NOLA Springtime Dining :: My Favorite Outdoor Spots
March is one of my favorite times of the year in New Orleans when flowers are beginning to bloom and it feels like spring outside. We start to get some really beautiful weather in mid-February and by the time the clock gets set back in March, I’ve already been enjoying more time outside including meeting my husband for lunch or getting work done on a favorite patio. We have to soak it in before the overwhelming summer heat!
Here are some of my favorite spots for enjoying early springtime outdoor dining in Nola:
Columns Hotel: We’ve come here for happy hour and enjoyed their cocktails but recently my husband and I sat with our laptops to get some work done on a weekday morning and it was absolutely lovely. Their new coffee bar opens at 7am and we enjoyed cortados as we sat on the patio, glancing up every now and then to see the streetcar go by. It’s a pretty dreamy spot to crank out emails and writing projects! The coffee is good and they have a couple of pastry selections on hand as well. They also have their Guillotine windows open so you could sit inside while enjoying the airy vibes. If you find yourself getting hungry, the restaurant opens at 11am.
1000 Figs: It’s hard to beat the delicious food and pretty setting of this cozy little spot near the Fairgrounds. This is my current favorite lunch spot which features incredibly delicious Mediterranean food, quick counter service, and a perfect cafe spot on the street. This area is one of my favorites, Cafe Degas is just across the street and there is a quaint wine store next door. The hummus with focaccia bread, the brussel sprouts, and the falafel platter are all must-tries!
Barracuda: This taco stand features our favorite tacos in the city and the best margaritas. Being from Texas, my husband and I consider ourselves experts in that field. We love bringing our kids here because the large outdoor eating area provides a casual setting with picnic tables but still delivers absolutely delicious food. Do not skip the fried fish taco, the quesadilla, and the broccoli taco–trust me!
N7: The first time I visited this French restaurant (whose menu is often influenced by Japanese cuisine), it took my breath away! Truly hidden from view in a Bywater neighborhood, this is the most romantic restaurant in New Orleans, in my opinion. Sitting in the garden or covered patio area is ideal and you’ll truly feel transported to Europe while enjoying incredible food like Pate and Steak au Poivre, oh and do not miss the Soy Sauce Creme Brûlée!! Definitely plan your next birthday or anniversary here. 
Bacchanal Wine: This backyard music venue might be one of my very favorite spots in New Orleans. Upon entering, you’ll be greeted with a massive wine selection as well as the option to make your own cheese board from their extensive selection of meats and cheeses. Once you pick what you’d like, they plate everything for you, adding crackers and jams. The food menu at your table is great as well: I think about the bacon wrapped dates and the patatas bravas regularly. They don’t take reservations so you may be scouting a table for a minute, but I’ve never had a problem finding a spot to sit. I’ve met my book club here and come for date night and it never disappoints!
Miel Brewery and Taproom: Another great option especially for beer lovers, but they also have great non-alcoholic options and delicious slushies. Additionally, they have regular food trucks out front, so we love coming as a family for Sunday lunch or a weekend dinner. Our favorites are Hatch and Harvest whose chimichurri french fries with flank steak and their hatch chili and chicken egg rolls. My husband also likes to get crawfish from the Buggin Out Boils food truck which is now open for the season. The first time our kids ever played Mario Cart was at the gaming setup they have inside. This is a really fun spot!
Blue Oak BBQ: Another great family spot because of the casual picnic table dining and excellent BBQ! I like to get the Blue Oak Salad topped with brisket and our kids love the wings.
