New Orleans is famous for its music, festivals, and of course—its food. And no visit to the Big Easy is complete without a comforting bowl of red beans & rice. Whether you’re in town for a weekend getaway, a festival, or just craving the flavors of Louisiana, these local favorites serve up some of the best bowls in the city.
Check out a few of our top picks:
Mother’s
The origin of the red beans and rice recipe at Mother’s starts with the founders, Simon and Mary “Mother” Landry, who opened the business in 1938 and fed the neighborhood’s longshoremen, warehouse workers, and others looking for hearty New Orleans dishes.
Mother’s Restaurant, 401 Poydras Street, www.mothersrestaurant.net, (504) 523-9656. Hours: 7 days, 7 a.m.-10 p.m.
Li’l Dizzy’s
At Li’l Dizzy’s, the red beans are served only on Mondays and usually sell out. Customers can thank head chef John Cannon (who some may know for playing the tuba in the Stooges Brass Band) for the delicious dish.
Li’l Dizzy’s, 1500 Esplanade Ave., lildizzyscafe.net; on Instagram; (504) 766-8687; Mon-Sat. 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Dooky Chase
Edgar Chase IV learned how to make red beans & rice from his grandmother, Leah Chase. Known as the Queen of Creole Cuisine, Leah and her culinary skills brought people from across the globe to Dooky Chase.
Dooky Chase, 2301 Orleans Ave, dookychaserestaurants.com; on Instagram; (504) 821-0600; Lunch, Tuesday – Friday, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m; Dinner Fridays and Saturdays Only, 5:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Creole Queen
Relax during a 2-hour cruise on the Mississippi River while enjoying the Creole Queen Paddlewheeler’s vegan red beans & rice. The delicious dish is available on their brunch and dinner Mississippi River cruises leaving from New Orleans Spanish Plaza.
Creole Queen, Spanish Plaza, New Orleans, tickets/reservations, 504.587.1719 or 1.800.445.4109; creolequeen.com
Katie’s
Katie’s owner Scott Craig shares that he makes his red beans and rice like he makes his greens —with a lot of meat. “I like to use smoked sausage and pickled meats, sometimes I’ll add turkey necks or other meats, anything that will bring it flavor,” he says.
Katie’s Restaurant and Bar, 3701 Iberville St., katiesinmidcity.com; on Instagram; 504.488.6582. Hours: Mon.-Thus. 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Fri. and Sat. 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Liuzza’s
Many like to enjoy Liuzza’s classic red beans & rice alongside the restaurant’s signature 18 oz. goblets of frosty cold beers — or an Abita root beer. Delish!
Liuzza’s Restaurant and Bar, 3636 Bienville St., New Orleans; liuzzas.com; Hours: Mon. 11 a.m. – 8 p.m., Tues. Closed; Weds. 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Thurs.-Sat.11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sun. 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Heard Dat Kitchen
What is Chef Jeffrey Heard’s secret to his red beans & rice? Don’t rush the beans. “I found slow cooking them on that real low fire is what really will make them creamy.”
Heard Dat Kitchen, 2520 Felicity St., (504) 510-4248, @hearddat on Instagram, heardatkitchen.com. Hours: Mon. – Sat., 11 a.m.- 8 p.m.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a local looking for your next bowl, these spots are sure to satisfy your red beans & rice craving.
Where have you bean? Share your favorite NOLA spots with us on social!