Dooky Chase's Restaurant

Dooky Chase's is the Treme Creole landmark run for seven decades by the late Leah Chase, a civil-rights meeting place and home to legendary gumbo and fried chicken, plus an important art collection. A friend sends you with reverence. Caveats: limited hours (closed Sun/Mon), reserve ahead, and the famous Gumbo Z'herbes is a Holy Thursday tradition.

Key facts

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a reservation?

Yes, reservations are recommended and you can book roughly two weeks ahead through their website or by phone. It fills up, especially Friday dinner and around holidays. Call to be safe.

What are the hours?

It's open for weekday lunch Tuesday through Friday, dinner on Friday, and Saturday evening, and closed Sunday and Monday. Lunch is the easiest and most classic visit. Double-check before you go, as hours shift around holidays.

How do I get to Treme?

It's in Treme, just outside the French Quarter; the Rampart-St. Claude streetcar plus a short walk works, or a quick rideshare. It's close but not quite walkable for everyone. Rideshare is the easy call.

Why is this place historically important?

During the civil rights movement, Dooky Chase's upstairs room was one of the few places where Black and white leaders could meet and strategize over food. Leah Chase, the 'Queen of Creole Cuisine,' ran it for decades. It's a living piece of New Orleans and American history.

Is there really an art collection?

Yes, the dining rooms display a significant collection of African American art that Leah Chase assembled over the years. It's worth arriving a few minutes early to look around. The food and the art together are the experience.

What is Gumbo Z'herbes?

It's a rich green gumbo made with many kinds of greens, traditionally served at Dooky Chase's on Holy Thursday before Easter, and it's a beloved New Orleans event. People line up for it once a year. If you're in town then, it's special.

What should I order at Dooky Chase's?

The Creole gumbo and the fried chicken are the icons, and the weekday lunch spread lets you sample the classics. Leah Chase's recipes are the whole reason to come. Don't overthink it; get the gumbo and chicken.

Is it expensive?

No, it's moderately priced for the quality and history, especially the lunch. You're getting iconic Creole cooking without fine-dining prices. Bring a card or cash; either works.

Nearby in Ask New Orleans

• TreméNeighborhood0.81 km · 10 min walk
• Backstreet Cultural MuseumAttraction0.84 km · 10 min walk
• Treme Playground and Backstreet Cultural Museum Green SpacePark0.84 km · 10 min walk
• Pagoda CaféCafé0.89 km · 11 min walk
• New Orleans African American MuseumMuseum1.02 km · 13 min walk