Top 5 Tremé Food & Drink Spots: A Local’s Review

Tremé, y’know, is just a totally unique part of New Orleans. It’s really almost the oldest black neighborhood in the whole U.S., and the culture there? Totally off the charts. People are drawn to this neighborhood looking for a taste of genuine New Orleans, and it doesn’t let ’em down, that’s for sure. Thing is, though, the food and drink? It’s something else entirely. I’ve spent a pretty sizable amount of time eatin’ and drinkin’ my way through this whole neighborhood, so let me give you my kinda honest take on the top five spots you just can’t skip.

1. Dooky Chase’s Restaurant: A Legacy of Flavor

Alright, first up has got to be Dooky Chase’s. It’s way more than simply a restaurant; it’s almost an absolute institution. Folks, Chef Leah Chase, may she rest in peace, did some amazing stuff. Her contributions not simply in the kitchen but actually to the whole Civil Rights movement are somethin’ special, very special. I’d recommend their smothered chicken ’cause it’s almost legendary, or maybe even the gumbo which basically sings with a taste that makes it special. Believe me, it’s basically like takin’ a step back into history, while getting yourself a delicious meal.

2. Willie Mae’s Scotch House: The Fried Chicken Champion

Next up, very few visits to Tremé would be complete without a visit to Willie Mae’s Scotch House. Don’t be fooled by the name, right, Willie Mae’s is mainly about their fried chicken, so they are incredibly good at chicken. So many folks almost claim it’s simply the best on planet Earth, yet I will actually let you be the judge. In the end, that juicy, flavorful, crispy, well all those words that you hear so often are definitely very accurate for Willie Mae’s. Expect a line; believe me it’s that popular, right? Yet, almost every single bite is totally worth that wait for a little bit of New Orleans heaven.

3. Bullet’s Sports Bar: Music and More

For a bit more local vibe, well Bullet’s Sports Bar is really it. Far from your typical sports bar, that said it is known almost locally for its live brass bands on Sunday evenings, so it’s somethin’ special. Sippin’ on an ice-cold beer while getting so close to the sound of some killer brass? It’s something special, that I guarantee. And while the drinks and tunes definitely steal the spotlight, still, the food can definitely hold its own. Ask about the daily specials because sometimes you will find very delicious local favorites.

4. Lil Dizzy’s Cafe: A Neighborhood Staple

Lil Dizzy’s is truly almost what you could easily call a quintessential neighborhood cafe, and with incredibly authentic Creole food on the menu. The breakfast here is great; you gotta give the Creole omelet a try, just wow. For lunch or maybe even dinner, the stuffed bell peppers are quite somethin’ special. This place is almost always busy with locals, and so that should always tell you somethin’. They’ve almost got that perfect recipe for success: seriously tasty grub served up with huge heapins’ of that kinda New Orleans hospitality we all love. Plus, it’s really easy on the wallet!

5. Treme Hideaway: Cozy Cocktails

Want a super cozy and cool spot? Well, look no further than Treme Hideaway. I do suggest giving one of their carefully crafted cocktails a try, because they are incredibly delicious and quite strong. This bar just truly has a kinda laid-back atmosphere which almost makes it absolutely perfect for when you really want to kick back a little and really experience a bit of New Orleans’ relaxed vibes, you see? It’s very tucked away on a small street, which just adds a level of exclusive charm to the joint. You want a low-key spot but you still wanna feel that energy of Tremé? This just may be the spot.