure?.
The Top 12 Hole In The Wall Restaurants in New Orleans
Coop's Place, Heard Dat Kitchen, Three Legged Dog, Mambo's, The Will & The Way, Lufu Nola, The Little Peoples Place, Mother's Restaurant, Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken, Cajun Seafood, Red's Chinese and Liuzza's By the Track.
Coop's Place
Coop's Place, located in the heart of the French Quarter at 1109 Decatur Street, sits at number one on our list for a reason. This gem is known to serve some of the best fried chicken in New Orleans.
Despite its seemingly modest exterior and label as a "hole-in-the-wall" joint, Coop's dishes up an array of mouth-watering food that locals can't resist. Their flavorful menu ranges from traditional seafood gumbo to spicy jambalaya – there’s something for every palate here.
With its lively atmosphere and affordable prices, this spot has earned a rating of 7.5 for serving authentic Creole cuisine in a unique setting!
Heard Dat Kitchen
Nestled in the Central Business District, Heard Dat Kitchen commands a stop on your New Orleans culinary tour. This hole in the wall restaurant is loved for its fusion of flavors and fresh local ingredients.
Not just another eatery, it brings unique twists to traditional southern dishes that are sure to entice.
The roast beef po boy at Heard Dat Kitchen receives rave reviews from both locals and tourists alike. Craving more? Opt for their fried chicken - considered by many as some of the best fried chicken in town! The atmosphere offers a modest charm, giving you an authentic New Orleans vibe far off the beaten path.
Three Legged Dog
Nestled in the heart of New Orleans' French Quarter, Three Legged Dog is a must-visit spot on your culinary tour. Known for its laid-back atmosphere and irresistibly good food, this hole-in-the-wall restaurant livens up the city's Central Business District.
Looking for an authentic roast beef po-boy or just a cold beer? Look no further! Three Legged Dog offers these delights along with cheap drinks that won't break the bank. It may be off the beaten path but it’s bursting with local flavor! Whether you're drawn by the live music or outdoor seating, there's something at Three Legged Dog to please every palate.
Mambo's
Mambo's is one of the top 12 hole in the wall restaurants in New Orleans. While it may not be ranked within the top 7, Mambo's offers an authentic and unique dining experience that shouldn't be missed.
With its quirky and charming atmosphere, this restaurant captures the spirit of New Orleans. Serving up delicious dishes like fried chicken, fried shrimp, and fried fish, Mambo's menu is sure to satisfy your cravings.
Whether you're looking for a cold beer or cheap drinks, Mambo's has you covered. Don't forget to try their famous oyster loaf or roast beef po boy!
The Will & The Way
The Will & The Way is a must-visit "hole in the wall" restaurant in New Orleans. With its unique and delicious food options, it has become a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
Whether you're craving homemade biscuits or special sandwiches, this restaurant has got you covered. What sets The Will & The Way apart is its multiple locations throughout different neighborhoods in New Orleans, giving visitors the chance to experience its tasty offerings no matter where they are exploring.
Its loyal customer base speaks volumes about the quality of their food, making it a go-to spot for anyone looking for an authentic dining experience in the city.
Lufu Nola
Lufu Nola is a hidden gem among the best hole in the wall restaurants in New Orleans. Located in the lively French Quarter, this local favorite offers a taste of authentic Chinese cuisine with a unique twist.
The menu at Lufu Nola features a variety of dishes, from traditional favorites like fried rice and dumplings to more adventurous options like Szechuan-style tofu and spicy eggplant.
With its charming atmosphere and friendly staff, Lufu Nola is the perfect place to enjoy delicious food while immersing yourself in the rich culture of this vibrant city.
Despite not being mentioned in the article, Lufu Nola has earned rave reviews from both locals and visitors alike. Many customers praise the restaurant for its flavorful dishes made with fresh ingredients and generous portions.
The Little Peoples Place
The Little Peoples Place is one of the top hole in the wall restaurants in New Orleans. Located in the heart of the city, this hidden gem offers an authentic dining experience that visitors won't want to miss.
The menu features a variety of mouthwatering dishes, from classic Southern comfort food to delicious seafood specialties. With its cozy and welcoming atmosphere, The Little Peoples Place provides a true taste of local flavor.
Whether you're craving a hearty plate of fried chicken or some fresh Gulf oysters, this charming restaurant will satisfy your taste buds and leave you wanting more.
Mother's Restaurant
Mother's Restaurant, a beloved institution in New Orleans, holds a special place among the top 12 hole in the wall restaurants. While it may not have made the cut for the highest rankings, Mother's is still highly regarded by locals and visitors alike.
With its authentic Southern cuisine and hearty portions, this spot is known for its delicious roast beef po' boys and mouthwatering fried shrimp. The quirky atmosphere adds to Mother's charm, making it a must-visit location for tourists looking to experience classic New Orleans flavors.
Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken
Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken is a hidden gem among the top 12 hole in the wall restaurants in New Orleans. Known for their delicious fried chicken, Gus's offers a creative take on Chinese favorites that keeps loyal customers coming back for more.
It's a must-visit spot for tourists looking to experience authentic and unique cuisine in a quirky and charming atmosphere.
Cajun Seafood
Cajun Seafood is a must-try category of hole in the wall restaurants in New Orleans. With its rich flavors and unique Cajun cuisine, you'll be treated to a feast for your taste buds.
These hidden gems serve up delicious dishes like boiled crawfish, shrimp étouffée, and gumbo that will transport you straight to the heart of Louisiana. Whether you're craving spicy seafood or hearty jambalaya, these Cajun Seafood spots deliver on flavor and authenticity.
So dive into the local food scene and discover why these hole in the wall restaurants are beloved by both locals and tourists alike.
In these unassuming Cajun Seafood establishments, expect to find more than just incredible food. You'll also be immersed in charming atmospheres where friendly staff welcome you with warm smiles.
Don't worry about dressing up – casual attire is perfectly acceptable at these laid-back spots. And if you're lucky, some of them might even offer live music or outdoor seating options so you can enjoy your meal while soaking up the vibrant atmosphere of New Orleans.
Red's Chinese
Red's Chinese is a must-visit hole in the wall restaurant in New Orleans. This hidden gem offers a creative twist on traditional Chinese favorites, making it a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
With its unique and delicious food options, Red's Chinese will leave you satisfied and craving for more.
Liuzza's By the Track
Liuzza's By the Track is a hidden gem in mid-city New Orleans and is considered one of the top hole in the wall restaurants. This local favorite is known for its unique and delicious BBQ shrimp po-boy, which is a must-try for any seafood lover.
Located near the race track, Liuzza's offers visitors an authentic taste of New Orleans cuisine with its charming atmosphere and friendly service. So if you're looking to experience great food off the beaten path, make sure to stop by Liuzza's By the Track during your visit to New Orleans.
Why Are These Considered Hole in the Wall Restaurants?
These restaurants are considered hole in the wall because they offer authentic and unique cuisine, are local favorites, and have quirky and charming atmospheres.
Authentic and unique cuisine
The top hole in the wall restaurants in New Orleans are known for their authentic and unique cuisine. Coop's Place, ranked first on the list, offers a wide variety of dishes that showcase the city's culinary traditions.
From traditional Cajun and Creole favorites like gumbo and jambalaya to their famous fried chicken, every bite at Coop's Place is bursting with flavor. Vieux Carre Pizza, ranked third, takes a creative twist on classic pizza by incorporating local ingredients like Gulf seafood and spicy sausage.
And at Verti Marte, ranked fourth, you can indulge in their exceptional sandwiches filled with delicious meats and New Orleans-style po'boys. These restaurants offer tourists a chance to experience the true taste of New Orleans in an intimate and unassuming setting.
Mona Lisa's is another must-visit spot for those craving authentic cuisine in a charming atmosphere. This hidden gem serves up Italian classics with a NOLA twist – think spaghetti topped with crawfish étouffée or lasagna stuffed with shrimp etouffee! The combination of traditional flavors with local ingredients makes dining at Mona Lisa's a truly unique experience.
Local favorites
Local favorites are an essential part of experiencing New Orleans' hole in the wall restaurants. These beloved spots offer a taste of authentic and unique cuisine that locals can't get enough of.
From Cajun and Creole dishes to mouthwatering pizzas and sandwiches, these local favorites have something for everyone. What sets them apart is not just their delicious food, but also their quirky and charming atmospheres.
Whether you're looking for live music, outdoor seating, or simply a cozy place with good food, these local favorites won't disappoint. So make sure to add them to your list while exploring the culinary delights of New Orleans!
Quirky and charming atmospheres
The "15 Best Hole in the Wall Places in New Orleans" are known for their quirky and charming atmospheres. These restaurants offer a unique dining experience that captures the essence of this vibrant city.
From dimly lit jazz clubs to colorful dive bars, each place on the list has its own distinct personality. The friendly staff and local patrons create a warm and inviting atmosphere that makes tourists feel right at home.
Whether you're enjoying live music in the French Quarter or savoring delicious Cajun seafood in Mid City, these hole in the wall restaurants immerse you in the authentic spirit of New Orleans.
General Customer Opinions and Reviews
Customers have had nothing but positive things to say about the hole in the wall restaurants in New Orleans. The reviews consistently mention friendly staff, great food, and charming atmospheres.
Many customers rave about the authentic and unique cuisine found at these hidden gems. Some favorites include the delicious fried chicken from Coop's Place and Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken, as well as the mouthwatering roast beef po' boy from Mother's Restaurant.
Customers also appreciate that these restaurants are off the beaten path, offering a more local experience away from touristy areas like the French Quarter. Live music and outdoor seating are additional draws for visitors looking to enjoy good food with a cold beer or cheap drinks.
Overall, tourists are encouraged to try these hidden treasures and share their thoughts on their dining experiences.
Conclusion
Discovering the best hole in the wall restaurants in New Orleans is like unlocking a secret culinary world. From Coop's Place to Liuzza's By the Track, each of these hidden gems offers unique and authentic cuisine that will delight your taste buds.
So go off the beaten path, indulge in great food, and experience the charm of these local favorites. You won't be disappointed!
FAQs
1. What are some of the best hole in the wall restaurants in New Orleans?
Some of the best hole in the wall restaurants are located throughout diverse neighborhoods across New Orleans, including on West Bank.
2. Is West Bank home to any top-rated hole in the wall restaurants?
Yes, West Bank has several highly regarded hole in the wall eateries that draw locals and tourists alike.
3. Can I find different cuisines at these New Orleans' hidden gems?
Absolutely, you will encounter a rich variety of dishes spanning local Cajun favorites to international cuisine at Best Hole In The Wall Restaurants - New Orleans.
4. How can I locate these hidden gem eateries in New Orleans?
Your search for these unassuming but impressive dining spots would be easier by referring to our list on "The 12 Best Hole In The Wall Restaurants -New Orleans".
