Headquarters by Nice Guys Nola

We had sea food gumbo with Red fish dish and caesar salad 🐟🥗 The fish was cooked well and tasted good, the salad was delicious and omg! The gumbo was absolutely amazing! We loved everything! However, at around 6 pm, no music or band was playing so it felt quiet. And, Just so you know, they add a 20% service charge to the bill which was weird!

The first time was amazing, not sure what happened this time around. Really disappointed. Host was kind, server was also. Food and drinks were very disappointing, especially considering the price.😞 Food was cold and drinks were subpar. Maybe having an off night? We’re extending grace, again considering that our first experience was amazing. We’ll try it again in the future, to support our local businesses. But really disappointed this time around. 😞

Headquarters has a nice ambiance the music is great, the staff is friendly. My friend and I were visiting from Dallas, TX. Our waitress was Kai. She was so sweet, energetic and patient considering my friend kept having her take pictures of us. Yeah thought we were cute that night. Very accommodating, we were sitting at the lower level chairs but really wanted a high booth. Its easier on my back. Kai accommodated that was well. We got the salmon. It was cooked to perfection. The food was light and airy. The presentation was amazing. We will definitely return! Shout out to Kai. You're such a hard worker. Thank you for your hospitality Headquarters!

The place was decorated very beautiful and had a nice vibe to it. I have also eaten at the other location as well and the food was amazing. Our server name was Diamond and she was very sweet. I have the smothered catfish with mash potatoes and green beans and also a side of the seafood Macaroni and cheese with shrimp. The food was so good and I highly recommend this place if you’re looking for a nice vibe and good place to eat.

I enjoyed the music it was a vibe, I enjoyed the blackened salmon and the bang shrimp. Most of all the service was excellent and our waitress Diamond was on point. I definitely will be coming back.

I can’t say enough good things about Headquarters! The oxtails and gravy were absolutely amazing—tender, flavorful, and cooked to perfection. Hands down some of the best I’ve ever had. On top of the incredible food, the service made the experience even better. Our waitress, Shandeasie, was wonderful—so attentive, friendly, and made us feel right at home. She went above and beyond to make sure everything was perfect. If you’re in New Orleans, this is definitely a spot you don’t want to miss!

We were in town for Essence. I had made reservations for the ladies and I. I was a little disappointed to see that the fish and grits serving size has been reduced, but the price was still the same. The service was fast, maybe because there was hardly anyone there. I selected HQ because I've had previous experience with good food. Restaurant owners must remember that repeat customers return for the taste they experienced on their first visit. If that changes, you lose a customer. The Beignets were on point.

It’s incredibly rare for an establishment to earn a perfect 5-star rating across the board, but this place absolutely nailed it. I didn’t even mind the 20% fee added to the bill for the DJ—it was worth every penny! The ambiance was exceptional, the music set the perfect vibe, and the food? Not only was it delicious, but it was also beautifully plated and served surprisingly fast. Our experience was so enjoyable that we’re already planning to come back for lunch. Highly recommend!

Cool vibe here, with live music later in the evening. Tried the alligator bites. Tastes like chicken! They sure make a mean shrimp po' boy! Probably the best I've ever had. And it was huge. Definitely two meals worth. Every dish was a hit. You can't go wrong with anything. Only thing is I wish thw service was better.

Pros: Black owned business Great location for guests visiting NOLA I was able to make a reservation same day so that was a plus. Cons: Music is way too loud. You can't carry on a conversation across the table. My drink was watery even after getting it replaced and it cost me $20! Two drinks and two entrees was $150! Insane considering I had pasta. Service charge on the check allegedly only goes to the kitchen staff so you still need to tip your server. The pasta was mediocre.

This was my first visit to Headquarters. I loved the inside it was very lively and they also had a stage with live music, which was a nice touch to Sunday brunch. They did let us know that there was an entertainment fee which I wasn't fond of but, I do appreciate them letting us know. My party was in their private event room which was also decorated very cute;however, it was just hard to hear and we felt a bit isolated from the live entertainment performance and audience. The food was a bit over priced for brunch but still delicious. I ordered the blueberry lemon drop, seafood omelet and my friend and I shared the berry beignets. All of the food came out hot and fresh. Overall a great experience the staff was very welcoming and helpful.

This place is super cute. Visited here for a Christmas dinner. We were the only ones in restaurant for a good minute. The music was good. We had a pretty big party, I believe the service was good. The Seafood Feast pasta was good but nothing to rave about. I'll visit again to try other menu items & a cocktail.

We were in NOLA for the weekend and wanted some good brunch. We looked on social media and all the places we checked had ridiculous wait times....like 1.5 hours! We didn't want to spend the day waiting for breakfast, so we searched for another spot and lucked on this gem. Convenient parking. Good atmosphere. Good music. And good food! We were seating upon arrival with no reservation. Highly recommend!

This is a great place to go before going out. It's very lively and loud. The drink was quite sweet. The food was ok. There was karaoke going on when I went. I hear the weekdays are much more subdued. The weekends, it's a party zone. If that's what you're looking for, it definitely delivers! If not, go on a weeknight

It's a very nice place. The staff was nice and made us feel comfortable and welcome. I got the lamb chops. The flavor just wasn't there for me. They were bland. I suggest pairing with a sauce or adding some flavor. The mashed potatoes were amazing tho.

We visited Nice Guys for my Dad's bday and we're excited to try the food because we heard it was pretty good. We were seated once our entire party arrived and were immediately greeted by Keisha who was patient and attentive to our table. We then ordered the gator bites to start. My dad had his beer that he ordered at the bar and the rest of us avoided alcohol and stuck with water and soda. The menu has a lot of options and at first glance the pricing of the entrees is on the higher end for although the space itself gives off a more causal feel. I ordered the fried catfish with creole sauce potatoes and green beans. My dad had the blackened redfish (Royal redfish). Mom had a grilled shrimp salad, bros had the seafood pasta and hot sausage poboy. Everyone enjoyed their food! It was all really good although everyone mentioned the salt content. We love our food well seasoned but most of our dishes were over salted. We had a great time chatting about and watching the Olympics on the very large screen television. I can see me coming back for lunch...I'll probably have a poboy next time just to try something different.

This place is amazing! The service the energy and food!! Will be back!!! Steam Za.....

I was going to give 3 stars for the mediocre food, the shrimp and grits were cold and for 28$ no less. The entire group was disappointed with their meal as well. The kicker was the $5 entertainment fee we were all charged for a Dj we did not ask for AND the fee was included in the pre tip amount. I do not recommend!

I recently dined at Headquarters by Nice Guys NOLA, and the experience was a mixed bag. Our waitress was very knowledgeable about the menu and made us feel welcome right away. I tried the Blueberry Drop Martini, which was pretty good, but as a Lemon Drop enthusiast, it didn't quite hit the spot for me. We started with the Spinach Dip with Crab Meat, and it was excellent--creamy and flavorful. However, my main course was a bit of a letdown. I had the Caesar Salad with Redfish, and while the salad was fresh, the redfish was under-seasoned and bland. The small container of dressing that came with the salad wasn't enough, and I was surprised to find they wanted to charge me for extra dressing. My friend had the Seafood Pasta, and she said it was just okay. Similarly, my sister had the Eggplant Pontchartrain and felt the same--it was alright but nothing special. On a positive note, the jazz music playing in the background was a nice touch and added to the ambiance. Overall, while there were some highlights, the main courses fell short of expectations. The atmosphere and service were good, but the food didn't quite live up to the hype. I hope they can improve on these aspects, as the potential is definitely there.

First time there, attempted to open the wrong door and the hostesses just watched instead of pointing us to the correct door. Nonetheless they were nice when we walked in and seated us quickly. We had a reservation but it was a bit empty. The staff was nice and friendly. The food came out fast, and was hot. Prices were reasonable. Between the four of us, we ordered the shrimp scampi, oxtails (which actually looked like neck bones and had no flare, just a regular brown gravy), catfish poboy, and the grilled chicken club. There's an automatic 18% service charge which they're sure to tell you not to forget to tip your server since the service charge is shared amongst all staff. I have a huge problem with restaurants that do this. Feels like you're tipping twice often for mediocre service. There was no Joffe of appetizers, drinks, or desserts. Obviously the greater the bill, the more they make on their shared service charge and extra tip. This will cause me NOT to come back. The band was a nice vibe though it was so loud, don't plan to have a conversation without yelling to each other. The table was small, no place to put a purse, and the seats were small, hard, and uncomfortable. I probably won't be back anytime soon. Great location for tourist though.

Everything was fire! Oxtails and Steak seasoned to the T! The ambience is definitely a vibe! Great music and service. Our server was Angel -- ask for her!

This was our first dinner stop when we arrived here in NOLA. We started off with some drinks. The margaritas come in a plastic patron bottle that if you want to take home it is $8. I got the Crawfish Etouffee which was delicious! Our waitress gave us good suggestions on what to eat from the menu and was very friendly. The restaurant does have live entertainment, however, we were too early for it. All in all a good place to get start off your NOLA trip.

Lunch time in the city on a rainy day and my coworker and I took the walk to the newly opened Headquarters as we'd been anticipating it's opening. Made it just before the rain could fall. The inside was colorful and also bright! We were immediately greeted with smiles and seated. Our Waitress was very helpful with menu options. I was mostly there for drinks and appetizers since I wasn't very hungry. I ordered a margarita. It was...meh...tasted like a margarita mix and kinda tasted minty or something, idk, I couldn't put my finger on it. It was okay enough to drink, though. My coworker thought her margarita was just okay too. The two of us ordered the gator bites and shrimp as appetizers. The shrimp were big and fresh and the gator bites were a little on the salty side but they were still very good. It all was a little on the expensive side for the portion sizes but maybe that should be expected downtown, I don't know. Overall, the service was good. Maybe I'll give them another shot and try some of their actual entrees and a different drink.

Decided to try this spot because of the reviews that were posted on IG. What was posted on IG, was not what I experience. The service was HORRIBLE. Our server did not check on us at all. She sat in a booth not far from where we were seated and talked on the phone the entire time. Not only did my food forever to come out but once my food came out, it was incorrect. The guy who came over to deliver the drink I order even commented on how the service here is lacking. We weren't given any table-ware at all. I asked for a water with lemon for which I never received. The very last disgusting thing, was while we were all eating the server came over and asked us how we were paying and proceeded to tally our bill up, not to mention pulling a seat up to wait for us to pull our payments out. The music was overwhelming to the point we couldn't hear each other, all the visible trash cans were all overflowing and the bathroom smells like it has been cleaned in lord knows how long. I do not recommend this place at all and new management is definitely needed. The food was under cooked and they served the food in a take out container despite us dining in. I will never go back!!!! Don't waste your time and or money!!! You'd be better off going to Wendy's!

I have to give this place just based on my experience. I loved everything although some of my friends did not. We arrived when it opened. It was 12 of us and they sat us immediately. When we walked in the band was playing and JAMMING. The lady can sang! Our hostess was sweet as well and everything flowed nicely. They do let you know that there is a 5.00 per person entertainment fee for the band in which I'm not mad at. There is also 20% gratuity. I had the redfish potatoes and green beanbeans. Wonderful! I stole some diced potatoes from a friend so good. I enjoyed it and would return!

Newly opened bar + restaurant (formerly The Little Gem Saloon) by the same owner as Nice Guys. I attended the grand opening today and everything was lovely! Although I didn't get any food-- drinks were rolling and all tasty. There is a second floor which looks like it can be booked out for special events w| a balcony. Overall, a nice ambiance and nice spot!

I feel like a star every time I come into headquarters, thanks to mynamejyron. And this crawfish etouffee is really good. I can't wait to try the catfish next.

So so so loud, literally could not hear anything but the music and tv's. Had to leave, couldn't tolerate the obnoxious noise.

Yeah. Look at the picture. Turns out it was a can, but not cold enough and sat too long. Waitress Aerial was super nice. Manager saved the day, but food wasn't great. BTW, they include a service charge but don't tell you when presented the bill. Overall, would not go back.

Bree started off an absolutely outstanding lunch for my lady and me with her outstanding service. She offered suggestions and took our orders when we were ready. The food was very good but was made phenomenal by Bree's outstanding service after we received our food! Walter from Dayton

The ambiance is very nice!! They had a live band, and they were rockin'!!! I ordered the Seafood Feast Pasta, and it was decent, maybe because it was warm and not hot when it came out. I was not really hungry, but I wanted to try something on the menu. The service was good, and I would definitely visit them again as I would like to try something else on the menu.

It was the worst place in New Orleans I've ever been to... Went on Valentine's Day to surprise my girlfriend but I should have went anywhere else even Manchu would have had been better I walked in at 7:30 and didn't get my food till 10 and once it came out it tasted like burnt grill but I should have known because it smelled like that all night while the DJ was playing music and if it wasn't for Traiajia service I've would've left n not paid nothing but I just couldn't do it because of her attitude and great service please do better

We went on a Thursday evening, so it was lowkey and not crowded. There were only two other tables being served at the time. There are big TVs playing sports if you are into that. Our server was attentive and patient as we decided what to eat. I tried the red beans and rice; they give you the option of having smoked sausage or hot sausage. Options are great, but this means that the beans are cooked without the meat in them. They sat a hot sausage patty on top of the beans. The beans were bland, I boxed them up and took them home. I felt that the food was a bit overpriced for the quality, but my friend ate her burger (after asking for salt and ketchup). Drinks were a bit steeply priced too. Nothing really stood out to me about the decor or the food. Heads up! There is a 20 percent service charge too.

Made a reservation ahead of time to avoid having a long wait. We were seated immediately. The decor and ambiance was nice. I ordered the smothered catfish and my friend ordered a smothered chicken dish. One thing to note if you do not eat pork, make sure you ask if the sauces or meal is made with pork. Most creole dishes are made with some form of pork so if you are pork-free ASK! My friend really enjoyed her chicken but was unable to enjoy the creole sauce due to the pork. The catfish was pretty good and I cleaned my plate. The live band started not long after we ordered and they were a nice addition to the overall vibe. We spent maybe an hour and 10 mins from start to finish in the restaurant so service was pretty quick. I might return in the future to taste other menu items.

Overall, this was a good experience. Our waitress, Hope, did a good job of balancing all the tables she had. I was here for a conference, and many attendees also came to the restaurant.the only downside is it took forever for me to get my drink. Although my waitress was very busy, the bartender eventually brought me my drink, which was still frozen and good. Our waitress ended up giving our table complimentary frozen margaritas due to the challenges we faced during our meal. Overall, it was a good experience and fairly priced. I got the half-and-half po' boy with catfish and fried shrimp. It was good

Great spot for late night dining. It wasn't crowded as we went a couple hours before closing. Food was delicious! Our dessert came out first which I've always wanted. It did not disappoint. We had the bread pudding which came in a martini glass. It was hot and loaded with pralines. Delicious!!! We chose sandwiches with poboys with chicken, shrimp, and catfish! We left no crumbs!!! Definitely plan to return as this was our first night in the city.

I really wanted to love this place but I can honestly pass on it. I ordered pickup on a weeknight. Not many people were dining in when I went to pick up my food yet it took a while for someone to acknowledge and assist me when I entered the establishment. I ordered a burger medium but it was well done. It tasted fine but I can get a better burger for cheaper. Remoulade shrimp salad was okay. I liked the jalapeños on the salad for the extra kick.

I made reservations on 6/1 to dine on 7/7. I knew that would be Essence weekend but I wanted to try this place and bring my mom somewhere nice since she was in town for Essence. The reservation was for 1pm. We arrived about 10 minutes early and were told to wait in line after we checked in. There was so much confusion because it seemed like the line was full of mostly people with reservations. People were hot and upset at how the process was being handled. You should not be seating guests without reservations knowing you have upcoming reservations. We waited about 15 mins and we were finally able to sit. The tables were packed tight and there was a DJ. I booked this restaurant for the live band vibes. Not a DJ. The music was entirely too loud for such a small space. Yelling across the table to have conversation or to hear our server was alot. Even the music the DJ was playing did not match the crowd. Like it was LOUD! He did not read the room at all. We ordered drinks and our entrees. Our drinks didn't come until our food came. I'm assuming someone who wasn't our server was supposed to bring them but never did. But we got them when we got our food. That'll tell you how long we waited on drinks. Now the best thing about the experience was the food! My moms friend and I both ordered the oxtail. Baby that tail didn't stand a chance! It was delicious. I'm still thinking about them and that gravy! The Mac n cheese and green beans weren't good but just dip them in the oxtail gravy, lol. My mom ordered the fish and grits. She said it was delicious. Oh and the crawfish beignets were awesome! So fluffy!! I do want to give this place a second chance but it'll probably be on a weekday. Or first thing when they open on the weekend. Hopefully they can iron out those kinks to create a better overall experience for their guests.

Food Amazing food, all of it, especially the gator bites. Service Super friendly and fast. They make you feel like family here. Ambiance Although a bit loud, it is definitely a fun place to be!

First off please excuse the photos. I was so hungry I got to eating and then remembered photos. Legit spot. It was like being at your cousins house with your cool auntie cooking. They had a Gen X RnB vibe with the music. Our waitress was amazing. At the table we had red beans and rice, with chicken or fish, gumbo, lobster bisque, and crab cakes. Almost everything was delicious. The cup of gumbo was so good that all you need is a cup. Red beans and rice right out your grammas kitchen. Crab cakes were just ok. A little salty for our taste. If you are in New Orleans and want some home cooked Cajun soul food bring your backside here.

I dined at headquarters while visiting. The services was great and the food was amazing. I didn't know exactly what I wanted to eat but my wonderful server Shandease recommended the catfish and grits for my entree. That fish is something to write home about. I've been to nice guys for brunch so Headquarters was a choice for dinner. Definitely will recommend this place to others.

I only tried chocolate cake from here but it was damn good and the person working was very nice :) There seemed to be a lively happy family vibe in here. Would love to come back for a meal when back in the area :)

Experience the perfect blend of flavors and ambiance at Head Quarters by Nice Guys Nola, located at the intersection of Poydras and S. Rampart St. Enjoy a warm and inviting atmosphere, complemented by friendly and professional staff. Savor every bite, from the appetizer to the dessert, as the portion sizes are generous and the flavors are delicious. Don't miss out on the Blueberry Drop Martini and the Crispy Gator Bites! Drinks: Blueberry Drop Martini Appetizer: Crispy Gator Bites Entree: Redfish Poydras Dessert: Chocolate Cake Service: Cost: $$$$

I absolutely loved this spot!! Came in on my last day in Nola for brunch and I am so glad I found this gem. It's just my kind of vibe, great vibes that include a live band, clean atmosphere, and amazing food! My service was great, I had Unique and she was attentive and had good recommendations. I had the catfish and grits, and let me tell you the creole sauce and cheese in those grits were to die for. The fish was fried perfectly just like I like it! To top things off I had the 911 old fashioned! I will for sure come back again when I come into town!

Oh my god! This is the best food my wife & I have ever gotten in New Orleans. Maybe ever. I got the Redfish Poydras and she got the Shrimp Scampi. Both were phenomenal! Can't wait to eat here every time I come to NOLA. And we picked it because it was near the Hyatt on Poydras and we didn't want to go far. Crazy

Visited today as a pre-birthday lunch with the girls. We shared a spinach dip with crab which was tasty. I had the Eggplant Ponchartrain which was good but could have used a little more seasoning. The other ladies had a salad with fish and the Rhythm and Blues pasta. Our waitress was very knowledgeable and friendly. The space is a nice size and has cute pops of orange for decor.

The food was really good, it could have been amazing if it was served hot and in a timely manner. The servers we friendly, but had no concept of the words hurry or efficiency. It took about 45 minutes to get our food after ordering and when it came, it was warm at best. We had the shrimp po boy and the shrimp platter, both of which came with lukewarm warm fries. Also a cup of gumbo which had a great taste, but the tepid temp took away from what could have been a great starter. We loved the DJ and overall vibe of the place. The taste of the food gets 5 stars, but I'm big on service & temperature of my food. Oh and there was a $9 "entertainment fee" per person for the live DJ Is that the norm? I'm not from here so IDK

Bree B was absolutely amazing great customer service flew in from Rhode Island highly recommend ‼‼‼‼

Overall the food was just ok. Grits were really good. Too much paprika and parsley for presentation in my opinion. I'm always for supporting black businesses, but the prices are ridiculous especially when considering the 20% service charge is added to each ticket and they expect you to do a separate tip for the server as the service charge is apparently split amongst the staff. It is not the patrons' responsibility to tip the entire staff and pay an additional tip to the server. Pay the staff fair wages. The serving sizes are small and we were charged for each individual mimosa when we ordered the bottomless mimosas and had to dispute it with the manager to get the ticket corrected. First and last visit for sure.

Passable food, very loud, tourist trap, nothing special. Par the course for a Nice Guys affiliate.

Food was amazing. I'm still thinking about the smothered potatoes and green beans that came with my fish. We visited right when they opened so there weren't many other guests at that time. Our waitress seems like she was new so we were patient but service was a little slow. Appetizers came out at the same time as the food. I also wasn't aware about the included service fee.

Great food, service, and the memorable orange decor. Don't expect twerking on tables or jig trains at this location. The vibe is upscale and caters to a more professional crowd. My friend and I enjoyed the French 69. Which was a different take on the classic French 75. They substituted the gin for cognac. I enjoyed the classic crawfish etouffee. It was done perfectly....and I wish there was more crawfish in the dish. The crispy fried crawfish tails on top were a nice touch and added some texture to the dish. A sprinkle of green onions would have really set it off. But alas we arrived about an hour before closing so we were just happy the kitchen was still making food. We enjoyed the bread pudding for dessert and it did not disappoint. Probably in my top 5 most tasty bread puddings in the city. I'll definitely be back. FYI it's an auto 20% gratuity added to all checks but our waitress was pretty attentive. She could have refilled my water but everything else was great.

The ambiance of the place was chill. We got to see the band perform (although it was a bit loud), but they were good. The service was excellent; the guy who assisted us was very attentive and had a great attitude. The food was amazing, and the drink I had was fantastic. Overall, it was a superb experience!

So salty it is inedible. I threw away most of it. Had to. This smothered catfish dinner was really bad Headquarters management; I'm sorry but I have to let you know. $32 plus you added the "service fee", aka, a tip. I didn't add additional tip when prompted on the electronic order pad, because I was a 'takeout' and I was told by a patron leaving that y'all add the tip on your own. The fish was water and thin. The Green beans, should not be served. Potatoes were excessively salty and inedible. The price to portion ratio was below standard. The "smother" was Velveeta cheese on two crawfish. It's understandable why youre adding a service fee. Your location is relatively close to the epicenter of the area so I understand the pricing. But the quality is far below subpar. The music, although I was not dining in is too loud to be a dining establishment. Unless people don't mind their plates shaking. The staff was very friendly, patient, and menu helpful. They were out of Bread Pudding I wanted to order (445pm,Saturday) but based on the food I had, I'm glad I didn't get bread pudding. Im sorry to have to leave this but I hope it helps you improve. This is poor business practice with the service fee with such a poor product. Maybe do random ghost guests reviews to get a better assement of the taste of the food going out to the public. Even if profitable, it cannot last as it was in my experience today.

NEVER AGAIN. Took an hour to get any type of food, can't hear yourself think let alone talk to the person sitting across from you, and after waiting an hour the food is mid. Save yourself the time. Only good thing is the staff is friendly. Would avoid this place at all costs.

Good food. Music so loud you can't hear yourself fart. Horrendous service, $5 per person surcharge for seating. Then an additional ask for tip as they get a percentage of the total while the establishment takes more. I would advise against this place. GO EAGLES.

The atmosphere here is very lively and energetic. The band and the singer was very talented. The plant decor is also very nice. Our waitress was attentive and friendly. The place was full to the brim when we went on a Sunday afternoon. They really do attract a lot of people. I ordered Shrimp and Grits. When my food arrived, there were only 4 vey small shrimp on top of the grits. I took 1 bite and I did not care for them at all. The manager was very kind and suggested that I try a different dish. It was grilled fish with green beans and potatoes. This dish was better. Even tho the live band and music was good. It was EXTREMELY loud and even tho I wanted to stay and enjoy the band, the noise level would not let me, We could not have a conversation over the loud band and my ears were ringing. I am hoping that they can adjust the volume to a more comfortable level. Other than that, it is a nice place to visit, with lots of good energy.