The Experience: Magazine Street is full of enticing food options, and burgers are no exception to this. But the end of Magazine where it veers off to Sophie Wright Plaza is perhaps a less obvious place to look for a bite to eat. When I found myself in that area and eager for a beer and a bite recently, I popped into Down The Hatch, an ostensibly Irish bar & grille.
The menu is impressively large, with options ranging from alligator po’boys to gyros to pulled pork pork nachos and everything in between. Surveying the burgers alone, there are a whopping 9 to choose from! Ever the fan of something classic, I decided it would be most appropriate to go with the signature Down The Hatch burger, particularly as the description boasted a “New Orleans twist.” This twist came in the form of, appropriately, Cajun seasoning.
Burger Ordered: Down the Hatch Burger
The Taste: I like spicy food here and there, but don’t typically associate it with something that I would want on a burger. This Cajun seasoning, however, provided just a hint of spice that complemented the pepper jack cheese very nicely. I would say that the burger was slightly overcooked, but was flavorful enough that I didn’t mind. My main feedback was that the bottom of the bun was quite thin, particularly in relationship to the very hearty top bun; I actually ended up flipping the burger upside down to eat it. Very tasty, but I’m a stickler for a thicker bun.
The other worthwhile thing to know about Down The Hatch is that they offer late night delivery! It never ceases to shock me how few late night food options there are in a city that is so known for its night life, but I am so pleased to know that I have this place as an option.
The Verdict: The bar has a really nice ambiance and plenty of space, the vibe is good, the menu is vast, and they deliver food until 1:45am. Keep Down The Hatch on your radar!
Down the Hatch is located at 1921 Sophie Wright Place in New Orleans, Louisiana.
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