New Orleans native and the Queen Diva herself, Big Freedia, is known for many things: Popularizing bounce music, collaborating with Beyoncé, and generally nonstop hustling with products like her THC energy drink, Wobble. In addition to being a rapper, dancer, author, and public speaker, Big Freedia is a major cook. She began showcasing her skills locally years ago with soul food pop-ups at Cafe Reconcile, live-streamed cooking shows online during the early days of the pandemic, and hosted a series of cooking demonstrations at New Orleans’s City Park. She has long been known as a culinary tastemaker and ambassador for New Orleans, guiding fellow artists like Drake through their dining journeys when visiting the city.

Still, exploring the restaurants of New Orleans is a relatively new source of joy for Big Freedia. “We didn’t eat out as kids. My momma, Vera Ross, made dinner every night. If she wasn’t cooking, my aunt who lived down the block was. I could smell her hot links from my house. I grew to cherish those meals and that time with my mother and aunt,” says Freedia.

Now, Big Freedia has a favorite New Orleans restaurant for nearly every occasion — except for brunch. “Girl, I don’t do brunch,” says Freedia. “I’m usually not awake until after breakfast is served.” Here are Big Freedia’s favorite restaurants, bars, and other dining go-to’s around New Orleans.

Josh Brasted/Eater NOLA

2438 St. Claude Avenue, Marigny

Larry Morrow’s flagship restaurant in the Marigny almost always has a line on weekends. “The menu is really creative. My favorite is their crawfish pasta. It comes with fried fish on top and garlic bread, yaaasssss!!!”

Josh Brasted/Eater NOLA

3332 Bienville Street, Mid-City

Opened by Chef Tanya Dubuclet in 2010, Neyow’s is a Mid-City favorite for New Orleans classics. “Neyow’s is one of my favorite spots. My best friend owns it, so they treat me like family. It’s classic New Orleans cuisine, off the beaten path, and it feels like home. It’s a New Orleans staple but also a bit under the radar. The cornbread is fire!”

309 Decatur Street, French Quarter

This French Quarter restaurant-turned-nightclub is a hotspot, another Larry Morrow creation that is a place to see and be seen. “Hide and Seek is so fabulous and is my favorite spot in town to throw parties at.”

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501 Napoleon Avenue, Uptown

One of New Orleans’s most famous live music venues, Tipitina’s has been a tour stop for local and national musicians since opening in the late 1970s. “There are so many great spots, but definitely Tipitina’s is one. All the locals and the major greats — Neville Brothers, Lenny Kravitz — perform here.”

Republic has been a Warehouse District staple for live shows since 2005. “My ideal night is an early meet and greet with fans, a show, and a good smoke-hang session with friends and my team backstage at Republic.”

Virgin Hotels New Orleans

550 Baronne Street, CBD

Virgin Hotels New Orleans is known for throwing theme parties, holiday pop-ups, and for its stellar rooftop. “For sure, Virgin Hotels has the best rooftop in town.”