Best Business Lunch Spots in New Orleans
Bringing people together for a well prepared and delicious meal can be a useful tool when conducting business. Food is a universal language that can engender camaraderie and generate commonalities when trying to cultivate relationships with colleagues and close business deals with clients. When planning ahead for that perfect location for your business lunch, it’s so important to consider the service, offerings, and atmosphere of a restaurant that won’t only match your expectations, but also those of whom you will entertain.
If you’re staying at Loews New Orleans Hotel, located in the heart of the Central Business District, there are more than a few establishments from which to choose. To streamline this process, we’ve carefully chosen five ideal locations, whether it may be formal or casual, for your next business lunch.
St. James Cheese Company
Minimalist, contemporary, clean and casual. Just two blocks from Loews New Orleans on Tchoupitoulas Street sits the Warehouse District location of this family-run enterprise. Tables of two dotted with canary yellow chairs take up the space to the left of the massive cheese and meat display that is always manned by one of their knowledgeable and passionate experts. A full array of hot and cold sandwiches as well as gourmet salads are on the menu unless you wish to create your own charcuterie board. A few outdoor tables of two are available first-come-first-serve as is inside and is a lovely way to enjoy the sunshine on a warm New Orleans day. Though the acoustics of the white-washed brick and tile walls are not conducive to a quiet conversation, St. James presents an option for the more informal business gathering.
Auction House Market
Along similar lines for atmosphere and decor, Auction House Market is a trendy and fresh with hanging plants, strategically placed succulents, and cool-toned marble. An upscale food hall with a distinctive ambiance, it sets a casual mood though still maintaining a confident sophistication. It works best for groups that have a variety of tastes and desires, offering 10 different vendors serving up dishes (sweet and savory) from all over the world, not to mention the MayHaw bar which takes center stage within the hall.
Bon Ton Cafe
Old-fashioned in the best way, full of history and tradition, this unassuming edifice with its black and white awning houses the oldest Cajun restaurant in the city of New Orleans. Established in 1953, the excellence in service and quality have not changed since they opened their doors. Red and white checkered table cloths cover the surface of their dark wooden tables that sit against the backdrop of exposed brick and hanging chandeliers. This family-owned establishment has long been a popular hotspot for business meetings and still continues to be, lacking pretension and offering delicious and authentic Cajun cuisine.
Balise
A flickering gas lantern holds vigil on the salmon-colored plaster facade just above the brass plaque that reads “Balise Bar & Parlour, 640 Carondelet, NOLA”. Dark greys, exposed brick, and black wainscoting meet the eye as you walk in the door while nautical themed art pieces hang on the walls alluding to the history behind the name:
“La Belize, Louisiana. One of the first French forts and settlements near the mouth of the Mississippi River in what became Plaquemines Parish. The village’s name, also spelled La Balise, from which the restaurant’s name is derived, meant “seamark”. (Source: balisenola.com)
Black leather, brass grommets and tufted bench sitting blend well with the soft lighting and other rustic elements to create an inviting atmosphere. The menu presents tastes for the expert epicurean, boasting simple dishes like Cheeseburgers, Hangar Steak, Mussels and Baked Rigatoni that magically develop their own unique personality as they emerge from the restaurant’s kitchen. A slightly more formal setting without being fine dining, Balise offers a relaxed gathering space with the proper amount of seclusion.
Poydras & Peters
Loews New Orleans Hotel’s very own restaurant and bar find itself perfectly suited for any business luncheon needs, especially with its new “Build Your Own Salad Bowl” offering. You and your clients may not have the luxury of lingering when meeting for your meal, so this healthy and time-efficient lunch option will fit the bill every time. As natural light pours in through the big picture windows, your gaze wanders to the stunning and colorful frames of James Michalopolous art covering the walls throughout the entire lobby level of the hotel. Convenient in location, bright, airy and vibrant in style, Poydras & Peters offers excellent service and delicious cuisine for any time of the day. We await your next reservation!
