Willie Mae’s Nola: A Taste of Authentic New Orleans Cuisine

This is my favorite restaurant in New Orleans. This is the third location I've visited. The food and service are always great. This is the first time I didn't order chicken, and wow, the catfish blew me away. These are some of the best butter beans I've ever had. I highly recommend this place. Love that their cocktails pay homage to Uncle Nearest Whiskey.

Definitely among the top fried chickens Ive ever had! Immaculately crispy, surprisingly spicy, perfectly salted and juicy. We got the okra (perfectly fried) and the red beans and rice (top notch flavor). I'll be dreaming of that perfect crunch on a piping hot chicken thigh for weeks to come!

Been wanting to try this restaurant for a while. It did not disappoint! Food was flavorful and cooked well. Fried chicken was just as good as I had hoped. Sides were also good. Friendly service and comfortable surroundings. Only complaint was that they were out of several beers I wanted to try and their cornbread as a muffin just didn’t fit for New Orleans. Give me a nice slice out of a baking dish!!

Some of the best fried chicken in the city. Very crispy. Lots of other options to choose from. The catfish is another favorite. Red bean hummus is pretty good and a little different. Very well seasoned gumbo. Cocktails and wine available. About a 20 minute walk from Canal and worth the trip.

If you’re in New Orleans and searching for food that feeds the soul, look no further than Willie Mae’s. The signature fried chicken here is simply extraordinary - golden, crispy, tender, and seasoned to perfection. It’s the kind of meal that stays with you long after the last bite, comforting and deeply satisfying in that uniquely Southern way. I visited their new location, and it’s a beautiful space - bright, airy, and expansive, with plenty of room to soak in the atmosphere while you enjoy your meal. It maintains the same warmth and charm that made the original famous, but with a fresh, modern feel. A special shoutout to Kenneth, whose exceptional service made the experience even more memorable. Friendly, attentive, and genuinely welcoming - the kind of hospitality that reminds you why New Orleans is such a special place. Willie Mae’s isn’t just a restaurant. It’s a tradition, a taste of home, and a must-visit for anyone who loves great food and good people.

The food & service was so exceptional I ate here two days in a row. Tasha, Candi, and Tray were AMAZING and greeted me with love & kindness! Chef’s kiss to the gumbo, chicken, jambalaya, cabbage, Mac & cheese, red beans & rice, and cornbread. Here are a few pictures I was able to capture during my visit. Go straight to Willie Mae’s Nola, do not pass go, do not collect $200!!!! If you’re looking for a sign to go let this review be all the signs that you need.

Willie Mae’s, how I wanted you to be the same as the OG just something isn’t quite right. Still very good food just doesn’t quite hit like the old location. We enjoyed the vibes and had excellent service eating at the bar. I thought the fried chicken tacos were dry. Our okra, Mac, and butter beans were all good and the chicken was very good. Maybe it’s just nostalgia but the chicken wasn’t “best I’ve had” good like the first time we had it. This location is way better than the California one though. Definitely will stop in again next time in Nola for a second chance at this location but hopefully they can capture the magic again.