If you’ve been looking for flavors that are bold, comforting, and a little different from the usual campus eats, there’s a cozy spot just a short walk away that might become your new favorite. Chill Out Cafe LLC, about a 15 minute walk from Tulane, looks like a simple neighborhood café from the outside, but the menu tells another story: Thai curries, noodle bowls, stir-fries, and one of the freshest som tam (papaya salads) you’ll find in Uptown.
Image Source via Mike Khat
I first heard about Chill Out from a Thai friend who is also studying here. We went together when the craving for familiar flavors got too strong to ignore. Having lived in Thailand for a year before moving to New Orleans, I know what it’s like to miss those layered tastes that balance sweet, salty, spicy, and sour all in one bite. Walking into the café, I wasn’t sure if I’d find anything close to what I remembered, but I was eager to try.
The space itself is unpretentious and welcoming, the hum of conversations mixing with the scent of lemongrass and basil drifting from the kitchen. It feels like the kind of place where students hang out over lunch, families gather for dinner, and locals pop in for quick takeout. There’s nothing flashy here, and that’s exactly its charm.
The food speaks for itself. The Pad Thai hits the right balance with just enough tang from tamarind and noodles that aren’t greasy but still full of flavor. The green curry comes in a bowl big enough to share, its coconut base fragrant and soothing, with just the right kick of spice (though you can always ask for more heat). But the standout for me was the som tam: crisp green papaya tossed with lime, fish sauce, chili, and a touch of sweetness. Refreshing and bright, it instantly transported me back to Bangkok street stalls while still feeling perfectly at home here in NOLA.
Image via Kara S. (Yelp) Pad Thai & Green Curry
Prices are student-friendly too. Most entrées come in under $15, and the portions are generous. Some flavors are slightly adapted to local tastes, but they never lose their essence. Instead, they act as a bridge, giving New Orleanians a chance to experience Thai cuisine while keeping it authentic at its core.
For students like me, who sometimes miss flavors from home, Chill Out Cafe is more than just a restaurant. It is a comfort zone and a place of nostalgia. And for everyone who wants to try something new outside of their usual comfort food, this is the perfect spot to explore.
Image via Mike Khat: Thai Milk Tea & Thai Coffee
In a city where food is already everything, Chill Out Cafe carves out its own niche: a laid-back spot where Thai comfort food meets New Orleans charm. Whether you’re an international student missing home or just someone ready to switch it up from late-night pizza, this little café is worth the walk.
Papaya Salad & Tom Yum Soup / Image Source: Mike Khat
