Desire Oyster Bar — Restaurant in New Orleans

You can’t miss it, it won’t let you. That big, gaudy marquee shining like a Vegas casino hustling a trucker’s last twenty. It ropes in the weary, the reckless, and the hungry with the promise of salt, fire, and butter-soaked salvation. Bourbon and Bienville is one of the most photographed corners in the French Quarter, but trust me, pictures don’t do it justice.

You got to step inside to feel it. Hear the scrape of chairs against tile, smell that thick cloud of briny, smoky goodness creeping up to the pressed tin ceiling like the ghosts of a million past meals. This isn’t a place you just pass through. It sticks to you, like butter on your shirt or regret on a Sunday morning.

And we’re here for the chargrilled oysters. That’s the whole sermon. The altar, the offering, and the benediction. If that doesnt sound like your kind of religion, go on and order a salad and let the rest of us get to church.

And here at Desire Oyster House, they’re not messing around. These oysters hit the table still spitting fire, still whispering the name of the pit that baptized ‘em. They glisten like temptation itself, butter thick as sin, garlic so heavy in the air it’s practically a marriage proposal. That Parmesan crusts up on the edges like it knows it’s about to change your life.

And the taste? Soft, briny, smoky perfection—salvation on a half-shell.And then, oh buddy, then you take the bread. Drag it through that bubbling pool of butter and brine, soak up every last drop and then savor the flavor like it’s the last thing you’re ever going to taste.

Desire Oyster Bar reminds you why people show up to New Orleans in the first place. Not just the food, not just the booze, not just the music—but this. That moment when you lean back in your chair, belly full, hands greasy, heart contented, and you know, with absolute certainty, you wouldn’t want to be anywhere else in the world right now. And really,...

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If you're searching for a slice of genuine Southern hospitality in the heart of New Orleans, look no further than Ms. Ruthie at the Desire Oyster Bar. From the moment you step foot into this Bourbon Street institution, you're enveloped in warmth, charm, and the unmistakable spirit of the city.

Ms. Ruthie isn't just a server; she's a beacon of joy, a true gem who brightens each morning with her infectious smile and heartfelt greetings. As soon as you walk through the door, you're greeted with her trademark "Good Morning Ya'll," a simple phrase that feels like a warm embrace in a bustling world. It's a reminder of the power of kindness and the beauty of human connection.

But Ms. Ruthie's magic doesn't stop at her warm welcomes; her service is unparalleled. With a grace and attentiveness that's reminiscent of family, she tends to your every need, ensuring that your breakfast experience is nothing short of delightful. Whether it's a steaming cup of coffee or a hearty plate of Southern classics, Ms. Ruthie goes above and beyond to make sure you start your day on the right foot.

And oh, the breakfast! Each morning, Ms. Ruthie treats you to a feast fit for a king, ensuring that you're fueled up and ready to explore the wonders of New Orleans. From fluffy pancakes to perfectly scrambled eggs, every bite is a testament to her dedication to excellence.

In a world where hustle and bustle often overshadow the simple joys of life, Ms. Ruthie is a refreshing reminder to slow down, savor the moment, and appreciate the little things. So if you find yourself in need of a pick-me-up in the Crescent City, do yourself a favor and pay a visit to Ms. Ruthie at the Desire Oyster Bar. Trust me, you'll leave with a full belly, a lighter heart, and a newfound appreciation for the magic of New Orleans...

This place is chill and set up like a diner, so there is no need to dress up. I got the gumbo. It wasn't the best I've ever had, but it wasn't terrible. For a rare chilly night, it hit the spot and was filling. Pictures I had seen online showed toasted bread cut on the bias, but I did not receive any with mine. My spouse got the boiled peel & eat shrimp and said they were "nothing special" and "weren't worth the effort". He also got the char grilled oysters and loved them. He said they were the best he could remember having in a long while, if ever. He mentioned them several times during our stay and wished he'd had a moment and appetite to go get more, but he never had the opportunity. I also ordered the Tito's Strawberry Lemonade. Unlike the other locations we'd been to in the FQ, this place gave a skinny little glass with mostly ice when other locations gave an adequate amount of spirits for the price. This is coming from a person who isn't a big drinker. I maybe had 1.5 drinks per night while in town, so that should tell you how underwhelming it was for me to bother mentioning it. We finished off by sharing the pecan pie and bread pudding. Both were just OK. Let me preface by saying we really set up high standards when it comes to these two deserts because they are some of our favorites. We didn't like the bread pudding at GW Fins either. If we went back, it would strictly be for my husband so he could get...