Hands down this has been one of the best restaurants I've tried in New Orleans. I'm very picky when it comes to seafood and honestly went in with low expectations but they completely exceeded them. The beignet fish balls do not sound appetizing at all but wow I was so wrong. I highly recommend them. They are delicious and you will not be disappointed with that appetizer. For my main, I had the coconut jumper fish. Again not a combo that sounds great on paper but it was absolutely amazing. Service was exceptional. Yes it's a $$$ restaurant but coming from California it felt very affordable. Highly recommend trying Basin if you're in New Orleans. Also cute intimate vibe ambiance. read more

Basin Seafood & Spirits - Seafood Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

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Hell to the yes. Amazing food. Best grits we've ever, EVER, had. Po Boy on point. Blue Crab Claw app was delicious. And the service by Brandon, awesome. Give that man a bonus. Lastly the Mexican firing squad is my new favorite drink We will be back. ASAP. read more

Basin Seafood & Spirits - Seafood Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

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We decided to try Basin Seafood during Restaurant week. Very cute eclectic - Hispanic flair restaurant. Atmosphere was nice, we were seated at a great table by the front window over looking Magazine St. Everything in the menu was delicious with just a hint of Columbian or Hispanic flavor. The staff was very attentive, and didn't rush us so we could enjoy our drinks, dinner, company and conversation. Looking forward to going back to try them again during Coolinary. read more

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Great dinner spot and very reasonable happy hour. The oysters were super fresh and huge. The sangria was good, but better when watered down. We also got the brussel sprouts (7.5/10), gumbo (7/10), and boudin balls (3/10). I wouldn't get the boudin balls again. But I've had the dinner there and it was very good. And the services is always great and super friendly. I'll be returning but not in a huge rush to do so. read more

TLDR: Basin Seafood and Spirits serves some of the best chargrilled oysters in New Orleans along with excellent small plates and standout brunch dishes. A fantastic meal with only minor atmosphere quirks. We loved our brunch experience at Basin on Magazine Street. I had heard whispers that they were serving some of the best chargrilled oysters in the city, so it quickly became a must visit on our trip. We arrived right when they opened for Saturday brunch and the staff did a great job accommodating us even though they were clearly still getting everything set up for the day. The menu leans heavily toward small plates which is ideal for a group who wants to sample a variety of dishes. We ordered a dozen of the chargrilled oysters, blue crab beignets, crawfish pupusas, and marinated crab claws to start. For mains we chose the short rib benedict and the oyster caesar salad. The chargrilled oysters were the main reason for our visit and they absolutely lived up to the hype. At this point in our trip I had tried several versions from different restaurants and Basin's were by far the best. The taste, presentation, and balance were perfect. The sauce on top was bubbling hot when they landed on the table and the oysters were fully cleaned with no grit and a great size. Easily A+++ The rest of the appetizers were also fantastic with the marinated crab claws and crawfish pupusas being the crowd favorites. Our main dishes were excellent as well. The caesar salad was exactly what I look for in an oyster caesar and the short rib benedict was rich, flavorful, and paired beautifully with the hollandaise. My only small gripe is that the interior of the restaurant could use a little refreshing. It feels slightly weathered and there were a few flies buzzing around while we ate. Not a deal breaker by any means but worth noting. Overall, Basin Seafood and Spirits exceeded expectations and delivered one of the best seafood focused brunches we had in New Orleans. read more

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Such a great spot if you're looking for some good food, service and drinks! They offer a great twist on some of the favorites such as crab beignets which is nothing like what you would think when craving beignets. These were so light, fluffy and filled with crab goodness! The blue crab claws were also amazing! Tender pieces of claw meat always shelled and easy to eat. The pupusas were also another hit with the crawfish! And the potatoes that came paired with the omelet stole the show! Large pieces of baked potatoes, so crispy and well seasoned! You have the choice of sitting outdoor or indoor and even at the bar. It just opened when we went so the service was quick! Highly recommend!! read more

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Crab beignets were amazing! Hot, crispy, crabby. Charbroiled oysters came out sizzling... very tasty. read more

Basin Seafood & Spirits - Crab beignets - Seafood Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

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I have passed by this restaurant multiple times, and finally decided to stop. My friend and I went here on a Saturday go brunch, we were the first two people there so we got a table by the window. The staff greeted us as soon as we walked in and I waiter was amazing. I hate that I didn't write down his name. The first drink I ordered was an old fashion, included bourbon and mezcal. The waiter told me that it was very strong and brought me a side of the simple syrup to add to the drink. He was right lol. The next drink I got was a watermelon margarita which was amazing! Food was amazing! We started off with crab claws and the crawfish papusa. The picked slaw and the cheesy goodness with the crawfish was delicious! The entree we both ordered the shrimp and grits with kale and bacon. Again another delicious dish. I will be going back to try more things on their brunch menu and will go for dinner as well. If you haven't stopped by this restaurant yet you should! read more

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Basin Seafood is home of the best charbroiled oysters I've ever had. I could have eaten a full dozen just by myself. I was introduced to this location on a food tour, and it was such a treat! The crab beignets were also a delightful dish that left me wanting more. I highly recommend this spot for amazing seafood! read more

Basin Seafood & Spirits - Crab beignets - Seafood Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

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Made a reservation for a party of 10 around midday, and our table was set up prior to our arrival. We started off with drinks and had a lovely chat with our waitress about happy hour. I opted for a regular watermelon Margarita while my friend got the lemon drop as part of their happy hour special cocktail. Both were delish and did their jobs! Raw oysters were fresh, and I do wish I got the charbroiled oysters to try as well. Blue crab beignets were an interesting pick off the menu, but we did really enjoy the sauce it came with & it was a great starter. The coconut crusted red snapper was my personal dish, and I loved it. This was my first time trying crawfish ettoufe, and I have to admit I liked this part of the dish more than the fish itself. Their bathrooms have supplies (wipes, etc.) which I thought was cool. Clean, nice ambiance for a lunch. Beer selection was also good. I was left satisfied! read more

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I'm visiting from California, and while there are plenty of great food spots back home, New Orleans is a whole different scene. There are so many places to eat and so much good food everywhere you turn. Tonight my son took me to Basin, and it was a wonderful experience from start to finish. The space is small and intimate, which I love, and the food was absolutely delicious. I ordered the red snapper (so good)and my son had a po boy. I had to taste it, and it was just as delicious as it looked. For appetizers, we shared the charbroiled oysters they were out of this world also the pupusa's honestly the best thing I ever, and the Boudin balls. Everything we tried was excellent. Also shout out to our server Kennedy. He was fantastic and recommended the red snapper, which ended up being the perfect choice. Great service great food and a spot I'd happily come back to. Definitely one of the top places I've eaten since arriving in New Orleans read more

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Decent happy hour spot located in the heart of Magazine street, Basin offers a slightly elevated happy hour that is worth a stop. Drinks were delicious and reasonably priced, and the food yummy. Service was good as well. Outdoor seating available, although we sat inside and it was enjoyable. In particular the boudin balls and the fried pickles were delicious. Would come back here again. read more

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Out of menu items at 8pm. Took an hour to get our entrees. Told no tables available but several open for two hours while we ate at the bar. Did not have well stocked bar. Cocktail I ordered was extremely sour. But blue crab Beignets and charbroiled oysters were excellent. read more

Holy crap! This place was amazing. We've been to New Orleans so many times and enjoyed many great meals. I'd easily say this was the best we've ever had. We're back home now and I haven't been able to stop thinking of their redfish and crawfish eutoffee dish. It was absolutely incredible! Do yourself a favor and eat here! Also, our server was such a great guy with impeccable service. I wish I could recall his name to give him the props that he deserves. 10/10 read more

Basin Seafood & Spirits - Seafood Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

White table cloth with casual setting. Small kitchen and small menu which tells me chef(s) focus on quality and not diner quantity. Crab beignets were puff pastry with very rich crab imperial type stuffing. Served in great sauce and chopped cabbage. Coconut crust Red Fish over crawfish etouffee was very good. Light sauce so it didn't overpower the fish. Served with cornbread. Local Po Boy lager was very good. Will return to try the chargrilled oysters read more

My family and I of five stumbled across Basin without a reservation after struggling to find seafood, and we highly recommend! We're admittedly somewhat picky when it comes to seafood since we're from Louisiana, but Basin's did not disappoint! They had great cocktails, kind and attentive service, and great food in a relaxing and comfortable environment. It's perfectly upscale enough for a nice experience but without feeling like you're walking on eggshells at the table. We recommend the char boiled oysters (pictured) crawfish tail Mac and Cheese, and snapper. We'll be back! read more

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We stumbled upon this place while shopping on Magazine and we were super impressed! Staff was super friendly and attentive. The music and vibe of the restaurant was good! Food was delicious and they had a 75¢ raw oysters special on Mondays, which was a nice deal! We will definitely be coming back! read more

Basin Seafood & Spirits - Crab claws - Seafood Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

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The two of us ordered a dozen chargrilled oysters and they arrived split, 6 & 6 each, beautifully plated! All the years we've split a dozen and no place has ever thought to plate them for us like that- and they're wonderfully good here as well- We also really liked the crawfish papusas and would come back for those two menu items alone Service is friendly and they were hustling- started off a slow evening but a larger group walked in- they looked short staffed but kept smiling! The only miss is a $22 cocktail- not because it was bad - it was fine- but just completely unnecessary- for $22 it had better be the best cocktail I've had in a long while- Jewel of the South and Cure don't charge much above $15 so Basin feeling like they should get that much leaves a bit of a sting after a nice meal -and no, I didn't look at the price when ordering because the vibe here doesn't ever suggest they could possibly have a $22 cocktail- I thought it was a mistake on the bill Fried fish meal was decent but nothing remarkable so we'd skip that next time also read more

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By far my favorite place to eat in New Orleans! We stumbled across Basin during our walk on Magazine street. We tried the crab legs appetizer, chicken sandwich, and soup. They did not disappoint. My husband and I are coming back again for the crab legs. Chicken sandwich was delicious. Memo was an amazing host with great recommendations. read more

Basin Seafood & Spirits - Crab legs - Seafood Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

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Neighborhood gem! Street parking right off magazine st and intimate cozy vibes inside! Sat at the bar to catch up with a friend and ordered chargrilled oysters, blue crab beignets, Hugo spritz and espresso martini. Becca* was an incredibleeeeee bartender. Everything she made us was super balanced and pleasant. A 2 hour happy hour meet up turned into 4! Can't wait to visit again. read more

Basin Seafood & Spirits - Blue Crab Beignets - Seafood Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

Small but quaint ambience Not busy for a Saturday Noise level low enough to have a nice conversation Excellent service helpful Blue crab Beinets was excellent extremely flavorful strongly recommend Royal red shrimp excellent Corn on cob very good Hanger steak was average, came with potatoes that was on the salty side Coconut red snapper was the best dish by far Moist great flavor Portion on the small side but good Royal red bordelaise was okay pasta not a lot of unique flavor Chargrilled drum was okay portion smallish but not a lot of flavor Overall good but minimize you expectations read more

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Lovely dining experience probably best COOLINARY so far although I ordered off the menu when I saw the Royal Reds and boy, check my photo, they were delicious! Basin is such a quaint little restaurant but not cramped like many in the city. Tables are placed appropriately. Hope, our young server was attentive and very accommodating. (I always ask lots of questions and was glad I did when I got those breakfast potatoes (see photo). They were baked with skin, cut in chunks, then flash fried .....so crispy outside and fluffy hot on the inside! Must order. hubby and I enjoyed a cozy, pleasant brunch, even though it was gray and rainy outside the window. Thank you Basin we will return.! read more

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First COOLinary experience at Basin Seafood & Spirits Magazine! I love this place. Everything was soooo yummy! Corn Bisque to start...it was good but my uncles is better!!! But still this one was great. Then, Softshell crab with corn machoux and crawfish on top....yall...FANTASTIC! Then for dessert, bread pudding with delicious peaches and ice cream. We had a late reservation and they were so friendly and kind and quick! Great vibes tooo. Highly recommend getting it before coolinary ends on Aug 30!! read more

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Basin is always a solid choice. The charbroiled oysters are some of the best in the city. The Royal reds, trout dip, seafood platter are all exceptional as well. We are local a go there several times a year and never had a bad meal. Beverages are great as is their service. read more

I have nothing negative to say about my first experience at Basin. The drinks, food, atmosphere and service were all exceptional. The restaurant is cozy and inviting, not too casual but not too fancy or pretentious. They make all of their own fruit juices, purées and mixes for their drinks, so even though some are pricey it was worth it. I tried the watermelon margarita with a tajin rim and it was fantastic. Not too sweet, very refreshing. As a group we tried: chargrilled oysters, gumbo, beef and crab salad, oyster Caesar salad, crawfish pupusas, seafood platter (Lima beans instead of fries and extra shrimp instead of catfish) and strawberry crisp. Everything was cooked perfectly, full of flavor and you could tell the ingredients were good quality. I would get any of those dishes again, and would also love to try new items! All of us talked about going back again and people we would want to bring with us. The service was wonderful as well. read more

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We were meandering in the area and stumbled upon this fine establishment and, to our delight, found it to be some of the best food we had on our trip to New Orleans. My partner had the jambalaya and I had the Royal Red Bordelaise. We paired it with a Vinho Verde and had catfish as an appetizer. All were spectacular. Adding to this, our server, Ty, was hospitable and amicable. He humored us as we asked him a million questions about New Orleans and his experience as a local. He even recommended music venues, which we visited afterwards - and they were also amazing. The ambiance was relaxed, which we needed after our evenings spent in the French Quarter. I highly recommend this place! read more

Basin Seafood & Spirits - Jambalaya Fumada - Seafood Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

I had a great time here, delicious food! I sat solo at the bar which can really be a weird experience at the wrong place. Good thing the bartender and I became besties! I don't remember her name cuz I'm a jerk but it was Mardi Gras. Def recommend the beignets - next level delicious. Very rich if you're picky (I loved them) and a great Bloody Mary! See y'all next Gras! ;) read more

Great ambience, delicious food and excellent service. We plan to return when we come back to New Orleans.

I came here for COOLinary and everything was just sort of mediocre. We had the weirdest waiter ever, that charged my friend like 40% tip. The restaurant ended up telling my friend, he was in fact wierd and that waiter no longer works there and they refunded my friend on the tip. It was a group of about 8 of us. Everyone ordered COOLinary and as dishes came out for the 3 courses, we reminded the waiter that one person in our group never got the apps, then he never got the entree, but he did get the dessert. The chef had to come out and say, look the waiter done effed up. And the waiter did appolize several times. My friend got his food to go and they did comp him, so good on management to make up for such an idiot waiter. Anyway, I am not so sure I will be back. If the food blew me away, I would be because I know it is diffifcult to hire good staff lately. read more

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Lovely $0.75 oysters on a Monday from 3:00 - 9:00PM. Located in the Garden District on Magazine Street, this is a great place to stop by after browsing around mansions in the area. The ambiance and service was phenomenal. Raw Oysters are $0.75 and charbroiled oysters are $30 a dozen. Waitress explained the reason why the oysters are big and juicy is because they're gulf oysters. Would definitely come back again on a Monday for oysters!! read more

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My family and I recently went to Basin for a Saturday brunch while shopping on Magazine street (we did make reservations however I'm not sure you NEED to). We were the first table seated as they opened and we were immediately welcomed by one of the best, charismatic servers I've ever had, Ty! From the moment we walked in to the moment we left he was the epitome of what you think of when you think personable service..however non traditional in the best way as I have been a server in the past and loved to interact with my guests and mirror their energy which Ty did perfectly in my opinion. He was very knowledgeable about the menu, gave great recommendations and answered all of our questions! We all opted for the $25 bottomless mimosas (it includes a Togo cup when you leave. Such a great bonus not many bottomless restaurants offer) I ordered the Fried Green Tomato Benedict which was one of the best Benedicts I have ever had! The fried green tomatoes were cooked perfectly and were crispy and not chewy which I prefer. The hollandaise sauce was so good I could've drank it and instead of coming on top of traditional hard English muffin they came on top of homemade butter biscuits which made me so happy! It also came with a side arugula salad that I would order alone it was so good! My family members ordered a fried shrimp basket, the crawfish omelette, a fried oyster Caesar salad, and the biscuits and gravy..there were zero complaints from the gallery! Please, please, please try Basin. I cannot wait to go back and try their regular menu! read more

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Great staff and great food overall. The staff made us so comfortable and gave great recommendations!

Service an food was amazing! Our waiter was ontop of it all with food and drinks, his suggestions were on point. Food was also extremely fresh and good. We got the 75 cent oysters all day Monday, charbroiled oysters, jambalaya and red snapper with crawfish etouffe. Would highly suggest it all. read more

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We had lunch on a Monday when they had half price raw oysters. They were wonderful! We also had the oyster Cesar salad and gumbo and shared everything. Great food and service! Ty was wonderful and a fun waiter. The food was very fresh! read more

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Went to Basin on a reco from an IG food blogger about chargrilled oysters and they were excellent. Had a dozen for $33 and we really enjoyed them. Menu had redfish, black drum, crab and a lot of NOL staples. Service was very attentive and we liked the local seafood restaurant vibes. Took the green street car from Canal St, and walked 5 blocks through garden district which was also enjoyable. Overall, highly recommend. read more

We had a great lunch here. Food was fresh and beautifully prepared. The cocktails were well above average. Service was great as our waiter Ty was not too busy during the lunch hour. The room was nice enough, but we changed tables to a more quiet table. read more

So good! Visiting NOLA for 4 day wedding and stumbled on Basin our 2nd day. Food and service were so good we had to go back on our last day. Shout out to general mgr, Blake, who fit us in on a holiday w/no rez. Service both days was helpful, efficient and friendly. Here's the scoop on the food. MUST have the blue crab claws and royal red shrimp and short ribs w/grits. OMG. Delish. (By the way, one of our party was a hard core New Englander w/years of shrimp eating and he said this was the best shrimp he's ever had.) Crab beignets, gumbo and soft shell crab also very good. Service was great both days (a little in the weeds on 2nd visit, but it was a holiday and crowded. We'll go back next time we're in town. read more

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Basin was fortunately part of my food tour with New Orleans Secret Tours. The service was friendly and the restaurant/bar had a great vibe. We started with the fried pickles, which were perfect, nice and crunchy and not overpowering. We followed that up with some chargrilled oysters, that leaned more towards cheesy heavenly goodness; my tour guide sweared that they're the best in the city. We ended the meal with some crab beignets with were pretty tasty but also very rich. This was a great place, and I'd happily return. read more

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Awesome Monday spot for oysters and happy hour. The staff was really great and oysters very fresh.

Oysters, both raw and chargrilled were terrific! I had Grillades and grits wonderful....