Little Aloha Hawaiian BBQ Opened in New Orleans

The new Mid-City eatery brings Hawaiian comfort food and budget-friendly drinks to Tulane Avenue.

Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Barbecue

Screen-print poster illustration of a wooden tiki bar counter set against a mural of tropical marshland foliage, clean editorial illustration. — Little Aloha Hawaiian BBQ has opened on Tulane Avenue in New Orleans, offering traditional Hawaiian cuisine and a unique, creatively designed dining environment. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do new restaurant openings like Little Aloha improve the overall vibe of your local neighborhood?

Little Aloha Hawaiian BBQ has opened its doors at 2901 Tulane Ave in New Orleans. The restaurant serves traditional Hawaiian staples in a space featuring unique decor.

Why it matters

Owner John McSpadden established the restaurant after performing building repairs at the Tulane Avenue site. His vision transforms the previously underutilized space into a new neighborhood dining option.

Most menu items are priced between $5 and $14. Domestic beers and well cocktails are available for $3 throughout all business hours.

The players

John McSpadden

He is the owner of Little Aloha Hawaiian BBQ who developed the concept while repairing the building.

Lillian Aguinaga

She is the artist responsible for the alligator fresco painted on the restaurant's ceiling.

The details

The interior design includes a makeshift beach hut framing the bar and a custom ceiling fresco of an alligator painted by Lillian Aguinaga. Diners can order items such as Spam musubi, loco moco, and kalua pork, with plans to add pinball machines in a rear room.

Little Aloha Hawaiian BBQ officially opened in September 2026.

Culture Shift

The restaurant follows a pattern set by the ongoing diversification of New Orleans dining options beyond traditional Creole and Cajun fare by introducing Hawaiian flavors to the Mid-City market. This arrival signals a broader trend of niche, specialized eateries gaining a foothold in established neighborhoods.

Residents in the Mid-City area can access a new variety of quick-service dining options at an accessible price point. The $3 all-day drink special offers a predictable budget option for locals visiting the establishment.

The takeaway

Visitors can experience a unique blend of Pacific island cuisine and local New Orleans artistic flair at the new location. The restaurant serves as a practical option for those seeking affordable casual dining within the neighborhood.