This post has the information you need to make the most COOLinary in New Orleans, including dates, participating restaurants, and prices.
This annual event takes place during the entire month of August.
WHAT IS COOLinary?
During COOLinary, dozens of great restaurants offer a prix-fixe menu at discounted prices. Why do they do this?
Well, August is quite hot in NOLA, and with the school season starting up, there are fewer tourists in town.
This means that restaurants have fewer customers, which is never good for business but is good for you.
What began as an effort to entice locals to come out to eat in the hot, humid days of August is now one of the highlights of summer.
Now, over 35 restaurants participate, including some of the most famous eateries like Antoine's, Arnaud's, and Galatoire’s Restaurant.
Each will offer one or all three of these options:
- Three-course brunch menus for $45 or less
- Two - or three-course lunch menus for $25 or less
- Three-course dinner menus for $45 or less
Note that the prices do not include drinks or tips. Still, the savings are amazing!
This means that many other people will want to enjoy this opportunity so be sure to make reservations early!
If you are wondering where the name comes from, it's a combination of 'cool' and 'culinary' -- COOLinary!
For more information see the COOLinary website.
TIP: There are other special food events during the year, including Restaurant Week in September and Black Restaurant Week in late June-early July.
RESTAURANTS BY NEIGHBORHOOD
Below is a list of some of the restaurants that participate in COOLinary.
Note that this list is not comprehensive. Check the COOLinary website for the full list.
We have chosen restaurants that are in neighborhoods that you are likely to visit during your trip to NOLA.
A walking tour makes for a great complement to a great meal, and we offer pay-what-you-wish walking tours of these neighborhoods.
We include links to those tours as well as links to our posts of things to do in each of these neighborhoods.
French Quarter
- Antoine’s Restaurant - Creole & French
- Arnaud’s Restaurant - Cajun & Creole
- Bourbon House - Cajun, Creole & Seafood
- Criollo Restaurant - Contemporary Louisiana, Creole & Seafood
- Dickie Brennan’s Steakhouse - Cajun & Steak
- K-Paul’s Louisiana Kitchen - Cajun, Creole & Southern Coastal Cuisine
- Muriel’s Jackson Square - Contemporary Creole & Creole
- Tableau - Cajun, Creole & French
- Tujague’s Restaurant - Creole & Seafood
- Vacherie Restaurant & Bar - Cajun
Consider joining us for our pay-what-you-like French Quarter Tour to walk off your meal! Or use our GPS-led audio tour.
Check out our post on Things to Do in the French Quarter for more information about this famous NOLA district.
Garden District
- Apolline - Contemporary Louisiana, Creole & French
- Cavan - American
- La Petite Grocery - American, French, Italian & Southern
- Pascal’s Manale- Creole, Italian, and Seafood
Get to know the neighborhood you are dining in by coming along on our pay-what-you-like Garden District Tour.
If you can't join us, you can try our GPS audio tour. Also, see our post on Things to Do in the Garden District.
Treme
- Gabrielle Restaurant - Cajun & Contemporary Louisiana
Though only one restaurant in the Treme is part of COOLinary, there are many other dining options. See our recommendations here.
The Treme is one of New Orleans' oldest -- and most fascinating -- neighborhoods. Join us for one of our pay-what-you-like Treme Tours.
Check out our guide to things to do in the Treme to explore the area.
TIP: If you are considering a tourist discount pass, keep in mind that the New Orleans Pass includes a free tour of the Treme.
NEW ORLEANS FOOD TOURS
If you prefer to get just a sampling of classic New Orleans cuisine, join us for our daily pay-what-you-like food tour of the French Quarter.
Be sure to read our other food-related posts:
- Top 13 foods of New Orleans
- Difference between Cajun and Creole Cuisine
- The Best Beignets in New Orleans
- The Best Gumbo
- The Best Po-Boys
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