Eats Near JAMNOLA: Where to Grab a Bite Before or After Your Visit

If you’ve spent time wandering through the colorful, joy-filled exhibits of JAMNOLA, chances are you’ve worked up an appetite! This one-of-a-kind art experience on Frenchmen Street celebrates everything that makes New Orleans shine: music, culture, and, of course, food. Luckily, you don’t have to go far to keep the celebration going. Within just a few blocks of JAMNOLA, you can find some of the city’s most beloved bites, from quick po’boys to slow dinners that stretch into live-music nights.

Photo: Dr. Nicole Caridad Ralston (@EatenPathNola)

Let’s take a little walk, shall we?

For a Quick Bite: Dat Dog

Just a few steps down Frenchmen, Dat Dog serves up colorful, creative hot dogs that reflect our city’s unique flavors. You can load your dog with crawfish étouffée, bacon, or even alligator sausage. Grab a spot on the balcony and soak in the street music below. Dat Dog is casual, fun, and very New Orleans. My pro-tip is to order the Duck Special (an off-menu item) that features a duck sausage, savory mustard and blackberry compote—it’s the perfect sweet and savory medley.

For a Classic Corner Store Po’boy: Verti Marte or Frady’s

Head just around the corner to Royal Street, and you’ll find Verti Marte, a true local legend that proves some of the best food in New Orleans comes wrapped in paper, not served on fine china. Open late and packed with character, this spot dishes out some of the city’s best po’boys and hot plates. Try the “All That Jazz” sandwich—it’s pure magic and messy in the best way.

Frady’s is located nearby on Dauphine St and you’ll need cash at this corner store. When you arrive, get in line and order at the counter. This is a neighborhood staple for the Marigny/Bywater area and my favorite poboys here are the roast beef or the shrimp!

For Drinks and Vibes: The Dragon’s Den or Spicy Mango

Spicy Mango is a Caribbean spot on Frenchmen St with a gorgeous courtyard. You can sip on tropical drinks, grab some colorful bites, and order my favorite: oxtail mac-n-cheese!

The Dragon’s Den also brings iconic Frenchmen Street energy with cocktails, music, and eclectic charm. (Possible permanent closure; status uncertain.)

For Dinner with Soul: Adolfo’s

Looking for a sit-down dinner that feels like a hidden gem? Climb the narrow stairs above the Apple Barrel Bar on Frenchmen St and you’ll find Adolfo’s, a small Italian-Creole restaurant beloved by locals. Their fish topped with Ocean Sauce (a buttery mix of crabmeat and shrimp) is iconic. It’s the kind of meal that lingers, just like the sounds of live music down the street. Pro-tip: They don’t take reservations here so go put your name on the list and then head downstairs to the bar to grab a drink and listen to music.

For a Late-Night Snack: Café Negril or The Will and The Way

Café Negril offers tacos, tunes, and the kind of casual, come-as-you-are energy that makes Frenchmen Street unforgettable.

The Will and the Way is a bit of a longer stroll into The Quarter, but totally worth it! It offers exceptional craft cocktails and delicious food. My favorite bites there include the kim chi fries, burger, strawberry salad, and the sweet potato tacos. This spot feels very New Orleans: cozy, moody, and a courtyard!

For Sweets: Loretta’s

Loretta’s Pralines is just a few steps from JAMNOLA and it’s a true New Orleans treasure. This is the perfect stop to quelch those sugar cravings. Known citywide for their melt-in-your-mouth pralines and beignets, this family-run spot has been serving classic Creole confections for decades. You’ll find everything from traditional pecan pralines to playful twists like chocolate, sweet potato, and even praline-filled beignets. Oh and if you're more of a savory person like me, then I HIGHLY recommend the crab beignet—it is incredible!

As you just read, there’s no shortage of flavor right outside of our doors. Frenchmen Street tells its own food story; one of creativity, resilience, and joy. Take a stroll, grab something delicious, and remember New Orleans is full of flavor—just like JAMNOLA.