When it comes to New Orleans, most people think of bustling French Quarter eateries or the world-famous beignets at Café du Monde. However, unlike typical tourist trails, Katie’s Mid City is a hidden culinary gem. This isn’t your average restaurant—it embodies everything New Orleans cuisine represents, minus the tourist-heavy bustle.

Why Should You Visit Katie’s Mid City?

• Authentic Flavors Without the Crowd: Unlike many more popular spots in New Orleans, Katie’s Mid City provides a more intimate dining experience, which locals flock to but tourists may overlook. This restaurant isn’t about commercial hype; it’s about savoring genuine New Orleans cuisine with soul. Whether you’re a fan of classic Creole or crave some of the more modern fusion dishes, Katie’s menu bursts with flavors that feel like a true reflection of the city itself.
• Family-Owned Hospitality: One of the standout aspects of Katie’s is its warm, familial hospitality. This restaurant has been in the heart of Mid City for decades and remains a family-run establishment. It’s where you can sit down, be greeted by name (if you’re a regular), and savor a meal that feels like a home-cooked celebration of New Orleans. It’s not just the food that makes people come back—it’s the atmosphere that feels like a hug from the city itself.

What to Try at Katie’s Mid-City

Now that you know why Katie’s should be on your travel itinerary, let’s dive into why you’re here—the food. Here’s a list of their iconic dishes that locals can’t stop raving about:

• Crawfish Beignet: A twist on the traditional beignet, this savory masterpiece is stuffed with spicy, juicy crawfish and served with remoulade. It perfectly blends classic New Orleans fried goodness and a seafood twist.
• Shrimp Remoulade Salad: Katie’s brings bold flavors to classic dishes, and their shrimp remoulade salad is no exception. Fresh Gulf shrimp with tangy remoulade sauce sit atop crisp greens for a refreshing yet bold appetizer.
• Cochon de Lait Po’boy: Po’boys are a New Orleans staple, but Katie’s takes them up a notch with their tender, slow-roasted pork slathered in rich gravy and nestled into French bread perfection.
• Seafood-Stuffed Eggplant Pirogue: This indulgent dish features roasted eggplant stuffed with shrimp, crab, and oysters draped in a creamy sauce. The eggplant is a pirogue (a small flat-bottomed boat) to the sea of delicious seafood flavors.
• Katie’s Famous Pizza: Yes, pizza in New Orleans. But Katie’s isn’t just any pizza—it’s topped with everything from andouille sausage to smoked duck, offering a Creole twist on this Italian favorite.

Table of Must-Try Dishes at Katie’s Mid-City

Why Katie’s Mid City is More Than Just a Restaurant

Katie’s is more than just a spot to grab a bite—it’s a culinary time capsule of New Orleans’ culture. Here are a few reasons why this hidden gem should be at the top of your must-visit list:

• Rich History with Local Roots: Established in 1984, Katie’s has been part of Mid City’s fabric for decades. It has weathered natural disasters, including Hurricane Katrina, and has emerged stronger each time, continuing to serve locals and in-the-know travelers.
• Accurate Representation of New Orleans: When you walk into Katie’s, you aren’t just walking into a restaurant; you’re stepping into the very essence of New Orleans. From the artwork on the walls depicting local scenes to the menu reflecting the seasonal flavors of the Gulf and bayou, it’s an authentic slice of the Crescent City.
• A Local Favorite with Stellar Reviews: Though it may be off the beaten path, Katie’s doesn’t fly entirely under the radar. Locals rave about it, and in-the-know travelers often leave glowing reviews. If you’re the type of traveler who likes to find spots where people aren’t Instagramming to death, Katie’s Mid City is your place.

List of Nearby Spots to Visit After Your Meal

Once you’ve indulged in the hearty dishes Katie’s offers, Mid City has plenty more to explore. Here’s a quick list of must-see spots nearby:

• City Park – One of the largest and most prominent urban parks in the U.S., featuring beautiful walking paths, art installations, and the New Orleans Museum of Art.
• Bayou St. John – A peaceful waterway perfect for kayaking, paddle boarding, or just a relaxing afternoon by the water.
• Mid-City Lanes Rock ‘n’ Bowl – A New Orleans institution offering live music and bowling for an authentic local experience.
• The Lafitte Greenway – An excellent spot for a post-dinner walk or bike ride that stretches from Mid City to the French Quarter.

Final Thoughts on Katie’s Mid-City

In a city brimming with culinary hotspots, Katie’s Mid City stands out where food is crafted with care, flavors are bold, and the experience is refreshingly authentic. If you want to taste the heart and soul of New Orleans, skip the touristy spots and find yourself a table at Katie’s. Whether diving into a savory crawfish beignet or enjoying the simplicity of a cochon de lait po’boy, Katie’s delivers an unforgettable meal that echoes the rich traditions of New Orleans cuisine.