Willie Mae's NOLA
New Orleans
Opt for an early dinner to avoid peak hours and savor the dishes with less wait time.
Willie Mae's NOLA is a beloved dining spot located at 898 Baronne Street in the Central Business District of New Orleans. Offering a full-service restaurant experience, it is an essential destination for both locals and visitors seeking to sample traditional Southern comforts. Known predominantly for its fried chicken, this eatery provides guests with a taste of authentic New Orleans cuisine in a friendly and welcoming environment.
The decor of Willie Mae's NOLA reflects a classic charm with a touch of contemporary flair, creating a cozy yet vibrant atmosphere. Guests can dine in a setting that feels like a cross between a neighborhood gathering spot and a stylish, modern eatery. The ambiance is casual, encouraging patrons to relax and enjoy the culinary delights on offer.
This establishment is an excellent choice for families, groups, or individuals in search of a hearty meal that exemplifies Southern hospitality. The menu not only highlights its famous chicken but also features brunch options and a selection of dishes suitable for children, ensuring that there is something for every member of the family.
Willie Mae's NOLA is ideally suited for those who are keen to explore the rich culinary traditions of the South, all while enjoying the hustle and bustle of downtown New Orleans. Its reputation for delivering quality food makes it a destination where both tourists and New Orleans residents come together to enjoy a taste of local heritage.
Reviews
Hands down the best food I’ve had in New Orleans thus far. My sister and I actually walked about 20 minutes to the restaurant just to get some exercise in, and it was WELL worth the walk. I didn’t realize you needed reservations, but the host was amazing and got us a table right away. I wish I could remember his name because I watched him throughout the night and he absolutely killed it. Just a gentleman and really good at what he does. Tony was our server and he was great too. We ordered the fried chicken (dark meat), candied yams, green beans, potato salad, gumbo, lemonade and an Arnold Palmer. OMG. Everything was delicious. The fried chicken was cooked to the perfect golden color with just the right amount of crisp, but what I really loved was that it wasn’t greasy or heavy. The potato salad reminded me of my mom’s potato salad, and I could have eaten an entire bowl of it. The green beans tasted fresh, weren’t overcooked and were seasoned just right. The candied yams had this roasted or grilled taste to them that paired really nicely with the sweetness. The lemonade is freshly squeezed, which I appreciated, but it was too sweet for me. My Arnold Palmer was initially made with sweet tea and lemonade, which was way too much. I asked Tony to remake it with unsweetened tea and about a third of lemonade and it was perfect. Good food, good music, a packed restaurant and people genuinely enjoying themselves. It added to the whole experience without feeling forced. What I appreciated most was how good everything tasted without leaving you feeling heavy afterward. We ate fried chicken and all these sides and still left feeling light. The food tasted like it was made with love and consideration, and that’s probably the best way I can describe it. The restaurant stayed packed the entire time we were there, the prices were great, the service was great and the food absolutely lived up to it. I’m already excited to come back the next time I’m in New Orleans. Highly, highly recommend.
Lunch was tasty! 😋 The chicken was perfectly seasoned and incredibly juicy. Normally, whenever I visit New Orleans, I'm on a mission to find great seafood. This time, I Googled "best fried chicken," and this spot came up, so I gave this one a try... and it definitely didn't disappoint! 😊🍗 The bread pudding is heaven and I've had it in several states and this is the BEST😋
My experience at Willie Mae’s in New Orleans was a great one overall! The atmosphere was lively, welcoming, and made for a fun dining experience. We had an 8:15 p.m. reservation, but unfortunately weren’t seated until around 8:30 p.m., which was a bit of an inconvenience. Thankfully, the food made up for the wait. I ordered the Taste of Orleans with the fried chicken, candied yams, cabbage, butter beans, and rice. Every single bite was delicious. The fried chicken was perfectly seasoned with an incredibly flaky, crispy coating. I’m usually not a fan of eating chicken skin, but this was so good I ate every bit of it! The cabbage was flavorful and well-seasoned. I normally enjoy adding pepper sauce to my cabbage, and while Willie Mae’s doesn’t offer it, the cabbage was still delicious on its own. The candied yams were sweet and cooked perfectly. The standout side for me, though, was the butter beans. They were absolutely amazing, especially mixed with the rice. I could’ve easily ordered a bowl of just that! A couple of people in our group ordered the party wings with the peach glaze, and after tasting the glaze, I immediately ordered a side of it for my fried chicken. It was unbelievably good! If you’re visiting, I highly recommend trying the party wings with the peach glaze. We also ended the meal with the bread pudding, and it was absolutely delicious. It wasn’t your typical bread pudding—it was sweet, creamy, incredibly flavorful, and had a rich, homemade taste that made it the perfect ending to an already fantastic meal. When it came time to pay, everything was handled quickly and smoothly. To top off the evening, the manager surprised our table with complimentary glasses of wine that we hadn’t ordered. It was a thoughtful gesture that made us feel appreciated and ended our meal on a wonderful note. Despite the slight delay in being seated, the outstanding food, fun atmosphere, and excellent customer service made this a memorable experience. I would definitely return and highly recommend Willie Mae’s to anyone looking for authentic, flavorful New Orleans soul food.
Awesome staff, outstanding food. We got the House gumbo and the chicken and waffles. Both were absolutely delicious! Chicken was crispy & flavorful and paired great with the sweet and savory waffle. Reservations are recommended especially on weekends. Luckily when we walked in Saturday morning they took us in without any reservations but did advise us to do so the next time.
We came here for a Sunday Funday experience and this place was definitely a vibe! There was about a 45 minute wait, but we just got some mimosas at the bar and enjoyed the atmosphere and weather. The food was absolutely incredible, there wasn’t a single thing that we tried that wasn’t a 9.0 or above! The deviled eggs, the chicken, the shrimp and grits all of it was unbelievable! I can’t wait to come back on my next visit to NOLA!
