Top 10 Places to Have Breakfast in the Big Easy
New Orleans is a city known for its unique and plentiful cuisine. From traditional Creole and Cajun dishes, to fare from around the globe, there are endless restaurants to try. Rather than make you try them all, here is a list of the best breakfast spots in the Big Easy.
1. Ruby Slipper
Multiple Locations
With seven different locations across the Crescent City, Ruby Slipper is always bustling with patrons due to its popularity. With a fun atmosphere and extensive menu, Ruby Slipper is a favorite place for breakfast and brunch. Possibly most well known for their homemade biscuits, there is something for everyone, with a menu that has a mix of breakfast and lunch favorites. So whether you're craving breakfast food or lunch is more your style, you will have plenty to choose from!
Not a fan of waiting in line? Reserve your spot ahead of time on their website so you can get all that Ruby Slipper has to offer, without the wait! Visit Ruby Slipper's website for a specific location's hours of operation.
2. Bearcat Cafe
Multiple Locations
Looking for a breakfast and lunch place that offers truly craft food and drinks with vegan and gluten free options? Look no further. With both an Uptown and CBD location, Bearcat is a local favorite. Try one of their specialty coffees, such as the Rose Water Latte, or one of their 12 loose leaf tea offerings, including the White Peony tea. Their food menu is sure to delight, with plates including the Vegan Rancheros or the Chai Apple Pie Pancakes.
Visit Bearcat's website for specific hours of operation. They do not take reservations and are extremely popular, so we recommend getting there early to beat the rush!
3. Alma Cafe
Multiple Locations
Alma Cafe offers Honduran cuisine with a farm-to-table approach. Named for the Spanish word meaning soul, Alma is full of just that. Chef Melissa Araujo serves dishes such as the Alma Breakfast, which includes eggs, refried beans, plantains, avocado, queso fresco, and homemade cream. Alma Cafe also offers special holiday events and offers.
Both locations have different hours of operation, so make sure to visit Alma Cafe's website for specific hours.
4. Camellia Grill
626 S. Carrollton Ave., (504) 309-2679
The Camellia Grill is a longstanding favorite of New Orleans since its opening in 1946. Open everyday, Camellia is a great place to get breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Located on S. Carrollton Avenue on the streetcar line, it offers many breakfast plates, omelettes, pancakes, waffles, and breakfast sandwiches.
It opens at 8 a.m. everyday and closes at 9 p.m. from Monday to Thursday, 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 10 p.m. on Sunday. Camellia Grill does not take reservations.
5. Daisy Dukes
Multiple Locations
With locations throughout the city, Daisy Dukes offers some of the best of Cajun and Southern cooking in New Orleans. With an award winning Bloody Mary, it serves breakfast all day. The original location in the French Quarter at 121 Chartres St. is also open nights on the weekend.
Reservations are not taken and customers are served on a first come first serve basis.
6. Jimmy J's Cafe
115 Chartres St., (504) 309-9360
Located in the French Quarter, Jimmy J's Cafe serves homemade food in a cozy environment. A popular mom & pop shop that has been locally owned and operated since 2011, Jimmy J's menu has a variety of offerings that blend breakfast and lunch, including the breakfast nachos, making it a good option for either breakfast or lunch.
Jimmy J's is open Thursday to Tuesday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. They serve customers on a first come first serve basis and do not take reservations.
7. Panola Street Cafe
7801 Panola St., (504) 314-1810
Open 7 days a week from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Panola Street Cafe has a variety of breakfast foods from omelets to Belgian waffles and more. Part of the Riccobono Family, Panola also offers lunch and a cocktail list for any time of the day. The colorful exterior welcomes guests in and the cozy interior offers a warm environment with good food.
No reservations are required for Panola Street Cafe.
8. La Boulangerie
4600 Magazine St., (504) 269-3777
La Boulangerie, most well-known for its delectable selection of sweet and savory pastries, is a popular destination for a breakfast run. La Boulangerie also offers breakfast meals like avocado toast and breakfast sandwiches. They also have a variety of beverages including coffee, tea, soda, cocktails, wine, and beer. They can also make larger baked goods items such as layer cakes, pies, and tarts available for order with 48 hours notice.
La Boulangerie is open daily from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
9. Elizabeth's Restaurant
601 Gallier St., (504) 944-9272
Elizabeth's Restaurant serves breakfast and brunch daily from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. With a focus on food made from scrap, Elizabeth's highlights southern comfort cooking favorites like fried green tomatoes, fried chicken & waffles, po-boys, and more. For a classic taste of old New Orleans, make sure to order their callas, aka Creole rice fritters.
Reservations are available for parties of 10 or more.
10. Molly's Rise & Shine
2368 Magazine St., (504) 302-1896
Molly's Rise & Shine is a colorful diner with a select menu of breakfast and lunch food. From biscuits & gravy to crispy rice, Molly's offers traditional favorites with a twist as well as unique dishes. Make sure to also order one of Molly's cups of coffee or tea.
Molly's is open from from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Wednesday to Monday. They do not take reservations.
Best Breakfasts in NOLA
Whether you are looking for small bites and coffee, a large sit-down breakfast, something casual, or on the fancier side, New Orleans has a breakfast place for everyone and every occasion. But don't just take our word for it—try these places yourself and find your new favorite breakfast restaurant!
