While most people think that the best meals in New Orleans can only be found in the French Quarter or CBD, the city’s other neighborhoods are experiencing a revitalization, offering some unique and delicious dining options. St. Claude Avenue, which forms the northern border of the Marigny, is home to a variety of establishments serving an array of foods throughout the day.
St. Roch Market
This historic market hall, dating back to 1875, was originally established as a state-owned open-air public market. Today, the light, airy, and attractive St. Roch Market features a central dining area surrounded by independent food stalls offering a wide range of items, including:
- Oysters on the half shell
- Fried Louisiana crab cakes
- Vietnamese street food
- Fresh fruit juice and smoothies
- Pastries, cookies, and cakes
- Local produce
- Cocktails
Must-Try Dishes
Some standout items to try at St. Roch Market include the crab cakes from Elysian Seafood and the peppery Smokey the Bear juice blend from Juice NOLA. Don’t miss the opportunity to sample the macarons and other confections from Bittersweet Confections, as they look simply irresistible.
Location and Atmosphere
St. Roch Market is located at 2381 St. Claude Avenue. The impressive and historic building provides a unique and inviting atmosphere for dining and exploring the various food stalls.
Kebab
Kebab, as the name suggests, specializes in kebabs served on fresh, homemade bread. This restaurant on St. Claude Avenue offers some of the best kebabs you’ll find in the United States, rivaling those found in Europe.
Must-Try Dishes
Some highly recommended items from Kebab’s menu include:
- Pork gyro kebab with pickled cucumbers and tzatziki
- Falafel with hummus
- Authentic double-fried Belgian fries (fritesaus) served with aioli and house ketchup
For an extra kick, add some of their coconut habañero hot sauce to your fries.
Beverages
Kebab also makes their own sodas and cocktails. Be sure to try the Beet up Beet citrus Soda for a refreshing and unique drink.
Location
Kebab is located at 2315 St. Claude Ave., just one street over (west) from St. Roch Market.
Fry & Pie
Tucked away in the courtyard of the Hi-Ho Lounge on St. Claude Avenue, Fry & Pie has taken French fries to a whole new level. This hotel serves variations of just two foods – fries and pies – but does so with incredible creativity and flavor.
Gourmet French Fries
Fry & Pie’s gourmet fresh-cut fries are loaded with interesting and flavorful toppings and given creative names. Some must-try variations include:
- Pig Lebowski: Fries topped with pulled pork, BBQ sauce, aged cheddar, and coleslaw
- The X-Fries: Fries with house-made chili, 3 cheeses, fried onions, sour cream, and jalapeños
- Thai Fighter: Fries topped with Thai chicken, spicy peanut sauce, pickled vegetables, mozzarella, and cilantro
- Off the Beaten Path: Sweet potato fries topped with roasted beets, goat cheese, pecans, and balsamic reduction
Note that the portions at Fry & Pie are generous, so come hungry or be prepared to share.
Mini Pies
Along With their fries, Fry & Pie offers perfectly portioned mini pies for one. While they typically only have two varieties available at any given time, the flavors are always exciting and delicious. Some examples include:
- Orange Dream Pie: A refreshing orange custard with creole cream cheese, orange zest, and whipped cream on a graham cracker crust
- Gentleman Jim’s Cherry Cordial: A delightful combination of cherry mousse, chocolate ganache, and cherry kirsch liquor on a chocolate cookie crust, topped with whipped cream
Location and Hours
Fry & Pie is located at 2239 St. Claude Ave., a 4-minute walk west from St. Roch Market. To dine in, you’ll need to walk through the bar to reach the courtyard. Alternatively, you can pick up your take-out order from the window on the side of the building. Fry & Pie is open from 5 p.m. to 12 a.m. (sometimes later) six days a week.
Ruby Slipper Cafe
For a full-on New Orleans-style breakfast or brunch, head to Ruby Slipper Cafe. With several locations throughout the city, this popular eatery never disappoints. The Marigny location, in particular, is a great choice.
Must-Try Dishes
From Ruby Slipper Cafe’s extensive menu, two standout dishes are:
- Eggs Blackstone: A buttermilk biscuit topped with two poached eggs, hollandaise sauce, applewood-smoked bacon, and grilled tomato
- Bananas Foster Pain Perdu: French toast made with French bread, topped with rum-flambéed bananas & raisins, and served with applewood-smoked bacon
Location
The Ruby Slipper Cafe in the Marigny is located at 2001 Burgundy Street, just a short walk from the music venues along Frenchmen Street.
Exploring the Culinary Scene on St. Claude Avenue and in the Marigny
St. Claude Avenue and the Marigny neighborhood offer a diverse and exciting culinary scene, with options ranging from historic market halls to creative specialty restaurants. When exploring these areas, keep the following tips in mind:
- Venture off the beaten path to discover hidden gems like Fry & Pie and Kebab
- Be open to trying new and unique flavor combinations, such as those found at St. Roch Market’s various food stalls
- Don’t be afraid to ask locals for their recommendations on must-try dishes and restaurants
- Take advantage of the walkability of these neighborhoods to explore multiple eateries in one outing
Experiencing the Local Culture
Along With enjoying the delicious food, take the time to soak up the local culture and atmosphere in these neighborhoods. Strike up conversations with friendly locals, admire the colorful houses and murals, and listen to the music spilling out of nearby venues. Immersing yourself in the community will make your dining experiences all the more memorable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there vegetarian and vegan options available at these restaurants?
Yes, many of the eateries on St. Claude Avenue and in the Marigny offer vegetarian and vegan options. For example, St. Roch Market has a variety of food stalls catering to different dietary preferences, while Kebab serves falafel and hummus.
Are these restaurants family-friendly?
Most of the restaurants mentioned are family-friendly, with casual atmospheres and menu items that appeal to a wide range of ages. However, keep in mind that Fry & Pie is located in the courtyard of a bar, so it may not be the most suitable option for young children.
What is the price range for these restaurants?
The price range varies depending on the restaurant and the dishes ordered. Generally, you can expect to find affordable to moderately priced options, with most meals falling between $10 and $20 per person.
Are reservations necessary?
For most of the restaurants mentioned, reservations are not necessary. However, during peak hours or busy seasons, it’s always a good idea to call ahead or check the restaurant’s website for their reservation policy.
Is there parking available near these restaurants?
Street parking is generally available in the surrounding areas, but it can be limited during busy times. Some restaurants may offer parking lots or valet services, so it’s best to check with the individual hotel for their specific parking arrangements.
St. Claude Avenue and the Marigny neighborhood are prime examples of the incredible culinary diversity and creativity that exists beyond New Orleans’ more well-known tourist areas. By exploring these neighborhoods and their unique eateries, you’ll not only enjoy some fantastic meals but also gain a deeper appreciation for the city’s vibrant food scene and the passionate individuals who make it all possible.
