Feelings

Restaurant Review

Anecdotes & Analysis

“Feelings” such a bad name that a former owner of the 31-year-old bistro tried to fade it out. But his customers just kept calling it “Feelings,” brushing past the name quickly to avoid embarrassment. It’s a lovely and distinctly New Orleans property, dating back to the early 1800s. The main house, the slave quarters, a balcony, and a covered brick courtyard are all used for dining; all are intimate and quiet. The restaurant takes its general style from that of the surrounding Marigny and Bywater neighborhoods, which also supplies most of its regular customers. People do converge here from all over the city, though; the style of the place and its food are very likable. There's really nothing quite like Feelings... nothing more than...Feelings... ba ba doo doo da da...

Why It's Essential

A fine-dining pioneer in the Marigny, Feelings serves a unique menu that blends French and Creole cooking in a style reminiscent of three or four decades ago--although lately many new dishes have been added. The premises have an antique New Orleans style that's more often seen in movies than reality, but that's one of the attractions of the place. The food is good but never brilliant, but nevertheless this is a very pleasant place to dine.

Backstory

Feelings started its life in 1979 as an experiment in casual gourmet dining. It was ahead of its time, and could be called the first modern restaurant routinely to offer tasting menus. In this it was reminiscent of old-style, country French bistros, but with food that clearly had a New Orleans flavor. Feelings really took off when it moved in 1980 to its present location, with its ancient slave quarters and courtyard.

Dining Room

The main building was built on a subdivided plantation in the early 1800s. But the slave quarters and the courtyard next to it are original, dating back to the late 1700s. The main dining rooms have small nooks with high ceilings to lend spaciousness. The small courtyard is pleasant for a drink.

For Best Results

Accept the option of getting a four- or give-course dinner, available with a price supplement. The cooking here was designed with that kind of meal in mind, and it won't fill you as much as you'd think.