Dooky Chase Menu With Prices

Dooky Chase’s menu with prices honors Creole traditions with gumbo and fried chicken that define New Orleans dining. This iconic restaurant, run by the legendary Leah Chase, has been a cornerstone of the city’s food scene for decades. If you’re planning a visit, knowing what to expect from the menu and its costs can make your meal even more enjoyable.

Let’s break down everything you need to know about the Dooky Chase menu, from classic dishes to current pricing. We’ll cover the must-try items, what makes them special, and how to get the best value for your money.

The menu at Dooky Chase is a celebration of Creole cooking, blending French, Spanish, African, and Native American influences. It’s not just food; it’s history on a plate. The prices are reasonable for the quality and portion sizes, making it a great spot for both locals and tourists.

Here’s a quick overview of what you’ll find. Prices can change, so always check with the restaurant for the most current info.

Appetizers And Starters

Start your meal with a taste of New Orleans. These small plates are perfect for sharing or enjoying on your own.

Gumbo Ya Ya – A rich, dark roux-based gumbo with chicken and andouille sausage. Around $9.00
Shrimp Remoulade – Cold poached shrimp with a tangy remoulade sauce. About $12.00
Fried Green Tomatoes – Crispy, tangy slices served with a spicy dipping sauce. Approximately $8.00
Seafood Stuffed Mushrooms – Button mushrooms filled with crab and shrimp. Roughly $10.00

These starters give you a taste of the Creole flavors to come. The gumbo is a standout, with deep, smoky notes from the roux.

Main Courses

The main courses are where Dooky Chase really shines. You’ll find classic dishes that have been perfected over generations.

Fried Chicken – The signature dish. Juicy, seasoned, and perfectly crispy. A half chicken is about $14.00, and a whole chicken is around $22.00
Shrimp Creole – Gulf shrimp in a spicy tomato-based sauce served with rice. Approximately $16.00
Red Beans And Rice – A New Orleans staple, slow-cooked with smoked sausage. About $12.00
Catfish Courtbouillon – Pan-fried catfish in a rich, tangy tomato sauce. Roughly $15.00
Stuffed Bell Pepper – A bell pepper filled with ground beef, rice, and Creole seasonings. Around $13.00
Trout Meuniere – Pan-seared trout with a lemon butter sauce. Approximately $18.00

Each dish comes with your choice of two sides. The fried chicken is a must-try, often called the best in the city.

Sides

Don’t skip the sides. They are just as important as the main dish and add depth to your meal.

Mac And Cheese – Creamy, baked, and cheesy. About $4.00
Collard Greens – Slow-cooked with smoked turkey for a savory flavor. Around $4.00
Dirty Rice – Rice cooked with ground beef, chicken liver, and seasonings. Approximately $4.00
Buttered Corn – Sweet corn kernels in a buttery sauce. About $3.50
Mashed Potatoes – Smooth and creamy, often with gravy. Around $4.00

These sides are generous portions. You can mix and match to create your perfect plate.

Desserts

Save room for dessert. The sweet treats at Dooky Chase are a perfect end to your meal.

Bread Pudding – Warm, custard-soaked bread with a whiskey sauce. About $6.00
Sweet Potato Pie – A classic Southern dessert with a flaky crust. Approximately $5.00
Pecan Pie – Rich, nutty, and sweet. Around $6.00
Ice Cream – Simple vanilla or chocolate, often with a topping. About $4.00

The bread pudding is a favorite, especially with the sauce that adds a boozy kick.

Beverages

Pair your meal with a drink from their selection. They offer both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options.

Sweet Tea – A Southern classic. About $3.00
Lemonade – Fresh-squeezed and tart. Around $3.00
Soft Drinks – Coke, Sprite, and others. Approximately $2.50
Local Beers – Such as Abita. About $5.00
Wine – A small selection of red and white. Starting at $7.00 per glass
Cocktails – Classic New Orleans drinks like Sazerac or Hurricane. Around $10.00

The sweet tea is a great choice to cool down from the spices in the food.

Lunch Specials

If you visit during lunch, you can take advantage of their daily specials. These are often more affordable and just as delicious.

Monday – Red Beans And Rice with sausage. About $10.00
Tuesday – Fried Chicken lunch plate. Approximately $12.00
Wednesday – Stuffed Bell Pepper. Around $11.00
Thursday – Catfish Courtbouillon. Roughly $13.00
Friday – Shrimp Creole. About $14.00

These specials are a great way to try multiple dishes over the week. They are popular, so arrive early.

History Behind The Menu

Understanding the history of Dooky Chase adds context to the menu. The restaurant opened in 1941 as a sandwich shop. Leah Chase took over in the 1950s and transformed it into a fine dining Creole restaurant.

She was known as the “Queen of Creole Cuisine.” Her cooking blended traditional African American soul food with French techniques. The menu reflects this fusion, with dishes like gumbo and fried chicken that have roots in both cultures.

The restaurant also played a role in the Civil Rights Movement. It was a meeting place for activists like Martin Luther King Jr. and Thurgood Marshall. The food was a comfort during tense times.

Today, the menu honors that legacy. Each dish is made with the same care and attention to detail that Leah Chase insisted on. The prices are kept reasonable to ensure everyone can enjoy this piece of history.

Signature Dishes Explained

Let’s dive deeper into some of the signature dishes. These are the ones you absolutely must try.

Fried Chicken

The fried chicken at Dooky Chase is legendary. It’s brined in buttermilk and seasoned with a secret blend of spices. The chicken is then fried to a golden brown, resulting in a crispy exterior and juicy interior.

It’s served with your choice of two sides. Many people order it with mac and cheese and collard greens. The portion is generous, so you might have leftovers.

The price for a half chicken is around $14.00, which is a steal for the quality. It’s no wonder this dish is a top seller.

Gumbo

Gumbo is a staple of Creole cuisine. Dooky Chase’s version is a dark roux-based gumbo with chicken and andouille sausage. The roux is cooked slowly until it reaches a deep brown color, giving the gumbo a rich, nutty flavor.

It’s served with rice and often a sprinkle of filé powder. The gumbo is thick and hearty, perfect for a cold day. A bowl is about $9.00, making it an affordable starter.

Some people say it’s the best gumbo in New Orleans. The depth of flavor comes from hours of simmering.

Shrimp Creole

Shrimp Creole is a classic dish that showcases Gulf shrimp. The shrimp are cooked in a spicy tomato sauce with onions, bell peppers, and celery. It’s served over rice, which soaks up the sauce.

The dish is bright and tangy, with a kick of heat. It’s a lighter option compared to the fried chicken. The price is around $16.00, which includes two sides.

This dish is a good choice if you want something seafood-based but not fried. The shrimp are plump and fresh.

How To Order

Ordering at Dooky Chase is straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide to make your visit smooth.

Decide on your main course. Look at the menu and pick one of the signature dishes like fried chicken or shrimp creole.
Choose your sides. Most mains come with two sides. Pick from options like mac and cheese, collard greens, or dirty rice.
Consider an appetizer. If you’re hungry, start with gumbo or fried green tomatoes.
Pick a beverage. Sweet tea or a local beer pairs well with the food.
Save room for dessert. Bread pudding is a must-try.
Place your order at the counter or with a server. They are friendly and can help with recommendations.

If you’re dining in, you’ll be seated and served. For takeout, call ahead to avoid long waits.

Tips For First-Timers

If it’s your first time at Dooky Chase, here are some tips to enhance your experience.

Go for lunch. The lunch specials are cheaper and just as good as dinner options.
Try the fried chicken. It’s the signature dish for a reason.
Share appetizers. This way you can taste more dishes.
Ask about daily specials. They often have dishes not on the regular menu.
Bring cash. While they accept cards, cash is sometimes faster.
Arrive early. The restaurant can get busy, especially on weekends.

These tips will help you navigate the menu and enjoy your meal to the fullest.

Comparing Prices

Let’s compare Dooky Chase’s prices to other similar restaurants in New Orleans. This will give you an idea of the value.

At Commander’s Palace, a similar Creole restaurant, main courses start around $30.00. At Dooky Chase, you can get a full meal for under $20.00. The quality is comparable, but the atmosphere is more casual.

At Willie Mae’s Scotch House, known for fried chicken, a plate is about $15.00. Dooky Chase’s fried chicken is similar in price but comes with more sides.

Overall, Dooky Chase offers excellent value for the quality. You get authentic Creole food at prices that won’t break the bank.

Seasonal And Special Items

Sometimes, the menu features seasonal items. These are based on what’s fresh and available.

Soft Shell Crab – Available in spring and summer. Fried and served with remoulade. Around $18.00
Crawfish Etouffee – A spring specialty. Crawfish in a rich, buttery sauce over rice. Approximately $16.00
Oyster Po’ Boy – Fried oysters on French bread with lettuce and tomato. About $14.00

These items are worth trying if you visit during the right season. They showcase the best of Louisiana’s bounty.

Dietary Options

Dooky Chase offers options for different dietary needs. While the menu is heavy on meat and seafood, there are some choices.

Vegetarian – The red beans and rice can be made without sausage. Also, the collard greens and mac and cheese are vegetarian.
Gluten-Free – Many dishes are naturally gluten-free, like shrimp creole and gumbo (without roux). Ask your server for details.
Low-Carb – Opt for grilled proteins like trout or catfish without the breading.

The staff is accommodating. They can modify dishes to suit your needs.

Takeout And Catering

If you can’t dine in, Dooky Chase offers takeout and catering. This is great for parties or events.

Takeout – Call ahead to place your order. They pack everything carefully.
Catering – They offer family-style meals for groups. Prices vary based on the menu.

Catering is popular for holidays like Thanksgiving and Mardi Gras. You can order dishes like fried chicken, gumbo, and sides in bulk.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about the Dooky Chase menu and prices.

What is the most popular dish at Dooky Chase?

The fried chicken is the most popular dish. It’s known for its crispy skin and juicy meat. Many people say it’s the best in New Orleans.

Are prices at Dooky Chase reasonable?

Yes, prices are reasonable for the quality and portion sizes. Most main courses are under $20.00, which is affordable compared to other Creole restaurants.

Does Dooky Chase have a lunch menu?

Yes, they have lunch specials that change daily. These are often cheaper than dinner options. Monday is red beans and rice, Tuesday is fried chicken, and so on.

Can I make reservations at Dooky Chase?

Reservations are recommended for large groups. For smaller parties, walk-ins are usually fine, but it can get busy on weekends.

Is Dooky Chase menu suitable for vegetarians?

There are some vegetarian options, like red beans and rice, collard greens, and mac and cheese. However, the menu is primarily meat and seafood based.

Final Thoughts

Dooky Chase’s menu with prices offers a genuine taste of New Orleans Creole cuisine. From the legendary fried chicken to the rich gumbo, every dish tells a story. The prices are fair, making it accessible for everyone.

Whether you’re a local or a visitor, this restaurant is a must-visit. The food is comforting, the history is rich, and the experience is unforgettable. Plan your visit, try the signature dishes, and enjoy a meal that honors tradition.

Remember to check for any price changes before you go. The menu is a living document, reflecting the seasons and the chef’s creativity. But one thing remains constant: the quality and love put into every plate.

So next time you’re in New Orleans, head to Dooky Chase. Order the fried chicken, sip some sweet tea, and savor a piece of culinary history. You won’t regret it.