Decatur Street New Orleans: 7 Must-See Food & Historic Stops
Decatur Street in New Orleans is one of the best places to try local food, see historic buildings, and explore the French Quarter on foot. Some of the city’s most famous spots are here, including Café du Monde, Jackson Square, and the French Market. And you don’t need a car to see them.
But where should you start? Should you grab beignets first, walk by the river, or find a good place for lunch? You could spend hours trying to fit it all in. At Tastebud Tours, we offer guided walking food tours that bring New Orleans food and history together. If you’re planning a visit, here are seven stops worth adding to your walk.
Where Is Decatur Street in New Orleans?
Decatur Street runs through the French Quarter, close to the Mississippi River. It’s an easy place to explore on foot, with old buildings, cafés, shops, and restaurants along the way. The stretch near Jackson Square and the French Market is especially popular with visitors. You can stop for coffee, watch street performers, or sit down for a proper New Orleans meal. If you have two or three hours, you can see several of the main sights without rushing. Just wear comfortable shoes. You’ll probably walk more than you planned.
7 Best Stops on Decatur Street in New Orleans
1. Jackson Square: Start With a Little New Orleans History
Jackson Square is a good place to begin your walk. It’s right by Decatur Street, with St. Louis Cathedral standing behind it. You’ll often find artists displaying their work along the square’s iron fence.
Take a few minutes to look around. The buildings here have been part of New Orleans life for generations. The square was once called Place d’Armes and has seen some of the city’s biggest changes. It’s also a good spot for photos. If you’re visiting in the morning, you may find it easier to walk around before the busiest crowds arrive.
2. Café du Monde: Try the Famous Beignets and Coffee
Address: 800 Decatur Street
You can’t talk about Decatur Street without mentioning Café du Monde. This famous coffee stand has been serving visitors since 1862. It’s known for two things: beignets and café au lait. Beignets are warm, fried squares of dough covered in powdered sugar. They’re served in portions of three. And yes, that sugar gets everywhere. Don’t wear your best black shirt if you’re planning to eat them.
Try these two favorites:
- Beignets: Soft fried dough with a thick coat of powdered sugar.
- Café au lait: Coffee with chicory and hot milk, a New Orleans classic.
Café du Monde is worth visiting, but it’s not the only place to enjoy local food. If you’d like to try more than one dish, a New Orleans walking food tour can help you discover other French Quarter favorites.
3. Central Grocery: Discover the Original Muffuletta
Address: 923 Decatur Street
Hungry for something more filling? Head to Central Grocery, the historic shop known for creating the muffuletta sandwich in 1906. The sandwich is hard to miss. It’s made with round sesame bread, Italian meats, cheese, and a generous layer of olive salad. That olive salad is what gives it such a strong, salty taste.
A whole muffuletta is quite large, so sharing one may be enough if you plan to eat more later. There’s also some history behind it. The sandwich came from the Sicilian community that once lived and worked around the French Market. It’s a good example of how different cultures shaped New Orleans food.
Central Grocery is also featured in Tastebud Tours’ French Quarter food tour. Check current shop access and tour stops before visiting, as arrangements can change.
4. French Market: Browse Local Food and Shops
Location: Decatur Street, near the French Market District
The French Market is one of the best places to wander when you don’t have a strict plan. You’ll find food vendors, small shops, souvenirs, and stalls selling all sorts of things. It’s been part of New Orleans’ commerce for more than two centuries. Today, it’s a mix of old market history and everyday shopping. If you’ve already had coffee and a sandwich, take your time here. You don’t need to buy anything to enjoy walking through the market.
A few things worth looking for include:
- Local food and snack vendors
- Handmade gifts and souvenirs
- New Orleans spices and food products
- The nearby historic market buildings
The market is especially useful if you’re traveling with someone who likes to shop while you prefer to eat. You can both find something to enjoy.
5. JAX Brewery: See a Historic Building With a New Purpose
Location: 600 Decatur Street
JAX Brewery used to be a working brewery in New Orleans. Today, you’ll find shops and places to eat inside the old building. It’s close to Jackson Square and the riverfront, so you can stop by while exploring Decatur Street. Even if you don’t plan to shop, it’s worth seeing the old building.
Take a look at the brickwork and the old brewery sign. It’s a reminder of what this part of New Orleans looked like years ago. You can spend a little time browsing the shops or just stop for a few photos before heading to your next spot.
6. Mississippi Riverfront: Take a Break From the Busy Streets
After walking past cafés and shops, you might want a little fresh air. Head toward the Mississippi River and the Moon Walk, a riverside path near Jackson Square. You can watch boats move along the river and get a different view of the city. It’s a nice change from the busy French Quarter streets.
The river played a huge role in New Orleans’ history. Goods, people, and food traditions came through this busy port. Much of what you eat in New Orleans today has roots in those connections. If the weather is good, spend a little time here before heading back for more food.
7. House of Blues: Enjoy New Orleans Music and Culture
Address: 225 Decatur Street
New Orleans isn’t just about food. Music is a big part of the city, too. House of Blues on Decatur Street is a well-known place for live performances. The venue hosts different artists and events, so check the schedule if you’d like to catch a show. Not every performance is traditional New Orleans jazz, but it’s a good place to look for live music.
If you’re planning a full day in the French Quarter, you could explore the street during the afternoon and save a concert for later. It’s a nice way to enjoy two sides of New Orleans: its food and its music.
Why Book a Guided Food Tour in New Orleans?
You can walk around Decatur Street on your own. But where should you stop for food? And what should you try first? A local guide can help you find good places to eat and share stories about the city along the way.
At Tastebud Tours, we offer guided food tours in New Orleans. Our Signature Flavors of the French Quarter tour takes about three hours. You’ll get to try local foods like muffulettas, po-boys, jambalaya, and beignets. The food and stops may change.
You can also join our New Orleans Sunset Food and History Tour. It starts at 816 Decatur Street. You’ll walk through the French Quarter, try local food, and hear stories about the places you pass.
Here’s what to know before booking:
- Time: Plan for about three hours.
- Food: Tastings are included.
- Drinks: Guests 21 and older can buy alcoholic drinks separately.
- Shoes: Wear comfortable shoes for walking.
- Diet: Have food allergies or special dietary needs? Contact us before booking. Food substitutions aren’t currently available.
If you’re new to New Orleans, choosing where to eat can be hard. There are so many places to pick from. On a food tour, you can try different dishes without having to plan every stop yourself.
Explore More of New Orleans With Tastebud Tours
Decatur Street gives you a good taste of New Orleans. You can start with coffee and beignets, stop for a muffuletta, explore the French Market, and walk along the river. But there’s much more food and history tucked into the streets around it.
If you’d like someone to show you around, book a New Orleans walking food tour with Tastebud Tours. We’ll help you explore the French Quarter, try local favorites, and learn a little about the city along the way. After all, why spend your whole visit wondering where to eat next when you could be enjoying the food?
FAQs About Decatur Street in New Orleans
Is Decatur Street worth visiting?
Yes. It’s one of the easiest places to enjoy New Orleans food, history, and shopping in one walk. You’ll find famous cafés, historic landmarks, and the Mississippi River nearby.
What are the best Decatur Street New Orleans restaurants?
Central Grocery is famous for muffulettas, while Café du Monde is known for beignets and coffee. For more local dishes, explore the surrounding French Quarter restaurants or join a guided food tour.
How long does it take to explore Decatur Street?
Allow two to three hours if you want to visit several attractions and stop for food. You may need more time if you plan to shop or sit down for a full meal.
Is Decatur Street close to Bourbon Street?
Yes. Both streets run through the French Quarter. You can walk between them in just a few minutes from many central locations.