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Eat Student Voices

Eat Like a Pelican

Excited to eat your way through the foodie’s paradise of New Orleans? Here’s a prospective student’s guide to eating like a Tulane student.

Street view of New Orleans (Credit: Facebook @neworleans).

Caffeine Fix

Satsuma

Start the day off right at Satsuma on Maple Street, a cozy hipster cafe walking distance from campus. They have a variety of coffee, tea, and juices, as well as breakfast and lunch offerings. Vegan and gluten-free friendly.

Latte and pastry at Satsuma (Credit: Facebook @satsumabywater).

Mojo Coffee House

For coffee geeks, this is the place for you. Sure, Mojo offers your basic cup of joe or latte, but the espresso tonic and coffee soda take caffeine to another level. This casual, quirky coffee house has two locations; the one closer to campus is on Freret and the other is downtown on Magazine Street. Along with coffee, they offer some simple sandwiches and pastries. Vegan and vegetarian friendly.

The wide variety of drinks at Mojo Coffee House (Credit: Facebook @mojo.on.magazine).

Breakfast & Brunch

Toast

Toast’s location on Laurel Street is less than a 10-minute drive from campus. As it says in their name, toast—from avocado to French—is their specialty. In addition to their namesake, they offer pastries, quiches, and crêpes. Toast’s bread, jams, custards, and curds are house-made!

Crepe of the day at Toast (Credit: Facebook @toastnola).

Willa Jean

For some upscale Southern cuisine, head over to Willa Jean in downtown New Orleans. Willa Dean puts a modern twist on Southern classic pastries, such as their seasonal Caramel Crunch King Cake.

Brunch at Willa Jean (Credit: Facebook @willajeannola).

Lunch & Dinner

Good Bird

For a quick lunch, Good Bird is your best bet. Located on Freret Street, this casual, unique lunch spot is only a 15-minute walk from Tulane’s campus. While Good Bird is known for their rotisserie chicken, they offer a variety of sandwiches, bowls, and salads. You wouldn’t know it from the name and specialties, but it’s vegan-friendly.

Fresh lunch at Good Bird (Credit: Facebook @goodbirdnola).

Ba Chi Canteen

Tucked away in a little house under some big trees, you will find this delicious (yet inexpensive!) Vietnamese restaurant. Open for lunch and dinner and close to campus, this is the perfect place for classic spring rolls, pho, or the restaurant’s own creation of “bacos” (where bao meets tacos). Vegan and gluten-free friendly.

Mouthwatering bacos at Ba Chi Canteen (Credit: Facebook @bachicanteenla).

Asuka Sushi & Hibachi

For sushi lovers, this place is for you. While this may be not within walking distance of Tulane, it’s popular amongst students for making deliveries to campus and being affordable.

Sushi platter at Asuka Sushi and Hibachi (Credit: Facebook  @asukasushihibachi).

If Someone Else Is Buying

Saba

Parents in town and want to treat you to dinner? Saba may be the perfect pick. Treat yourselves to an excellent dinner of modern Israeli food and enjoy sitting outside under their tent. Saba also offers weekend brunch. Vegan friendly.

A latke spread at Saba (Credit: Facebook @eatwithsaba).

La Petite Grocery

Another great place to go for some fancier food is La Petite Grocery. New Orleans is not just famous for its stellar creole food, but its classical French influence as well. La Petite Grocery is just the place for some French (with a touch of the South) savory delights cooked up by James Beard award winner, Justin Devillier.

Vegetable byaldi at La Petite Grocery (Credit: Facebook @lapetitegrocery).

Night Scene

F & M Patio Bar 

After a long week of studying, kick back with your friends at this festively decorated bar. An eight-minute Lyft or Uber ride from campus, this spot is a favorite of college students in the area.

The Boot

For a night out, The Boot is popular among college students for events and drink specials. But its popularity extends beyond New Orleans—it’s known nationwide as one of the top hangout spots for undergrads. Come here to celebrate Mardi Gras for a night of dancing and having fun with friends. On top of all that, it’s within walking distance of campus. 

The outside of The Boot (Credit: Facebook @thebootno).

Dessert

Ice Cream 504

Just off Freret Street, this classic ice cream parlor is the perfect treat on a hot New Orleans day. Made with fresh ingredients, Ice Cream 504 offers unique flavors such as “almond peach petit four.” Gluten-free and vegan-friendly.

The snug and cheerful Ice Cream 504 location (Credit: icecream504nola).

The Cupcake Collection

Known for their sweet potato cupcake, The Cupcake Collection is sure to cure your sweet tooth. Located in the Garden District, this family-owned bakery is a 10-minute drive from campus but also offers delivery options. Be sure to try the seasonal king cake cupcake! Gluten-free and vegan options available.

The famous sweet potato cupcakes at The Cupcake Collection (Credit: Facebook @cupcakecollection).

By Abby Golden

Hey! I'm Abby, an undergraduate studying fine arts at Smith College. I am from Clearwater which is a part of the Tampa Bay area on the west coast of Florida. I love exploring nature, traveling (when we can!), art, volunteering, and being a vegan foodie!