Black Restaurant Week has made its way to New Orleans. Our version of BRW, which began in Houston to celebrate black-owned restaurants, coincides with the second-biggest event in New Orleans’ calendar year, which also happens to be all about celebrating people of color. For hungry Essence Fest crowds looking to spend their money in a helpful way, the nine locations taking part in annual celebration are a great place to grub.
Meals from the Heart
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bkp5BbYgkPd/?hl=en&taken-by=meals_from_the_heart_cafe
1100 N. Peters St.
This healthy spot will allow vegans and veggie lovers of all types to maintain their figure while snacking between sets.
Neyow’s Creole Cafe
https://www.instagram.com/p/BHTQDUoBrGd/?taken-by=neyowsnola
3340 Bienville St.
Neyow’s grilled oysters and punch are the stuff of legends. A word of warning: you really only need one round of this potent, red cocktail, and you should probably drink it slow.
Sassafras Creole Kitchen
https://www.instagram.com/p/BRl97m0gZ7e/?taken-at=225447554166406
2501 Leon C Simon Blvd.
This tiny, out-of-the-way spot slings Creole food for hungry UNO students all year ‘round. They’re worth the trek out toward the lake.
We Dat’s Chicken and Shrimp
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bkv0uoJgFku/?hl=en&taken-by=wedatfoodtruck_
1407 Canal St.
What can we say about We Dat’s that hasn’t already been said? This flavorful chicken has a huge following on the ‘Gram for a reason.
Blaze Bistro
https://www.instagram.com/p/BkqPHRrAVR0/?hl=en&taken-by=blazebistro504
5941 Bullard Ave.
Head out East for this hidden gem of a barbecue restaurant. Their social media feed full of smiling families is no fluke.
Beaucoup Eats
https://www.instagram.com/p/BkxZm1pHN3d/?hl=en&taken-by=beaucoupeats
3911 Washington Ave.
This spot takes a bit of finding. It’s in the back of Aeren’s Supermarket in Hoffman Triangle. Their hot lunches will reward you for strolling through the aisles.
Tasty Treat
https://www.instagram.com/p/BkvN4HRAKo2/?hl=en&taken-by=tastytreatfoodtruck
5000 Old Gentilly Road
This food truck turned restaurant serves stick-to-the-ribs classics like hot wings and cheese fries to an appreciative crowd of Gentilly diners.
Pra_Lees
https://www.instagram.com/p/BkvJ1b-A7rj/?hl=en&taken-by=pra_lees
3600 St. Bernard Ave.
Pra_Lees serves a well-rounded menu of breakfast, fried offerings and grilled seafood in generous portions.
Heard Dat Kitchen
https://www.instagram.com/p/BH5p7hSgMMK/?hl=en&taken-at=960492807
2520 Felicity St
Heard Dat has been surprising hungry patrons with high-class eats from a low-key window for some time now. The food is enough of a reason to stop by, but they also just opened a dining room in time for Essence Fest. The new spot will allow customers to cool off as they sample one of the Central City spot’s delectable dishes.
Hungry folks who want to avoid the run around and try a little bit of everything can head to the official showcase of the event. It goes down on Thursday, July 5 from 6-10 p.m. at the New Orleans Jazz Market. Tickets and more info can be found at the Black Restaurant Week’s official website.
