Parasol's Bar
Restaurant seen on Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives

About
PARASOL'S BAR & RESTAURANT

Tucked away in a quiet corner of the Irish Channel neighborhood in New Orleans, Parasol’s Bar & Restaurant is the kind of dive that locals swear by and savvy travelers are lucky to stumble upon. It’s not flashy. It’s not fancy. But it’s got everything you need for a perfect Southern afternoon: ice-cold beer, unbeatable sandwiches, and that laid-back NOLA charm that can’t be replicated.

This is the kind of place where the TVs are tuned to the Saints, the bartenders remember your name, and the kitchen is turning out plates that feel like a warm hug from a Cajun grandma. Whether you're posted up at the downstairs bar with a pint in hand or grabbing a booth upstairs to dive into a Po' Boy, Parasol's is pure, unfiltered New Orleans — and that's exactly what makes it magic.

Dive Vibes, Big Flavor

Parasol’s isn’t trying to reinvent the wheel. It knows exactly what it is: a neighborhood dive with ridiculously good food. The atmosphere is unpretentious and real — a bit gritty, a bit nostalgic, and totally authentic. There's wood paneling, old photos on the wall, and that perfect buzz of voices, laughter, and clinking glasses that lets you know you've landed somewhere special.

The bar downstairs is where you’ll find locals holding court over a cold one, swapping stories and calling out to the staff like old friends — because they probably are. The drink selection is just right, with a solid lineup of beers on tap and bottled classics, plus a few cocktail options for those looking to sip something a little stronger.

Po’ Boys Galore (And Then Some)

If you're here for the food — and let’s be honest, of course you are — the Po' Boys are the show-stoppers. Parasol’s isn’t messing around here. These aren’t some weak, half-hearted sandwiches. They’re massive, overflowing, and totally unforgettable. And the best part? You’ve got options. Over twenty different varieties, to be exact.

The Roast Beef Po’ Boy is a crowd favorite — the meat is slow-cooked until it practically melts, then drenched in rich gravy that soaks into the soft French bread just enough to make every bite a messy delight. Add some shredded lettuce and pickles, and you’re good to go.

Other standouts include the Fried Shrimp Po’ Boy, crisped to golden perfection with just enough Cajun spice to make your taste buds dance, and the Hot Sausage Po’ Boy, which packs a punch of heat that’s balanced beautifully by the cool crunch of the fixings.

And then there’s the Muffaletta. This New Orleans classic gets the full treatment at Parasol’s — crusty Italian bread layered with thin-sliced meats, melted provolone, and that glorious olive salad that adds a briny pop to every bite. It’s the kind of sandwich that’s hearty enough to split, but so good you probably won’t.

Soulful Sides & Southern Comfort

But don’t stop at the sandwiches — the side dishes here are full-on Southern comfort. The Red Beans and Rice are creamy, smoky, and packed with flavor, a reminder that sometimes the simplest dishes are the most satisfying. The Gumbo is a rich, dark bowl of joy, filled with tender meat, veggies, and a deep roux that speaks to generations of tradition.

And then there are the Cheese Fries with Gravy. Oh man. These aren’t your average fries — they’re a gooey, glorious mess of melted cheese and savory gravy, the kind of thing you order “for the table” and end up hoarding for yourself.

Don't sleep on the Potato Salad either. It’s got just the right balance of creamy and tangy, and it plays the perfect sidekick to any of the mains. It’s clear that nothing at Parasol’s hits the plate by accident — everything here has been tested by time and taste buds.

A Local Secret Worth Finding

What really sets Parasol’s apart isn’t just the food or the drinks or the cozy dive bar setting. It’s the feeling of discovering something special. It’s the kind of place that doesn’t show up on flashy food shows every week, but when it does, it earns its place. A true “if you know, you know” kind of joint.

You’ll find students from Tulane, off-duty chefs, neighborhood lifers, and curious visitors all rubbing elbows. It’s off the beaten tourist path, which just makes it even more satisfying to find. Whether you’re catching a Saints game, grabbing lunch after a walk through the Garden District, or looking for that one food stop that will define your trip — this is it.

Parasol’s doesn’t need gimmicks or frills. It’s a New Orleans classic that does what it does exceptionally well. Come for the Po’ Boys. Stay for the vibe. And don’t forget a cold beer to wash it all down.
Aired on December 1, 2008
Updated April 7, 2025

Address / Location

2533 Constance St.
New Orleans, LA 70130

504-302-1543 website