Monday, September 9th is a date that’s been lingering on the mind of Saints fans since the team was robbed of a chance at last year’s Super Bowl. The come-back story of a lifetime starts a week from today: Saints game day is back.
While there will be a lot of attention paid to the Saints-Rams rematch on September 15th, there is nothing like the excitement of the season’s first game. The stakes are high, but the hopes that this year is the year, are even higher. When all those emotions are given a Prime-Time, Monday Night Football slot, casual football fans might be pretty jazzed. But when the Black and Gold get a stage like this, we in New Orleans know it’s time to get together and throw our collective spirit behind the team. With that in mind, we’ve collected some Game Day specials for you to gather around, all while cheering on the Saints.
Toup’s Meatery & Toup’s South
Toup’s restaurants love the Saints so much that every game day is all-day Happy Hour. There are $5 wines-by-the-glass, and $7 specialty cocktails. Also, did we mention the themed Saints cocktails? A Thomas Handy Sazerac makes up the vengefully named, “Falcon’s Blood”, and there’s the “Negra y Oro” featuring bourbon, raw cola syrup, and lemon oil. I may have caught a buzz just writing that, so it’s a good thing Toup’s also has several food specials to soak it all up. Happy Hour snacks fall around $5-7, and include a combo option called “Bubbles and Crack”: a glass of sparkling wine served with a half-bowl of fresh cracklin. There are daily sausage specials, and sourdough biscuits with crab fat butter to boot. I’ll be wearing my Saints sweatpants with the stretchy waistband.
Toups South is located at 1504 Oretha Castle Haley Boulevardin New Orleans’ Central City. Website: www.toupssouth.com
Toups’ Meatery is located at 845 North Carrollton Avenue in New Orleans. Website: www.toupsmeatery.com
Compère Lapin
Compère Lapin made a splash during the 2019 Tales of the Cocktail season, releasing a new specialty drink menu while pulling in a some awards as well. Chef Nina Compton is keeping the momentum rolling into football season with some great specials. Several of the drinks are exclusive game day deals, like the $12 Paint It Black & Gold (coffee infused Mezcal, Amaro, & Vermouth Rouge); or the $9 Melonious Funk (Bolden local vodka, melon shrub, citrus, & spiced salt). There are some frozen drinks as well, such as the Who-Dat Daquiri (brandy, rum, amaretto, apricot, coconut), and the Ramos Gin Freeze –gin, citrus, orange blossom, oat cream. Specials extend to beer, sherry, and whiskey flights as well. After you’ve had a few, we recommend the Curried Goat and Sweet Potato Gnocchi, or the Cold Smoked Wahoo Tartar. These specials are as business as Brees under center.
Compère Lapin is located inside of The Old No. 77 Hotel & Chandlery at 535 Tchoupitoulas Street, New Orleans. Website: www.comperelapin.com
Copper Vine
Copper Vine has become a favorite meeting spot outside the Dome, and for great reason. The charming decor, heavy greenery, and chic bathroom lobby almost made me forget I’m supposed to be writing about their food & drink. Gameday brings out the best in the building, starting with $25 mimosa pitchers. Once you’ve gotten as bubbly as the champagne, dive into the Fig and Goat Cheese Flatbread, duck fat fries, or a delectable Cuban Sandwich.
Copper Vine is located at 1001 Poydras Streetin New Orleans’ Central Business District. Website: www.coppervinewine.com
Jack Rose
Jack Rose of the Pontchartrain Hotel has had a sizzling summer. The restaurant was rated Best in America. Sommelier Alexandra Minton was named to “40 Under 40” by Wine Enthusiast, and celebrations for National Bourbon Month are underway. Any Saints game day, Jack Rose is the place to be. Featuring specials on Veuve Clicquot bottles, as well as the Insta-famous Chambong, there’s a lot to cheer for. A practiced play would be dining on the Quail and Waffles, though the Crab Omelet is also the move. However you look at it, Jack Rose on Saints Sunday is no a Hail Mary.
Jack Rose is located at the Pontchartrain Hotel, 2031 St Charles Avenue in New Orleans’ Garden District. Website: www.jackroserestaurant.com
Ruby Slipper
On Monday, September 9, all Ruby Slipper locations in New Orleans and Metairie will offer 20% off when you dine-in wearing your Saints/black and gold gear. Ruby Slipper is known for their creative twists on brunch classics, and recently launched their tasty Fall specials including Creme Brulee Pancakes, Sausage Gravy Eggs Benedict, and Nutella & Raspberrt Stuffed French Toast. Grab a Big Easy Mimosa while you’re there and get your week started off on the right note!
Ruby Slipper has 7 different locations throughout the greater New Orleans area. View their website and location information here: www.rubyslippercafe.com
Otra Vez
This brand new Mexican-Fused restaurant includes delicious classics such as queso fundido with plantain chips, crispy tempura shrimp tacos, crawfish chili Relleno, and lots more. And now they have a special Game Day Menu featuring family-style platters for the entire table. See their full menu below!