If you love parades and pooches, the Krewe of Barkus parade is coming back on Sunday, March 9 in the French Quarter, after having been rescheduled from February 23 due to weather.
Dogs of all breeds and sizes will strut their stuff for this year's theme, "Vanity Fur: Barkus Rules the Runway!" Here's where you can eat along the parade route.
10 Places to Eat at for Krewe of Barkus
1. Good Friends Bar
740 Dauphine St., (504) 566-7191
Nestled in the heart of the French Quarter, Good Friends Bar offers the perfect vantage point for Krewe of Barkus revelers. This welcoming establishment features a stunning mahogany bar downstairs and a Victorian-styled upper level with a prime balcony view of the parade. The warm, casual atmosphere makes it an ideal spot for both locals and visitors to celebrate with their four-legged friends.
Don't miss their famous "Separator" cocktail while watching the parade from the street-level or coveted balcony space. The bar's prime location, reasonable drink prices, and friendly service make it an essential stop during the dog-themed festivities. While they don't serve food, their central location puts you within walking distance of numerous dining options, perfect for a full day of carnival celebrations.
2. Clover Grill
900 Bourbon St., (504) 598-1010
This iconic 24-hour diner has been serving up comfort food since 1939, making it the perfect pit stop during Krewe of Barkus festivities. The retro-styled interior, complete with classic counter seating and pink menus, provides a charming backdrop for parade-goers seeking sustenance.
Their famous burgers, cooked under hubcaps to seal in the flavor, are a local legend. Don't miss their hearty all-day breakfast menu—the perfect fuel for a day of parade watching. The vibrant atmosphere and friendly staff embody the spirit of Bourbon Street, making it an essential stop during Carnival season.
3. Tropical Isle
721 Bourbon St., (504) 529-4109
Tropical Isle is where the spirit of Bourbon Street comes alive with neon lights and Mardi Gras beads. This iconic French Quarter establishment offers the perfect vantage point for watching the Krewe of Barkus parade while enjoying their world-famous Hand Grenade® drink—a mysterious and powerful melon-flavored cocktail that's become a New Orleans legend.
The festive island atmosphere and friendly staff create an unforgettable carnival experience. While known primarily for their signature drinks, Tropical Isle's spacious layout and outdoor seating make it an ideal spot for parade-goers to take a break and enjoy the festivities. Their location at 721 Bourbon St. puts you right in the heart of the action, making it a must-visit stop during the Krewe of Barkus celebrations.
4. New Orleans Vampire Café
801 Royal St., (504) 581-0801
This uniquely themed French Quarter establishment is where gothic ambiance meets New Orleans charm. Perfect for parade watching, the Vampire Café offers both indoor seating in their mysteriously decorated dining room and outdoor spaces where four-legged friends are welcome. The quirky atmosphere and strategic Royal Street location make it an ideal spot to catch the Krewe of Barkus festivities.
Their signature cocktails served in theatrical blood bags are a must-try—especially the Pomegranate Lemonade spiked with Vampyre Vodka. The menu features cleverly named dishes like their popular Vampire Burger while maintaining the quality expected of French Quarter dining. Their attentive service and dog-friendly patio make this spot a hauntingly good choice for parade day.
5. Orleans Grapevine Wine Bar & Bistro
720 Orleans Ave., (504) 523-1930
Nestled in a historic 1809 building directly opposite the old Salle d'Orleans, this intimate wine bar and bistro continues the French Quarter's tradition of culinary excellence. The charming courtyard and cozy interior, complete with a warming fireplace, provide the perfect atmosphere for parade watchers seeking a more sophisticated viewing experience. The restaurant welcomes both two and four-legged guests in their outdoor seating area.
Their extensive wine list features carefully curated selections available by the glass, bottle, or flight. Don't miss their popular cheese and charcuterie boards, perfect for sharing while watching the Krewe of Barkus parade pass by. The French-inspired menu and attentive service make this historic establishment a refined choice for parade day dining.
6. Tableau
616 St. Peter St., (504) 934-3463
Located in a stunning three-story townhouse overlooking Jackson Square, Tableau offers an elegant refuge during the Krewe of Barkus festivities. Their balcony provides a prime viewing spot for the parade, while the courtyard welcomes four-legged friends in a sophisticated setting. The Drawing Room lounge offers a perfect blend of classic New Orleans charm and modern refinement.
Don't miss their signature Sazerac cocktail, crafted with precision and served with style. Their blue crab fondue and seafood bouillabaisse showcase the best of French-Creole cuisine, making it an ideal spot for those seeking an upscale parade day dining experience. The attentive service and historic ambiance create the perfect backdrop for celebrating this unique New Orleans tradition.
7. Felix's Restaurant & Oyster Bar
739 Iberville St., (504) 522-4440
A cornerstone of French Quarter dining for over 70 years, Felix's offers the perfect blend of casual atmosphere and classic New Orleans seafood. Their spacious dining room and outdoor seating provide excellent vantage points for watching the Krewe of Barkus parade, while their efficient service ensures you won't miss any of the action.
Their famous raw oysters are a must-try, but don't overlook their seafood gumbo and their signature Bloody Mary, garnished with pickled vegetables and spicy beans. The restaurant's dog-friendly outdoor space and proximity to the parade route make it an ideal spot for both human and canine parade-goers.
8. Pat O'Brien's
718 St. Peter St., (504) 525-4823
A French Quarter institution since 1933, Pat O'Brien's offers an enchanting courtyard setting complete with their famous flaming fountain, making it an ideal spot for watching the Krewe of Barkus parade. The historic venue welcomes parade-goers with its vibrant atmosphere and live dueling pianos entertainment, creating the perfect backdrop for carnival festivities.
Their world-famous Hurricane cocktail served in the signature glass, is a must-try New Orleans classic. While known primarily as a bar, they also offer a solid menu of casual New Orleans fare, including their popular alligator bites and jambalaya. The spacious courtyard provides a dog-friendly environment where both humans and their four-legged companions can enjoy the parade day celebrations.
9. Bar Tonique
820 N. Rampart St.
Tucked away in a charming brick building on the edge of the French Quarter, Bar Tonique offers a sophisticated escape during the Krewe of Barkus festivities. This craft cocktail haven, complete with a cozy fireplace, provides the perfect blend of refinement and relaxation. Their dog-friendly outdoor space makes it an ideal spot for parade-goers seeking expertly crafted drinks in an intimate setting.
Don't miss their legendary Gin Fizz, a show-stopping cocktail that exemplifies their mastery of classic recipes. Their innovative approach to traditional drinks, like their perfectly balanced Sidecar and Gimlet, showcases the bar's commitment to craftsmanship. While primarily known for their exceptional cocktails, the laid-back atmosphere and friendly service make Bar Tonique a standout destination for parade day refreshments.
10. Black Penny
700 N. Rampart St., (504) 304-4779
Housed in a historic building with weathered charm, The Black Penny offers a perfect blend of dive bar authenticity and craft beer sophistication. This Rampart Street gem welcomes parade-goers with its spacious interior featuring comfortable booths and a dog-friendly outdoor seating area, making it an ideal spot to catch the Krewe of Barkus festivities.
Their extensive craft beer selection spans over three pages, featuring both local brews and rare finds served in cans and on tap. While they don't serve food, they welcome outside meals, allowing parade-watchers to bring their favorite local eats while enjoying the bar's impressive beverage selection. The laid-back atmosphere and knowledgeable staff create a welcoming environment for both two-legged and four-legged parade enthusiasts.
