New Orleans is a city where butter is basically a food group. You walk down Maple Street or Freret, and the air smells like frying oil, powdered sugar, and heavy cream. So, honestly, when Kindred restaurant New Orleans first popped up on the radar, people were a little skeptical. A plant-based spot in the heart of the Uptown/University area? It sounded like a gamble. But Kindred didn't just survive; it became a staple for folks who wouldn't normally touch a vegetable if it wasn't smothered in bacon fat.
The truth is, eating vegan in New Orleans used to be a struggle. You’d end up with a sad side of unseasoned beans or a garden salad while your friends demolished a po-boy. Kindred changed that narrative by leaning into "soul food" rather than "health food." They aren't trying to sell you a raw kale leaf. They’re selling you comfort.
What Kindred Restaurant New Orleans Gets Right About Comfort Food
Most people hear "vegan" and think of restriction. At Kindred, it’s the opposite. The menu feels heavy in the best way possible. We’re talking about "Boudin" balls that actually have that distinct, peppery kick you expect from a Louisiana gas station snack, but without the pork.
Their Mac and Cheese is a local legend. Getting dairy-free cheese to behave is notoriously difficult—it usually ends up being either watery or weirdly plastic-like. Kindred’s version stays creamy. It has that sharp, tangy bite that makes you wonder if they’re actually cheating (they aren’t). This is the kind of food that makes meat-eaters forget they’re eating plants. It’s clever. It’s thoughtful. It’s soulful.
The vibe inside is just as important as the food. It’s bright, filled with plants, and feels like someone’s very stylish living room. You’ve got students from Tulane and Loyola hunched over laptops, neighborhood regulars catching up, and tourists who wandered in because they saw the glowing reviews. It feels like a community hub, which is exactly what the name implies. Kindred. It’s not just a brand; it’s the atmosphere.
The Menu Highlights You Can't Ignore
If you go, you have to try the "Shrimp" Po-boy. They use heart of palm or konjac-based substitutes that mimic the snap of a fried shrimp surprisingly well. The batter is seasoned with the standard New Orleans trifecta of salt, cayenne, and garlic. It’s dressed—shredded lettuce, tomato, pickles, and plenty of vegan mayo—on French bread that actually has a crust.
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Then there’s the "Chicken" and Waffles.
The texture is the star here.
It’s crunchy.
It’s savory.
The syrup adds that hit of sugar that makes the whole dish feel like a weekend indulgence.
A lot of diners also swear by the cauliflower wings. Now, look, cauliflower wings are everywhere these days. They’ve become the "safe" vegan option at every sports bar in America. But Kindred does them differently by focusing on the dredge. It’s thick and seasoned, providing a barrier that keeps the cauliflower from getting mushy inside. Whether you get them buffalo style or with a sweet heat glaze, they hold up.
Why the Location on Maple Street Matters
Maple Street is a weird, wonderful stretch of New Orleans. It’s historically been a mix of old-school boutiques and college hangouts. Adding a high-quality vegan soul food spot like Kindred restaurant New Orleans to this specific neighborhood was a power move. It sits right in that sweet spot where people are looking for something a bit more modern than a 50-year-old diner but still want that local, neighborhood feel.
Parking can be a nightmare. Let’s be real. It’s Uptown. You’re going to be circling the block or parking three streets over and walking past some beautiful historic homes. Honestly, the walk is part of the experience. It builds up an appetite.
Debunking the "Pricey Vegan" Myth
One thing you’ll hear people complain about with plant-based dining is the cost. "Why am I paying $18 for vegetables?"
Well, at Kindred, you’re paying for the labor of making everything from scratch. Turning nuts, soy, and tubers into something that tastes like a hot sausage patty isn't easy or cheap. When you look at the portion sizes, the value proposition starts to make a lot more sense. These aren't dainty plates. They are "I need a nap after this" sized portions.
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The Cultural Impact of Plant-Based Soul Food in NOLA
New Orleans has a complicated relationship with health. We have some of the best food in the world and some of the highest rates of heart disease. For a long time, there was this idea that "authentic" New Orleans food had to be unhealthy.
Kindred is part of a growing movement—alongside spots like Sweet Soulfood and I-Tal Garden—that proves flavors can be preserved even if the ingredients change. They are honoring the culinary heritage of the city—the spices, the techniques, the "Trinity"—while making it accessible to a demographic that might be watching their cholesterol or simply trying to reduce their environmental footprint. It’s an evolution, not a replacement.
What to Expect on Your First Visit
- The Wait: On weekends, especially during brunch hours, expect a crowd. It’s a small space, and the secret is out.
- The Service: It’s generally friendly and laid-back. This isn't fine dining; it’s neighborhood dining. Don’t expect a server in a tuxedo.
- The Drinks: They have a solid selection of beverages that aren't just an afterthought. The hibiscus tea is a standout—tart, sweet, and incredibly refreshing on a humid Louisiana afternoon.
- The Crowd: It’s diverse. You’ll see everyone from fitness enthusiasts to families.
Exploring the Critics’ Perspective
Is every dish a home run? Not necessarily. Some hardcore carnivores might find the textures of certain meat substitutes a little "off" if they are expecting a 1:1 match with animal protein. Plant-based meats are an approximation, not a clone. For instance, the vegan cheese on the fries doesn't have that "stretch" that mozzarella does, but it makes up for it in flavor.
Also, because they cook everything to order in a relatively small kitchen, service can sometimes be a bit slower during peak rushes. If you’re in a massive hurry to catch a flight, maybe save Kindred for a day when you can actually sit and enjoy. It’s a place meant for lingering.
Practical Steps for Your Visit
If you’re planning to check out Kindred restaurant New Orleans, do yourself a favor and go during the week if you can. The Tuesday through Thursday lunch window is much calmer than the Saturday brunch chaos.
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Check their Instagram before you go. They often run specials that aren't on the main printed menu—things like seasonal gumbo or limited-run desserts. Their dessert game is actually pretty underrated; if they have a bread pudding or a vegan cheesecake on deck, grab a slice to go. Even if you’re full, you’ll want it later.
- Check the hours: They aren't open 24/7. Like many NOLA spots, they have specific windows for lunch and dinner.
- Walk the neighborhood: After your meal, walk down to the Riverbend or browse the shops on Maple. It’s one of the most walkable and charming parts of the city.
- Bring a non-vegan friend: The ultimate test of a vegan restaurant is whether a meat-eater enjoys it. Nine times out of ten, they’ll find something at Kindred that they actually crave later.
The culinary landscape of New Orleans is wide enough to hold both the tradition of Galatoire's and the innovation of Kindred. It’s about the spirit of the food, the seasoning, and the way it brings people together. Kindred does that perfectly. It’s a modern classic in the making, proving that soul food isn't defined by the animal, but by the heart put into the pot.
Whether you're a lifelong vegan or just someone looking to cut back on meat for a meal, Kindred offers a seat at the table where nobody feels like they're missing out. It’s a testament to the fact that in New Orleans, flavor is king, and as long as the food tastes this good, people will keep coming back for more.
Actionable Next Steps:
To get the most out of your visit to Kindred, aim for a weekday lunch between 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM to avoid the heaviest crowds. Prioritize the "shrimp" po-boy or the mac and cheese if it’s your first time, as these are the most consistent crowd-pleasers. For those driving, look for street parking on the residential side streets like Fern or Hillary rather than trying to find a spot directly on Maple Street. Always verify their current operating hours on their official social media pages, as independent restaurants in New Orleans frequently adjust schedules based on seasonal demand or local events.