Jun 10, 2025 - News
15 New Orleans bars and restaurants that have closed this summer
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Illustration: Aïda Amer/Axios
The doldrums of summer came early to New Orleans, bringing with them a rush of bar and restaurant closures.
Why it matters: More hospitality owners are pulling the plug early rather than crossing their fingers and hoping to keep paying their bills through the slowest part of the year.
The big picture: With few festivals, high temperatures and little tourism, summer has long been New Orleans' slowest season.
- So, if a restaurant or bar is going to close, it's more likely to come during the warmest months of the year.
- On the lighter end, summer might mean limited hours or short-term closures.
- But the coronavirus pandemic cranked that intensity to the max level, with full-blown summer shutdowns picking up pace in recent years.
Yes, but: We're not powerless against it.
- As Ian McNulty outlined for The Times-Picayune, now's the time to show your favorite bars and restaurants that you're there to help them make it through to fall.
- You can buy gift cards, arrive earlier, and shop smarter when you're opting for take-out by ordering directly from the restaurant rather than paying fees to third-party apps.
Closures since March 2025 so far include:
- Maypop and Mopho, both from chef Michael Gulotta. Maypop in particular had a tough run after a closure prompted by a building collapse across the street last year.
- Tracey's Irish Channel Bar. Owners said the cancellation of the Irish Channel St. Patrick's Day parade this year was the final straw, WDSU reports.
- BABs from chef Nina Compton and partner Larry Miller.
- Justine from Justin and Mia Devillier.
- Frey Smoked Meat Co., which had been in Mid-City for about a decade.
- The Franklin, which has already made way for new restaurant Evviva.
- Zony Mash, the brewery on the edge of Broadmoor.
- Ugly Dog Saloon, which closed in the CBD.
- Milan Lounge, a beloved Uptown dive bar.
- Medium Rare, which was only open for about a year, Eater reports.
- Tonti's Bistro in Algiers Point.
- Brocato's Kitchen in Mid-City, though The Times-Picayune reports it may reopen elsewhere.
- Trilly's Cheesesteak, which cited rising costs as a major factor.
- Wit's Inn, which was sold after a rash of neighborhood complaints and the shooting death of a security guard.