Mid-City regulars have a new corner spot to call home. The longtime bar that housed D-Mac’s Bar & Grill has flipped the lights back on as True South, a Southern-inspired tavern that pairs regional comfort food with a compact stage for live bands. The place opened quietly, is pitching itself as an all-ages neighborhood hangout with daily drink specials, and already has a live music program in the works. For anyone who knew the old bar, the new tenant keeps plenty of familiar flavors while giving the block a slightly different late-night rhythm.
According to NOLA.com, True South opened at 542 S. Norman C. Francis Parkway, the Mid-City address that previously held D-Mac’s. The menu runs from Nashville and Memphis hot chicken to shrimp and catfish po-boys, along with a Cuban sandwich and an Elvis Presley tribute that stacks banana, peanut butter and bacon. The same report notes a bar burger and a sandwich called the Derby, and says the tavern is open to all ages and runs a daily happy hour from 4-7 p.m.
City records back up the building’s past life. A City of New Orleans retail study lists Dmac 8 LLC d/b/a Dmac’s Bar & Grill at 542 S. Norman C. Francis Parkway, confirming the spot’s long tenure in Mid-City. Local coverage and community notices say owner David “Dmac” McGee, a longtime supporter of local musicians, lost his battle with cancer in 2024, a loss the music community marked with memorial shows and fundraisers, as reported by WXXV.
Music and hours
True South is building out a live music program and shares schedule updates and event notices on its Instagram account. For now, the owners appear to be prioritizing short sets and a rotating cast of local acts while they firm up the calendar.
A celebration of the South
“It’s a celebration of the South, drawing everything together, the music, the flavors, that culture and feeling of welcome,” Joel DeCastro told NOLA.com, describing the concept. The owners say they want a room where touring and local performers can share the stage while diners work through a lineup of regional comfort dishes.
The new tavern adds another music-and-food option to Mid-City’s evolving roster of neighborhood hangouts, with menus that nod to Tennessee, Texas and the Gulf and a schedule the team promises to keep updated on social media.
