World Famous Corporation Bar & Grill

captions by: Kelly Tenedini

New Orleans is full of rich heritage and even richer food. A stellar meal at Compere Lapin, Emeril’s, Commander’s Palace, or Antoine’s can easily set you back $200 a person. This is the city where paychecks are blown (I’m looking at you, Harrah’s) as well as waistlines. When visiting New Orleans and my wallet reminds me that I am actually not highfalutin, I head to Corporation Bar & Grill on S Peters St. 

This is the kind of place that you'd almost walk past but the delicious smells coming from inside beckon you to stop. The outside of the building isn't impressive but inside you'll find no-frills food from decades-old family recipes. It's a dive bar with cold, reasonably priced beer and service that could border on surly but they’re hella efficient. Throw in some slightly dusty taxidermy on the walls and bathrooms covered with sage drunken advice or insults about exes written in Sharpie and that makes it close to perfect in my eyes. Don’t ask for a wine list, some small-batch liquor, or fancy garnishes. You are here for cheap drinks and tasty grub. 

I was hooked the first time I visited Corporation. The friendly regulars and cheap Miller Lite’s started the experience off strong and then the shrimp po'boy and red beans & rice grabbed my taste buds like a warm hug. I didn’t even mind that it was served on Styrofoam. My friend’s alligator bites and muffuletta could stand up against any others in the city. Don’t forget to add some Zapp’s chips to your meal -- Voodoo flavor is my favorite. This food is the liner your stomach needs to prevent you from having a night like in the movie “The Hangover” while drinking your way down Bourbon Street later in the evening.