Southern Food & Beverage Museum (SoFAB)
1504 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd, New Orleans, LA, 70113
Gain a newfound appreciation for Southern cuisine at the Southern Food and Beverage Museum (SoFAB), which offers visitors a taste of culinary traditions from across the region: Learn about the origins of beans and rice in Louisiana, the real story behind Kentucky Fried Chicken, and what makes Tennessee whiskey so special. Whether you love history, cooking, or just good food, the museum provides a deep dive into the flavors that define the South.
The basics
SoFAB’s main gallery showcases cultural and historical culinary artifacts from every state in the South, spanning Maryland to Texas, and you can take a self-guided tour to learn about the dishes that define the region. SoFAB also houses the smaller Museum of the American Cocktail, where you can order a drink to enjoy as you peruse vintage kitchen tools, menus, and more. If you prefer a hands-on experience, sign up for a cooking class at the museum and learn how to make New Orleans specialities, such as gumbo and étouffée.
Things to know before you go
While the museum doesn’t typically offer guided tours, you can chat with staff for more information or download an app for a self-guided experience.
Plan to spend about an hour exploring the museum’s exhibits, or up to two hours if you’re taking a cooking class.
The museum is wheelchair-accessible with wide walkways.
Pick up souvenirs in the museum gift shop, including tea towels and cookbooks.
How to get there
You can easily get to the Southern Food and Beverage Museum by car, streetcar, or bus. While there’s no on-site parking, street parking is available nearby. If you’re coming from the French Quarter, avoid the hassle by using public transportation: Board the 91 bus directly to the museum in about 20 minutes, or take the St. Charles or Rampart–Loyola streetcar lines if you’re okay with a bit more walking.
When to get there
The Southern Food and Beverage Museum is typically open Thursday to Monday from 11am to 5pm. To make a day of it, go when the museum opens and enjoy the exhibits crowd-free before heading to lunch at a nearby restaurant. Check the museum’s official calendar for special events, such as guest chef demonstrations, food pop-ups, and hands-on classes.
Foodie favorites in New Orleans
No trip to New Orleans is complete without sampling the city’s classic dishes, such as beignets at Cafe du Monde, oysters Rockefeller at Antoine’s, or shrimp po-boys at Domilise’s. If you’re not sure where to start, a New Orleans food tour can help you eat your way through the best bites in the city.
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