DineSpin

Best Outdoor Dining in New Orleans

Find the best outdoor dining restaurants in New Orleans, LA. Scored on what actually matters.

By DineSpin Team·Updated February 2026·10 spots

Finding the perfect outdoor dining spot in New Orleans can feel overwhelming—there are hundreds of options, and not all of them deliver. We’ve done the legwork, considering everything from vibe to value.

Whether you’re a local looking for something new or visiting for the first time, these are the outdoor dining spots that consistently impress.

Recommended:

Best Outdoor Dining in New Orleans

1.

Galaxie

88/100

Galaxie is a vibrant New Orleans spot celebrated for its authentic Mexican cuisine, particularly its tacos and cocktails, and its remarkably charming atmosphere. While generally well-received, some diners note concerns about portion sizes relative to price and occasional inconsistencies in service and wait times.

Pro tip: Authentic Mexican not the silly Tex Mex we’re used to. I can’t remember the name of what I ordered (two tacos) but it was fantastic as well as their guacamole and chips. Portions were filling and the food was extremely tasty. My server was very nice and made sure my needs were met. Fun establishment and very enjoyable

🍽️Food85

The food is generally known for its authentic Mexican flavors, fresh ingredients, and well-prepared tacos and cocktails. Some dishes, like the birria tacos and al pastor, are frequently highlighted.

Freaking GOOD FOOD!

👋Service75

Service is a mixed bag, with many diners finding the staff friendly and helpful, while others experienced issues with ordering processes and attentiveness.

Great service and fun NOLA atmosphere.

Vibe95

The restaurant is consistently lauded for its unique, charming, and lively atmosphere, particularly its outdoor patio space.

The ambience of the patio + the lighting and decor was amazing

💰Value65

While many find the food and atmosphere enjoyable, several diners mention small portion sizes and high prices, leading to concerns about overall value.

Overpriced.

📍 3060 St Claude Ave, New Orleans, LA 70117
4.5$$New OrleansMexican
Ideal for
Casual dining with friendsEnjoying outdoor ambianceTaco and margarita enthusiasts
2.

Bratz Y'all! Bistro • Bakery • Biergarten

88/100

Bratz Y'all! offers an authentic German biergarten experience in New Orleans, celebrated for its lively atmosphere, friendly service, and a wide selection of German beers and food. While generally well-received, occasional inconsistencies in food preparation have been noted.

Pro tip: The ambiance is a lot like being in a German Biergarten, fun and friendly.

🍽️Food88

The food is generally known for its authenticity and freshness, with many dishes like schnitzel, brats, and pretzels receiving positive remarks. However, some dishes have been noted as overcooked or over-salted.

The food is very good, authentic and super fresh.

👋Service85

Service is frequently described as friendly and excellent, with staff making diners feel welcome. A few instances of unapproachable or less enthusiastic staff were noted.

Wonderful service and a lovely ambuance

Vibe95

The atmosphere is consistently lauded as a major draw, with diners frequently comparing it to a German biergarten and appreciating the outdoor seating, live music, and dog-friendly environment.

The ambiance is a lot like being in a German Biergarten

💰Value75

While many find the food and experience to be worth the price, some diners noted that certain items, like the pork knuckle or individual brats, were expensive.

Bratz were good but a tad expensive

📍 617-B Piety, New Orleans, LA 70117
4.7$$New OrleansGerman
Ideal for
Casual dining with friendsExperiencing authentic German cuisineEnjoying live music outdoors
3.

Sidecar Patio & Oyster Bar

88/100

Sidecar Patio & Oyster Bar is celebrated for its excellent selection of fresh oysters and its vibrant, lush patio atmosphere. While the food and ambiance are well-regarded, occasional issues with wait times and service attentiveness are noted.

Pro tip: The oyster selection is a major draw, offering a wide variety of fresh and delicious options, complemented by a beautiful patio atmosphere.

🍽️Food92

The restaurant excels in its oyster selection, offering a wide variety from different coasts, well-regarded for freshness and quality. Other dishes like shrimp tacos and chicken sandwiches also receive positive mentions.

Oysters are fantastic

👋Service78

Service is generally friendly and accommodating, though some diners note a decline in attentiveness and occasional rudeness from staff, particularly at the bar.

Staff was really nice

Vibe95

The restaurant's atmosphere, particularly its lush and well-decorated outdoor patio, is a major draw, creating a tropical oasis feel that is well-regarded.

Gorgeous and lush setting

💰Value85

Happy hour deals, particularly on oysters, are frequently highlighted as outstanding value. While some items are priced to reflect quality, overall value is considered good.

Unbeatable deal

📍 1114 Constance St, New Orleans, LA 70130
4.6$$New OrleansSeafood
Ideal for
Oyster enthusiasts — wide variety and freshnessCasual gatherings — vibrant patio and good valueWatching sports — ample TVs and good atmosphere
4.

Barracuda Taco Stand

88/100

Barracuda Taco Stand is a highly-regarded taco spot in New Orleans' Algiers Point, celebrated for its remarkably flavorful and fresh tacos, creative combinations, and a relaxed, garden-like outdoor atmosphere. While generally known for service and value, some diners note that portions can be small for the price.

Pro tip: Amazing tacos—absolutely worth the ferry ride to Algiers Point!

🍽️Food95

The tacos are well-regarded for their excellent flavor, fresh ingredients, and creative combinations, with many diners calling them the best they've ever had.

Best tacos and bowls around

👋Service85

Service is generally described as friendly, quick, and pleasant, though a few instances of unfriendliness or order mix-ups were noted.

Service with a smile and quick

Vibe90

The restaurant boasts a well-regarded, chill, garden-like atmosphere with outdoor seating, often described as a "favorite" or a "different world."

Chill garden! I had the fish tacos

💰Value75

While many find the food delicious and worth the price, some diners consider the portions small and the items overpriced, especially for the area.

Very overpriced considering the portion sizes

📍 446 Pelican Ave, New Orleans, LA 70114, United States
4.8$$New OrleansMexican
Ideal for
Casual lunch or dinnerDiners seeking unique taco flavorsThose enjoying outdoor dining
5.

Santa Fe

78/100

Santa Fe offers a pleasant dining experience with a focus on fresh, flavorful Southwestern and Latin American-inspired cuisine, complemented by a great atmosphere, especially its outdoor seating. While many celebrate the food and service, inconsistencies in both, along with some negative management responses, detract from an otherwise positive impression.

Pro tip: The bartender was phenomenal: genuinely friendly, made time for everyone at the bar.

🍽️Food85

The food is generally well-prepared with fresh ingredients, offering a blend of Southwestern and Latin American flavors with local twists. Standout dishes include crispy salmon, tamales, and ceviche, though some find certain items lacking in seasoning or flavor.

Every item was fresh and house made

👋Service70

Service is a mixed bag, with many celebrating attentive and friendly staff, particularly bartenders. However, instances of inattentive, rude, or dismissive service from some staff members are noted.

The bartender was phenomenal: truly friendly

Vibe90

The restaurant offers a pleasant atmosphere, particularly with its outdoor seating, often enhanced by live music, creating a relaxed and inviting environment.

Great vibe, patio lights everywhere

💰Value70

While many find the prices reasonable for the quality and portion sizes, some diners consider the restaurant overpriced, particularly for smaller portions or less satisfying dishes.

Way overpriced, bad quality, rip off

📍 3201 Esplanade Ave, New Orleans, LA 70119
4.3$$New OrleansMexican
Ideal for
Casual outdoor diningEnjoying creative cocktailsExperiencing live music
6.

Red Dog Diner

88/100

Red Dog Diner is a highly-regarded establishment in New Orleans' Garden District, celebrated for its excellent and flavorful food, creative drinks, and cozy, welcoming atmosphere. While most diners report a positive experience with friendly service, occasional wait times and an isolated poor management response detract slightly from an otherwise stellar reputation.

Pro tip: Amazing food, great service, and a cozy atmosphere make this worth trying spot.

🍽️Food92

The food is well-regarded for its deliciousness, unique flavors, and fresh ingredients, with many dishes highlighted as outstanding.

Everything was fresh and tasty!

👋Service78

Service is generally described as friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable, though some instances of inattentiveness or perceived unfriendliness have been noted.

Our bartender was very attentive

Vibe88

The atmosphere is frequently lauded as cozy, hip, and having a local feel, contributing to a pleasant dining experience.

Feel of a secret local hangout.

💰Value85

Diners find the food to be reasonably priced for the quality and portion sizes, with many considering it a great value.

Amazing food at an extremely reasonable price!

📍 3122 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70115, United States
4.7$$New OrleansAmerican
Ideal for
Casual dining with friendsBrunch seekersTourists exploring the Garden District
7.

Pizza Delicious

88/100

Pizza Delicious is a highly-regarded New Orleans establishment known for its excellent New York-style pizza, featuring a thin, crispy crust and fresh ingredients. While generally known for its food and casual vibe, potential diners should be aware of possible wait times during peak hours and a noisy indoor environment.

Pro tip: One of the best pizzas we’ve had in New Orleans since moving here.

🍽️Food92

The pizza is well-regarded for its thin, crispy crust, fresh ingredients, and flavorful toppings, with many diners calling it the best in New Orleans and comparable to New York style.

One of the best pizzas we’ve had

👋Service75

Service is generally described as friendly and helpful, though a few instances of rudeness and attitude have been noted, particularly regarding order issues or requests.

The staff was friendly and attentive

Vibe85

The atmosphere is frequently described as fun, casual, and inviting, with a notable charm from outdoor seating and a resident pet rooster.

Cool vibes

💰Value78

While many find the pizza to be worth the price, some diners consider certain specialty pizzas overpriced for the portion size or quality.

Overpriced.

📍 617 Piety, New Orleans, LA 70117
4.6$$New OrleansPizza
Ideal for
Pizza aficionados seeking authentic NY styleCasual dining with outdoor seatingPicnics near Crescent Park
8.

Clesi's Seafood Restaurant & Catering

88/100

Clesi's Seafood Restaurant is a highly-regarded establishment in New Orleans, celebrated for its remarkably fresh and flavorful seafood, particularly its crawfish. The restaurant offers a friendly, laid-back atmosphere and generally attentive service, making it a popular choice for both locals and visitors seeking an authentic taste of the city.

Pro tip: Best seafood I have ever had, with great service and atmosphere.

🍽️Food92

The seafood, particularly the crawfish, is well-regarded for its freshness, flavor, and perfect seasoning. Other dishes like boudin balls, oysters, and fried items also receive high marks.

Best seafood I have ever had

👋Service85

Service is generally described as friendly, attentive, and helpful, with many staff members well-regarded. However, there are isolated instances of slow or dismissive service.

Great service !! We were even checked on

Vibe85

The atmosphere is frequently described as friendly, laid-back, and authentic, with a pleasant outdoor seating area that contributes to the overall experience.

Unpretentious vibe and chill atmosphere

💰Value80

While some find the prices reasonable, particularly for the quality and portion sizes, a few signs suggest certain items might be overpriced or portions small.

Too overpriced for

📍 4323 Bienville St, New Orleans, LA 70119
4.4$$New OrleansSeafood
Ideal for
Seafood lovers seeking authentic NOLA flavorsDiners looking for a relaxed, friendly atmosphereGroups wanting a lively outdoor dining experience
9.

Johnny's Jamaican Grill

78/100

Johnny's Jamaican Grill is known for its authentic and delicious Jamaican cuisine, often described as the best in the city, with generous portions and a vibrant outdoor atmosphere. However, significant issues with operational consistency, unreliable hours, and long wait times detract from the overall experience.

Pro tip: Best food we had all week was our first night at Johnny’s.

🍽️Food88

The food is frequently described as authentic, flavorful, and delicious, with many diners calling it the best Jamaican food they've had. Specific dishes like jerk chicken, oxtails, and snapper receive high celebrate.

Best food we had all week

👋Service65

Service is a mixed bag, with some diners experiencing friendly and accommodating staff, while others report unprofessionalism, unresponsiveness, and a lack of hospitality.

Bad customer service

Vibe85

The restaurant offers a pleasant, authentic Jamaican outdoor atmosphere with music, contributing to a fun and chill vibe.

Nice outdoor atmosphere. Very Jamaican.

💰Value80

Portions are generally considered generous and priced appropriately, offering good value for the quality of food.

Large portions

📍 1681 Religious St, New Orleans, LA 70130
4.3$$New OrleansCaribbean
Ideal for
Diners seeking authentic Jamaican flavorsThose who appreciate a lively outdoor vibePatrons prioritizing taste over punctuality
10.

T's Pizza & Pasta

76/100

T's Pizza & Pasta (aka T-Birds) is a Los Gatos institution with a loyal fan base built on fluffy sourdough crust, generous toppings, and an affordable lunch special. Current owner VJ has earned respect for his pizza innovation (butter chicken pizza) and personable service. However, the restaurant faces credibility gaps: long-time customers report significant quality decline over 5-7 years, and past cleanliness concerns (hand-washing lapses, mold in salad) from 8 years ago raise questions about kitchen discipline despite recent 'clean' mentions lacking specificity.

Pro tip: Best pizza in the Bay Area, but consistency slipping.

🍽️Food78

Pizza is the reliable draw with devoted fans celebrating fluffy/crispy crust and generous toppings; sourdough and butter chicken pizzas get special mention. However, consistency issues reported by long-time customers—quality has declined over recent years with occasional soggy/doughy results and toppings varying in freshness.

Pizza is fantastic. Family standards extremely high

👋Service82

Generally friendly and accommodating staff; owner VJ (current owner ~2-3 years) receives consistent recognition for being personable. Recent service mentions are positive.

Service is always excellent

Vibe76

Casual, low-key atmosphere; described as 'hole in the wall', 'down-to-earth', 'chill vibes'. Limited but 'nice' seating; decor updated under new ownership (past 2-3 years). Dog-friendly outdoor seating mentioned. Not a fine-dining experience but comfortable for takeout and casual hangout.

Pleasant atmosphere, down-to-earth place

💰Value72

Pricing described as 'competitive' to 'high-end' depending on diners expectations; lunch specials ($7.50 slice + drink, historically $7 with salad bar) are frequently cited as outstanding value. Large pizzas noted at $25+. Wings and breadsticks criticized as undersized/under-cheesed relative to price.

Great deal. Pizza and drink combo for $7.50

⚠️Heads Up
  • Hand-washing lapses: employees smoking then handling food; mopping then applying pizza toppings without washing hands
📍 600 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70130, United States
3.6$$New OrleansPizza
Ideal for
Los Gatos locals seeking casual, nostalgic pizzaLunch specials huntersDog owners (outdoor seating available)

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