Bar Tonique, a tiny craft‑cocktail room on Rampart Street, made Esquire’s 2026 Best Bars list for its iconic Ramos Gin Fizz. The bar’s long‑running, unpretentious menu and tight neighborhood vibe earned national praise.

Good Time Sushi has reopened in Gentilly with a rebuilt sushi bar and hibachi seating, restoring a longtime neighborhood lunch spot.

Neighborhood restaurants report a steep summer slowdown, with some owners saying sales are down about 30%. Practical tips for keeping local dining rooms busy this season.

Chef Michael Stoltzfus says Coquette will close after nearly 18 years. The Garden District mainstay will serve its last regular meal June 26 with a final event June 27.

The French Market’s Creole Tomato Festival marks its 40th year June 6–7 with tomato‑forward food, live music, a second line and family activities in the French Quarter.

Troy Gendusa plans to reopen the original Rivertown cottage as a weekend second location while the main pizzeria continues at a larger Williams Boulevard site.

Wow Turkey has opened at 401 Andrew Higgins, centering its menu on 24‑ounce smoked turkey legs stuffed with crawfish, jambalaya and mac and cheese. The new spot lists reservations and a full online menu.

Greek Fest returns to Bayou St. John with new vegetarian plates, Penelope’s peach daiquiris and a switch to cashless buying this Memorial Day weekend.

Captain Crab held a soft opening May 17 in New Caney and is serving Louisiana‑style staples like gumbo, étouffée, po'boys, crawfish and crab legs. The locally owned spot opened as the neighborhood's restaurant scene expands.

A Congregation Coffee sign has been installed at 618 Conti in the French Quarter, with city permits and recent reporting pointing to a possible summer opening.

Parkview Tavern, a Mid‑City bar since the 1940s, will close when its lease ends on May 29 after a two‑year reprieve following Blue Oak BBQ’s purchase of the building.

NOCHI students Jeremiah Thomas and Riley Chavez lead Deux Fuegos, a Mexican‑Creole pop‑up running May 19–June 12 with limited lunch seatings and proceeds supporting scholarships.

Mr. Shrimp's Kitchen has opened on the West Bank in Marrero with boiled seasonal crawfish and a redfish royale. The spot offers late‑night weekend hours and jars of the house boil mix.