Listed below are the results our annual Best of the Big Easy contest where you, the reader, have voted for your favorites in every category.

  Night Life

Best Dance Club:
1. Metropolitan (310 Andrew Higgins Dr., 568-1700)
Dress to impress and arrive late for the hottest nightclub in town. The Metropolitan sports private VIP rooms, state-of-the-art LED-lighting and an unbeatable sound system.
2. Ampersand (1100 Tulane Ave. 587-3737)
3. Republic (828 S. Peters St., 528-8282)

Best Happy Hour:
1. Lucy’s Surfer Bar (701 Tchoupitoulas St.,
523-8995)
Lucy’s hosts a happy hour 4 -7 p.m. every weekday that’s fit for Jimmy Buffet. If you need a margarita-fix, you’re in the right place.
2. Coyote Ugly (225 N. Peters St., 561-0003)
3. Superior Grill (3636 St. Charles Ave., 899-4200)

Best Dive Bar:
1. Ms. Mae’s (4336 Magazine St., 895-9401)
For the second year, the citizens of this city have claimed Ms. Mae’s as the best local dive bar. They’ve still got it with the $1 well drinks and free Wi-Fi. Go hang with the locals and see why Ms. Mae’s is the best.
2. Snake ‘n Jakes (7601 Oak St., 861-8202)
3. Homedale Inn (618 Homedale St., 488-5519)

Best Late Night Bar:
1. Ampersand (1100 Tulane Ave. 587-3737)
Ampersand is the place to go if you’re looking to dance the night away…all night!  Ampersand doesn’t even get going until 1 a.m., so plan on sleeping in the next day.
2. Republic (828 S. Peters St., 528-8282)
3. F&M’s (4841 Tchoupitoulas St., 895-6784)

Best Place to See and Be Seen:
1. Republic (828 S. Peters St., 528-8282)
This is one chic spot. Republic often hosts fashion shows and other events that cater to every taste. Stop by and be seen with the most beautiful people in the city.
2. Whiskey Blue (333 Poydras St., 207-5016)
3. Metropolitan (310 Andrew Higgins Dr.,
568-1700)

Best Sports Bar:
1. Gordon Biersch (200 Poydras St., 552-2739)
Who doesn’t like beer with their sports? Gordon Biersch is much more than a sports bar. They brew their own award-winning beers and serve excellent food.
2. Cooter Brown’s (509 S. Carrollton Ave.,
866-9104)
3. Out-of-Bounds (3802 Veterans Memorial Blvd., 889-7350)

Best Upscale Bar:
1. Monkey Hill (6100 Magazine St., 899-4800)
Home for the elite young of New Orleans, this bar still loves to emphasize its comfort factor. They have large couches, a pool table, and a large screen TV so you don’t miss the big game.
2. Ohm Lounge (135 St. Charles Ave., 587-1330)
3. Le Phare (523 Gravier St., 636-1890)


Best Hotel Bar:
1. Carousel Bar (214 Royal St., 523-3341)
It really is a carousel! The bar located in the Monteleone Hotel has a revolving merry-go-round that you can sit and drink in. If you fear falling off, you can sit at one of the tables that surround the carousel.
2. Ohm Lounge (135 St. Charles Ave., 587-1330)
3. Whiskey Blue (333 Poydras St., 207-5016)

Best New Bar/Club:
1. Copeland’s Social City (701 Veterans Memorial Blvd., 831-3437)
Social City is an all-in-one bar with great food, a huge drink menu, and live music. You’ll never have to go elsewhere for entertainment and fun once you set foot in here.
2. Helix (936 St. Charles Ave., 309-2791)
3. Cure (4905 Freret St., 302-2357)

Best Gay Bar:
1. Oz (800 Bourbon St., 593-9491)
This is the place with an up-tempo crowd and fast-paced music. Come here to dance the night away on the hottest gay corner of the city.
2. The Pub (801 Bourbon St., 529-2107)
3. Rubyfruit Jungle (1135 Decatur St., 373-5431)

Best College Bar:
1. The Frathouse (8200 Willow St., 861-4141)
Remember how much fun foam parties were? Well we do and if you missed out last decade because you were ten, then get ready to play on Wednesdays. Come back to get wild on Friday with free shots every hour.
2. The Boot (1039 Broadway St., 866-9008)
3. Rocco’s Bar (7601 Maple St., 265-0933)

Best Bar Patio:
1. The Bulldog (Uptown & Mid-city)
The best place to get fresh air with friends while still remaining in the city. Pick up some  crawfish and one of their 50-plus beers on tap and relax outside on the finest patios in town.
2. Pat O’Brien’s (624 Bourbon St., 588-2744)
3. F&M’s (4841 Tchoupitoulas St., 895-6784)

Best Gentlemen’s Club:
1. Rick’s (315 Bourbon St., 524-4222)
Your eyes are always bigger than your stomach at Rick’s Cabaret. Come fill both at the lunch buffet, where it’s just as hot as at night. Perfect New Orleans business lunch spot complete with a full bar.
2. Penthouse (727 Iberville St., 524-4354)
3. Visions (4000 Downman Rd., 240-0069)

Best Irish Pub:
1. Finn McCool’s (3701 Banks St., 486-9080)
Is your Irish blood craving some real football, and you know that real men don’t wear shoulder pads? Satisfy your thirst amidst other fans of English and Scottish Premier League Football, as McCool’s displays games on an eight-foot tall projector screen.
2. Kerry Irish (331 Decatur St., 286-5862)
3. Erin Rose (811 Conti St., 523-8619)

Best Ladies Night:
1. Phillip’s Bar (733 Cherokee St., 865-1155)
Indulge in sheer elegance where the environment is almost as attractive as the ladies. Come dressed to impress as you lounge in luxury, where ladies drink free all night long on Thursdays.
2. Dino’s (1128 Tchoupitoulas St., 558-0900)
3. Republic (828 S. Peters St., 528-8282)

Best Place to Get a Bloody Mary:
1. Igor’s (501 Esplanade Ave., 281-4847)
Frenchmen street hipsters love Igor’s. It’s a cool place where you can get a good drink and a great meal while soaking up the culture of lower Decatur and the Marigny.
2. Pat O’ Brien’s (624 Bourbon St., 588-2744)
3. Superdome (Sugar Bowl Dr., 587-3663)

Best Place to Get a Margarita:
1. Nacho Mama’s (3242 Magazine St., 899-0031 & 1000 S. Clearview Pkwy., 736-1188)
With a huge selection of top shelf tequilas and fresh fruit including strawberries, mangoes and raspberries; it’s impossible to not find a frozen or on-the-rocks margarita that will dazzle you taste buds.
2. Superior Grill (3636 St. Charles Ave., 899-4200)
3. Juan’s Flying Burrito (2018 Magazine St.,
569-0000)

Best Place to Get a Martini:
1. Loa Bar (221 Camp St., 553-9550)
Want to relax and unwind surrounded by candlelight and chandeliers?  The aura at Loa is eclectic and opulent and overwhelms with charm.  Try one of the city’s most inventive cocktails, the Loa’tini, in a setting reminiscent of Agrabah.
2. Monkey Hill (6100 Magazine St., 899-4800)
3. Copeland’s Social City (701 Veterans Memorial Blvd., 831-3437)

Best Place to Drink Wine:
1. Helix (936 St. Charles Ave., 309-2791)
Helix serves a wide variety of Clayhouse wines that go down perfectly with a four course dinner.  This laid-back, quiet wine bar provides the often-needed contrast to Bourbon Street, and is accessible by streetcar.
2. WINO (610 Tchoupitoulas St., 324-8000)
3. Clever (3700 Orleans Ave. 483-6314)

Best Place to Drink Beer:
1. Crescent City Brewhouse (527 Decatur St.,
522-0571)
The only microbrewery in the French Quarter opened in 1991 and led a revival of the brewing industry.  Go for the House sampler that includes all four House brews, while you relax in a festive environment and enjoy live Jazz music nightly.
2. Gordon Biersch (200 Poydras St., 552-2739)
3. The Bulldog (various locations)

Best Place to Get a Mojito:
1. St. Joe’s Bar (5535 Magazine St., 899-3744)
St. Joes blueberry mojito can largely be credidted with starting N.O.'s mojito craze. It's very refreshing now that summer has arrived!
2. Bridge Lounge (1201 Magazine St., 299-1888)
3. Suave (200 Magazine St., 595-3211)

Best Place to Play Pinball/Video Games:
1. Balcony Bar (3201 Magazine St., 895-1600)
Golden Tee is still the champ. Get your golf on upstairs, or play foosball downstairs.  Pool tables and dartboards round out this amusement park of a bar.
2. Gold Mine Saloon (705 Dauphine St., 586-0745)
3. Swamp Room (5216 Veterans Memorial Blvd., 888-5242)

Best Place to Play Pool:
1. Le Bon Temps Roule (4801 Magazine St., 895-8117)
Despite their regular live music shows, Le Bon Temps is sure to give you something fun to do even in the quiet afternoons. Their quality pool tables and relaxed atmosphere make this the ideal place to shoot pool while snacking on their oysters.
2. Miss Mae’s (4336 Magazine St., 895-9401)
3. Robert’s Bar and Liquor Store (3125 Calhoun St., 866-9121)

Best Place to Play Video Poker:
1. Treasure Chest Casino (5050 Williams Blvd., 443-8000)
The Treasure Chest’s staff’s friendliness and the overall atmosphere welcome everyone who walks in, ensuring that the few hours you spend at the Treasure Chest will have you coming back again and again.
2. Harrah’s Casino (228 Poydras St., 533-6000)
3. Boomtown Casino (4132 Peters Rd., 366-7711)

Best Place to Play Other Bar Games:
1. Kingpin (1307 Lyons St., 891-2373)
One of the best Uptown dives, Kingpin keeps its customers well entertained. With great beers at inexpensive prices, some of the more interesting bar décor around, occasional live music events and a variety of great bar games (shuffleboard, Golden Tee, darts), you couldn’t get bored at Kingpin if you tried.
2. Finn McCool’s (3701 Banks St., 486-9080)
3. Bruno’s Tavern (7538 Maple St., 861-7615)

Best Juke Box:
1. Le Bon Temps Roule (4801 Magazine St.,
895-8117)
Le Bon Temps’s down-to-earth, local atmosphere only improves with its killer jukebox selections. When the club itself isn’t hosting great music (which is rare), you can find nearly anything you want at their jukebox.
2. Kingpin (1307 Lyons St., 891-2373)
3. Ms. Mae’s (4336 Magazine St., 895-9401)
 
Best Bywater/Marigny Bar:
1. Mimi’s in the Marigny (2601 Royal St.,
872-9868)
The $6 tapas, the mixed hippie/hipster crowd, the colorful ceiling and art on the walls, and the bar’s comfortable feel will make you feel at home on even your first visit to Mimi’s in the Marigny. But that first visit surely won’t be your last.
2. d.b.a. (618 Frenchmen St., 942-3731)
3. All-Ways Lounge (2240 St. Claude Ave.,
218-5778)

Best Uptown Bar:
1. St. Joe’s Bar (5535 Magazine St., 899-3744)
This dimly-lit hangout attracts people of all types, from the college crowd to hipsters.  Check out the old church pew seats by the pool table, or comment with friends on the folk-art crosses that adorn the ceilings.
2. 45 Tchops (4529 Tchoupitoulas St., 891-9066)
3. Dos Jefes Uptown Cigar Bar (5535 Tchoupitoulas St., 891-8500)
Best French Quarter Bar:
1. Erin Rose (811 Conti St., 523-8619)
A small, wood-covered bar is not hard to find in the French Quarter. But if you like Nascar, you may want to park it right here. The drinks are good. The food is good. The company is great.
2. Molly’s at the Market (1107 Decatur St.,
525-5169)
3. Coyote Ugly (225 N. Peters St., 561-0003)

Best CBD/Warehouse Bar:
1. Dino’s Bar and Grill (1128 Tchoupitoulas St., 558-0900)
It may not always be packed to the gills, but that can be a good thing when you just want to relax and unwind with your close friends. The drinks are mixed perfectly every time and the mood is set with an abundance of candles.
2. Lucy’s Surfer Bar (701 Tchoupitoulas St.,
523-8995)
3. Ernst Café (600 S. Peters St., 525-8544)

Best Mid-City Bar:
1. Wit’s Inn (141 N.Carrollton, 486 1600)
This popular mid-city watering hole is well known for its specialty drinks and its down home Italian cooking. $5 Pizza’s on Thursday nights!
2. Finn McCool’s (3701 Banks St., 486-9080)
3. Pal’s Lounge (949 N. Rendon St., 488-7257)

Best Metairie Bar:
1. Jigger’s (1645 Veterans Memorial Blvd.,
828-3555)
Metairie’s premier sports bar has great daily drink and lunch specials. Be sure to check their ladies night on Thursday’s and Steak night on Monday’s.
2. Lager’s International Ale House (3501 Veterans Memorial Blvd., 887-9923)
3. Twist of Lime (2820 Lime St., 455-7775)

Best Westbank Bar:
1. Old Point Bar (545 Patterson Dr., 364-0950)
Had enough of big city bars? You can take the French Quarter Ferry to the Old Point Bar in Algiers. Hang with the locals and catch some live music. Don’t forget to catch that ferry home though!
2. Crown & Anchor (200 Pelican Ave., 227-1007)
3. Dry Dock Café (133 Delaronde St., 361-8240)

Best Northshore Bar:
1. Rosie’s (22067 Highway 59, Abita Springs, 985-809-0454)
Pool players rejoice! Rosie’s hosts not only pool tournaments but dart and poker tourneys. On calmer nights, there is still free food, bands, ladies’ nights, and many other events to entice you.
2. Ruby’s Roadhouse (840 Lamarque St., Mandeville, 985-626-9348)
3. Times Bar & Grill (1896 N. Causeway Blvd., 985-626-1161)

Best Baton Rouge Bar:
1. The Bulldog (9616 Airline Hwy, 225-924-4815)
This bar claims that their draft beer tastes best. Why? They use CO2 and nitrogen to pump the beer. Not impressed? How about a beer tap fountain? Trust me, it’s worth a drive.
2. The Chimes Restaurant and Tap Room (3357 Highland Rd., 225-383-1754)
3. Southdown Lounge (4205 Perkins Rd.,
225-387-9924)

Best Casino:
1. Treasure Chest (5050 Williams Blvd., 443-8000)
Located on a boat anchored in Lake Ponchatrain, this casino incorporates the best of all worlds. With its hundred of slot machine, two enticing restaurants, and live shows every week Treasure Chest Casino is a must for anyone in need of a good time.
2. Harrah's (8 Canal St., 533-6000)
3. Boomtown (4132 Peters Rd., 366-7711)

Shopping

Best Bike Shop:
1. GNO Cyclery (1426 S. Carrollton Ave.,
861-0023)
After all of the partying in the best bars of New Orleans, you may feel sluggish. The GNO Cyclery has the cure with bikes to help you get some exercise. All bicycle purchases come with 6 months of tune-ups.
2. Bayou Bicycles (3530 Toulouse St., 488-1946)
3. Bicycle Michael’s (622 Frenchmen St.,
945-9505)

Best Men’s Clothing:
1. Perlis (6070 Magazine St., 895-8661)
Perlis’s service stands out more than its clothing, with sales associates catering to each customer. The clothes are definitely on the upscale side, so do your t-shirt shopping elsewhere and spend your time at Perlis in the suit section.
2. Style Lab (3326 Magazine St., 304-5072)
3. M. Goldberg (502 Leontine St., 891-1119)

Women’s Clothing:
1. Hemline (various locations)
Hemline’s first location in the region — here in New Orleans — still possesses the earthy, bohemian style that made it famous. Hemline’s more than 200 clothing lines cater to everyone who walks through the door, and the customer service will help you find something you’ll like.
2. Sweet Pea & Tulip Boutique (802 Nashville Ave., 899-4044)
3. Ah-ha (3129 Magazine St., 269-2442)

Best Shoe Store:
1. Shoe Nami (1508 Edwards Ave., 818-2940)
Shoe Nami’s fashionable shoes (and accessories to match) have earned it a place in every true shopper’s heart. The shoes all have some trendy, unique edge and come at very affordable prices. You should have no trouble finding a pair you love at a cost you can’t turn down.
2. Feet First (various locations)
3. Shoefty (6010 Magazine St., 896-8737)

Best Adult Novelty Store:
1. Hustler Hollywood (111 Bourbon St.,
561-9969)
Downtown’s two-story Hustler has everything you need to make your sex life a little more like the rest of New Orleans’s nightlife.  Despite its Bourbon Street location and the fact that Hustler is of course an adult novelty store, it still manages to stay far away from the seedy stereotypes and offer customers an attractive selection that includes nearly anything you might desire. Except for the girls, of course.
2. Mr. Binky’s (301 Funston St., 305-2160)
3. Panda Bear (415 Bourbon St., 529-8064)

Best Vintage Clothing:
1. Funky Monkey  (3127 Magazine St., 899-5587)
Funky Monkey serves as Uptown’s local treasure trove, hiding vintage clothing, locally designed costumes and some really unusual shoes all for fair prices. Exploring the store is half the fun, and you won’t be able to leave empty-handed.
2. Buffalo Exchange (3312 Magazine St.,
891-7443)
3. Lili Vintage Boutique (4514 Magazine St.,
891-9311)

Best Costume Shop:
1. Uptown Costume & Dancewear (4326 Magazine St., 895-7969)
This Magazine Street costume shop has lined its walls with spooky masks, multi-colored wigs and the best kooky outfits in town. Not only can you buy an original Halloween costume, but the friendly employees will also help you find the make-up and accessories to match.
2. New Orleans Party & Costume
(705 Camp St., 525-4744)
3. Funky Monkey  (3127 Magazine St.,
899-5587)

Best Bead Shop:
1. Mardi Gras Zone (2706 Royal St.,
947-8787)
Mardi Gras Zone’s collection of decadent hats, wild masks and beads have made it a local favorite. By working off parade and holiday themes, Mardi Gras Zone caters to local needs with perfect timing. So for your July 4 holiday get-up, stop by Mardi Gras Zone and see what they have in store for you!
2. TJ’s (28 Fairfield Ave., Gretna, 392-7217)
3. Plush Appeal (2812 Toulouse St.,
482-0000)

Best Jewelry Store:
1. Jack Sutton (315 Royal St., 522-0555 and Canal Place)
Jack Sutton features fine and antique jewelry in an upscale store with a knowledgeable and helpful staff. Jack Sutton’s jewelry may be expensive, but their unique and beautiful collection warrants the price.
2. Adler’s (722 Canal St., 523-5292)
3. Mignon Faget (various locations)

Best Supermarket:
1. Whole Foods Market (5600 Magazine St., 899-9119 and 3420 Veterans Blvd.,
888-8225)
By using local growers, having a “green” perspective and — most importantly — having a huge selection of fresh produce, meat, cheeses and health foods, the Whole Foods on Magazine has proven to be a New Orleans favorite. Try a bowl of their hot chili on a rainy day and you’ll understand why.
2. Rouses Market (various locations)
3. Robert Fresh Market (various locations)

Best Place to Buy Wine/Liquor:
1. Martin’s Wine Cellar (3500 Magazine St., 897-7420)
Martin’s Wine Cellar’s beloved New Orleans location offers a full experience, including tasting events, great food and a well thought out selection of more than 2,000 different wines. It’s the kind of wine cellar that you can get lost in.
2. Joe’s FQ Wines (700 Dauphine St., 581-1153)
3. Cork & Bottle (3700 Orleans Avenue #1C, 483 6314)

Best Tattoo/Piercing Parlor:
1. Electric Ladyland (610 Frenchman St., 947-8286)
While Electric Ladyland I (Carrolton Avenue) was destroyed during Katrina, Electric Ladyland II has experienced huge success downtown, tattooing, as they say on their website, “both Saints and sinners.” The shop’s seven tattoo artists and two piercers are known as the city’s talent, and can give you precisely the body art you want, with incredible skill and attention to detail.
2. Uptown Tattoo (575 S. Carrollton Ave., 866-3859)
3. Aart Accent (1041 N. Rampart St.,
581-9812)

Best Athletic Club:
1. The New Orleans Athletic Club (222 N. Rampart St., 525-2375)
The second-oldest health club in the country, the New Orleans Athletic Club’s history contributes to its greater atmosphere of relaxation, individual attention and community. The NOAC post-Katrina renovations brought in state-of-the-art facilities that suit the needs of its broad clientele, which includes athletes, white-collar professionals and even the occasional celebrity.
2. JCC (5342 St. Charles Ave., 897-0143)
3. Tulane Reily Center (31 McAlister Dr.,
865-5242)

Best Bank:
1. Capital One (various locations)
New Orleanians love Capital One in part because of the services it provides, but the bank’s customer service and personal interest in everyone that walks through the door make this bank stand apart. With speedy service and concerned employees, Capital One manages to deliver on the customer satisfaction it promises.
2. Whitney (various locations)
3. Hancock (various locations)


Music

Best Overall Club:
1. House of Blues (225 Decatur St.,
529-BLUE)
Hosting some of the most famous out-of-town acts to visit New Orleans, the House of Blues is also home to the largest collection of folk art in the country. While House of Blues does often cater to the bigger, out-of-town acts, they never miss a Gospel Sunday Brunch, complete with buffet.
2. Tipitina’s (501 Napolean Ave., 895-TIPS)
3. Howlin’ Wolf (907 S. Peters St., 522-9653)

Best Rock Club:
1. One Eyed Jacks (615 Toulouse St.,
569-8361)
One Eyed Jacks’ 80’s Dance Night every Thursday is only a small part of what makes the club great. It’s variety of shows — stretching from burlesque to film festivals to DJs to local acts to indie rock — keeps people coming back to dance on their checkered dance floor. Come party it up in One Eyed Jacks’ wall-papered, chandelier-laden rock venue next time you’re looking for some rock-n-roll fun.
2. Howlin’ Wolf (907 S. Peters St., 522-9653)
3. The Bar

Best Jazz Club:
1. Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro (626 Frenchmen St., 949-0696)
With live music every night of the week, Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro offers a restaurant, bar and, of course, a club all at the same venue. The music room looks like a cabaret theater and has a balcony so you can get a great view of any of the local and jazz hits they host, and the restaurant’s food is worth a visit all its own.
2. Irvin Mayfield’s Jazz Playhouse
(300 Bourbon St., 553-2270)
3. Sweet Lorraine’s  (1931 Saint Claude Ave., 945-9654)

Best Bar with Live Music:
1. Le Bon Temps Roule (4801 Magazine St., 897-3448)
Le Bon Temps Roule’s local vibe and loyalty to New Orleans music and people — as evidenced by their free oyster Fridays and dollar beers during Saints games — gives the club an infamously eclectic crowd. Not only does Le Bon Temps consistently book great music; their down-to-earth atmosphere and great bar selection will keep you coming back for more than just the shows.
2. Dos Jefes Cigar Bar (5535 Tchoupitoulas St., 891-8500)
3. Kerry Irish Pub (331 Decatur St.,
527-5954)

Best Contemporary Jazz Band:
1. The Rebirth Brass Band
(www.rebirthbrassband.wetpaint.com)
The Rebirth Brass Band is a long-standing New Orleans staple that any New Orleanian has to love, both for its heavy-funk style and the regular Maple Leaf shows that highlight their vibe. The band began playing in the French Quarter in the early 1980s and their fame and fan loyalty have grown exponentially ever since.
2. Soul Rebels
(www.soulrebelsbrassband.com)
3. Trombone Shorty
(www.tromboneshorty.com)

Best Traditional Jazz Band:
1. Preservation Hall
(www.preservationhall.com)
The Preservation Hall Jazz Band began touring in 1963 and has never lost sight of its purpose: to foster the growth of New Orleans Jazz. Members have performed alongside modern greats Buddy Bolden, Jelly Roll Morton and Louis Armstrong. Even today, The Preservation Hall Jazz Band maintains a sense of timelessness and a loyalty to true New Orleans Jazz.
2. Dr. Michael White
(www.basinstreetrecords.com)
3. New Orleans Jazz Vipers
(www.jazzvipers.com)

Best Rock n Roll Band:
1. Better Than Ezra
(www.betterthanezra.com)
Alternative-rock trio Better Than Ezra (a name that’s origins still remain a mystery to the public) began playing events across Louisiana in 1987 and hasn’t stopped since. Their May 12 album Paper Empire featured brand-new drummer Michael Jerome, and their long-awaited 12 tracks remind fans that Better Than Ezra is worth more than a few listens.
2. Cowboy Mouth (www.cowboymouth.com)
3. Dash Rip Rock (www.dashriprock.net)

Best Cover Band:
1. Bag of Donuts (www.bagofdonuts.com)
For 21 years, Bag of Donuts has been covering music all over New Orleans and fans know them best for their exuberant on-stage personality, performance antics and wild costumes. Bag of Donuts’ covers include an extra serving of the band’s personal style, as evidenced in songs such as “Glazed and Confused.”
2. Weathered (www.myspace.com/weatheredmusic)
3. Chee Weez (www.cheeweez.com)



Best New Band
1. MyNameisJohnMichael (www.myspace.com/mynameisjohnmichael)
MyNameisJohnMichael’s confident and ambitious young rockers have been making recent waves in New Orleans as their new album seems to be getting stuck in everyone’s head. Their debut’s People That Come and Go involves very human characters and some dark themes, but still has a pop, easy-to-listen-to, easy-to-like vibe. The songs feel surprisingly polished for a first album, primarily because it is each song’s second release: the band pulled material from their 2008 project, in which the band wrote and recorded a new song every week.
2. Happy Talk (www.happytalkband.com)
3. Shamarr Allen (www.myspace.com/shamarrallenmusic)

Best Hip Hop Act:
1. Lil Wayne (www.myspace.com/lilwayne)
A local rapper from Hollygrove, Lil Wayne’s Hip Hop hits home for New Orleanians for reasons beyond his lyrics and all-star delivery. Lil Wayne’s mixtapes showcase his freestyle talent, while his work with Cash Money Records and recent solo albums prove that Lil Wayne may have judged himself right when, on The Carter II in 2005, he named himself “the best rapper alive.”
2. Juvenile (www.juvenilerealitycheck.com)
3. Jealous Monk (www.myspace.com/jealousmonk)

Best R&B Band:
1. Big Sam’s Funky Nation
(www.bigsamsfunkynation.com)
Big Sam — the grandson of Buddy Bolden — and his Funky Nation boast a well-trained, jazzy, horn-heavy ensemble that does a lot more than just play great funk. Their MC style and second-line dancing loosens up their audiences to create a dynamic, vibrant show experience you’re not likely to forget.
2. Papa Gros Funk
(www.papagrowsfunk.com)
3. Irma Thomas

Best Cajun/Zydeco Band:
1. Rockin’ Dopsie, Jr.
(www.rockindopsiejr.com)     
Known as the best rub board player in the world, Rockin’ Dopsie, Jr. began showing a passion for Zydeco when he taught himself to play the accordion as a child. Since then, Rockin’ Dopsie, Jr. & The Zydeco Twisters has been putting on a non-stop performance — dancing to their funky-blues infusion of Cajun Acadian music and Afro-Carribbean beats on their way Zydeco fame.
2. Zydepunks (www.zydepunks.com)
3. Bruce Daigrepont
(www.brucedaigrepont.com)

Best Music Store:
1. The Mushroom (1037 Broadway St., 866-6065)
The locally owned Mushroom carries the essentials for music-lovers looking for forgotten CDs, college students looking to redecorate and anyone who needs some new tie-dye. Their eclectic music, tapestry and poster collections sit atop a narrow flight of dark stairs next to Tulane University, upstairs from the Boot. Next year will be it’s 40th year in business – congratulations Tim!
2. Louisiana Music Factory  (210 Decatur St., 586-1094)
3. Peaches (3129 Gentilly Blvd., 282-3322)

Best DJ:
1. DJ Soul Sister (www.djsoulsister.com)
DJ Soul Sister’s local club performances and 8 - 10 p.m. Soul Power show on WWOZ 90.7 FM Community Radio prove this funk-junky has become a rare groove and deep funk expert. As one of the only female funk DJs to exclusively use vinyl, Soul Sister knows how to get this city to stand up and shake it.
2. DJ Kemistry (www.djkemistry.com)
3. DJ Wyldchile (myspace.com/wyldchile)


Arts & Theatre


Best Live Theatre:
1. Southern Rep (365 Canal St. #34,
522-6545)
Southern Rep’s calendar is packed with a variety of events; you’re sure to find one that interests you. And if that isn’t enough, you can get theatrical training so maybe one day you’ll be entertaining the masses.
2. Marigny Theatre (1030 Marigny St.
218-5778)
3. Anthony Bean Community Theater (1333 S. Carrollton Ave., 862-7529)

Best Theatre Venue:
1. Le Petit Theatre (616 St. Peter St.,
522-2081)
This little theater hosts some big shows. From dramatic pieces to late-night comedy, Le Petit has the distinction of being the oldest continually operating theater in America.
2. Le Chat Noir (715 St. Charles Ave.,
581-5812)
3. Marigny Theatre (1030 Marigny St.
218-5778)

Best Comedy Venue:
1. La Nuit (5039 Freret St., 899-0336)
La Nuit does not discriminate when it comes to types of comedy. You can find it all in one place; stand-up, improve, even comedy classes are done here. You may even have to roll a die to determine your cover charge.
2. The National Comedy Company (727 St. Peter St., 523-7469)
3. Le Chat Noir (715 St. Charles Ave.,
581-5812)

Best Dance Company:
1. New Orleans Ballet (1 Lee Circle,
595-8454)
This ballet company is anything but boring. The dancing is poetry in motion melded together with incredible acrobatics. History, playfulness, and the beauty of dance are infused in the New Orleans Ballet.
2. Tsunami Dance Company
(1107 Cambronne St., 865-8810)
3. New Orleans Dance Academy
(5956 Magazine St., 899-3780)

Best Art Gallery:
1. Rodrigue Studios (721 Royal St.,
581-4244)
Stepping into George Rodrigue’s studio is like stepping into a child’s story book where a little blue dog is your best friend. It is a colorful, inviting place with many treasures that will catch your eye.
2. Michalopoulos (617 Bienville St.,
558-0505)
3. Arthur Roger’s Gallery (432 Julia St.,
522-1999)
Best Local Artist:
1. Michalopoulos (617 Bienville St.,
558-0505)
New Orleanians love the art of New Orleans. That’s why Michalopoulus is our favorite artist. His vibrant and dreamy perspective of the city makes you remember how much you love this place.
2. Frenchy (8311 Oak St.)
3. Terrance Osbourne (232-7530,
www.galleryosborne.com)

Best Museum:
1. New Orleans Museum of Art
(City Park, 658-4100)
Do you need some culture in your life? NOMA will certainly give it to you. And for Louisiana residents, it’s free! The exhibitions are thought-provoking and the sculpture garden has a cell phone tour.
2. Ogden (925 Camp St., 539-9600)
3. Contemporary Art Center
(900 Camp St., 528-3800)


Food & Dining


Best New Restaurant:
1. Coquette (2800 Magazine St., 265-0421)
With its romantic ambience Coquette is certain to satisfy. The prices are well worth the delicious French food that the knowledgeable chefs create. That along with a great happy hour and wine bar makes this restaurant well worth a try.
2. The Creole Skillet (200 Julia St., 304-6318)
3. Boucherie (8115 Jeannette St., 862-5514)

Best Restaurant Bywater/Marigny:
1. Feeling’s (2600 Chartres St., 945-2222)
This converted plantation house features soft music, a picturesque courtyard, a piano bar and a balcony. The menu includes a variety of French inspired foods with entree prices ranging from $15 to $25.
2. 13 (517 Frenchmen St., 942-1345)
3. Café Bamboo (435 Esplanade Ave.,
940-5546)

Best Restaurant Uptown:
1. Pascal’s Manale (1838 Napoleon Ave.,
895-4877)
Everyone loves the taste of the famous barbeque shrimp at this Italian-Creole spot. Its cool atmosphere is great for out-of-towners or a family dinner. The oysters are fresh and the steaks are good.
2. One (8132 Hampson St., 301-9061)
3. Café Atchafalaya (901 Louisiana Ave.,
891-9626)

Best Ice Cream/Gelato:
1. Angelo Brocato’s  (214 N Carrollton Ave., 486-0078)
Since 1905 this Italian paradise in Mid-City has been serving up freshest pastries and Ice Cream in the city. Still owned by the Brocato family this parlor knows how it’s done. So go ahead and eat dessert first, you won’t regret it.
2. Creole Creamery (924 Prytania St.,
894-8680)
3. La Divina (621 St. Peter St., 302-2692)

Best Delivery:
1. Scooter’s Fried Chicken (2466 Barataria Blvd. Marrero, 340-7906)
Scooter’s melt-in-your-mouth butter biscuits and the best rotisserie chicken in town will have you dialing up for more fried chicken until the restaurant closes. Inexpensive prices only make Scooter’s Fried Chicken even more irresistible.
2. Five Happiness (3605 S Carrollton Ave., 482-3935)
3. Reginelli’s (741 State St., 899-1414)

Best Pizza:
1. Slice (1513 Saint Charles Ave., 525-7437)
This lively restaurant serves hot pizza and cold beer. Dished up by the slice (hence the name) the inexpensive prices are a steal for the giant portions you get. This hip restaurant serves every type of pizza imaginable and it’s always fast and fresh.
2. Dough Bowl (1039 Broadway St., 861-2200)
3. Venezia (134 N Carrollton Ave., 488-7991)

Best Burrito:
1. Juan’s Flying Burrito (2018 Magazine St.,
569-0000, 4724 S Carrollton Ave., 486-9950)
Named for its famous Flying Burrito this place is a local favorite for a taste of Mexico with a creole flair. The burritos are made to order stuffed with a variety of meats, cheeses and veggies. Its cool atmosphere and great margaritas make Juan’s a must.
2. Felipe’s (6215 S Miro St., 309-2776)
3. Izzo’s (4316 Veterans Memorial Blvd.,
889-5505)

Best Gumbo:
1. Mandina’s (3800 Canal St., 482-9179)
“First you make a roux” and that’s just what they do at Mandina’s everyday. Their special recipe, a delicious mixture of tomatoes, okra, veggies and meats will have your mouth watering as soon as you step through the door. Just remember it’s cash only so hit up an ATM before you sit down.
2. Gumbo Shop (30 Saint Peter St., 267-2081)
3. Charlie’s Restaurant (6129 E Saint Bernard Hwy., 682-9057)

Best Sushi:
1. Kyoto (4920 Prytania St., 891-3644)
A popular hangout for students, Kyoto offers a great selection of sushi with a creative flair. It’s healthy, inexpensive, and a great place for lunch or dinner.
2. Mikimoto (3301 S Carrollton Ave., 488-1881)
3. Rock ‘n Sake (823 Fulton St., 581-7253)

Best Oyster Po-Boy:
1. Parkway Bakery and Tavern (538 Hagan Ave., 482-3047)
Whether you’re sitting on the back patio soaking up the sun or at the bar downing a beer with your po-boy, Parkway’s is the place to do it. Not only is their oyster po-boy phenomenal, but their roast beef and shrimp are choices you won’t regret.
2. Crabby Jack’s (428 Jefferson Hwy., 833-2722)
3. Domilise’s (5240 Annunciation St., 899-9126)

Best Roast Beef Po-Boy:
1. Parasol’s (2533 Constance St., 897-5413)
Parasol’s — what seems like a typical Irish po-boy restaurant/bar — stands apart in both quality and atmosphere. It has a neighborhood feel (a rowdy neighborhood, at least around St. Patty’s Day), and the best damn roast beef in town.
2. Parkway Tavern and Bakery (538 Hagan Ave., 482-3047)
3. Café Navarre (800 Navarre Ave., 483-8828)

Best Shrimp Po-Boy:
1. Short Stop Po-Boys (119 Transcontinental Dr., 885-4572)
This family-owned po-boy shop serves up 100 pounds of roast beef every day — yet their shrimp po-boy is something special.  Call ahead with your order and pick it up at their drive-thru window.
2.Domilise’s (5240 Annunciation St., 899-9126)
3.Mahony’s (3454 Magazine St., 896-4555)

Best Pasta:
1. Semolina (4436 Veterans Blvd., 454-7930)
Semolina’s creative approach to pasta gives you some of the most interesting flavor combinations available in a New Orleans bistro. Their pasta is rivaled only by their casual, contemporary vibe and quick, friendly service.
2. Vincent’s (7839 St. Charles Ave., 866-9313)
3. Venezia (134 N Carrollton Ave., 488-7991)

Best Hamburger:
1. Phil’s Grill (3020 Severn Ave., Metairie,
324-9080)
With amazing signature burgers and drinks, Phil’s is a family-style burger joint where you can take your kids but still get that quality burger-and-beer combo. Phil’s make-your-own-burger specialty offers six burgers, six buns, 11 cheeses, 18 sauces and 21 toppings to choose from, and guarantees that you’ll get the most interesting — and satisfying — burger you’ve had in a long time.
2. Port of Call (838 Esplanade Ave., 523-0120)
3. Lakeview Harbor (911 Harrison Ave.,
486-4887)

Best Bar That Serves Food:
1. Dino’s (128 Tchoupitoulas St., 558-0900)
Dean Martin would be proud to drink at his namesake bar, Dino’s, any night of the week with its talented bartenders and comprehensive selection. The food, though, makes the candlelit Dino’s stand out in a city filled with great bars: It offers pure satisfaction in every menu item, from the tasty chicken fingers to sushi-grade grilled tuna salad to Italian chicken sandwiches.
2. Mimi’s (2601 Royal St., 872-9868)
3. Cooter Brown’s (509 S Carrollton Ave.,
866-9104)

Best Steakhouse:
1. Crazy Johnnie’s Steakhouse (3520 18th St., 887-6641)
Starting out as a bar that grilled its steaks in the parking lot, Crazy Johnnie’s has become the best place to get an eight-and-a-half ounce filet mignon. The “crazy” potatoes, prime rib and shrimp Etouffee only add to Crazy Johnnie’s menu, and you won’t ever leave hungry.
2. Crescent City Steakhouse (1001 N Broad St., 821-3271)
3. Morton’s (365 Canal St. # 220, 566-0221)

Best Restaurant for Boiled Seafood:
1. The Galley (2535 Metairie Rd., 832-0955)
A family-owned restaurant, The Galley doesn’t have a slow hour and never serves any less-than-fresh seafood. If you’re looking for a classic New Orleans atmosphere combined with famous New Orleans seafood, The Galley is the place for you.
2. Deanie’s (841 Iberville St., 581-1316)
3. Poppy’s (717 Saint Peter St., 524-3287)

Best Seafood Restaurant:
1. The Galley (2535 Metairie Rd., 832-0955)
The Galley serves its seafood fresh, fried and big. The restaurant is always packed — and for good reason. The Galley’s crawfish and soft-shelled crab speak for themselves, and the family-style atmosphere only adds to the experience.
2. Saltwater Grill (710 S Carrollton Ave.,
324-6640)
3. Don’s Seafood Hut (4801 Veterans Memorial Blvd., 889-1550)

Best Latin Restaurant:
1. Baru Bistro & Tapas (3700 Magazine St., 895-2225)
Bring a bottle of wine and come relax on Baru’s patio for the most interesting tapas in town. Every item on the menu offers an original flavor unlike anything you’ve experienced before.
2. Serrano’s (4436 Veterans Memorial Blvd., # 36, 780-2354)
3. Mayas (2027 Magazine St., 309-3401)

Best Mexican Restaurant:
1. El Gato Negro (81 French Market Pl.,
525-9752)
El Gato Negro’s exceptional carrot and lime or pineapple-cilantro margaritas are hardly competition for their delicious burritos and guacamole so fresh they make it at your table.  The fajitas come with cloves of fresh roasted garlic in addition to the usual toppings, and you couldn’t pick a better place to hang out on a patio in the Quarter.
2. Carretta’s (2320 Veterans Memorial Blvd.,
837-6696)
3. Chevy’s (1201 Manhattan Blvd., 368-2100)
 
Best Middle Eastern Restaurant:
1. Lebanon’s (1500 S Carrollton Ave., 862-6200)
Lebanon’s gyro and shawarma plates, affordable prices, college atmosphere and BYOB policy make this Middle Eastern restaurant a must-go. The service comes with an upbeat attitude. Don’t leave without trying their Lebanese tea.
2. Mona’s Café (Various Locations)
3. Pyramid’s Café (3151 Calhoun St., 861-9602)

Best Mediterranean Restaurant:
1. Byblos (various locations)
Byblos’s casual, fun atmosphere focuses on satisfying their customers with more than just the food. Their savory dishes, however, provide enough satisfaction on their own, with a rotisserie complimenting the classic shawarma plates and lentil soup.
2. Attiki Grill (230 Decatur St., 587-3756)    
3. Mr. Gyro’s (3620 N Causeway Blvd.,
833-9228)    

Best Indian Restaurant:
1. Nirvana (4308 Magazine St., 894-9797)
Also the owners of Taj Mahal, Har and Anila Keswani know what it takes to run a good Indian restaurant, and have showcased their talents in Nirvana. Offering catering services and a banquet hall in addition to a huge menu that includes standard Indian fare, vegetarian dishes, seafood and delicious desserts, Nirvana offers something to everyone.
2. Taj Mahal (923 Metairie Rd. # C, 836-6859)
3. Miss Julie’s Little Indian Kitchen at Schiro’s (2483 Royal St., 944-6666)

Best American Restaurant:
 1.WoW Café & Wingery (various locations)
You’ll be able to find something for the whole family at this popular chain of casual American fair.  Healthy salads and wraps and their famous chicken wings of course, with plenty of different sauces to choose from. Look for a location near you!
2. Zea (1525 St. Charles Ave., 520-8100)
3. Copeland’s (various locations)

Best Cajun Restaurant:
1. Mulate’s (201 Julia St., 522-1492)
With authentic  Cajun bands demanding that restaurant-goers get up and dance between courses, Mulate’s offers a full New Orleans experience. Gator tail, stuffed catfish and the lovely bread pudding stand out on their menu, and Mulate’s promises to be both a good time and a good meal.
2. Copeland’s (various locations)
3. K-Paul’s (416 Chartres St., 524-7394)

Best Creole Restaurant:
1. Jacques-Imos Café (8324 Oak St.,
861-0886)
While Jacques-Imos often has a bit of a wait, the fried green tomatoes and alligator cheesecake appetizers available outside and at the well-stocked bar make the wait seem almost too short! Getting to your table involves a trip through the kitchen, where you can smell the best corn muffins in the South and you’re sure to start salivating over the delicious menu. Try the smothered chicken or blackened redfish for a sure-fire meal.
2. Oliver’s (204 Decatur St., 525-7734)
3. Clancy’s (6100 Annunciation St.,
895-1111)

Best Italian Food:
1. Venezia (134 N Carrollton Av., 488-7991)
If you’re looking for piping hot, home-cooked Italian food with a great Sicilian marinara, Venezia will wow you with their delicious pastas and pizzas. Try their fried eggplant house special: it’s covered in fresh crab meat, shrimp and crawfish.
2. Café Giovanni (117 Decatur St., 529-2154)
3. Vincent’s (7839 Saint Charles Ave.,
866-9313)

Best BBQ Restaurant:
1. Voodoo BBQ & Grill (1501 St. Charles Ave., 522-4647)
Voodoo BBQ & Grill fuses barbecue-style cooking with a New Orleans atmosphere, bringing the city a standout barbecue joint. You’ll love the ribs and the pulled pork. The corn pudding side is to die for.
2. Squeal BBQ (8400 Oak St., 302-7370)
3. The Joint (801 Poland Ave., 949-3232)

Best Vietnamese Restaurant:
1. Jazmine Café (614 S Carrollton Ave.,
866-9301)
Jazmine Café’s famous bubble tea is only half the restaurant’s draw. For inexpensive yet delicious Vietnamese, Jazmine has a fantastic pork noodle bowl and tasty sliced chicken over vermicelli. You can eat well for a good price here. Definitely try the seaweed salad.
2. Doson’s Noodle House (135 N Carrollton Ave., 309-7283)
3.  Dong Phuong (14207 Chef Menteur Hwy., 254-0296)

Best Thai Restaurant:
1. La Thai (4938 Prytania St., 899-8886)
La Thai’s paht thai and sweet and sour soup may sound like typical menu items, but their full flavor make them stand out from any other options at different Thai places in New Orleans. A great chic bar serves all kinds of specialty cocktails. Go there for “Happy Ending” Fridays for the happy hour specials.
2. Basil Leaf (1438 S Carrollton Ave.,
862-9001)
3. Bangkok Thai (513 S Carrollton Ave.,
861-3932)

Best Japanese Restaurant:
1. Miyako (1403 Saint Charles Ave.,
410-9997)
Miyako’s chefs not only know their Hibachi, but they also know how to give you a full, interactive dining experience. Fresh sushi, fantastic sake, delivery service, and a full Hibachi show from the chefs combine to create a Japanese restaurant that goes above and beyond expectations.
2. Kyoto (4920 Prytania St., 891-3644)
3. Mikimoto (3301 S Carrollton Ave.,
488-1881)

Best Chinese Restaurant:
1. Five Happiness (3605 S Carrollton Ave., 482-3935)
Five Happiness’s generous helpings and fair prices are only out-done by the deliciousness of their food. The assorted appetizer plate, New Orleans’ best hot and sour soup and the pork chow mein compose the tip of the iceberg — to experience the full scope of Five Happiness’s menu, check it out yourself next time you need some good Chinese.
2. China Orchid (704 S Carrollton Ave.,
865-1428)
3. Green Tea (1116 Louisiana Ave., 899-8005)

Best Coffee Shop:
1. PJ’s Coffee and Tea (Various Locations)
PJ’s quiet atmosphere, free wi-fi and comfortable couches explain only half the reason New Orleans loves this coffee shop. They roast their own coffee beans and make delicious granitas, chais and roasts, with interesting, summery options such as the Viennese blend ice coffee with Melipone vanilla that you can’t miss.
2. Lakeview Brew Coffee Café (5606 Canal Blvd., 483-7001)
2. Rue de la Course (Various Locations)

Best Café:
1. Café Rani (2917 Magazine St. # 103,
895-2500)
With a contemporary, “green” atmosphere, Café Rani offers healthy salad, grilled sandwich and pasta options alongside one of the best burgers in town. This street café has a Parisian feel yet stays true to the essence of New Orleans cuisine but with a healthy twist.
2. Café Degas (3127 Esplanade Ave.,
945-5635)
3. Lakeview Brew Coffee Café (5606 Canal Blvd., 483-7001)

 Best Diner:
1. Dot’s Diner (Various Locations)
Dot’s seriously generous portions and quality 3 a.m. breakfast food make this diner the best spot to stop after a long night of drinking. You won’t find a better all-hours diner in the city, so try not to forget to hit up Dot’s on one of those late nights that you’re forgetting everything else.
2. Slim Goodie’s (3322 Magazine St.,
891-3447)
3. Fat Hen Grill (5708 Citrus Blvd., 305-1980)

Best Late Night Spot:
1. Pie Pizza and Pastas (814 S Peters St., 528-2743)
If you want an pepperoni and jalapeno pizza to clear up your vision and calm your stomach after a heavy night of drinking, make your way to Pie Pizza and Pastas. Huge, crispy calzones and a variety of pizzas cooked to perfection will surely satisfy your late-night marinara cravings.
2. Jigger’s (1645 Veterans Memorial Blvd., 828-3555)    
3. Dough Bowl (1039 Broadway St.,
861-2200)

Best Romantic Date Spot:
1. Crepe Nanou (1410 Robert St 899-2670)
This romantic neighborhood bistro obviously has crepes to die for, and their other menu items offer delicious, delicate and filling options for anyone looking for a different approach. Try the grilled amberjack with béarnaise sauce or the lamb chops, and get the crepe nanou for dessert.
2. Irene’s (539 Saint Philip St., 529-8811)
3. Herb Saint (701 Saint Charles Ave.,
524-4114)

Best Brunch Spot:
1. Café Amelie (912 Royal St., 412-8965)
Café Amelie’s stunning, courtyard and live music on the weekends create an ideal brunch ambience. The menu items are composed of fresh, local ingredients, and whether you order the roast duck or a salad topped with walnuts, blue cheese, grapes and an excellent dressing, you will enjoy your experience immensely.
2. Huevos (4408 Banks St., 482-6264)    
3. Refuel (8124 Hampson St., 872-0187)


Best Breakfast Spot:
1. Bluebird Café (3625 Prytania St.,
895-7166)
The Big Bird Breakfast with banana or blueberry pancakes, eggs benedict and freshly squeezed orange juice: what more could you ask for? The Bluebird Café is closing on May 31, so if you haven’t been yet then get there quick!
2. Riccobono’s (7801 Panola St., 314-1810)
3. Gott Gourmet (3100 Magazine St.,
373-6579)

Best Lunch Spot:
1. Ignatius Eatery (4200 Magazine St.,
896-2225)
For a neighborhood lunch with big portions and local ingredients, stop by Ignatius and try their Louisiana classics, such as shrimp etouffee and the shrimp remoulade po-boy. Ignatius is run by the owners of Rue de la Course and has a similar young, local, hipster crowd. Their beer is served in paper bags and their Barq’s in bottles, so don’t forget to order a cold one along with your dish.
2. Crabby Jack’s (428 Jefferson Hwy.,
833-2722)
3. Domilise’s (5240 Annunciation St.,
899-9126)

Best Outdoor Eating:
1. Fresco Café & Pizzeria (7625 Maple St., 862-6363)
With $2 pitchers Monday through Wednesday, Fresco offers an inexpensive alternative to fried food and po-boys. They offer healthy wraps, strombolis and salads, so grab breezy table in the sun and a chicken portabella roll.
2. Café Rani (2917 Magazine St. #103,
895-2500)
3. Café Amelie (912 Royal St., 412-8965)

Best Service:
1. Commander’s Palace (1403 Washington Ave., 899-8221)
While Commander’s is famous for its food, the service makes you feel like you are really dining in a palace. The wait staff’s quiet politeness and subtle ability to anticipate your needs, whether you arrive for brunch or dinner.
2. Galatoire’s (209 Bourbon St., 267-2081)
3. Antoine’s (713 Saint Louis St., 581-4422)

Best Restaurant for Desserts:
1. Copeland’s Cheesecake Bistro
(2001 Saint Charles Ave., 593-9955)
Copeland’s Cheesecake Bistro may be famous for its cheesecake, but its multitude of other dishes manage to compete with the variety of tall, creamy cheesecakes (including the white chocolate strawberry). Also try bananas foster sundae or the $10 banana split… it’s worth the price!
2. Sucre (3025 Magazine St., 520-8311)
3. Commander’s Palace (1403 Washington Ave., 899-8221)

Best Place To Get A Salad:
1. Café Rani (2917 Magazine St. # 103,
895-2500)
Café Rani’s “green” approach doesn’t refer to its stellar salads, but it could. The sidewalk café has deliciously healthy salads with a variety of choices and toppings that make lettuce suddenly seem a lot more interesting.
2. Café Latte (2324 Veterans Memorial Blvd., 833-6343)
3. Zea (1525 Saint Charles Ave., 520-8100)

Best Deli:
1. Martin’s Wine Cellar (714 Elmeer Ave., 896-7300)
Matin’s huge, deli classics are made to perfection. Stray from the usual pastrami once in a while (though it is delicious( and try the Steamboat, a corned beef, ham and hickory smoked bacon sandwich topped with Swiss cheese, onions and Creole mustard.
2. Kosher Cajun (3519 Severn Ave.,
 888-2010)
3. Stein’s Deli (2207 Magazine St., 527-0771)

Best Buffet:
1. Harrah’s Casino (8 Canal St., 533-6000)
If you’re up late downtown, whether you’re partying at the local scene or gambling inside Harrah’s itself, stop by the Harrah’s buffet for an all-you-can-eat meal. The buffet features food at different stations, including Rotisserie, Pacific Rim, Louisiana Classics (great crawfish), Garden District, American Bounty and Sweet Treats.
2. Nirvana (4308 Magazine St., 894-9797)
3. Matt & Naddie’s (937 Leonidas, 861-9600)

 Best Casual Restaurant:
1. Zea Rotisserie & Grill (various locations)
Zea’s contemporary, casual atmosphere, big portions and Mediterranean hummus appetizer will show you why New Orleans stays hungry for this menu. The classic New Orleans red beans and rice, corn grits and shrimp etouffee options are complimented by dishes such as the Thai ribs and Asian almond shrimp.
2. Houston’s (1755 St. Charles Ave.,
24-1578)
3. Copeland’s (various locations)

Best Upscale Restaurant:
1. Commander’s Palace (1403 Washington Ave., 899-8221)
Commander’s offers one of the more upscale dining experiences in the city, and their skillfully prepared, artfully presented classic New Orleans dishes are unsurpassable. With portions too big to finish despite your urge to, Commander’s Palace will be one of the top meals you ever eat in the city.
2. Galatoire’s (209 Bourbon St., 267-2081)
3. Emeril’s (800 Tchoupitoulas St., 528-9393)

Best Restaurant (Baton Rouge):
1. Acme Oyster House (3535 Perkins Rd., 225-906-2372)
With fresh, hand-shucked Louisiana oysters and one of the best oyster po-boys in the state, Acme Oyster House remains impressive in a region full of impressive seafood restaurants. They manage to retain variety even in their oyster dishes: you can have them served ice cold on the half shell or char-grilled in garlic butter or perfectly fried golden-brown. Acme’s oysters are well-worth the drive up to Baton Rouge.
2. Mansur’s (5720 Corporate Blvd. # A,
225-923-3366)
3. Mike Anderson’s (1031 W Lee Dr.,
225-766-7823)

Best Restaurant (Northshore):
1. Dakota Restaurant (629 N Highway 190., Covington, 985-892-3712)
The Dakota approaches Creole cuisine from a diverse perspective, offering an Asian twist to some of their dishes, and a little bit of the Southwest and California in others. Start off with the lump crab meat and brie soup, and try the shellfish paella for dinner.
2. Trey-Yen (600 N. Causeway Approach
(985) 626- 4476)
3. Sal and Judy’s (Highway 190 West,
882-9443)

Best Restaurant (Westbank):
1. The Red Maple Restaurant (1036 Lafayette St., 367-0935)
The Red Maple’s steaks and Louisiana seafood have turned The Red Maple into a local favorite. Be sure to try the Redfish Pontchartrain and the char-grilled oyster appetizers at this more upscale restaurant, unless  you go on a Thursday, in which case you should get the prime rib.
2. Moe’s Pizza (1112 Avenue H, 341-9650)
3. Gattuso’s (435 Huey P. Long Ave.,
368-1114)

Best Restaurant (Metairie):
1. Andrea’s (3100 19th St., 834-8583)
Andrea’s Restaurant boasts some of the best service in New Orleans, and fabulous Italian-style dishes prepared under the direction of renowned Chef Andrea Apuzzo. After trying Andrea’s ravioli langostine andrea (homemade crawfish ravioli stuffed with Louisiana crawfish and tossed in a bell pepper and crawfish sauce) or the shrimp scampi agli e olio, you won’t be able to resist buying one of Chef Andrea’s cookbooks.
2. Drago’s (3232 N Arnoult Rd., 888-9254 )
3. Chad’s Bistro (3216 W Esplanade Ave., 838-9935)

Best Restaurant (Mid-City):
1. Mandina’s (3800 Canal St., 482-9179)
A Creole/Italian mix, Mandina’s offers quintessential New Orleans dishes in the heart of New Orleans with multiple daily specials including Thursday’s bruccialone (suffed veal) and shell macoroni. Mandina’s famous turtle soup exemplifies everything people love about the restaurant, so head down to this funky Mid-City joint and give it a try first-hand.
2. Venezia (134 N Carrollton Ave., 488-7991)
3. Liuzza’s (3636 Bienville St., 482-9120)

Best Restaurant (CBD/Warehouse District):
1. Rock-n-Sake (823 Fulton St., 581-7253)
Rock-n-Sake’s casual, upbeat atmosphere only improves upon the already exceptional Japanese cuisine. The restaurant offers both sushi and a well-stocked bar, so whatever your mood, Rock-n-Sake is prepared to satisfy.
2. Cochon (930 Tchoupitoulas St., 588-2123)
3. Sunray Grill (159 Annunciation St.,
566-0021)

Best Restaurant (French Quarter):
1. Café Giovanni (117 Decatur St., 529-2154)
Café Giovanni’s fine Italian dining experience only gets better with opera singers Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. In the midst of all the sing, though, don’t forget to enjoy the tasty duck and banana fosters dessert.
2. K-Paul’s (416 Chartres St.,
524-7394)    
3. Maximo’s (1117 Decatur St., 586-8883)

Best Oyster Bar
1. Felix’s (739 Iberville St., 522-4440)
 Felix’s specializes in  oysters served in just about every which way.. I prefer them on the half shell or charbroiled. So saddle up to the bar and order yourself a dozen and a cold beer to wash ‘em down!
2. Acme Oyster House (724 Iberville St.,
522-5973)
3. Pascal’s Manale (1838 Napoleon Ave., 895-4877)

Best Tapas
1. Zoë (333 Poydras St., 207-5018)
The W Hotel’s Zoë Lounge specializes in Gulf Coast tapas while offering truffles, lavender, curry and other spices to complement their indigenous dishes. The eclectic, contemporary atmosphere reflects the freshness of their food. For a casual dining experience that includes both variety and quality, visit the Zoë Lounge next time you’re near the W.
2. Vega (2051 Metairie Rd., 836-2007)
3. Rambla (217 Camp St., 587-7720)