Alfresco Dining in New Orleans
When the sun starts heading down it’s fun to sit outside and dine in style. Even the food seems to taste better when eaten outdoors. Remember all those days when, as a kid, you gobbled up everything Mom brought – in a big basket – to the beach. All picky eating vanished.
CAFÉ AMELIE, 912 Royal Street. Dine at this restaurant, in a lush French Quarter courtyard, for a truly unique experience. It’s the ideal setting for dinner or a leisurely weekend brunch on Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 11 am to 3 pm and for dinner on Friday and Saturday from 5 pm to 9 pm. Do come and enjoy their Roasted Chicken with Buttermilk Waffle Topped with Sausage Gravy.
BACCHANAL FINE WINE & SPIRITS is at 600 Poland Avenue and offers the funkiest yard party in Bywater! You’ll find live music on the patio starting at noon on weekends, 5 pm on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. One upbeat reviewer says: “This is a hidden gem! Buy a bottle of wine, grab some cheeses and have the guys in the kitchen make up a platter. If we had pillows we would have stayed all night!
BAYONA, 430 Dauphine Street. This place has been charming diners since it opened in 1990. It’s set in a romantic 18th century Creole cottage but the vibe is very “today” – casual and inviting. You’ll find Small Plates during Happy Hour plus Vegetarian and Vegan delights. Chef Susan Spicer uses the freshest local ingredients to craft flavorful, complex dishes. Be sure to request a courtyard table.
COPPER VINE can be found at 1001 Poydras Street. You’ll find a great outdoor patio here with a live plant wall and a glass ceiling. This lushness is both pretty and welcoming. Copper Vine offers “Weekday Happy Hour Flights & Bites” that include: $8 Wine Flights, $8 Local Brew Flights AND special snack pairings by Chef Amy for under $6. Happy Hour is 2 pm to 6 pm. My feeling about this restaurant is that it puts great emphasis on “uniqueness.”
BLUE OAK BBQ, 900 N. Carrollton Avenue has a spacious patio that fills up on game days. That said, we believe any day is good for chilling out at this popular Mid-City spot. Happy Hour runs from Tuesday until Friday, 3 pm to 6 pm. This place is described as “A Southern barbecue joint with a down-home vibe selling sandwiches, classic plates and sides.”
DELACHAISE WINE BAR is located at 3442 St. Charles Avenue. It has a uniquely shaped outdoor space with ample seating. If you order food and a drink at the bar a server will deliver it to you when it’s ready. This bistro offers Lamb Burgers, Salmon Johnny Cakes and is rumored to have “The Best Fries in Louisiana.” You can watch one of our famous streetcars pass by while sipping some bubbly.
BROUSSARD’S RESTAURANT & COURTYARD is located at 819 Conti Street. This is one of the grand old French Creole restaurants in the French Quarter. You can take a seat in their lush outdoor space and order a classic dish or a seasonal special. The Gulf Shrimp Linguine with caramelized onions, herbs and olives is a real winner. Come and enjoy.
WHY RATHBONE MANSIONS? If you are a guest you can treat yourself to a free drink by our pool before you head out for fun and eats in our fabled city. It’s a nice way to start your evening at an outdoor café.
PLEASE CHECK THE WEB for any additional information you may need about any of the places we write about here.
Shaun Nelson-Henrick