New Orleans Restaurants: Mr. B's Bistro
Address | 201 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70130
Our evening in New Orleans began with a touch of whimsy at the Carousel Lounge and Bar. If you’ve ever been to the French Quarter, you know this iconic spot—its spinning carousel bar slowly rotating as bartenders whip up cocktails worthy of the city’s vibrant spirit. We sipped on expertly crafted libations, soaking in the energy of the room, where visitors and locals mingled in the kind of lively, carefree atmosphere that only New Orleans can conjure.
By the time we stepped out onto Royal Street, we were buzzing with anticipation. Dinner plans had led us to Mr. B’s Bistro, a restaurant I’d long heard was a must-visit for anyone seeking classic Creole cuisine. The neon sign beckoned us in, promising comfort, indulgence, and the culinary heart of Louisiana.
Walking through the doors of Mr. B’s felt like entering another world—one where old-school charm and contemporary sophistication coexist beautifully. The dining room was packed, the din of conversation blending with the clink of silverware on china and the occasional burst of laughter. The restaurant was alive, its soul fueled by the culinary traditions of New Orleans and the people eager to experience them.
We hadn’t made a reservation and, but luck was on our side. Three seats had just opened at the bar, and we gratefully slid into them. From this vantage point, we had a front-row seat to the action—bartenders mixing drinks with flair, waitstaff gliding across the room balancing trays of steaming plates, and chefs through the kitchen window moving with practiced precision. It was the perfect perch to experience Mr. B’s.
Sweet Start: Chocolate Martini
By the time we were ready to order, we realized everyone was drinking the same thing, a chocolate martini. We decided to opt in for a liquid treat: a Chocolate Martini. The bartender crafted it with care, and the first sip was like velvet on the tongue. Creamy, rich, and indulgently chocolatey, it was the perfect conclusion to a meal that had already exceeded our every expectation. As we lingered over our drinks, we couldn’t help but reflect on how quintessentially New Orleans this evening had been.
The Start: Crispy Fried Oysters
We began our meal with the Crispy Fried Oysters, a dish I’d heard rave reviews about. When the plate arrived, it was clear the hype was warranted. The oysters were plump and golden, their crispy exterior giving way to tender, briny bites. The topping of smoky bacon and horseradish Hollandaise sauce elevated each mouthful, the creamy heat of the sauce pairing beautifully with the crunch of the fried oysters. These were no ordinary oysters—they were a testament to the bounty of the Gulf and the culinary magic that happens when you treat such ingredients with respect and imagination.
The Main Attraction: Barbecued Shrimp
Next came the dish Mr. B’s is most famous for: the Barbecued Shrimp. I’d read that this isn’t barbecue in the traditional sense, but rather a quintessential New Orleans preparation involving shrimp cooked in their shells and smothered in a rich, peppery butter sauce. When the plate arrived, the aroma was intoxicating—a heady mix of spices, butter, and the unmistakable scent of fresh Gulf shrimp.
Peeling the shrimp was a messy endeavor, but it’s one of those meals where getting your hands dirty is half the fun. The buttery sauce clung to my fingers as I pulled each shrimp free of its shell, and dipping hunks of French bread into the sauce was an absolute must. The bread soaked up every drop of the spicy, savory goodness, creating a perfect bite every time. This dish is a rite of passage for anyone dining at Mr. B’s, and it’s easy to see why. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience—one that embodies the bold, unpretentious flavors of New Orleans.
A Delightful Interlude: Jumbo Lump Crab Cake
We also shared the Jumbo Lump Crab Cake, a masterpiece in its own right. The crab cake was generously packed with Louisiana blue crab, its sweetness complemented by the crunch of peppers and onions. The ravigote sauce, tangy and slightly spicy, added a bright contrast to the richness of the crab. Served alongside a lightly dressed petit green salad, it was a dish that celebrated simplicity and quality ingredients. Every bite was fresh, vibrant, and utterly satisfying.
Reflections on Mr. B’s Bistro
Mr. B’s isn’t just a restaurant; it’s an institution. It captures the essence of New Orleans in every dish, every interaction, and every detail of its warm, welcoming ambiance. From the perfectly prepared oysters to the legendary Barbecued Shrimp and the decadent finish of the Chocolate Martini, every element of our meal was a celebration of the city’s rich culinary heritage.
More than the food, though, it’s the atmosphere that lingers in my memory. There’s a sense of camaraderie at Mr. B’s, a feeling that you’re part of something special simply by being there. The laughter of fellow diners, the attentive service, and the palpable pride in every dish served make it a place you’ll want to return to again and again.
As we stepped back out onto Royal Street, the lively music of a nearby jazz band floated through the air. I felt a deep sense of gratitude for the evening we’d just experienced. Mr. B’s Bistro had given us not just a meal, but a memory—one that will always be intertwined with the magic of New Orleans.
