New Orleans: The City That Never Stops Eating and Drinking
With the arrival of winter break, New Orleans continues to live up to its reputation as the city that never stops eating and drinking. Several exciting new restaurants and bars have opened their doors, and I’ve had the chance to try a few. Here’s a quick guide on where you should be running to next.
**Chada, Mid-City**
Nestled in an old shotgun house, stepping into Chada’s dining room feels like entering another world. Opening to the public on New Year’s Day, Chada — named after the traditional Thai headpiece — features a stunning centerpiece bar topped with one. The décor is breathtaking, with beautiful light fixtures illuminating the warm wood features throughout the space.
Coming from the same team behind Dahla, my expectations for the food were high. I started with the papaya salad ($14), which included papayas, carrots, tomatoes, and peanuts. It was fresh and bright, with the cherry tomatoes adding a burst of sweetness and the peanuts bringing a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor.
For the main course, I tried the Pad Thai with tofu ($17). This dish was wonderfully saucy, perfectly balancing sweet and sour flavors. The crunch from fresh chives and bean sprouts elevated the texture, making it, in my opinion, one of the best Pad Thais in New Orleans.
The standout dish, however, was the Khao Soi with tofu ($17) — a rich yellow curry with egg noodles, onion, pickles, cilantro, and a crispy fried noodle topping. Its deep, flavorful curry clung to every bite of noodle, making it an ideal warm soup choice for the New Orleans winter.
Chada has quickly become my favorite Thai spot in the city and promises to be a go-to for both takeout and sit-down meals.
**Social, Uptown/Carrollton**
The new Social location on Magazine Street opened on December 4th, bringing a fresh vibe to the neighborhood. The interior was equally impressive, featuring soothing earth tones, from the stone slabs holding the silverware to the warm terracotta walls.
I began my meal with plantains topped with crumbled feta and a sweet sauce ($10). As a plantain fan, I appreciated how the feta cut through the sweetness perfectly.
Next up was the Ceviche Clasico ($19), highlighting catch of the day marinated in traditional citrus-based leche de tigre, served with sweet potato, chocio, green oil, and canchita. The leche de tigre provided a flavorful punch, with acidic, spicy, and salty notes complementing the fish beautifully.
For the entrée, I chose arroz con mariscos ($36), a creamy seafood medley with shrimp, calamari, and octopus. The dish featured rich tomato and chili flavors, with a texture reminiscent of risotto — truly comforting and satisfying.
One thing to note: our food took nearly 30 minutes to arrive. However, once the appetizers came, the main course followed quickly. The attentive service made up for the wait, offering options like lemon and strawberry-infused water and complimentary tea to conclude the meal. Portions are generous, especially considering the price.
Social offers a fantastic twist on traditional New Orleans fare, perfect for an upscale dinner with great vibes.
**Soon Enough, Touro Uptown**
Advertising itself as a “high dive bar,” Soon Enough requires patrons to ring a doorbell to gain entry — a nod to its former life as the Milan Lounge. Though aiming to maintain the dive bar atmosphere, the price point might give some pause.
Classic cocktails like old fashioneds and negronis are priced at $9, while the Acadian Driftwood ($13) features Smith & Cross Rum, mulled falernum, and ginger yogurt. This drink, billed as a fancy painkiller, truly delivered delightful tropical vibes paired with warm, nutty spices.
I also sampled a mocktail with sparkling water, juice, and cinnamon. Unlike some overly sweet mocktails, this one offered a balanced flavor with a fun cinnamon twist.
While the drinks, music, and overall vibe were enjoyable, the pricing and dive bar branding felt somewhat contradictory. It’s hard to consider a $13 cocktail a bargain, and the claim of “popular pricing” on their website adds to the confusion.
If you’re in search of a neighborhood dive bar, Soon Enough might not hit the mark. However, if you’re looking for an elevated bar experience with a laid-back feel, this could be the place for you.
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New Orleans continues to impress with its dynamic food and drink scene. Whether you’re craving authentic Thai, creative seafood dishes, or inventive cocktails, this city’s newest openings have something exciting to offer for every palate.
https://tulanehullabaloo.com/72566/arcade/your-new-orleans-winter-break-restaurant-bar-openings/
