Locals Go Nuts For The Food At This Legendary Restaurant In New Orleans

Tucked away in the Treme neighborhood, there’s an unassuming little building that’s filled with more than just great food. Locals have been enjoying this hidden gem for decades, and even celebrities and politicians have passed by during their stay in the Crescent City, but to truly understand how incredible this place is, we need to take a look at the history of this beloved restaurant.

When Edgar Dooky Chase, Sr. opened Dooky Chase’s in 1941, he had no clue it was going to become such an influential business.

What started out as a small sandwich shop that also sold lottery tickets in 1939 quickly became a popular bar and then later a thriving family restaurant.

In 1946, Edgar Dooky Chase, Jr. married Leah Chase.

Through Leah’s vision, the bar and sandwich shop transformed into a sit-down restaurant with an African-American atmosphere.

Known as the Queen of Creole Cuisine, Leah Chase adorned the walls with African American Art and started cooking up some amazing Creole dishes.

Dooky Chase’s was the first art gallery for black artists in New Orleans. But that’s not all this unassuming little building did for African-Americans.

During the Civil Rights Movement, Dooky Chase’s was a known meeting ground.

Freedom fighters and politicians would secretly meet here to discuss civil and economic rights in the African-American community. In the 1960s, Martin Luther King, Jr. even joined the local leaders for a meal in the upstairs room at Dooky’s. And Leah fed them all with her delicious Creole cuisine.

Still family owned and operated, diners to this historic restaurant can still enjoy a delicious meal with recipes that have lasted a lifetime.

Their Tuesday - Friday lunch buffet menu changes daily, but you can be sure to find those traditional New Orleans classics like red beans and rice, gumbo, stuffed shrimp, and more.

Their fried chicken is legendary.

It’s won numerous awards, and could very well be the best fried chicken in the city.

It's no wonder this place is packed for lunch and dinner.

From the artwork to the food, the atmosphere here is simply unmatched.

Their Friday night dinner menu covers just about all the classics.

Their shrimp Clemenceau and chicken creole are always a hit. You really can’t go wrong with anything on the menu!

Dooky Chase’s is open Tuesday-Friday for lunch 11am-3pm, and Fridays for dinner from 5pm-9pm.

You can find them at 2301 Orleans Ave., New Orleans LA 70119.

Have you ever eaten here? Let us know in the comments below!