5 Fabulous Black-Owned Eateries

New Orleans is a food mecca! We have our own unique way of creating dishes and it draws people here by the thousands. Of course, there are all the big-name “top” restaurants that we read about but what about those smaller, neighborhood restaurants that have food that will literally blow your mind and have you traveling across town multiple times per week to enjoy? Below are just a few of some of the most amazing Black-Owned eateries that you may not have heard of but MUST try.

1. Heard Dat Kitchen

Heard Dat is located in “Central City” but to pre-Katrina locals, this is an Uptown spot! This family-owned restaurant is located a couple of blocks off S. Claiborne at 2520 Felicity Street and it will be worth the drive or the UBER Eats fee. The location is currently take-out only due to COVID restrictions but you probably won’t be able to drive far with the aroma of this food in your car! Whether you want a quick snack of crawdat fries, a cup of gumbo or you want a full entree such as the Superdome or Seafood Extravaganza your belly will thank you for stopping here for lunch or dinner.

2. Backatown: A Coffee Parlour

This gem located a couple of blocks off Canal Street at 301 Basin Street is a crowd-pleaser.  Every time I walk into this coffee spot I immediately breathe in a breath of fresh air as the atmosphere is so welcoming and calming.  You will catch a few business deals or two friends catching up at a table in the corner, but regardless of who you see there each person will have a smile on their face and you will immediately start planning your next visit. The golden milk latte is divine, the crab soup, crawfish quiche, and the raspberry grilled cheese are just a few of my favorites. Honestly, I haven’t met a menu item here that doesn’t make me do a little dance in my chair!

They also retail items from other black-owned businesses such as their own brand of coffee beans, Level Water, and Wicks NOLA candles.  It is definitely worth a visit and Magnolia Yoga studio is right next door if you are looking for a great hot yoga workout!

3. PeeWee’s Crabcakes on the Go

Can I just say DELICIOUS! PeeWee’s is a great stop but you better show up with an empty stomach! There are two locations to choose from, you can choose to dine in or take out in Gentilly at 4500 Old Gentilly Rd or take out only Uptown at 2908 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.  You may get overwhelmed with the options on the menu but just know you won’t go wrong with any of the options you choose.  Each entree comes with a crab cake so don’t worry about ordering one on the side if you thought you were missing out.  There is quite the variety in the menu and the entire family will leave happy with options such as stuffed potatoes (my personal favorite), pastas, boiled seafood, and easy to order catering trays. I’ve had the pleasure of running into PeeWee himself a few times at the Uptown location and he is always friendly and happy to chat with a customer.

4. 3 Southern Girls

If you are in the Harahan/Metairie area 3 Southern Girls should be your next stop, they are located at 4402 Jefferson Hwy.  This is true New Orleans home cooking and sweet southern hospitality.  Every time I visit I am greeted with a friendly smile and usually can’t leave without a bit of small talk from the chef.  The food is delicious, consistent, and reasonably priced.  I had been hoping for a great seafood place near home and was so excited when this little gem opened during the pandemic.  The restaurant has become a favorite in the neighborhood and I often hear customers say they will be back for dinner as they pick up their lunch.  Daily specials such as okra and shrimp and cabbage will rival your grandmother’s cooking! They are open Wednesday through Saturday; so don’t miss your chance to grab a great home-cooked meal and great conversation!

5. Beaucoup Eats

I have not had the pleasure of dining in at Beaucoup Eats at their Canal Street location but I frequently order through delivery services so I cannot give you an honest opinion regarding in-person dining and customer service.  What I can tell you is that my lunch deliveries have been ah-mazing!  I personally love the menu options here because they have something for everyone.  They offer vegan and vegetarian options as well as traditional food options, this is a great option when you have a group with varying dietary restrictions.  They also offer meal prep services for the busy bees who don’t have time to cook!  There is a variety of menu options and quantities to meet nearly everyone’s needs.  You really can’t go wrong with a visit or order from this location so be sure to add it to your list!

This is not a comprehensive list but highlights a few of the amazing black-owned restaurants in New Orleans. If you are looking for other Black-Owned restaurants or businesses to visit check here!

Seleigh
Seleigh is a New Orleans native currently residing in Waggaman with her husband and two daughters. She stayed local and received her undergraduate degree from Loyola University New Orleans and Master’s from the University of New Orleans. She currently works at a New Orleans charter school as a School Operations Leader. As a life long civil servant she has found her passion dedicating her days to NOLA’s youngest residents! Seleigh spends her weekends running between extra curricular activities for her girls, festival hopping and enjoying dinner at her favorite restaurants.

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