Unearth The Voyage
Tucked on Tchoupitoulas Street, Cochon Butcher is the kind of spot you hear about from a friend, then immediately add to your must eat list. The duck pastrami sliders are the head turners, but the magic runs through the whole menu, the service, and the easygoing warehouse district vibe. Whether you are chasing a Bib Gourmand caliber lunch or plotting a relaxed dinner with craft drinks, this place delivers flavor without fuss. Ready to see why locals and travelers whisper about it like a secret worth sharing?
1. Duck Pastrami Sliders: The Legend
Bite into the duck pastrami sliders and you get that perfect balance of smoky, peppery, and lightly sweet. The meat is tender, with just enough fat to make each mouthful feel luxurious without being heavy. Pickles and tangy spread brighten the edges so every bite stays sharp.
These sliders are not oversized, which makes it easy to order a few and share. You can pair them with house pickles or a simple side and still feel like you tasted something special. If you are deciding on only one thing, start here and thank yourself later.
2. Cochon Muffaletta, Reimagined
The muffaletta here wins people over with fresh, fluffy bread and a stacked interior that drips with olive salad goodness. Cured meats snap with spice and depth, while cheese softens everything into a balanced, craveable bite. Each wedge tastes like New Orleans comfort dialed to eleven.
Sharing is smart, but no one will judge if you take down most of it yourself. It reheats well, yet the magic of that first slice just off the board is hard to beat. If you love the classic, this version might become your gold standard.
3. Hogwash Old Fashioned
The Hogwash Old Fashioned leans into subtle smoke and savory nuance. The glass gets a delicate pork fat rinse that whispers bacon while the whiskey stays front and center. It is familiar yet playful, a perfect sip alongside anything rich or spicy.
Order it when you want something that bridges the deli and the bar. The citrus lift keeps it from feeling heavy, and the sweetness is balanced. It is the drink you will tell your friends about long after the plate is cleared.
4. Charcuterie Sampler Strategy
Start with a charcuterie sampler if you want the full Cochon Butcher experience. You will get boudin, silky cured cuts, and condiments that show off the kitchen’s attention to detail. The pickles are sneaky great, cutting through richness and resetting your palate.
Build each bite like a mini sandwich and chase it with a sip of beer or wine. It is a laid back way to taste widely without overcommitting. Perfect for two, and still fun for a solo snack mission.
5. Cochon Burger Comfort
The Cochon burger is a study in balance, from the sear to the melt to the soft bun. It is juicy without being messy and delivers that nostalgic crave factor. Add pickles and a side and you have a straightforward, satisfying meal.
It feels like a burger built by people who respect seasoning and texture. You can eat it quickly, but it rewards slow bites. If a friend is on the fence, one look at the cheese pull will handle the pitch.
6. Spicy Lamb Pita Favorite
The spicy lamb pita hits with gentle heat and bright herbs. Cooling sauce brings it together so the spice never overpowers. Each bite is juicy and clean, easy to eat without losing half the filling.
Pair it with brussels sprouts or chips if you want crunch. It is a great move when you want bold flavors that still feel light. People who normally avoid lamb often end up converted by this one.
7. BBQ Shrimp You Will Crave
These shrimp are all about that rich, peppery sauce that begs for bread. You will chase every last streak across the bowl. The shrimp themselves stay snappy and sweet, soaking up just enough of the butter and spice.
It is indulgent, sure, but not overwhelming when shared. Perfect starter to warm up the table and set an easy pace. Order extra bread so no one fights over the last swipe.
8. Red Beans, Rice, and Fried Pork Chops
On the blue plate special day, red beans and rice with fried pork chops is a knockout. The beans are creamy with smoked undertones, and the chops stay crisp outside and tender inside. It is the kind of plate that makes you slow down and grin.
Split it or commit fully. The portion feels generous and the price stays friendly. If you are hunting comfort with soul, this lands every time.
9. Cubano That Pops
The Cubano at Cochon Butcher is bright, pressed, and loaded with layered flavor. Crisp bread gives way to tangy mustard, pickles, and juicy pork. Every bite snaps and melts at once, which is exactly what you want from a Cubano.
It is a quick win for lunch if you are on the move. Grab a seat inside or outside and let the grill marks do the talking. Friendly staff keeps the line moving, so you will be into your first bite fast.
10. Mac and Cheese Sidekick
This mac and cheese brings a creamy center and a browned, bubbly cap. It is the side that somehow steals attention from the mains. A little pepper and salt on top wakes it right up.
Share it with the table and watch it vanish. It pairs with everything from burgers to charcuterie to shrimp. If you love a golden crust, this one delivers that spoon crack you want.
11. House Pickles Obsession
The pickles here deserve their fan club. They are crisp, bright, and tuned to slice through rich meats like a knife. One bite with duck pastrami or boudin and the whole plate lifts.
Order extra because they disappear fast. Keep a few for sandwich add ons or just snack between courses. Simple, yes, but a huge part of why everything tastes balanced.
12. Friendly Service, Counter Flow
You order at the counter, grab a number, and find a table inside or out. The staff guides you through decisions with patience and good humor. Things move fast even when the line looks long.
High top seating dominates, so plan ahead if accessibility is key. The vibe stays casual and upbeat, which fits the food perfectly. It is efficient without losing that New Orleans warmth.
13. Outdoor Seating and Chill Vibes
On a nice day, the patio is where you want to be. You can people watch, sip a local beer, and settle into that easy warehouse district rhythm. It stretches out a meal in the best way.
Plan for shade and bring friends who like to linger. The staff handles the flow smoothly, so food stays hot and drinks stay cold. It is the kind of spot that turns lunch into a memory.
14. What To Order For A Group
For a group, mix sliders, a charcuterie board, and a muffaletta to anchor the table. Add a couple sides like mac and cheese and brussels sprouts to round it out. One or two cocktails, plus local beer, completes the spread.
Everything shares easily and arrives quickly, so the table stays happy. The price point stays friendly even when you sample widely. You will leave full without feeling weighed down.
15. Hours, Price, and Practical Tips
Cochon Butcher runs 11 AM to 10 PM daily, which makes timing easy for lunch or dinner. Expect prices around 10 to 20, a sweet spot for the quality. Lines can form, but they move, and the team keeps things smooth.
Check the website for specials and stay flexible on seating. Call ahead for large groups and you will be set. If you only have time for one bite, make it the duck pastrami sliders.
16. Why It Earns Loyal Fans
People come back for the flavor, sure, but also for the way this place feels. It is casual, consistent, and welcoming, with staff who treat you like a regular. Even when it is busy, the food lands hot and the details stay tight.
From Bourdain shout outs to a Bib Gourmand nod, the reputation is earned. Come for the duck pastrami, stay for everything else. You will likely plan your next visit before you leave.
