3rd Block Depot Kitchen & Bar: A Taste of New Orleans
Updated:
By: Inside NOLA
Situated in the heart of New Orleans’ iconic French Quarter, 3rd Block Depot Kitchen & Bar offers a captivating culinary experience that harmoniously blends modern Creole cuisine with the city’s rich cultural heritage. This charming restaurant has become a beloved destination for locals and visitors alike, providing a unique dining encounter that captures the essence of the Big Easy.
In This Article
TL;DR
3rd Block Depot Kitchen & Bar offers a unique fusion of modern Creole cuisine in the historic French Quarter setting.
Chef Nick Ocheltree’s culinary expertise and innovative approach to Creole dishes drive the restaurant’s success.
The restaurant boasts various special features, including a popular brunch menu, live entertainment, and diverse dining amenities catering to customer needs.
Chef Nick Ocheltree and Modern Creole Innovations
At the forefront of 3rd Block Depot Kitchen & Bar is Chef Nick Ocheltree, a culinary visionary who has honed his skills in prestigious kitchens across the United States. With a passion for pushing the boundaries of traditional Creole cuisine, Chef Ocheltree has crafted a menu that showcases the flavors of New Orleans while incorporating modern techniques and innovative twists.
Modern Creole cuisine, as exemplified by Chef Ocheltree’s creations, is a contemporary interpretation of the classic Creole dishes long associated with New Orleans. While traditional Creole cuisine is known for its rich, spicy flavors and the use of local ingredients like seafood, okra, and rice, modern Creole elevates these elements with refined techniques and unexpected flavor combinations.
Some of the signature dishes at 3rd Block Depot Kitchen & Bar that exemplify this modern Creole style include the Crawfish Étouffée Arancini, a crispy rice ball filled with succulent crawfish and served with a creamy remoulade sauce, and the Blackened Redfish with Crab Fried Rice, which combines the classic Cajun seasoning with an Asian-inspired rice dish.
The Essence of New Orleans: Location and Atmosphere
3rd Block Depot Kitchen & Bar’s prime location on Chartres Street in the French Quarter adds to its allure, immersing diners in the rich history and vibrant culture of New Orleans. The French Quarter, known for its stunning architecture, lively music scene, and world-famous Mardi Gras celebrations, provides the perfect backdrop for the restaurant’s modern Creole offerings.
The restaurant itself is housed in a beautifully restored historic building, with exposed brick walls, high ceilings, and elegant chandeliers creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The dining room’s decor pays homage to the city’s past while incorporating modern elements, much like the cuisine itself.
Dining at 3rd Block Depot Kitchen & Bar is not just about the food; it’s a complete sensory experience that allows guests to soak in the essence of New Orleans. Whether you’re seated in the main dining area, at the lively bar, or in the charming courtyard, you’ll feel transported to a world where culinary excellence meets Southern hospitality.
Signature Dining Experiences: Brunch and More
Brunch
One of the standout features of 3rd Block Depot Kitchen & Bar is its incredible brunch menu, which has become a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Served every Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 3pm, the brunch menu showcases Chef Ocheltree’s creative spin on classic New Orleans breakfast dishes.
Must-try brunch items include the Bananas Foster French Toast, a decadent twist on the classic dessert, and the Crab Cake Benedict, featuring perfectly poached eggs atop crispy crab cakes and smothered in a rich hollandaise sauce. The restaurant’s signature Bloody Mary, made with their house-infused pepper vodka, is the perfect accompaniment to any brunch dish.
Burlesque Brunch
For a truly unforgettable brunch experience, 3rd Block Depot Kitchen & Bar also offers a monthly Burlesque Brunch, featuring live performances by the talented Bella Blue. This unique event combines the restaurant’s delectable brunch offerings with the sultry, entertaining atmosphere of a traditional burlesque show, creating a dining experience that’s quintessentially New Orleans.
Dining Amenities and Services
3rd Block Depot Kitchen & Bar prides itself on providing a casual, welcoming dining environment that caters to a wide range of customers. The restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor seating, with the charming courtyard being a popular choice for those looking to enjoy their meal al fresco.
For larger groups or special occasions, the restaurant also offers private party facilities and banquet services. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a corporate event, or planning a wedding reception, the dedicated events team at 3rd Block Depot Kitchen & Bar will work with you to create a customized menu and ensure that every detail is taken care of.
Accessibility is another key focus for the restaurant, with wheelchair access available throughout the dining areas. They also welcome well-behaved dogs in their outdoor seating area, making it a perfect spot for diners looking to enjoy a meal with their furry companions.
Special Features: Live Entertainment and Themed Nights
In addition to the monthly Burlesque Brunch, 3rd Block Depot Kitchen & Bar offers an array of live entertainment options throughout the week. From jazz trios to solo acoustic performers, the restaurant showcases the best of New Orleans’ vibrant music scene, creating a lively and engaging atmosphere for diners.
The restaurant also hosts various themed nights and special events that attract both locals and tourists. For example, their Mardi Gras celebration is not to be missed, with special menu items, decorations, and live music that capture the spirit of the iconic festival.
These special features not only add to the overall dining experience but also contribute to the restaurant’s popularity and customer loyalty. By offering a diverse range of entertainment and themed events, 3rd Block Depot Kitchen & Bar ensures that there’s always something new and exciting for guests to enjoy.
Menu Highlights: From Creole to Gluten-Free Options
While the modern Creole dishes are the star of the show at 3rd Block Depot Kitchen & Bar, the menu offers a wide variety of options to cater to different tastes and dietary needs. In addition to the Creole favorites, diners can also find classic Cajun dishes like Gumbo and Jambalaya, as well as Southern-inspired comfort foods like Shrimp and Grits and Fried Green Tomatoes.
For those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease, the restaurant offers a selection of gluten-free options, including gluten-free bread and pasta substitutes. The knowledgeable staff is always happy to guide diners through the menu and accommodate any special dietary requests.
No meal at 3rd Block Depot Kitchen & Bar is complete without exploring their impressive cocktail menu and wine selection. The bar team crafts classic New Orleans cocktails like the Sazerac and Hurricane alongside original creations that showcase local ingredients and flavors. The wine list features a curated selection of bottles from around the world, with an emphasis on pairing options that complement the bold flavors of the cuisine.
Customer-Centric Services
3rd Block Depot Kitchen & Bar goes above and beyond to ensure that every guest has a memorable dining experience. The restaurant offers complimentary parking for customers, making it convenient for those driving to the French Quarter. They also provide free Wi-Fi, allowing diners to stay connected while enjoying their meal.
Happy hour is another popular feature, with special deals on cocktails, beer, and wine available Monday through Friday from 4pm to 7pm. These discounted drinks and small plates are perfect for those looking to unwind after work or kick off a night out in the French Quarter.
By offering these customer-centric services, 3rd Block Depot Kitchen & Bar demonstrates their commitment to providing a seamless, enjoyable dining experience for every guest. From the moment you walk through the door until the last bite of dessert, the attentive staff and thoughtful amenities ensure that you feel welcomed and well taken care of.
3rd Block Depot Kitchen & Bar is more than just a restaurant; it’s a culinary journey through the heart and soul of New Orleans. With Chef Nick Ocheltree’s innovative modern Creole cuisine, a stunning French Quarter location, unique dining experiences, and a range of customer-focused amenities, this restaurant has earned its place as a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the best of what the city has to offer. Whether you’re a local seeking a new favorite spot or a tourist seeking an authentic taste of New Orleans, 3rd Block Depot Kitchen & Bar promises an unforgettable dining experience that will leave you craving more.
