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New Orleans › Warehouse District › Lucy's Retired Surfers Bar & Restaurant
Lucy's Retired Surfers Bar & RestaurantB+Worth Trying
701 Tchoupitoulas St, New Orleans, LA 70130
· Restaurant, Bar, Event venue
· 4.4/5 Google (2819 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Lively surf-themed spot for tacos, po boys, and drinks near the WWII Museum; fun vibe, good tacos and shrimp dishes, but service consistency and drink pricing can vary.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
Lucy's Retired Surfers Bar & Restaurant delivers competitive casual dining with standout tacos and fried shrimp that earn consistent praise, plus appealing beachy ambiance steps from museums and hotels. However, quality varies noticeably across visits—occasional bland or overcooked dishes and service gaps during peak hours prevent higher marks. Best experienced at lunch or early evening when the lively vibe and kitchen shine without the crowding.
Restaurant Summary
Steps from museums and hotels, Lucy's buzzes with beachy, surf-bar energy: boards on the walls, a bright atrium, and TVs rolling the game. Guests describe staff as upbeat when on form, with one noting, "we felt welcome from the moment we walked in." It can flip to busy and loud at peak, and a few diners hit long waits or no greeting, so timing matters. The cooking leans Gulf seafood meets Tex‑Mex comfort: tacos, shrimp and grits, and po boys headline, with mango‑pineapple salsas and a creamy queso for snacking. Most praise the tacos and fried shrimp; occasional misses include bland fish tacos or dry po boy bread. Cocktails range from fun frozen drinks to inconsistent classics, so stick to house standards if you are picky. Families fare well here. Portions are approachable, the menu has kid‑friendly staples like quesadillas, burgers, fries, and simple tacos, and several reviews mention kind service toward children. If your crew is very noise‑sensitive, choose lunch or early evening over prime game time.
At a Glance
- Lively surf vibe with atrium and balcony seating
- Consistently praised tacos and fried shrimp; shrimp and grits popular
- Service can be uneven with occasional long waits or missed tables
- Cocktail quality and drink pricing vary by bartender
- Dog‑friendly and kid‑friendly with flexible seating
What Sets It Apart
- surf-themed courtyard and balcony
- game-day atmosphere
- dog-friendly policy
What People Love
- Fun, beach‑bar atmosphere
- Fresh, flavorful tacos
- Friendly servers who offer recs
- Courtyard seating that feels like a mini escape
- Quick lunch service on non‑peak days
Points of Concern
- Service inconsistency, including rare no‑service incidents on patio or bar
- Drink value complaints for some spirits; classics can be hit or miss
- Event promise lapse noted once (UFC stream not shown despite signage)
- Noise rises significantly on game nights and weekends
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$34-48 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Lean into tacos and fried shrimp for best odds of success
- Choose house margaritas or beer buckets for value
- Families: quesadilla, fries, and burgers are safe bets
Perfect For
- Pre‑concert bites near the WWII Museum
- Game‑day groups that want tacos and TVs
- Casual family lunch with easy kid options
- Tourists exploring the Warehouse District
Location Insights
Area: Warehouse District near museums and hotels; lively, tourist-business mix with game-day crowds and bar-hopping traffic.
Safety: Generally well-trafficked, lit, and busy; typical downtown caution late night.
Nearby: Near National WWII Museum, galleries, hotels, offices; draws pre-concert and game-day patrons.
Central Business DistrictThe CBD offers a dynamic dining scene ranging from casual eateries and sports bars to upscale restaurants. It attracts a diverse crowd including office workers during the day and visitors or locals enjoying the nightlife in the evening. The area is lively, accessible, and known for its event-friendly venues and casual dining spots.
Warehouse DistrictThe Warehouse District, part of the CBD, is known for its trendy restaurants, art galleries, and converted industrial spaces. It has a hip, creative vibe with many casual and upscale dining options, making it popular for both locals and visitors.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday11:00–23:00
Tuesday11:00–23:00
Wednesday11:00–23:00
Thursday11:00–23:00
Friday11:00–02:00
Saturday11:00–02:00
Sunday11:00–23:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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