In New Orleans, food isn’t just about sustenance—it’s a celebration of culture, creativity, and tradition. From po’boys to gumbo, the city’s rich culinary scene often starts with the butcher, where meats are crafted to perfection.
One of the most beloved places to experience this artful transformation is Cochon Butcher, located in the Warehouse District of New Orleans.
The Heart of Cochon Butcher
Opened in 2009 by James Beard Award-winning chef Donald Link and chef partner Stephen Stryjewski, Cochon Butcher is more than just a butcher shop. It’s a one-of-a-kind culinary experience that blends the artistry of meat crafting with the spirit of New Orleans cuisine.
The butcher shop churns out over 2,000 pounds of sausages, cured meats, and fresh cuts each week, which are used in the shop’s own dishes as well as across the Link Restaurant Group, including the Cajun-Southern restaurant Cochon next door.
Cochon Butcher doesn’t just sell its products but also offers a menu filled with sandwiches and dishes made using those very ingredients, making it a perfect stop for both food enthusiasts and those craving a hearty meal.
What Makes Cochon Butcher Special?
Cochon Butcher stands out for offering both classic and regionally specific meats. The shop features a variety of in-house cured meats, such as mortadella, soppressata, and pastrami, all crafted by five full-time butchers.
Additionally, the shop specializes in boudin, a Cajun sausage that’s less common in New Orleans Creole cuisine. Made with ground pork, rice, and spices, it’s a savory dish that connects diners to the heart of Louisiana’s southwestern regions.
Other regional specialties include tasso—spiced, cubed pork used as seasoning—and rillons, pieces of caramelized pork belly, both of which offer distinctive flavors that highlight New Orleans’ rich food traditions.
Dining at Cochon Butcher
Open for lunch and dinner, Cochon Butcher serves a variety of classic New Orleans dishes such as muffulettas, red beans and rice, and fried shrimp.
However, the shop’s more unique offerings also highlight the house-made meats in new and creative ways. Standout items include the duck pastrami sliders and the Le Pig Mac, a playful twist on McDonald’s famous Big Mac, where pork patties replace the traditional beef.
Cochon Butcher isn’t just a butcher shop; it’s a culinary gem in New Orleans that beautifully blends tradition with innovation, serving up delicious dishes in a city that lives and breathes food culture.
Discover More About New Orleans Cuisine
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