What is Li'l Dizzy's known for?

Li'l Dizzy's is a Southern restaurant in Tremé known for classic soul food, including fried chicken, baked fish, and gumbo. Other standout items include their mac 'n' cheese, Catfish Jourdain, and sides like candied yams, Southern greens, and dirty rice.

The restaurant is open Monday through Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. It is also open one Sunday per month.

Li'l Dizzy's is located at 1500 Esplanade Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70116.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

Li'l Dizzy's in New Orleans

Name: Li'l Dizzy's
Address: restaurant, New Orleans, Orleans Parish, US

Li'l Dizzy's

A Tremé institution serving authentic soul food, Li'l Dizzy's is the final remaining restaurant of the legendary Baquet family, known for its deep roots in New Orleans Creole cuisine and family traditions.

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What is the history of the restaurant?

Founded in 2004 by Wayne Baquet Sr., the cafe was named after his grandson Zachary, who was nicknamed Li'l Dizzy after trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie. It is the last remaining of the Baquet family's New Orleans restaurants, which have run 10 different establishments since the 1940s, and was taken over by Arkesha and Wayne Jr. in February 2021.

What to know

Located at 1500 Esplanade Avenue, Li'l Dizzy's Cafe is a cornerstone of the Tremé neighborhood. The establishment was founded in 2004 by Wayne Baquet Sr., who learned the restaurant trade from his father, Eddie Baquet Sr., the namesake of the famous 7th Ward restaurant Eddie's. The Baquet family has a storied history in the city, having operated 10 different restaurants since the 1940s. The cafe's name carries a musical tribute; it was named after Wayne Sr.'s grandson, Zachary, who played the trumpet at St. Augustine High School. Zachary earned the nickname Li'l Dizzy in honor of the legendary trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie. This connection to jazz and local culture embodies the heart of New Orleans' culinary and artistic traditions. While the pandemic nearly forced the doors to close, the restaurant survived and transitioned to new leadership in February 2021, when Arkesha and Wayne Jr. took over operations. Today, it stands as the last of the Baquet family restaurants still in operation, preserving a legacy of Creole cooking for new generations. The menu focuses on classic soul food and regional specialties. Visitors frequently seek out their fried chicken, baked fish, and perfectly seasoned gumbo. Other signature offerings include dirty rice, candied yams, Southern greens, and a standout mac 'n' cheese. For those visiting during the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, the cafe is also known for serving crawfish bisque and specialized fish dishes like La Trout Baquet.

Visitor tips

Plan your visit between 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday.
Check if it is the specific Sunday of the month when the cafe is open for weekend dining.
Try the mac 'n' cheese as a side dish, which is noted as a standout menu item.
Allow extra time for parking along Esplanade Avenue during peak lunch hours.

Nearby context

Situated on Esplanade Avenue in the Tremé neighborhood, Li'l Dizzy's sits in an area defined by its rich African American heritage and deep ties to the birth of jazz.