"Leah Chase's Tremé landmark since 1941 — gumbo z'herbes and fried chicken in the kitchen that fed the civil-rights movement. A New Orleans pilgrimage."
About Dooky Chase's
Dooky Chase's has stood at 2301 Orleans Avenue in New Orleans' Tremé since 1941, and for seven decades it was the kitchen of the late Leah Chase — the Queen of Creole Cuisine, who turned a corner sandwich shop into a landmark. During the civil-rights era her upstairs room was one of the few places Black and white leaders could meet over a meal, a history that makes the restaurant as much a monument as a table. It is listed in the MICHELIN Guide.
Since Leah Chase's death in 2019 at 96, her grandson chef Edgar "Dook" Chase IV has run the kitchen, holding to the Creole cooking that made the family name. The art-filled rooms and the food carry her legacy forward without turning it into a museum.
The Kitchen
The Lenten gumbo z'herbes — a green gumbo of slow-cooked greens and meats that Leah Chase made a New Orleans rite — is the most famous dish, served on its traditional dates. Day to day the kitchen turns out golden fried chicken, shrimp Creole, red beans and rice, smothered mustard greens and a buffet of Creole classics, finished with peach cobbler or bread pudding.
Pricing is fair for the cooking and the history: lunch plates run roughly $18 to $30 and dinner mains $24 to $40, with a meal for two landing around $80 to $130. The food is generous, soulful and built on recipes refined across three generations.
The Room
The rooms are warm and personal, hung with a serious collection of African-American art that Leah and Edward "Dooky" Chase Jr. assembled over decades — the walls are part of the experience. It is a celebratory, welcoming space rather than a formal one, equally suited to a family gathering or a quiet pilgrimage to a piece of American history.
The Tremé address, just outside the French Quarter, sits in one of the most historically Black neighbourhoods in the country. Booking ahead is wise, especially around the gumbo z'herbes dates and for weekend meals, when the rooms fill.
Best for a Birthday
The soulful cooking and warm, art-filled rooms make Dooky Chase's a meaningful birthday or anniversary in New Orleans. The generous Creole plates and welcoming setting also make it a fine team lunch with real history behind it.
Not for
Not for diners after fine-dining formality, a tasting menu or a quiet minimalist room — Dooky Chase's is a generous, soulful Creole institution where the food and history are the draw.
Frequently Asked
What is Dooky Chase's known for?
Leah Chase's Creole cooking and its civil-rights history. A Tremé institution since 1941, it is famous for gumbo z'herbes, fried chicken and red beans and rice, and its upstairs room hosted movement leaders. It is in the MICHELIN Guide.
Who runs Dooky Chase's now?
Since Leah Chase died in 2019 at 96, her grandson chef Edgar "Dook" Chase IV runs the kitchen, continuing the Creole cooking that made the family name across three generations.
What should I order at Dooky Chase's?
The gumbo z'herbes when it is served, the golden fried chicken, shrimp Creole, red beans and rice and smothered greens, finished with peach cobbler or bread pudding.
How much does a meal at Dooky Chase's cost?
It is fair value for the cooking and history. Lunch plates run roughly $18 to $30 and dinner mains $24 to $40, with a meal for two landing around $80 to $130.
Where is Dooky Chase's and should I book?
At 2301 Orleans Avenue in Tremé, just outside the French Quarter. Booking ahead is wise, especially around the gumbo z'herbes dates and for weekend meals.
Reserve a Table
Reserve at Dooky Chase's
Book ahead for weekends and the gumbo z'herbes dates. Leah Chase's landmark Creole kitchen at 2301 Orleans Avenue in Tremé, since 1941.
Affiliate disclosure: Restaurants for Kings may earn a commission when you book through our reservation links, at no cost to you. Our scores are editorial and never paid for.
Practical Information
Address2301 Orleans Avenue, Tremé, New Orleans
Neighbourhood2301 Orleans Avenue, Tremé
CuisineCreole
PriceLunch plates run roughly $18–30 and dinner mains $24–40; a meal for two lands around $80–130
Dress CodeSmart casual
SeatingWarm, art-filled Creole dining rooms
ReservationAdvised
