Yes, New Orleans is a po’ boy and gumbo town first—but make no mistake, locals take their burgers seriously.
From dive bars that sling legendary patties to chef‑driven kitchens that treat a burger like a canvas for big flavors, these five spots are where New Orleanians go when they’re craving beef on a bun instead of oysters and étouffée.
1. Port of Call
Port of Call is iconic. Dark, nautical, and perpetually packed, it’s the place people mention first when you ask about New Orleans burgers. It feels almost like a ship’s bar, and the menu is famously short: steaks, baked potatoes, and big, juicy burgers.
The burger is massive—thick, char‑grilled, and dripping with juice. It’s served on a simple bun with lettuce and tomato, and you can add cheese if you like. Instead of fries, you get a fully loaded baked potato (butter, sour cream, chives, bacon, cheese). It sounds strange until you’ve had it; then it just feels right.
Locals will tell you to pair your burger with one of their strong, fruity tiki‑style drinks. You’ll leave full, slightly dazed, and very happy.
2. Cowbell
Cowbell is a funky, converted gas station on Oak Street that does chef‑y comfort food with a New Orleans twist. It’s cozy and a little quirky, with art on the walls and a menu that reads like a love letter to indulgence.
Their signature Cowbell Burger is a standout: a thick patty made from grass‑fed beef, topped with gooey cheese (often a mix of cheddar and jack), house‑made pickles, red onion, and a tangy, addictive special sauce on a toasted brioche bun. You can add bacon, fried egg, or avocado if you want to go all in.
Hand‑cut fries, sometimes dusted with herbs or served with creative aiolis, push it into “top‑tier burger experience” territory. Locals also love the fact that you can grab a good craft beer or cocktail to go with it.
3. The Company Burger
With locations on Freret Street and in the CBD, The Company Burger is a modern, minimalist burger joint that takes details very seriously. Clean lines, simple menu, and a serious focus on doing a few things incredibly well.
The classic Company Burger is a double‑patty affair with American cheese, pickles, and red onion on a soft bun. The patties are smashed enough to get crispy edges but stay juicy in the middle, and the cheese is perfectly melty. The simple topping combo lets the beef and the house bun do the talking.
Locals love the “toppings bar” with house‑made mayo variations (bacon mayo, garlic mayo, etc.), plus pickled veggies and sauces you can customize with. Onion rings and fries are both excellent, and the soda/cocktail/beer options round it out.
4. District Donuts Sliders Brew
Known for creative donuts and coffee by day, District also quietly cranks out one of New Orleans’ favorite little burgers. The vibe is bright, casual, and perfect for a quick meal or a low‑key hang.
Their sliders are basically mini‑burgers with a serious punch: soft buns, juicy patties, melty cheese, and house‑made sauces. You’ll see combinations like classic cheeseburger, spicy versions with jalapeños, or inventive takes with bacon jam, fried onions, or special spreads.
What makes them special is the balance: just enough patty‑to‑bun ratio, sear on the meat, and toppings that taste like someone really thought them through, not like “whatever’s in the fridge.” Get a donut for dessert and call it a win.
5. Ted’s Frostop (and similar old‑school joints)
Ted’s Frostop is pure nostalgia: big root beer mug sign, diner‑style interior, and a menu of burgers, fries, and shakes that hasn’t changed much in decades. Locals who grew up in New Orleans have a soft spot for this place.
The burgers here are classic griddled patties with a good sear, American cheese, shredded lettuce, tomato, and pickles on a simple bun. Nothing fancy, nothing piled a foot high—just that old‑school roadside burger flavor that hits exactly the right spot.
Pair it with curly fries and a frosty root beer or shake and you’ll understand why people still swear by it, even with all the newer, fancier options in town.
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