French Quarter Is Now Open in Boston, Celebrating New Orleans Cuisine

The team behind Downtown Crossing restaurants Back Deck and Fajitas and ‘Ritas has now opened a New Orleans-inspired restaurant, also located in the Downtown Crossing/Theater District area. French Quarter (545 Washington St., Boston) debuted on Monday, February 24, situated between the Opera House and Paramount Theater.

“We plan on recreating a French Quarter neighborhood watering hole,” chef and co-owner Paul Sussman previously told Eater. “We are trying to do pretty much traditional New Orleans — maybe updated a bit, but not chef interpretations.”

French Quarter — which is operated by Sussman and Brad Fredericks — highlights cuisine from several of Louisiana’s diverse communities. An eater can expect to find gumbo, jambalaya, etouffee, fried catfish, po’ boys, muffaletta sandwiches, bourbon pecan pie, and more.

“This is something that we think the area is missing right now, and Bostonians will really enjoy,” Sussman and Fredericks said in a press release. “We want to bring the spirit of New Orleans to our city, through food, drink, music, and the general atmosphere. I think what we’re doing here is really going to accomplish that.”

In addition to New Orleans-inspired food, French Quarter’s cocktail menu also takes its lead from the Big Easy: Think Sazeracs, hurricanes, Vieux Carres, and Ramos gin fizzes. The bar also features a small selection of wine, as well as some beers brewed in Louisiana.

French Quarter was designed by Boston-based Assembly Design Studio, which also designed local restaurants Citrus & Salt, Buttermilk & Bourbon (which also draws inspiration from New Orleans), and Loco Taqueria, among others. The restaurant features a long marble bar, velvet banquettes, and tables constructed with reclaimed wood. The vibe includes the sounds of New Orleans, from jazz and brass band to zydeco to the Neville Brothers.

Head to Boston’s Theater District for a show, and stay for a taste of the Crescent City. Note: It’s only open for dinner hours to start, with lunch expected to begin on Wednesday, March 4.

• New Orleans Cuisine is ‘Truly Underserved’ Here. French Quarter Wants to Change That. [Boston.com]
• A New Orleans-Inspired Restaurant Could Open in Boston’s Theater District [EBOS]