During a recent Haunted History 5-in-1 Ghost and Mystery tour through the enchanting French Quarter, our guide, amidst tales of ghosts and voodoo, offered a gem of local culinary wisdom: “For the best fried chicken in New Orleans, head to Coop’s Place.” In a city famed for its fried chicken, a bold claim like this demanded investigation, especially with the renowned Willie Mae’s nearby. Intrigued and hungry, we set off to Coop’s Place on Decatur Street to put this recommendation to the test.
A bustling exterior view of Coop’s Place on Decatur Street in New Orleans, Louisiana, with a noticeable queue of eager diners.
Arriving at Coop’s Place, the first thing we noticed was the line stretching out the door – always a promising sign. Despite the crowd, we managed to secure seats at the bar, diving straight into the vibrant atmosphere of this Decatur Street eatery.
The lively bar area inside Coop’s Place New Orleans, filled with patrons enjoying their meals and drinks in a dimly lit, energetic setting.
The interior of Coop’s Place has a distinct bar-like feel, characterized by dim lighting and lively music, creating a casual and energetic dining environment. It’s the kind of place where you can relax and enjoy authentic Cajun cuisine without pretense.
Of course, the Cajun fried chicken was a must-order. For $12.75, we received three pieces alongside rabbit and sausage jambalaya and coleslaw. The jambalaya was indeed exceptional, rich and flavorful. The chicken, while undeniably tasty, prompted us to reserve final judgment until we sampled Willie Mae’s, as per local fried chicken lore (spoiler: Willie Mae’s edged out Coop’s in our fried chicken face-off, but Coop’s still holds its own!).
A plate of Coop’s Place Cajun Fried Chicken, accompanied by a side of rabbit and sausage jambalaya and creamy coleslaw.
Beyond the fried chicken, we explored more of Coop’s Place’s menu. The red beans and rice with smoked sausage ($9.95) proved to be a savory and satisfying dish, the kind that’s easy to overindulge in – hearty, flavorful, and authentically New Orleans.
A close-up shot of Coop’s Place Red Beans and Rice with Smoked Sausage, showcasing the rich, savory texture and smoked sausage slices.
A simple salad provided a refreshing counterpoint to the richer Cajun fare. And finally, the seafood gumbo ($6.25 for a cup) was another highlight. Prepared with a dark roux, an array of vegetables, drum fillet, shrimp, oysters, and crab claws, it was a flavorful and complex gumbo that truly impressed.
A steaming cup of Coop’s Place Seafood Gumbo, rich with a dark roux and brimming with seafood like shrimp, oysters, and crab claws.
While the service might not have been overly attentive, our water glasses remained filled, and our server, an aspiring artist, even shared his portfolio with us – a unique New Orleans touch. Ultimately, with three out of three dishes proving delicious, dining at Coop’s Place on our first night in New Orleans was undoubtedly a great choice. So, thank you, tour guide, for the excellent recommendation!
Coop’s Place
1109 Decatur St
New Orleans, LA 70116
(504) 525-9053
http://www.coopsplace.net/
