New Orleans - Don't Know Where To Start!
I'm taking my boyfriend for a suprise trip to New Orleans March 5-9th and don't even know where to begin when it comes to eating out since there are seemingly so many fantastic options.
It would be fun to go to some dives but also take him for a few really special upscale dinners. Also, the more variety of locations, the better.
Any suggestions would be wonderfully helpful! Thanks!
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15 Comments:
For breakfast it's got to be the beignets and cafe au lait at Cafe Dumonde. I like the BBQ Shrimp at Mr. B's Bistro and just about everything at K Paul's (book early or eat at the bar). There are so many great places to eat there and even the "big name dives" like the Acme Oyster House are worth the trip. The reason so many of these places are known is because they are really something different, not the best, but really good and worth the trip.
steveTV at 8:23PM on 02/05/09
I big time second Cafe DuMonde, make sure you get their chicory coffee with your beignets! For lunch, walk around Jackson Square, have your portrait scketched, and feast on the many street merchants. Dinner...wow...K Paul's, Commander's Palace, Emeriel has a few restaurants there, so many to choose from, so little time, I'm sure!
Karencooks at 8:41PM on 02/05/09
cochon cochon cochon. lunch or dinner.
tudogostoso at 9:18PM on 02/05/09
Jimmy Buffets Margaritaville near Cafe DuMonde is a fun place for lunch and the cheeseburger in paradise is great! Smith & Wollenski Steak House is nice for dinner. Have fun!!
WSLunch at 9:27PM on 02/05/09
My home town.
Are you going to be staying in the French Quarter? If so, lunch at the Napolean House is a must. They have fantastic muffalettas. Also, you should try the Central Grocery and eat at the counter on Decatur in the Quarter. Acme Oyster House is also a great place for lunch, as well as Johnny's Poboys.
If you are going to be venturing outside the Quarter, try hitting Franky and Johnnys uptown. Get the stuffed artichoke and have a beer and poboy. They also have great onion rings.
If you really want a FANTASTIC meal, to to Gallatoires on Bourbon Street for dinner one night. Jacket required and no reservations taken (at least it used to be that way). It's one of the best restaurants in the country and you would not know by the prices. Dishes range from 25-35 at the most.
My family's favorite restaurant is Mandina's on Canal Street. I was actually one of the last people to eat there before Katrina! Since the storm it's been renovated and reopened but the food hasn't changed a bit!
Hope this can get you started! Good luck!
southeasterneater at 9:58PM on 02/05/09
@southeasterneater - I'm not staying in the French Quarter...we really like to explore different neighborhoods and try to get as much of a local experience as possible, so I wanted something away from the center of tourism. A lot of your recommendations overlap with those of a friend of mine from New Orleans so I'll take them particularly to heart. Thank you!
melisse at 10:31PM on 02/05/09
Stella! Emeril's downtown!
ocarol at 10:43PM on 02/05/09
If you aren't staying in the french quarter and want to check out some dives, then I would recommend Franky and Johnny's uptown. It's a great place, and total local. There is also a great place to eat uptown called Parisols, another dive, great local place.
If you are going to do the Katrina thing, there are some good places to eat in East New Orleans, one specifically is R&O's.
Have Fun!
southeasterneater at 7:30AM on 02/06/09
Cochon!!! Surrey's for Breakfast, then post breakfast you can take a stroll down Magazine St.
malenky at 8:08AM on 02/06/09
for fun, check out the clover grill on bourbon street. no matter what time you go in there it seems like a party, and it is great for late night or early morning.
i second acme oyster house (mmmm, shrimp po' boy) and franky and johnny's. i like to sit at the oyster bar at that dickie brennan place right down from acme, but the name escapes me at the moment.
jacque imo's uptown. i don't think they take reservations.
port of call on esplanade is a favorite destination of mine, but maybe more for the atmosphere and humongous drinks than great food.
i've had nice dinners at g.w. finn's at the back of the quarter.
carriebwc at 11:01AM on 02/06/09
The problem with asking people where to eat in New Orleans is that you get so many different recommendations. I think it is because everyone has had such good meals there, no matter where they went. I, personally, am still obsessing about the lunch I had at Napoleon House in the French Quarter. Really fantastic shrimp remoulade on an perfect avacado half.
CarrieBeth at 1:06PM on 02/06/09
love napoleon house shrimp remoulade!!!
Clover Grill also excellent.
southeasterneater at 11:47PM on 02/06/09
I recently moved from the city and can recommend a few places. I lived uptown so most of my pics are around that area.
1. Jacque' Imos is one of my most favorite places. I have never had a bad meal here and the atmosphere is one of a kind. The smothered cabbage and corn maque'choux are two great side dishes and all the entrees are delicious. The owner also runs a small lunch place near river ridge called Crabby Jacks...awesome po'boys and great lunch specials for cheap.
2. Clancy's- an uptown favorite. Great dining all around
3. Brightson's- another great restaurant uptown and the chef is so personable. I took a cooking class from him and learned a lot.
4. Superior grill- decent mexican food, but go for their frozen margarita. Order one and then take it on the street car as you sight see
5. Panola's cafe- a small uptown breakfast place. My husband and I went there almost every weekend for breakfast. The food is nothing spectacular, except the biscuits but it is always consistent with good service and a good atmosphere.
6. Rio Mar- awesome seafood and a neat little location. The chef owns other restaurants in the city including an Argentinian steak place.
7. Domilicies- is a po'boy place....simple and delicious.
8. Cafe du Monde- its a touristy thing but one of a kind. Here's a little tip...you don't have to wait to be seated but people always form a line. Find an open seat and sit down.
9. Commanders- I know people have wavering opinions of this restaurant but I have always received stellar service and amazing food here. Its a New Orleans landmark. If you plan on going, make a reservation ahead of time.
10. Port of Call- Hands down the best burger you will ever eat and the baked potato is to die for. Eating there was our Sunday night tradition.
11. Gallatoires- Another New Orleans landmark. A great place to eat and get a sense of the New Orleans scene. There is a dress code- jacket required.
12. The Columns- go here, sit on the porch and have a cocktail and watch the street cars roll by. A must.
You'll have to re-post when you return from your trip and tell us all where you ate.
Honestly...I could go on and on. Have a great trip and eat well!
labcab at 8:59PM on 02/07/09
Get a pimm's cup at napolean house too.
I'd also make sure to stop and have a drink at Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop.
andshewas at 12:15PM on 02/08/09
Brigtsen's (misspelled above as Brightson's, but that is how to pronounce it) is great. It is located in an old house and has a neat atmosphere. Great food and service. Check their website. It's about 10 to 15 minute ride from the Quarter. We go to NO a couple of times a year, and our recent meal at Brigtsen's was one of our best.
Remander at 11:09PM on 02/08/09