Liuzza's by the Track

Liuzza's by the Track is a neighbourhood Creole restaurant and bar at 1518 N Lopez Street in the Mid-City area of New Orleans, Louisiana, close to the Fair Grounds Race Course, the home of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. The name refers to its position beside the racetrack, and the restaurant has long been a favourite with locals, race-day crowds and festival visitors who want a more relaxed and less touristy meal than the French Quarter provides.

The menu focuses on New Orleans comfort food. The BBQ shrimp po'boy is the signature item, featuring shrimp in a buttery, peppery sauce on French bread, and the Frenchuletta, a hot, pressed variation on the muffuletta, is another house favourite that has become emblematic of the restaurant. Gumbo, other po'boys and daily specials round out the offering. Beer arrives in frosted mugs, a tradition that is part of the charm, and the drinks list is built around beer and simple cocktails rather than a wine programme.

The dining room is small, casual and friendly, with a bar, memorabilia and a neighbourhood feel. Noise levels can be high at busy times, and there is no dress code. Prices are moderate, at about US$18-30 per person, and lunch is the most economical meal of the day.

The restaurant is a walk-in neighbourhood spot rather than a reservation venue, so waits are common at peak lunch and dinner times and during Jazz Fest weekends, when the area is crowded. Hours are typically lunch and dinner most days, so visitors should confirm times before visiting. Arriving early, on a weekday or outside festival periods, is the most dependable way to find a table. The Canal Street streetcar line toward City Park and a short ride from downtown make the location straightforward to reach.