Where Y'at Staff

Spring 2021 Restaurant Guide

12:00 March 08, 2021
By: Staff
[Genni Nicholson]

American

Bayou Hot Wings offers delicious chicken wings made from scratch with your choice of sauce or flavor. The menu varies from Southern fried foods, sandwiches, salads, wraps, and many options for sides. Enter the "Bayou Beast Challenge" and eat 10 extra spicy wings in under five minutes for the chance to win a free t-shirt. 6221 S. Claiborne Ave., 504-865-9464, bayouhotwings.com



[Genni Nicholson]

Crescent City Steaks has been serving USDA prime beef for more than 87 years. The restaurant is known for its signature "New Orleans style" of cooking steaks, which involves sizzling the meat in butter.Some delicious steak cuts to choose from include filet wrapped in bacon, T-bone, and cowboy ribeye. 1001 N. Broad St., 504-821-3271, crescentcitysteaks.com



[Genni Nicholson]



Daisy Dukes serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner all day to satisfy any and all of your food cravings. Daisy Dukes dishes out Southern comfort food with great Southern hospitality. It prides itself on its award winning Cajun Bloody Mary. You can find Daisy Dukes all over the Greater New Orleans area. Multiple locations, daisydukesrestaurant.com



[Genni Nicholson]


Gattuso's is a small neighborhood restaurant that has a beautifully landscaped patio for outdoor dining. It's the perfect place to enjoy live music with friends and family while sharing a bite to eat. Gattuso's has a daily happy hour from 2 p.m. - 6 p.m. with over 14 different beers on tap. 435 Huey P Long Ave., Gretna, 504-368-1114, gattusos.net

[Genni Nicholson]




Jimmy J's Cafe is a hidden gem located right in the French Quarter. Its dishes are packed with flavor and are only made with fresh ingredients. In addition to its regular menu, Jimmy J's offers special chef creations and new item promotions weekly. Serving breakfast all day, some favorites include the blueberry brandy glazed french toast and smoked salmon bagel. 115 Chartres St., 504-309-9360, jimmyjscafe.com

[Genni Nicholson]




Lakeview Harbor has a very extensive menu that you can choose from. Whether you are in the mood for breakfast, burgers, pizza, steak, seafood, or pasta, you will absolutely not leave without a full stomach. Lakeview Harbor also has specialty items like the Surf and Turf Burger and the Margherita Chicken Sandwich. 8550 Pontchartrain Blvd., 504-486-4887, lakeviewharbor.us


[Genni Nicholson]



Legacy Kitchen's Craft Tavern has an artistic ambience for customers to dine indoors or out on the patio. It has a wonderful selection of craft beers for happy hour, which can be enjoyed with small plates, soups, and salads. You can't go wrong with ordering the chicken and waffles for breakfast or raw, charbroiled, or fried oysters. 700 Tchoupitoulas St., 504-613-2350, legacykitchen.com

[Genni Nicholson]



Legacy Kitchen's Steak & Chop is the perfect place to go to in Gretna. While you can't go wrong ordering a steak, be sure to also consider the crawfish cornbread, salmon, and mac and cheese. Just as the name suggests, the food, service, and ambiance will have a lasting legacy on your dining experience. 91 Westbank Expy., Gretna, 504-513-2606, legacykitchen.com


[Genni Nicholson]



Manning's Sports Bar & Grilllocated in the Warehouse district is the perfect spot to catch all the games. Two 13-ft mega screens, 30+ TVs, courtyard game-viewing, 24 draft beers, plus award winning burgers & wings - is why Manning's is NOLA's game viewing destination. 519 Fulton St., 504-593-8118, caesars.com


[Genni Nicholson]



MISA features beautiful outdoor seating with heaters and a covered patio right on Magazine Street. A great date spot, some of MISA's dishes include Moroccan Fish and Royal Indian Lambshank Stew. MISA also features a wonderful brunch menu that includes fantastic cocktails and their delicious shakshouka. 4734 Magazine St., 504-510-2791, misanola.com

[Genni Nicholson]




New Orleans Vampire Cafe has a menu, created by Chef Chris Dunn, that vampires would happily serve to their mortal guests. The very mysterious dining experience includes the opportunity to have a tea leaf reading or meet with a tarot reader. The Vampire Cafe has breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and you can also come in for bottomless mimosa brunches on Saturdays or Sundays. 801 Royal St., 504-581-0801, nolavampirecafe.com


[Genni Nicholson]



Spudly's Super Spuds is home to the famous "meal in a baked potato." You can choose from over 18 different types of baked potatoes, ranging in size from spud skins to super spuds. Serving baked potatoes for over 35 years, Spudly's has expanded its menu to soups, salads, sandwiches, and burgers. 2609 Harvard St., Metairie, 504-455-3250, spudlys.com


[Genni Nicholson]



The Steakhouse at Harrah's is a traditional steakhouse reinvented; located in New Orleans' favorite casino. The sleek ambiance sets the mood for sophisticated cocktails and delicious wine. BBQ shrimp or fried oyster deviled eggs are popular starters. Plan to indulge by adding a lobster tail to your steak or another "surf" option. To-go ordering is available. 8 Canal St., 504-533-6111, caesars.com


Asian

[Genni Nicholson]


Green Tea is a Chinese restaurant that originated in New York City before moving to New Orleans in 2008. The menu is extensive with plenty of lo mein, moo shu, and soups to choose from. Check out the family dinner specials, which can feed anywhere from two to nine people at different set prices. 3001 Napoleon Ave., 504-899-8005, greenteanola.com


[Genni Nicholson]



Mikimoto is a locally owned restaurant that has been serving authentic Japanese cuisine since 1999. Whether you are craving sushi, noodles, or fried rice, Mikimoto's menu has it all. It even has a drive-thru pick-up window to quickly grab your online orders (subject to change due to COVID-19). 3301 S. Carrollton Ave., 504-488-1881, mikimotosushi.com



Bars With Great Food

[Genni Nicholson]



5216 Table & Tap is a sports bar with tons of TVs, a dance floor, and a friendly staff. Enjoy a great selection of craft cocktails, beer, and wine to pair with mouth-watering burgers. It has the perfect pub fare atmosphere to enjoy a sports game with friends or family, or just to grab a bite to eat. 5216 Veterans Blvd., Metairie, 504-766-1417, 5216tableandtap.com


[Genni Nicholson]



The Jimani has been New Orleans's favorite sports bar for over 40 years. It has multiple TVs, 100 different types of beer, a jukebox, and food served all through the night. The bar is located in the same space as the former UpStairs Lounge, which was the site of an arson attack against New Orleans's LGBT community in 1973 that claimed the lives of 32 people.141 Chartres St., 504-524-0493, thejimani.com


[Genni Nicholson]



Rivershack Tavern is a combination of a sports bar, live music hub on Fridays, and restaurant right on the Mississippi River. It is the "home of the tacky ashtray," which began when the bar traded drinks for ashtrays brought in by customers. Menu items include an alligator po-boy, the Club Samich, and boiled crawfish on Wednesday, Friday, and Sundays. 3449 River Rd., Jefferson, 504-834-4938, rivershacktavern.com


[Genni Nicholson]



Stumpy's Hatchet House is a unique bar venue that offers the newest up and coming social activity, axe-throwing. You can host parties and other events while playing fun axe-throwing games that will burn calories and improve your coordination. Stumpy's follows strict COVID-19 protocols and is a super spot for a date night. 1200 Poydras St., 504-577-2937, stumpyshh.com



Café

[Genni Nicholson]



Bearcat Cafe allows you to indulge in breakfast or lunch with a variety gluten free, vegan, paleo, and vegetarian options. In addition to the food, Bearcat also has coffee from Equator Coffee Co., loose-leaf teas, and over 20 delicious house-made bottled beverages. Visit the location in Uptown or the Central Business District for a tasty meal. Multiple locations, bearcatcafe.com


[Genni Nicholson]



Café Amelie is named after the mother of Princess Alice, the first American Princess of Monaco. This cafe provides a romantic atmosphere for guests to enjoy either for brunch or dinner. Relax and enjoy the lamb sirloin, ahi tuna, or country poutine, with some chocolate melting cake for dessert. 912 Royal St., 504-412-8965, cafeamelie.com



[Genni Nicholson]


Caffe Caffe is an excellent choice for a quick breakfast or lunch to start your day. The cafe is the perfect place to grab some coffee, wraps, and a salad. More than just delicious food, Caffe Caffe has a friendly environment for any kind of meeting or social gathering. Multiple locations, caffecaffe.com


[Genni Nicholson]




Carmo is a cafe and bar that serves cuisine inspired from all around the world. Its mission is to be sustainable by reducing energy and resource usage and creating partnerships with like-minded groups. Carmo's curries perfectly represent the diverse menu and fresh ingredients used in its cooking. If you are on the go, order one of Carmo's discounted boxed meals.
527 Julia St., 504-875-4132, cafecarmo.com



[Genni Nicholson]



The Vintage is focused on serving more than just a meal. It's also a social setting for you to meet a friend or enjoy some time alone. The cozy dining atmosphere, inside and outside, gives people a chance to enjoy coffee, beignets, wines, bubbles, and quick bites. Vintage also offers different choices in flatbread and pressed sandwiches. 3121 Magazine St., 504-324-7144, thevintagenola.com

[Genni Nicholson]




French

Vyoone's presents upscale French cuisine in the Warehouse District. It was founded by Vyoone Segue Lewis, a dedicated member of the New Orleans community who has served on the board of directors for several medical organizations. Visit Vyoone's for brunch, dinner, or happy hour, and dine in its secluded courtyard. 412 Girod St., 504-518-6007, vyoone.com



Italian

[Genni Nicholson]



Elle-J's Lakeview serves hearty Italian dishes, as well as seafood and steak. Enjoy mushrooms stuffed with a Louisiana blue crab meat, eggplant parmesan, or the fresh catch of the day. After you clear your plate, enjoy the tiramisu or chocolate and vanilla tartufo off the dessert menu. Join Elle-J's for happy hour Tuesday through Friday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. 900 Harrison Ave., 504-459-2262, ellejslakeview.com


[Genni Nicholson]



Josephine Estelle is located in the Ace Hotel right in the Warehouse District. Its dishes are prepared by James Beard Award-nominated chefs Michael Hudman and Andy Ticer. In 2020, Josephine Estelle won the award of excellence for its Italian cuisine with a hint of Southern flavor. You can't go wrong ordering any of the pasta dishes, specifically the canestri cacio e pepe. 600 Carondelet St., 504-930-3070, josephineestelle.com


[Genni Nicholson]


Mosca's Restaurant has been Westwego's favorite Italian spot for over 60 years. All of Mosca's made from scratch dishes are served family-style and al la carte. Spaghetti and meatballs, chicken cacciatore, and filet mignon are just a few of the items you can enjoy at this charming spot. 4137 US-90 W., Westwego, 504-436-8950, moscasrestaurant.com


[Genni Nicholson]


Nor Joe Import Co.prides itself on selling fine Italian imports to not only Metairie, but also the Greater New Orleans Area. Along with wine, cheese, and baked goods, Nor Joe's also serves a number of different freshly made lunch items like sandwiches, stuffed artichokes, and cannolis.505 Frisco Ave., Metairie, 504-833-9240, facebook.com/norjoeimport


[Genni Nicholson]


Nephew's Ristorante opened as a tribute to chef and owner Frank Catalanotto's family and their long history of providing New Orleans with Sicilian and Italian Creole cuisine. Some signature entrees include veal parmigiana, grilled duck breast, and braised rabbit with tomatoes. You can also get soft shell crab and frog legs a la carte. 4445 W. Metairie Ave., Metairie, 504-533-9998, nephewsristorante.com


[Genni Nicholson]



Pascal's Manale has been thriving in New Orleans for over 100 years. Not only that, Pascal's is also the originator of the NOLA famous BBQ shrimp dish, which was first made in the 1950s. The restaurant is also famous for its raw oyster bar and Italian dishes like veal marsala, frutta del mare, and chicken bordelaise. 1838 Napoleon Ave., 504-895-4877, pascalsmanale.com



[Genni Nicholson]



Red Gravy is an Italian bistro that has been serving brunch for the past 10 years, but now you can come in for dinner to try handmade pasta, ravioli, lasagna, and gnocchi. Red Gravy created an intimate dining atmosphere to "mangiere, ridere, amare," which means eat, laugh, love. The courtyard has umbrellas and heaters so you can enjoy a meal in any type of weather. 4206 Magazine St., 504-561-8844, redgravycafe.com


[Genni Nicholson]



Tavolino Pizza and Lounge is located in Old Algiers. It serves crispy thin crusts with unconventional specialty pizzas such as a funghi pizza with mushroom fonduta sauce, fresh mushrooms, fontina cheese, truffle oil, and arugula. There is even a back bar lounge that is the perfect place to have a romantic date without the kids. 141 Delaronde St., 504-605-3365, instagram.com/tavolinonola


[Genni Nicholson]



Venezia Restaurant has been serving Italian dishes with New Orleans flare since 1957. Venezia is dedicated to providing the uppermost serving and dining experience to all guests. Join Venezia for daily specials and hand tossed pizzas. You will be leaving your dinner or lunch with a clear plate and a happy belly. 134 N. Carrollton Ave., 504-488-7991, venezianeworleans.net



Mexican

Carreta's Grill treats all guests like family while providing fresh authentic Mexican cuisine at an affordable price. The menu includes burritos, enchiladas, quesadillas, wraps, and salads. Carreta's world famous margaritas come with your choice of tequila and flavor in a size small, medium, or large. Multiple Locations, carretasgrillrestaurant.com


Middle Eastern

[Genni Nicholson]



Lebanon's Cafe has earned the reputation as a top Middle Eastern dining spot in New Orleans. The indoor dining space gives an authentic atmosphere with intricate hand painted murals on the wall. Lebanon's also has patio dining and allows BYOB, so bring your favorite beer or wine to enjoy with your creamy hummus or crispy falafel. 1500 S. Carrollton Ave., 504-862-6200, lebanonscafe.com


[Genni Nicholson]



Tal's Hummus is a quick service restaurant offering healthy Isreali inspired food made from the freshest ingredients. You can order pita wraps, hummus, salads, kabobs, or falafel with plenty of vegan and vegetarian options. Located uptown, enjoy a tasty meal at Tal's Hummus for a dine-in or dine-out experience. 4800 Magazine St., 504-267-7357, ordertalsonline.com



New Orleans Cuisine

[Stephen Romero]



Annunciation Restaurant, located on Annunciation Street, is mostly known for its assortment of contemporary and classic Creole dishes. Order anything from fried oysters and gumbo to grilled pompano and shrimp etouffee. The restaurant also serves many different craft cocktails that you can enjoy. 1016 Annunciation St., 504-568-0245, annunciationrestaurant.com


[Genni Nicholson]



Cafe 615 Home of Da Wabbit serves New Orleans inspired cuisine ranging from sandwiches to seafood platters. They also can cater your next crawfish boil! Founded in 1948, Cafe 615 was a hit for its iconic Bugs Bunny LED sign, which still stands today. Cafe 615's bar serves specialty cocktails with creative Bugs Bunny names and fresh ingredients. 615 Kepler St., Gretna, 504-365-1225, cafe615.com



[Genni Nicholson]



Chef Ron's Gumbo Stop opened in 2012 when Ron Iafrate followed his dreams of opening his very own restaurant. The stop is located in a small strip mall on Causeway Boulevard that serves some of the best Southern comfort food. While the menu and specials may change, the award-winning gumbo is always available. 2309 N. Causeway Blvd., Metairie, 504-835-2022, gumbostop.com


[Copeland's]




Copeland's prides itself on catering to local appetites with made from scratch New Orleans classics for over 36 years. The menu includes favorites like Cajun Gumbo Ya Ya, Butterflied Shrimp Creole, and the Copeland Burger with special Tiger Sauce. As well as healthy dishes like Crab & Avocado Stack or Garden Chicken. Multiple locations, copelandsofneworleans.com


[Genni Nicholson]



Evangeline Restaurant offers some of the freshest Cajun cuisine in the French Quarter. Some of the dishes patrons can choose from, include Acadia Crawfish and Grits, Pasta Evangeline, and a fried catfish and alligator platter. A selection of local craft beers are also available. 329 Decatur St., 504-373-4852, evangelineneworleans.com



[Genni Nicholson]



Mandina's has been combining homestyle seafood and Italian cooking since 1932. Some items on the menu have been staples of the restaurant for over 80 years. Mandina's has a piece of New Orleans history to its food and an ambience that you can't find at a lot of other places. 3800 Canal St., 504-482-9179, mandinasrestaurant.com


[Genni Nicholson]



New Orleans Creole Cookery serves many Creole favorites including Gumbo Ya-Ya, charbroiled oysters, jambalaya, pecan-crusted redfish, and Crab Cake Napoleon. Enjoy craft cocktails like the New Orleans Hurricanes, which range from a category one to a category five with different types of rum. 508 Toulouse St., 504-524-9632, neworleanscreolecookery.com


[Genni Nicholson]



Neyow's Creole Cafe is a casual spot to enjoy traditional Creole and Southern fried cooking. There are weekly specials with different meals offered everyday. Popular items on the menu include Shrimp Creole, chargrilled oysters, crab claws, and crawfish balls. Neyow's is dedicated to providing amazing food in a hospitable environment. 3332 Bienville St., 504-827-5474, neyows.com



[Genni Nicholson]



Orleans Grapevine Wine Bar & Bistro is home to one of the largest wine selections in the French Quarter. The building that houses Grapevine was established in 1808 and was home to the first Creole restaurant in New Orleans. The bistro has delicious entreés, as well as petit fare like a cheese board and boudin sausage links. 720 Orleans St., 504-523-1930, orleansgrapevine.com


[Genni Nicholson]




Please-U-Restaurant is a long-established diner with booth and counter seating. It's famously known for serving breakfast all day with omelettes, French toast, and chicken and waffles. If breakfast food isn't your thing, Please-U has hot lunches with well-priced seafood po boys. Please-U is all about making sure you leave happy and full. 1751 St. Charles Ave., 504-525-9131, pleaseunola.com


[Genni Nicholson]



Poppa's Seafood & Deli has no seating, but your mouth will be watering from the smell of your to-go box. The deli might be small, but the food is packed with flavor. Stop by Poppa's for any of your Southern food cravings. Open from 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Saturday. 3311 N. Galvez St., 504-947-3373


[Genni Nicholson]



Short Stop Po Boy offers over 30 different types of po-boys. Customize it by choosing your choice of bread and additional toppings or condiments. Short Stop is known for having some of the best gumbo in the New Orleans area. You can also order sandwich trays for your upcoming event, which can be picked up via the stop's drive-through window. 119 Transcontinental Dr., Metairie, 504-885-4572, shortstoppoboysno.com


[Genni Nicholson]



Willie Mae's Scotch House has won the title of "America's Best Fried Chicken" by the Food Network. Willie Mae's has perfected its fried chicken recipe by making it buttery, flakey, and crispy all in one bite. Visit Willie Mae's second location in the Pythian Market, where the fried chicken can be enjoyed with classic Southern sides such as corn bread, red beans and rice, and mac and cheese. Multiple locations, williemaesnola.com



[Genni Nicholson]


Seafood

Bon Temps Boulet's Seafood is filled with a passion for food that makes their boiled seafood, smoked BBQ, and fall apart po-boys something special. Crawfish is its specialty; juicy, flavorful, and spiced to clean your sinuses without burning your tongue, but smoked fried wings, wagyu brisket, and a creative but classic menu have something for everyone. 4701 Airline Dr., Metairie, 504-885-5003, facebook.com/BonTempsBoulets

[Genni Nicholson]



Briquette is a classy restaurant serving contemporary coastal cuisine. There is an 18-foot long display of fresh salmon, Louisiana redfish, halibut, snapper, and other whole fish over ice. The open floor plan, community tables, and bar create a friendly and spacious dining experience. Attire is business casual so dress appropriately and enjoy Briquette's freshly prepared seafood. 701 S. Peters St., 504-302-7496, briquette-nola.com


[Courtesy Casamento's]



Casamento's was founded by Joe Casamento, an Italian immigrant, back in 1919. The restaurant is a tribute to Southern cuisine and Louisiana oysters. Beyond oysters, Casamento's serves fresh gumbo, the Big Easy platter, and fried soft shell crab. Celebrities such as Peyton Manning, Guy Fieri, and Bradley Cooper have all eaten there and you should too. 4330 Magazine St., 504-895-9761, casamentosrestaurant.com



[Genni Nicholson]



Charlie's Restaurant and Catering has been serving St. Bernard Parish since 1992. With the "largest menu in St. Bernard Parish," choose from over 300 dishes like breakfast items, steaks, pastas, seafood platters, stuffed potatoes, and much, much more. Charlie's also caters for any occasion you might have. 6129 E. St. Bernard Hwy., Violet, 504-682-9057, facebook.com/Charlies-Restaurant-Catering


[Genni Nicholson]



The Galley Seafood got its start in 1977 by serving soft shell crab po-boys at the Jazz and Heritage Festival. Known for some of the best boiled seafood in town, other items include shrimp and grits, crawfish etouffee, and blackened or grilled redfish. Make sure to grab a cocktail and enjoy live concert DVDs shown nightly for dinner and a show. 2535 Metairie Rd., Metairie, 504-832-0955, thegalleyseafood.net


[Genni Nicholson]



Jazzy Pete's is located in Uptown and serves some of the best seafood, pasta, and po boys around. Join Jazzy Pete's for happy hour and get $5 drinks and discounts on oysters and appetizers. The Saltwater Cocktail is the latest feature with vodka, grapefruit, lime, peppercorn syrup, basil pink, and pamplemousse liqueur. 8201 Oak St., 504-345-2490, jazzypetes.com

[Genni Nicholson]



Seaworthy is set in a Creole cottage that was built in 1832 and retains a rustic, cozy atmosphere. Seaworthy offers tons of different oysters from the East, West, and Gulf Coasts, as well as locally caught fish. The Southern hospitality and chic atmosphere makes for the perfect date night or a fun evening out with friends. 630 Carondelet St., 504-930-3071, seaworthynola.com


[Genni Nicholson]



Tito's Ceviche & Pisco combines Peruvian and Asian cuisine with seafood for delectable starters and entreés. Enjoy bottomless mimosas and ceviche at brunch or tiraditos and platos del mar for dinner. The service, staff, courtyard dining, and authentic cuisine will leave you dreaming about returning again and again. 5015 Magazine St., 504-267-7612, titocevichepisco.com

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