Discovering Decatur Street: Your Ultimate Block-by-Block Guide to New Orleans

Decatur Street in New Orleans is a vibrant thoroughfare brimming with an eclectic mix of dining, drinking, shopping, and live music venues, promising an unforgettable experience for every visitor.

Decatur Street Scene in New Orleans

Running parallel to the majestic Mississippi River, Decatur Street stretches from the bustling Canal Street to the historic St. Ferdinand Street in the Marigny neighborhood. Originally known as Rue de la Levee, meaning “Levee Street,” it was renamed in 1870 to honor Stephen Decatur, a celebrated American naval hero and Commodore.

Historically a waterfront strip, the French Quarter section of Decatur Street served as a hub for sailors and maritime businesses typical of a major port city. Even into the 1980s, Lower Decatur, closer to Canal Street, retained its gritty port atmosphere, while the area near Esplanade and Frenchmen Street evolved into a bohemian enclave, pulsating with a lively goth and punk subculture.

While much has transformed over time, iconic establishments like Cafe Du Monde, Central Grocery & Deli, and Tujague’s have stood the test of time. Today, Decatur Street buzzes with renewed energy, although the punk clubs and dive bars have largely given way to visitor-friendly restaurants and bars featuring traditional jazz music. Candy stores seem to pop up on every corner, and the sheer number of places offering po-boys, daiquiris, and Mardi Gras masks is truly impressive.

This evolution is not without its charm. Decatur Street now boasts a diverse array of restaurants, quirky bars, and shopping destinations ranging from national retailers like Sephora to unique local artisan cooperatives and vintage shops, all complemented by a rich tapestry of live music spilling onto the sidewalks.

Within its mere 14 blocks in the French Quarter, Decatur Street is packed with legendary, centuries-old institutions, historical landmarks, a captivating bookstore, and souvenir shops overflowing with hot sauce and masks, ensuring you can find anything you desire within a single block.

Let’s embark on a walking tour from Esplanade Avenue towards Canal Street, highlighting the must-see spots along Decatur Street. As you stand at Esplanade and Decatur, two landmarks immediately catch your eye: Checkpoint Charlie, a lively live music bar, and the firehouse marking the beginning of Frenchmen Street. This intersection signifies the transition from the French Quarter to the Faubourg Marigny.

At the corner of Esplanade and Decatur (1331 Decatur St.) you’ll find the Balcony Music Club (BMC), a vibrant bar known for its live music and pub fare. BMC, in its current iteration, has taken the place of the much-loved local hangout El Matador Lounge. It consistently offers music that spills out onto the street, ranging from energetic brass bands to classic rock and traditional New Orleans jazz.

Across the street, the historic Old U.S. Mint (now home to the New Orleans Jazz Museum) commands a significant presence. Constructed in 1835, this unique building served both as a U.S. Mint and a Confederate Mint. Today, it operates as a free museum and research facility, and also hosts major music events like the French Quarter Festival and Satchmo SummerFest.

Inside, the permanent collection showcases historical coins and stamping presses. Upstairs, the “New Orleans Jazz” exhibit features invaluable artifacts, including Louis Armstrong’s first cornet and Fats Domino’s Steinway grand piano, alongside historic recordings and rare film footage, offering a deep dive into the city’s rich musical heritage.

Moving to the next block of Decatur Street, you’ll encounter the ever-popular Envie Espresso Bar & Cafe (1241) and Factory of Weird (1228). Envie is a breezy coffeehouse with inviting sidewalk seating, a favorite among locals. It features a full bar and an extensive breakfast menu, along with light bites such as hummus, panini, and burgers. Factory of Weird, accessible from both Decatur Street and the French Market, is an emporium of local art, custom fashion, jewelry, vintage items, oddities, and antiques, perfect for unique finds.

The 1100 block of Decatur Street is a powerhouse, featuring legendary bars and the acclaimed Cane & Table (1113), a refined foodie destination. Cane & Table describes its menu of tapas-style dishes like ropa vieja and ceviche as “rustic colonial cuisine,” set in an Old Havana-inspired ambiance. The cocktail menu emphasizes expertly crafted drinks, many rum-based, offering inventive twists on classic recipes.

For a more laid-back drink experience, the 24-hour dive bar The Abbey (1123) and Molly’s at the Market (1107) are two quintessential, welcoming French Quarter bars worth visiting. Molly’s boasts a superb jukebox, a charming back courtyard, and their famous frozen Irish coffee. Since its establishment in 1974 by the late Jim Monaghan, Molly’s has been a beloved spot for local musicians, journalists, and service industry professionals.

A true gem of the French Quarter is the perpetually bustling Coop’s Place (1109 Decatur St.). Coop’s is a no-frills bar and restaurant known for its extensive and exceptional menu that goes far beyond typical bar food. Standout dishes include the seafood gumbo and rabbit and sausage jambalaya (the “supreme” version includes shrimp and tasso). The Cajun fried chicken is another reliable favorite.

Popular with both locals and tourists, Coop’s can get lively and loud. It’s important to note that it is strictly 21 and over, even in the dining area, due to the presence of video poker machines.

Continuing past the park with the gazebo, the 1000 block of Decatur Street is hard to miss, marked by the striped awning of The Original French Market Restaurant & Bar (1001). Operating since 1803, this restaurant specializes in Cajun/Creole cuisine and particularly seafood. Across the street, The Market Cafe (1000 Decatur St.) and Gazebo Cafe (1018), both serving Cajun/Creole dishes, primarily attract visitors with their patios and continuous live music performances.

The Market Cafe, established in the early 1980s in a building dating back to 1823 that was originally part of the French Market, features original cypress ceilings and columns. Bloody Marys and baked muffuletta are among its signature offerings. Gazebo Cafe’s covered patio and courtyard are often packed, with bands playing mostly jazz, and their ice cream daiquiris are a delightful treat.

Explore the historic Dutch Alley nearby on N. Peters and the Shops at the Colonnade within the French Market. This strip of shops, some with Decatur and some with N. Peters addresses, is ideal for souvenir shopping or local specialties like pralines. Merry Christmas & All That Jazz, a Christmas store, offers a variety of ornaments with a New Orleans flair.

Passing the golden statue of Joan of Arc, you’ll arrive at another New Orleans landmark — the birthplace of the muffuletta — Central Grocery & Deli (923 Decatur St.). This expansive, old-fashioned Italian grocery store is still family-run by descendants of its Sicilian immigrant founder, Salvatore Lupo, who is credited with inventing the famous sandwich. Muffulettas and Central Grocery’s olive salad are shipped worldwide. Enjoy your made-to-order muffuletta at one of the few tables in the back or take it to go. Also on this block is Pop City (940 Decatur St.), a novelty store selling collectibles, toys, and apparel.

Approaching the Dumaine Street intersection, you’ll pass the French Quarter Visitor Center (419 Decatur St.) and Magnolia Praline Co. (839 Decatur St.). Next, you’ll find two city icons, starting with Cafe Du Monde (800 Decatur St.). This world-renowned cafe, serving cafe au lait and beignets since 1862, is a must-visit in New Orleans. Open 24/7 and always bustling, prepare to be covered in powdered sugar while enjoying this quintessential New Orleans experience.

You’ve now arrived at Jackson Square! Here, Monty’s on the Square offers a spot to enjoy a beer and a po-boy with French doors overlooking the square, serving casual Southern cuisine with modern touches and local craft beers. This is also the place to catch a mule-drawn carriage tour, with boarding near the park gate on the Decatur Street side.

Continuing past The Shops at JAX Brewery, a historic multi-story building housing retail stores, cafes, restaurants, and a small brewery museum, along with The Fudgery and Walgreens, you’ll reach the corner of Toulouse Street, home to Cafe Maspero (601 Decatur St.). With its large, always-open windows, it provides excellent views of the lively corner and is known for its generous seafood platters. Pepper Palace (609 Decatur St.), a chain selling hot sauces, seasonings, and more, now occupies the adjacent space.

The next two blocks of Decatur Street are quieter in terms of dining, save for Crescent City Brewhouse (527 Decatur St.). This two-story microbrewery with a 17-barrel system features balcony and courtyard seating, an oyster bar, and live jazz. Try the crab cakes or pulled pork sandwich in its bistro-style setting.

Then comes Tujague’s new location (429 Decatur St.), sharing the block with Big Easy Daiquiris (409). Tujague’s, the second oldest restaurant in New Orleans, established in 1856, has served traditional, fixed-price Creole menus to presidents and celebrities alike. Its iconic bar is credited with inventing the Grasshopper cocktail and may also claim to have originated brunch.

Across Decatur Street, you’ll find a cluster of popular retail chains: H&M, Urban Outfitters, Vans, and the recently added Sephora. Passing more souvenir shops with zydeco music spilling onto the street, French Market Inn, and a PJ’s coffee shop, you’ll reach a historic monument honoring the city’s founder, Jean Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville.

Beyond Conti Street, Decatur Street becomes more subdued, with the notable exception of the House of Blues (225 Decatur St.), which dominates the 200 block with its concert venue and restaurant/bar. The block comes alive in the afternoons with band equipment being unloaded and concertgoers queuing up. Kerry Irish Pub (331 Decatur St.), a dimly lit, relaxed venue, also offers live music on a smaller scale.

Opposite the House of Blues, between Bienville and Iberville, is Beckham’s Bookshop (228 Decatur St.), a beloved bi-level bookstore. Specializing in used, antiquarian, and rare books, as well as CDs and vinyl, this gem has been at this location since 1979. Known for being crammed with books from floor to ceiling, it’s also welcoming to dogs and beer enthusiasts.

On the same block, at 216 Decatur Street, is Dollz & Dames, a quirky retro boutique reminiscent of Trashy Diva. With a sister store in Seattle, it sells vintage-inspired clothing, shoes, and accessories. Its eye-catching storefront stands out on this quieter stretch of Decatur Street.

Two restaurants mark the end of Decatur Street as you approach Canal Street. Coterie Restaurant & Oyster Bar (135 Decatur St.) offers New Orleans classics, from seafood platters to gumbo. Creole House Restaurant & Oyster Bar (509 Canal St.), located in a historic building on the corner of Canal Street, concludes the Decatur Street tour with its “casual Creole” menu.

And there you have it — an abundance of sights, tastes, drinks, and shopping experiences await you on the historic yet ever-evolving Decatur Street!

For further exploration, check out our guide to the Famous Streets of the French Quarter.

Planning a trip to New Orleans? Stay close to the action by booking a historic boutique hotel in the French Quarter at FrenchQuarter.com/hotels today!

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