Coop's Place

Coop's Place at 1109 Decatur Street in the lower French Quarter of New Orleans, Louisiana, is a small, dimly lit Cajun kitchen and bar that has long been a favorite of local regulars, bartenders and visitors who want a break from the more polished Quarter dining rooms. It has the feel of a neighborhood dive, with dark wood, neon beer signs, a long bar and a cramped dining room, and the atmosphere is loud, smoky-feeling and unpretentious. The cooking is hearty Cajun and Creole comfort food. The rabbit and sausage jambalaya is the best-known dish, a rich, peppery rice dish that regulars order again and again, and the fried chicken, served in generous portions, is another house favorite. Shrimp creole, red beans and rice, gumbo, crawfish dishes in season, and a Cajun-style rabbit offering fill out the menu, along with seafood plates and sides such as smoked sausage. Portions are large and prices are modest compared with fine-dining restaurants nearby, which is part of the appeal. Beer, bar cocktails and a casual bar menu are available, and the kitchen runs late, making it a popular post-music-club stop. The location, a few blocks from the French Market and Frenchmen Street, makes it easy to include in an evening of music. There is no dress code and no reservations, and tables go fast at peak times, so a short wait is normal. Payment policies at small bars like this one have varied over time, so bringing some cash and confirming accepted payment methods is sensible. Hours generally run from lunch until late night, but should be confirmed. Expect to spend about US$18-30 per person. Visitors should note that the room can be crowded and that the dive-bar setting is more suited to adults than to young children. The neighborhood around Decatur Street is busy after dark, so visitors should use normal city precautions and consider a ride-share home late at night.