12 Covered Patios for Dining Outdoors in New Orleans When It Rains

By: Beth D'Addono | EaterNOLA.com

While a lot of restaurants have umbrellas and sunshades up to mollify the burning sun, not every al fresco dining situation can withstand a summer squall. Since surprise rainstorms are as common in summertime New Orleans as Mardi Gras beads along St. Charles Avenue during Carnival, it’s good to know which eateries provide shelter from the storm.

When the meal simply must go on, here are eleven NOLA restaurants offering protected patio dining. Just remember, servers are doing their best to work around the rain, so tip extra and don’t fret over a couple of water droplets — it is summer in New Orleans after all.

Note: Restaurants on this map are listed geographically.

1. The Anchor at Tchefuncte’s

407 St Tammany St
Madisonville, LA 70447

The Anchor is a newly opened waterfront oasis on the Tchefuncte River in Madisonville, a super destination for Gulf inspired eats and frozen libations. The covered patio is huge, with outdoor TVs and plenty of elbow room. Try the pan-roasted redfish, or if it’s barking at you, the hot dog — seriously might be the best ever. Worth the drive — or if it’s how you roll, there’s dockside parking for your boat.

2. Station 6

105 Metairie-Hammond Hwy
Metairie, LA 70005

(504) 345-2936

Chef Alison Vega-Knoll sets a high bar for pescatarians at Station 6, from her charbroiled oyster pasta to one of the best seafood gumbos in town. Enjoy her top of the catch fare on the breezy front covered patio lined with fans to keep the air moving.

3. Saba

5757 Magazine St
New Orleans, LA 70115

(504) 324-7770

Saba showcases chef Alon Shaya’s penchant for using farm-fresh ingredients to create flavorful Israeli and Mediterranean fare. Enjoy the likes of harissa chicken salad and falafel with Shaya’s famed pita in the roomy, protected outdoor garden under two tents with greenery and fans.

4. Sala

124 Lake Marina Ave
New Orleans, LA 70124

(504) 513-2670

Sala lives up to its name, which means a large room used for the reception and entertainment of guests. This West End eatery from the Riccobono family has a big covered terrace for munching on the likes of duck empanadas, fish tacos, and chicken Caprese.

5. Vals

4632 Freret St
New Orleans, LA 70115

(504) 356-0006

Neal Bodenheimer and his partners pushed through the pandemic to open Vals, a former garage on Freret they’d been eying for more than five years. The space is warm and inviting, chef Fredo kills it with his charred tomato salsa, green mole chicken tacos, and ceviche of the day — and no surprise, the drink menu is amazing. Scan the QR code to dive deep into the tequila and mezcal list. The covered patio is vast and welcoming.

6. Bordeaux

4734 Magazine St
New Orleans, LA 70115

Bordeaux dishes contemporary French-Creole cuisine served in a welcoming bistro atmosphere in the heart of Uptown. Enjoy plenty of open air on the restaurant’s covered front porch. The prime rib with frites and Bearnaise is a thing of beauty.

7. Del Fuego NOLA

4518 Magazine St
New Orleans, LA 70115

(504) 309-5797

Enjoy tacos and margaritas on a plant-filled covered deck overlooking Magazine street out front at Del Fuego or head to the cute patio in the back. Either way makes for a good choice for Mexican cuisine al fresco Uptown.

8. Blue Oak BBQ

900 N Carrollton Ave
New Orleans, LA 70119

(504) 822-2583

Blue Oak BBQ’s spacious covered patio can handle 75 to 100 carnivores, rain or shine. The creative kitchen and bar staff tempt with specials and happy hour runs from Tuesday through Friday, 3 to 6 p.m. The smoked wings are always a good idea. NOTE: Blue Oak is closed August 17 - 23 for summer vacation.

9. Cafe Degas

3127 Esplanade Ave
New Orleans, LA 70119

(504) 945-5635

Imagine dining in a treehouse in the south of France. Except for the beach views, Cafe Degas delivers. From twinkling lights to a tree in the middle of the front patio, this is al fresco dining with gobs of panache. Don’t miss the floating islands doused in creme Anglaise for dessert.

10. Flamingo A-Go-Go

869 Magazine St
New Orleans, LA 70130

(504) 577-2202

Flamingo a Go-Go has near-endless outdoor seating including a covered patio and assorted pergolas. This place is pure fun, with eats like pepperjack boudin bombers and the Cajun fried turkey and ham Cuban panini. Bonus points — you can bring Fido too.

11. Ernst Cafe

600 S Peters St
New Orleans, LA 70130

(504) 525-8544

The circa 1902 Ernst Cafe has the largest wrap around balcony in the warehouse district, offering a bird’s eye view of Fulton Street Square. Great Angus burgers on the menu along with the Ernster po-boy that combines roast been debris with fried shrimp.

12. Galaxie

3060 St Claude Ave
New Orleans, LA 70117

(504) 827-1443

This taco filling station in Bywater has a spacious covered patio out front facing St. Claude Avenue. Galaxie’s handsomely restored gas station, originally designed by Walter Teague, offers a fabulous setting for a taqueria inspired by Mexico City street fare. Try the al pastor tacos, pork shoulder roasted with pineapple and topped with cilantro and jalapeno.