Late-Night Eats: Where Locals Go After Dark in New Orleans

New Orleans lives for the night. Whether you're winding down from Frenchmen Street jazz or finishing a shift in the Quarter, these eight late-night spots feed the city’s true heartbeat. Expect bold bites, local love, and Cajun soul—no tourist traps allowed.

1. Verti Marte – French Quarter

What Makes It Special?
This tiny 24-hour deli is a local legend. No seating, no frills—just stacked sandwiches, quirky energy, and the city’s best hidden eats behind a convenience store front.

Menu Highlights & Pricing
Try the "All That Jazz" sandwich: shrimp, turkey, ham, cheese, grilled veggies, and house-made sauces—$14 and big enough to split. Open all night, cash only.

2. 13 Monaghan – Frenchmen Street

What Makes It Special?
A neighborhood bar with solid food, laid-back vibes, and local regulars. The kind of place you stumble into and return to every night.

Menu Highlights & Pricing
Get the tater tachos (nachos made with tots) for around $11, or a black bean burger with slaw for about $13. Kitchen stays open till 2–3 a.m.

3. Dat Dog – Magazine Street

What Makes It Special?
Quirky, colorful, and beloved for its wild sausage combos. It’s fun, messy, and delicious—exactly how late-night food should be.

Menu Highlights & Pricing
A crawfish sausage dog with all the fixings runs $10–$12. Add waffle fries or a local brew and you're set. Open till midnight or later.

4. Melba’s – Elysian Fields

What Makes It Special?
A community spot that feeds the city’s soul. It’s where locals go for fried seafood and po’boys after hours, with a mural-covered exterior and welcoming vibe.

Menu Highlights & Pricing
A fried shrimp po’boy is $13–$15, with hearty portions. The fried chicken box with sides clocks in around $12.

5. The Avenue Pub – Lower Garden District

What Makes It Special?
Craft beer and elevated pub food in a no-fuss setting. It’s open 24/7 and draws locals who want quality bites and great drinks anytime.

Menu Highlights & Pricing
Try the duck fat fries or the pub burger—$12–$15 depending on your choices. Beer pairings are a big draw here.

6. Camellia Grill – Carrollton

What Makes It Special?
An old-school diner with a tuxedoed waitstaff and local charm. It’s a place where you get a show and a meal, even at 1 a.m.

Menu Highlights & Pricing
Classic pecan pie, grilled burgers, and omelets—all in the $10–$14 range. Counter seating only, open late weekends.

7. Manchu Food Store – Treme

What Makes It Special?
This Chinese-Creole fusion takeout spot is pure New Orleans. Located in a nondescript corner store, it’s where locals get big portions and bold flavor.

Menu Highlights & Pricing
The fried chicken wings with lo mein or shrimp yakamein are hits—$10–$12. Fast, hot, and full of flavor.

8. Willie Mae’s Scotch House (Takeout Window) – Treme

What Makes It Special?
The legendary fried chicken joint offers late-night takeout from a separate window. Locals line up for the crispy magic after dark.

Menu Highlights & Pricing
Fried chicken with cornbread and beans for about $14. Call ahead and check hours—worth the wait.

Tips for Eating Like a Local

• Use Uber Eats to check late-night menus or hours.

• Tip well—many of these spots serve service workers ending their shifts.

• Stick to side streets for authentic gems after midnight.

• Ask bartenders where they eat—they always know.

Final Thoughts

New Orleans isn’t just about beignets and brunch—its late-night eats are a whole vibe. Grab your appetite and follow the locals after dark.