Stepping off the historic St. Charles streetcar into New Orleans’ picturesque Garden District, the promise of a pleasant afternoon hung in the air. My destination was La Petite Grocery, nestled on the vibrant Magazine Street, a name synonymous with unique finds and local charm. The walk began idyllically, a gentle prelude to what I anticipated would be a delightful lunch. However, New Orleans weather, as I was soon to discover, has its own plans. A sudden downpour, the kind that turns sidewalks into temporary rivers, nearly sent me scrambling for cover, a stark reminder of the city’s capricious climate.
Yet, as quickly as it arrived, the deluge subsided. Within moments, I was back on Magazine Street, navigating the remaining blocks towards La Petite Grocery. This restaurant, a culinary beacon, boasts a chef honored with a James Beard Award in 2016 and recognized by Eater as one of the nation’s 38 essential dining destinations in 2017, a testament to its exceptional quality and reputation.
Arriving slightly damp but undeterred, I was greeted with the warm Southern hospitality New Orleans is known for. Despite my slightly disheveled appearance, the hostess welcomed me with genuine kindness, a perfect embodiment of the city’s unique blend of Southern grace and unpretentious warmth. La Petite Grocery, I soon realized, perfectly encapsulates this spirit.
Discovering the Bar Seating at La Petite Grocery
Bar Stool Count: 11 comfortable seats. Accessibility: Arriving just before 1 pm on a Friday, despite a lively bar crowd seeking refuge from the rain, finding a lunch spot at the bar was effortless. Space: The bar area is generously spaced, offering ample room and could comfortably accommodate a few more patrons. Bar Seating Comfort: Plush padded seats with backrests ensure a relaxed and comfortable dining experience. Under-Bar Hooks: Convenient hooks are available for personal items. Bartender Service: Both the bartender and a server provided exceptional service, managing the busy bar with attentiveness and friendliness.
Settling into a luxurious bar stool – generously padded, spacious, and complete with a backrest – I almost hesitated to sit, feeling a bit too rain-soaked. However, the comfort was too inviting, and I perched, resting an elbow on the polished bar top. My order consisted of the refreshing apple salad and the delicate ricotta dumplings. As a vegetarian, I opted to explore these dishes, foregoing the French-Cajun specialties, such as the renowned blue crab beignets, for which La Petite Grocery is celebrated.
New Orleans and cocktails are intrinsically linked, and a sudden downpour inevitably drives people towards the nearest haven offering both shelter and a well-crafted drink. Consequently, even before 1 pm on a Friday, La Petite Grocery’s bar, an emblem of Garden District sophistication, became a bustling hub, briefly swelling two-drinkers deep. A group of six further amplified the convivial atmosphere, ordering beers all around. Fortunately, my choice of the end stool provided a welcome sense of personal space amidst the lively scene.
The bar itself is the centerpiece of La Petite Grocery’s front room. Housed in a charming, early 20th-century corner building, distinguished by its yellow siding and an inviting canopy sheltering sidewalk diners, the restaurant exudes character. I could imagine the large windows bathing the space in sunlight on brighter days. In 2004, this former grocery store seamlessly transitioned into a fine-dining establishment. It thoughtfully preserves its heritage with pressed tin walls and ceilings in warm, inviting tones, creating an ambiance that is both contemporary and historically resonant – a hallmark of New Orleans’ unique approach to modern dining within a historical context.
My dishes arrived promptly, and both were exceptional. The apple salad, however, was a true revelation, a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. Completely engrossed, I savored each bite for a good fifteen minutes. When I finally paused, glancing up, the rain had ceased, the bar crowd had thinned, and even my damp summer dress had mostly dried.
The takeaways from this delightful experience are plentiful: Embrace spontaneity, even when rain threatens. In New Orleans, a restaurant often doubles as a welcoming bar. And even amidst a lively bar scene, a solo diner can thoroughly relish a magnificent lunch, especially at a gem like La Petite Grocery on Magazine Street.
LA PETITE GROCERY | 4238 Magazine Street | New Orleans, Louisiana
