The Krewe of Cork will be marching on February 21 at 3 p.m. to celebrate wine, food, and fun all over New Orleans. Best known for their love of wine, this year's parade will be sure to tip people over to the partying mood. If you or your friends are looking to go out and see the parade, make sure to eat or drink before or after the parade rolls on your corner. The Krewe of Cork will be stopping by select hotels to make a toast while throwing out wine and cork themed throws to the crowds to make sure this celebration is worth celebrating!
Best Spots to Eat & Drink at for the Krewe of Cork Parade
1. Touche Bar
621 St. Louis St., 504-559-5333
omnihotels.com/hotels/new-orleans-royal-orleans/dining/touche-bar
Within the ornate halls of the Omni Royal Orleans Hotel, the Touche Bar offers a small respite for both hotel guests and spectators for the Krewe of Cork parade. Offering flavorful cocktails and beers, such as their Hurricane, the Last Word Martini, or their Rib Room Lager Draft, the bar is a perfect place to observe the nightlife of New Orleans, the street performers, or even the parade itself as it rolls around! If you're feeling a little snackish, the Touche Bar has you covered there too with delicious options such as their Royal Club Sandwich, Truffle Parmesan Fries, or even their Aged Gouda Beignets if you want something a bit sweeter on the palate.
If you're looking for an intimate and positive environment to enjoy your view of the New Orleans' nightlife while enjoying some good food and drink then the Touche Bar will hit the spot.
2. Royal Oyster House
441 Royal St., 504-528-2601
If you're craving the finest oysters and seafood that New Orleans has to offer, then head straight to the Royal Oyster House at the heart of the French Quarter! Locals and tourists alike have fallen head over heels for the exquisite seafood and Creole dishes that the Royal Oyster House has been serving for over a decade.
With dishes like their Seafood Pascatore, Gulf Shrimp Platter, and their signature Chargrilled Oysters to delight and satisfy your taste buds, you can't help but order a little more to indulge yourself. With cocktails, fancy wines, and beers to compliment your choice of Creole seafood, the world is your oyster. With splendid drinks, desserts, and a panorama view of the upcoming parade to round out the entire experience, you can not help but feel like royalty when you're eating out at the Royal Oyster House.
3. Brennan's
417 Royal St., 504-525-9711
For those desiring the fine dining experience, Brennan's is here to dazzle and charm the palates and hearts of all patrons that walk through their doors with their opulent ambience, impeccable service, and authentic Creole cuisine. With a commitment to preserving New Orleans' illustrious past, this venue serves indulgent meals that will bring you to the good old days with a fusion of classic Creole cuisine with modern twists to appreciate everything in the Crescent City.
With dishes such as their Rabbit Spaetzle, Cane Syrup Braised Lamb Shank, and Duck Confit Hash, your taste buds will be treated to a delightful culinary journey. With their sense of elegance and ambience, all occasions will feel special especially when you're enjoying the Crescent City. Brennan's ensures that your night will end off on a high note with their rich desserts such as their Granny Apple, the New Orleans Bread Pudding, or their World Famous Bananas Foster. If you need a taste of fine dining then saunter on over to Brennan's for the night of your life.
4. Restaurant R'evolution
777 Bienville St., 504-553-2277
With amazing and contemporary Creole and Cajun cuisine by Executive Chef John Folse, Restaurant R'evolution is an absolute must visit for anyone who is in New Orleans for Cork. Visit the restaurant's bar and start off with a classic New Orleans cocktail such as a Sazerac or a French 75, or even any of the bar's other craft cocktails.
There is so much to enjoy on Restaurant R'evolution's menu: Creole Snapping Turtle Soup, NOLA Hot Crab Claws, Lobster Ravioli, Scallop Yakamein, and so much more. If you want to feel extra fancy, the menu also has charcuterie and caviar.
5. Tropical Isle's Bayou Club
601 Bourbon St., 800-475-3649
Everyone who wants to experience good vibes within the chaotic hustle and bustle of Bourbon Street, make sure to go over to Tropical Isle's Bayou Club! With an intimate yet lively environment thanks to its clientele and its live entertainment from local musicians, you and your friends will soak up the best vibes that the city has to offer.
With signature drinks such as their explosive Hand Grenade, their Tropical Itch, or the Horny Gator to get you in the merry mood to party and sing, this bar has everything you need to unwind. Experience New Orleans' most powerful drink over at Tropical Isle's Bayou Club.
6. Maison Bourbon
641 Bourbon St., 504-522-8818
As the birthplace of jazz, it only makes sense that New Orleans has a myriad of jazz clubs that pay tribute to the art. Maison Bourbon separates itself from the crowd as the oldest live jazz club in New Orleans, dedicated to the craft of authentic and sophisticated jazz rather than pop cover bands or retreads of the classics, making locals and tourists alike flocking to this famous club.
This venue takes pride in its presentation with a comfortable bar atmosphere, soft lighting, classic beers, and cocktails and a stage for jazz musicians from all over the city to entertain and captivate the entire audience. So if you need an oasis of traditional jazz from the humdrum bars around the French Quarter, keep an eye out for this little gem before spreading your party spirit around the Big Easy.
7. Bourbon "O" Bar
730 Bourbon St., 855-771-5214
If you're in the mood for a truly classy venue, then line up at the Bourbon "O" Bar's velvet rope! Once you get past the velvet rope, you'll be swept away by their pleasant ambience and their wide array of alcoholic beverages all under the finest jazz melodies that New Orleans' best has to offer.
With options like their sophisticated wines, such as their Veuve Clicquot, Seaglass Pinot Grigio, or Imagery Cabernet Sauvignon, or New Orleans Classic Cocktails if you're feeling rowdy with options such as their French 75, Hurricanes, or their Grasshoppers—these drinks will go down like honey. However, the draw of this bar is their attention to detail and ensuring that all their clientele's ears are graced with the smoothest and most sensational jazz that New Orlean's best can offer. If you think you deserve the best of the best, then Bourbon "O" Bar might be right up your alley!
8. New Orleans Vampire Cafe
801 Royal St., 504-581-0801
Enjoy some Seafood Gumbo, the Vampire Burger, Scallops with Grits, and more. Make sure to save up some room for some Doberge Cake or a Vampire Chocolate Bar.
9. The Gumbo Shop
630 St. Peter St., 504-525-1486
Of course, The Gumbo Shop isn't just a one-stop shop with options such as their Blackened Chicken Po-Boys, Crawfish Étouffée, or the Chocolate Pecan Sundae for those with a sweet tooth. No matter what you pick, the Gumbo Shop will make sure you walk out a happy customer with superb service and gorgeous servings of bona fide Cajun cuisine.
10. Copper Monkey Bar & Grill
725 Conti St., 504-527-0869
Sometimes, it's okay to cut loose and let the monkey in your head take the lead! As expected, the Copper Monkey Bar & Grill offers you New Orleans classics such as Jambalaya, Shrimp Creole, and Gumbo, but their menu shakes it up a little with Quesadillas and Ultimate Loaded Nachos, as well.
These monkeys aren't just seeing and doing, they're also cooking up some originals too such as their Peanut Butter Burger constructed with half pound of ground sirloin with lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles with some seasoning to boot then topped with creamy peanut butter to make something truly unique. With excellent service, cooks and bartenders at the helm, you'll get a lot more than the bare necessities and munch on some real appetizing classics. Although the recipes seem simple, the Copper Monkey adds all the charm!
Dont Miss Out on the Krewe of Cork Parade
For all the food lovers reading this article featuring the best restaurants to sip and savor at, don't forget that the Krewe of Cork is just around the corner! This parade is here to bring together local chefs, foodies, and party animals together for an unforgettable experience. Everyone gets a chance to explore some of New Orlean's most beloved restaurants while enjoying the Krewe of Cork's toast to the city's stellar cuisine and a taste of the city's flamboyant culture as well.
