You walk into Dooky Chase’s and the first thing that hits you isn’t the smell of the roux—though that’s definitely there, deep and nutty. It’s the walls. They’re covered in African American art that makes the place feel more like a living room or a gallery than a world-famous landmark.
People come here for the history, sure. They want to sit where MLK and James Baldwin sat. But honestly? They stay for the fried chicken. It’s a New Orleans institution for a reason, and if you’re looking for a fancy, over-complicated "reimagining" of Creole food, you’re in the wrong place. This is soul food elevated to an art form, served in a room that has seen the world change from the inside out.
What’s Actually on the Dooky Chase Restaurant New Orleans Menu
The setup here is pretty straightforward, but you have to time it right. Tuesday through Friday, it’s all about the lunch buffet. It’s the great equalizer. You’ll see guys in construction vests sitting next to lawyers in thousand-dollar suits, all piling their plates with the same red beans.
The Lunch Staples
The buffet is where the "greatest hits" live. You’re almost guaranteed to find Red Beans and Rice—creamy, smoky, and served with that specific snap of local hot sausage. Then there’s the Fried Chicken. It’s not greasy. It’s got this thin, incredibly seasoned crust that shatters when you bite it.
If you aren't doing the buffet, the a la carte lunch menu has the heavy hitters too. You can grab a Poor Boy (shrimp, oyster, or hot sausage) or dive into the Shrimp Creole. The sauce is a bright, herb-flecked tomato base that’s a far cry from the heavy, muddy versions you find in tourist traps.
💡 You might also like: 14 day forecast cabo san lucas: What Most People Get Wrong
The Dinner Menu (Friday and Saturday Nights)
Dinner is a slightly more formal affair. This is where the kitchen shows off a bit more technique. You’ll find dishes like Shrimp Clemenceau, which is basically a pile of sautéed shrimp, mushrooms, peas, and potatoes in a garlic butter sauce. It’s simple, but when the butter is that good, you don't need much else.
Another standout is the Stuffed Jumbo Shrimp. They take big, local shrimp, stuff them with a savory crabmeat dressing, and fry them until they’re golden. It’s rich. It’s decadent. It’s exactly what you want when you’re sitting in a dining room that’s hosted presidents.
The Gumbo Situation
We need to talk about the gumbo. Specifically, the Creole Gumbo.
In New Orleans, gumbo is a religion, and Leah Chase was the high priestess. Her recipe doesn't play around. It’s packed with shrimp, chicken, crab, smoked sausage, and chaurice (a spicy Creole pork sausage).
Expert Tip: If you happen to be in town on Holy Thursday, they serve Gumbo Z’Herbes. It’s a green gumbo made with at least nine different greens. Tradition says for every green you eat, you’ll meet a new friend. It’s the only day they serve it, and the line usually wraps around the block.
More Than Just Mains: Sides and Sweets
Don't ignore the sides. The Mustard Greens are bitter and salty in all the right ways, usually seasoned with enough smoked meat to make them a meal on their own. The Macaroni and Cheese is that classic, baked-in-a-pan style—no runny neon cheese sauce here.
For dessert, the Peach Cobbler is the move. It’s served warm, usually with a scoop of vanilla ice cream that melts into the spiced syrup. If they have the Praline Pudding, get that too. It’s basically New Orleans in a bowl.
Pricing and What to Expect
Dooky Chase isn't a "budget" spot, but it’s not going to break the bank either.
- Lunch Buffet: Usually runs around $25-$30.
- Dinner Entrees: You’re looking at $18 to $35 depending on if you’re going for the chicken or the more elaborate seafood dishes like the Pompano.
- Appetizers: Most starters like the Crab Cakes or BBQ Shrimp fall in the $12-$15 range.
Honestly, for the quality of the ingredients and the literal weight of the history in the room, it’s one of the best values in the city. You aren't just paying for calories; you’re paying for a seat at a table that helped shape the Civil Rights movement.
Logistics for Your Visit
- Reservations: You need them. Especially for dinner. Don't just show up on a Friday night expecting a table; the place is a magnet for locals and tourists alike.
- Dress Code: It’s "casual" but New Orleans casual. You’ll see people in church clothes and people in nice jeans. Just maybe leave the "I’m a tourist" neon fanny pack at the hotel.
- Location: It’s in the Treme. 2301 Orleans Avenue. It’s an easy Uber from the French Quarter, but it’s not a walk you’d want to do in the July heat.
The menu at Dooky Chase hasn't changed much since Leah Chase passed away, and that’s a good thing. Her family, including Edgar “Dooky” Chase IV, is keeping those flavors exactly where they need to be. It’s consistent, it’s soul-warming, and it’s a reminder that some things are classics for a reason.
Next Steps for Your Visit:
- Check their official website for the exact daily buffet lineup, as it rotates (Fridays usually feature shrimp and lima beans).
- Book your reservation at least two weeks in advance if you're planning a weekend dinner.
- If you're traveling with a group, call ahead to ask about their private "Upper Room" options for a more intimate experience.