African
Bennachin is a cozy little restaurant offering a taste of West Africa right here in the French Quarter. The Sisay Singho, a baked chicken dish served with fried plantains, coconut rice and sauteed spinach, is a standout. 1212 Royal St., 522-1230, bennachinrestaurant.com
American
Apolline’s menu, curated by chef Matt Farmer, ranges from sophisticated versions of Southern favorites like Shrimp and Grits to one-of-a-kind dishes like their Roasted Pork Enchiladas, available at brunch and served alongside salsa verde and pickled trinity. 4729 Magazine St., 894-8881, apollinerestaurant.com
Bayou Hot Wings provides Uptown customers with a variety of sauces, from mild to scorching hot, on their fresh-cooked wings, along with burgers and sides. They’re available and affordable for catering; their signature hot wings are a fantastic option. 6221 S Claiborne, 864-9464, bayouhotwings.com
Blue Oak BBQ boasts some of the city’s best slow-and-low cooked meats. Indecisive BBQ lovers will rejoice at the Three Meat Combo with a three-choice selection of brisket, chicken, chopped beef, spare ribs or pulled pork, and two hefty portions of sides. 900 N Carrollton, 822-2583, blueoakbbq.com
Bobby Hebert’s Cajun Cannon Restaurant & Bar has become a Metairie institution since opening in 2014. Their Cajun Cannon Redfish is a real treat and comes topped with crawfish and mushroom cream sauce. 4101 Veteran’s Memorial Blvd., 324-6841, bobbyheberts.com
Charlie’s Restaurant & Catering in Violet is a hidden gem with over 300 menu items that are well worth the short drive from the French Quarter. The mammoth menu includes Overstuffed Potatoes, Creamy Seafood Pasta and daily specials like Red Beans and Rice. 6129 E Saint Bernard Hwy., 682-9057, charliesrestaurantla.com
Cheesecake Bistro by Copeland’s is a modern space offering traditional New Orleans cuisine that can please any diner. With fresh selections like Blackened Chicken Alfredo and the Famous Fried Seafood Platter, you’ll always leave satisfied. Don’t forget dessert! Try their Signature Cheesecakes. 2001 St. Charles Ave., 593-9955, copelandscheesecakebistro.com
City Diner’s comfort food is great for any time of day or night, especially since the diner is open 24 hours. The menu includes the Bottom of the Bowl: a toasted bread bowl filled with crawfish, shrimp and crabmeat, combined in a Cajun cream sauce and topped with cheese. 3116 S I-10 Service Road East, 831-1030, citydiner.biz
Copeland’s of New Orleans combines New Orleans flavor and comfort in a casual dining atmosphere. Known for its from-scratch cuisine, they blend fresh premium ingredients, sauces and seasonings to bring out the signature robust flavors of New Orleans in every dish. Multiple locations, copelandsofneworleans.com
Crescent City Steaks has provided authentic, timeless New Orleans food and culture for four generations. They offer sizzling, fresh cuts of all kinds and classic steakhouse sides like Brabant Potatoes and Sauteed Asparagus. 1001 N Broad St., 821-3271, crescentcitysteaks.com
Daisy Dukes, winner of Where Y’at Magazine’s “Best of the Big Easy” in the Bloody Mary category, has a variety of staple New Orleans dishes, available at any hour of day or night. Their formidable Blackened Alligator Sausage Platter comes with crawfish etoufée, gumbo, fried green tomatoes and a biscuit. French Quarter, CBD, Metairie, daisydukesrestaurant.com
Dat Dog has all of your gourmet hot dog needs covered, with countless types of dogs to choose from and quality draft beers to complement each of them. With locations from Frenchmen Street to Freret Street to Metairie, there’s always a dog with your name on it. Multiple locations, datdognola.com
Dot’s Diner is open 24 hours a day and has a menu stocked with diner favorites along with bottomless coffee. Their locations throughout the New Orleans area specialize in breakfast feasts like the Big Dot Platter: two eggs, bacon, sausage, pancakes, hash browns, grits and toast. Multiple locations, dotsdiner.com
Gattuso’s Neighborhood Restaurant is a locally owned neighborhood favorite located in the beautiful Gretna Historical District. Try their Blackened Salmon Salad which throws together spinach, pecans, bleu cheese and raisins. 435 Huey P Long Ave., Gretna, 368-1114, gattusos.net
Gordon Biersch is a pub-style restaurant that brews their own award-winning beers to complement gourmet bar snacks, seafood and more. They throw a bit of brew into the GB Beer Mushroom Chicken, served with asparagus. 200 Poydras St., 522-2739, gordonbiersch.com
Josephine Estelle (in Ace Hotel) blends Creole, Cajun and Italian cuisine to create unique and exciting dishes for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner. The Osteria’s Snapper Crudo is a flavorful, light dish that comes with brown butter, hazelnuts and lemon. 600 Carondelet St., 930-3070, josephineestelle.com
Lucy’s Retired Surfers Bar & Restaurant is a local legend known for great food and drinks from surf-centric locations around the globe, accompanied by a friendly wait staff. Their delicious Seared Tuna comes topped with a sweet and savory pineapple chili salsa. 701 Tchoupitoulas., 504-523-8995, nola.lucysretiredsurfers.com
Ma Momma’s House of Cornbread, Chicken and Waffles could also be named Ma Momma’s House of Delicious Soul Food. While the Chicken and Waffles are AMAZING, you can also switch it up with the Chicken and Grits, served with two eggs “Yo’Way”. 5741 Crowder Blvd., 244-0021, mamommashouse.com
McAlister’s Deli offers a giant menu of sandwiches, salads and spuds, but their most popular sandwich is the mammoth McAlister’s Club. The sandwich boasts 13 layers and includes applewood smoked bacon, black forest ham and smoked turkey. Various locations, mcalistersdeli.com
Orleans Grapevine is a French Quarter wine bar and bistro with over 300 wines by the bottle and 65 wines by the glass. Don’t miss their amazing Bacon Happy Hour for free bacon! Enjoy their delicious Surf ‘n Turf while dining out on their tropical courtyard … perfect for a date night. 720 Orleans Ave., 523-1930, orleansgrapevine.com
Phil’s Grill is a family burger joint that prides itself on its Burger Experience. Their Build-Your-Own burger offers tons of options for combinations of toppings, and their Happy Hour drink specials are not to be missed. Come hungry! Multiple locations, philsgrill.com
Q&C Hotel Restaurant’s Happy Hour is among the city’s best. They do a killer version of the French 75 Cocktail that comes with fries during Happy Hour. Pair that with their boudin and you’ve got a whole meal that won’t bust your wallet. 344 Camp St., 587-9700, qandc.com
Spudly’s Super Spuds is a casual place that has been serving up delicious fare for 36 years. They serve a one-of-a-kind baked potato called the Super Duper that comes absolutely loaded with crawfish, shrimp and crabmeat, all smothered in cheese and chives. 2609 Harvard Ave., Metairie, 455-3250, spudlys.com
Sun Ray Grill offers a unique mix of Thai, Cuban, Mexican and New Orleanian cuisine. One of the Westbank’s best spots for lunch or dinner, Sun Ray Grill is known for fantastic seafood with spectacular daily specials. 2600 Belle Chasse Hwy, (Next to Oschner Hospital) Gretna, 391-0053, sunraygrill.com
Ted’s Frostop has an old-school 50’s diner atmosphere and a menu to match, filled with comfort food classics. Just a short walk from Tulane University, you can wash down a Double Cheese Lot-O Burger with their famous Root Beer Float. 3100 Calhoun St., 861-3615, tedsfrostop.com
Warehouse Grille has bottomless Mimosas and over 40 beers on tap, and offers up New Orleans classics with a personal spin. A great place to tailgate before any Saints games, Warehouse Grille has a fantastic outdoor deck that’s worth checking out. 869 Magazine St., 322-2188, warehousegrille.com
Willie Mae’s Scotch House is known by everyone in town for having the best chicken in the city. Lines run around the block, so be prepared to wait for the fried bird that the Food Network declared “America’s Best”. Or, try the St. Charles location for the same great food without the wait. Multiple locations, williemaesnola.com
Asian
Bao & Noodle is a casual, sit-down restaurant that boasts quality, authentic Chinese cuisine. Their amazing Hand Pulled Noodles, Soups and Buns are great for sharing. The Cumin-Braised Lamb is a savory treat for those who can handle the spice. 2700 Chartres St., 272-0004, baoandnoodle.com
Five Happiness has been serving quality Chinese food to New Orleanians for over 30 years. Eat in or enjoy their food at home with delivery to Uptown and Mid-City. Their upscale version of General’s Chicken has earned them a reputation among locals. 3605 S Carrollton Ave., 482-3935, fivehappiness.com
Jazmine Cafe serves up Vietnamese cuisine in a cozy space on Carrollton. They offer a huge variety of spring rolls, and their lunch specials are fantastic; you can pair a noodle soup with a Vietnamese po-boy for under ten bucks. 614 S Carrollton, 866-9301, jazminecafe.com
Kyoto, voted the “Best of the Big Easy” for sushi, is a favorite among Uptown residents for its delicious Japanese cuisine. Their fresh sushi is complemented by a range of appetizers, including tempura takes on shrimp, squid and chicken. 4920 Prytania St., 891-3644, kyotonola.com
Kyoto II is known for delicious sushi and Japanese cuisine at reasonable prices. Located near the Elmwood Palace Theaters, it’s a great spot before or after catching a movie. The Seared Tuna Tataki is a highlight and comes with a bevy of sides. 5608 Citrus Blvd., Harahan, 818-0228
La Thai works within the culinary traditions of Thai cuisine, offering both traditional and contemporary dishes. Check out their newly renovated dining room, and don’t miss their Drunken Noodles or Duck Delight. 4938 Prytania St., 899-8886, lathaiuptown.com
Mikimoto is an affordable, delicious Japanese spot on S Carrollton near Earhart Boulevard. They deliver for free throughout the city and offer awesome lunch specials, all of which come with a house salad and a hefty portion of white or fried rice. 3301 S Carrollton, 504-488-1881, mikimotosushi.com
Miyako is a hibachi restaurant and sushi bar that offers entertainment paired with its dining experience. They have a huge variety of options for hibachi dining, but the Steak and Shrimp Fried Rice pairs excellently with a “Sexy Alligator” cocktail. 1403 St. Charles Ave., 410-9997, japanesebistro.com
Origami has a convenient Uptown location and fuses sushi and Japanese cuisine with the flavors of the South to bring customers a truly unique experience. They have a giant list of unique rolls, including the Freret Roll, named for the street where they’re located. 5130 Freret St., 899-6532, sushinola.com
Viet Orleans Bistro offers a very wide variety of delicious Vietnamese dishes and wonderful sushi offerings. Just steps from Canal Street, Viet Orleans Bistro is great for lunch or dinner. Their Combination Vermicelli Bowl piles chicken, pork and shrimp together with an egg roll. 300 Baronne St., 333-6917
Bars with Great Food
Backspace Bar & Kitchen is a trendy spot for all-day as well as late-night cocktails, delicious cookies and tasty snacks served in their 1920s decor. The Whitman is a giant, classic roast beef sandwich accompanied by kettle chips and fried oysters. 139 Chartres St., 322-2245, backspacenola.com
Barcadia puts a grown-up twist on classic childhood fun with arcade games, giant, life-size Connect Four and Jenga games, a full bar, and great food. Their Happy Hour is great if you’re in the mood for drink specials and half-priced apps. 601 Tchoupitoulas St., 335-1740, barcadianeworleans.com
Bombay Club has fantastic martinis and nightly live music for the perfect romantic setting. Their Cosmopolitan is among the best in the city. And if you’re feeling hungry, the cocktail pairs well with their delicious Charred Hanger Steak. 830 Conti St., 577-2237, bombayclubneworleans.com
Buffa’s Bar and Restaurant, sitting just outside the Quarter, was recognized by Esquire Magazine as one of the best bars in America. The magazine also singled out their Reuben Sandwich as being among the best in the nation. 1001 Esplanade Ave., 949-0038, buffasbar.com
The Jimani has a comfortable atmosphere that brings together locals and tourists alike. Their menu includes pizzas, burgers and classic seafood options, but the Poppa’s 8 oz. Steak Po’Boy, topped with grilled onions, tomatoes and special sauce, is a favorite. 141 Chartres St., 524-0493, thejimani.com
Mimi’s in the Marigny is a locals’ bar with classy yet affordable dishes and a self-proclaimed “house party vibe” thanks to the availability of cocktails at any hour. Their small plate menu includes a succulent version of Lollipop Lambchops. 2601 Royal St., 872-9868, mimismarigny.com
Parasol’s is a long-time casual Irish Channel hangout, great for any time of year, with stiff drinks, sports on TV, po-boys and other Cajun eats. Their large Roast Beef Po-Boy comes dressed with gravy for a shockingly low price, and their sides are to die for. 2533 Constance St., 302-1543
Poppy’s Time Out Sports Bar next to The Outlet Collection at Riverwalk is the ultimate spot for watching sports with 21 televisions, frozen daiquiris, 20 beers on tap and great food. Try the Cheeseburger, and if you’re brave enough, the “Rambo’d” Hot Wings. 500 Port of New Orleans Pl., 247-9265, poppystimeoutsportsbar.com
Rick’s Sporting Saloon is an adult sports bar with an amazingly welcoming and warm atmosphere. Swing by after the Saints game and check out the intimidatingly named “Gut Buster”, or their classic lineup of fried pickles and wings. 522 Bourbon St., 552-2510, ricks-saloon.com
Rivershack Tavern is known as New Orleans’ most unique bar, with fun bar stools, super live music, and fantastic po-boys, steaks and salad. Their Stuffed Crabs are classic and taste great paired with the Arugula and Watermelon Salad. 3449 River Road, 834-4938, therivershacktavern.com
Rivershack Tavern Gretna is fast becoming Gretna’s best spot for enjoying a cold drink and a delicious meal. The “Get the Gaff” is a grilled tuna filet served over their House or Caesar Salad, with the option to add shrimp, oysters or catfish. 714 1st St., Gretna, 504-325-5530, therivershacktavern.com
Shamrock Bar and Grill features the best bar games in the city with activities like pool, bowling and beer pong … as well as live music on Saturday nights. If you don’t want to drink on an empty stomach, they also serve a great Ribeye Steak. 4133 S Carrollton Ave., 301-0938, shamrockparty.com
Tracey’s Irish Bar and Restaurant is one of the city’s best sports bars with multiple TVs to catch all of the football you can stand. It’s also home to great Roast Beef Po-Boys, Raw Oysters and many other tasty items. They’ll also fry you up a delicious Oyster Po-Boy. 2604 Magazine St., 897-5413, traceysnola.com
Wit’s Inn is a Mid-City bar with great food, specialty drinks and 15 flat screen TVs, making it an ideal game-day destination. Their Mediterranean Pizza comes loaded with kalamata olives, mozzarella, roasted red peppers and spinach. 141 N Carrollton Ave., 486-1600, witsinn.com
Café
Another Broken Egg Café offers a huge menu with all the breakfast and brunch food you could want. Their omelettes are particularly groundbreaking (pun intended), offering non-traditional fillings like lobster and brie cheese. Uptown, Lakeview, 301-2771, anotherbrokenegg.com
Bagels and Bytes serves completely authentic New York Bagels bringing a taste of the Big Apple to the Big Easy. If you’re a Big Apple transplant with a big appetite to match, their Bagel and Lox is the best version in the NOLA area. 1001 Metairie Rd., 831-7968, facebook.com/bagelsandbytes
Biscuits & Buns on Banks, which has been featured on USA Today's best-of list for Top 10 Biscuits, is a quaint spot for breakfast and lunch in Mid-City. Their Overloaded Breakfast Sandwiches and creamy grits make for a great wake-up. 4337 Banks St., 273-4600, biscuitsandbunsonbanks.com
Brick & Spoon provides a neighborhood stop for hearty breakfast, lunch and brunch fare. Their Bloody Mary is a work of art that must be experienced by all those of legal drinking age! The Breakfast Tacos come loaded with chorizo and mango salsa and are some of the best in the city. 2802 Magazine St., 662-1789, brickandspoonrestaurant.com
Café Amelie is a rare gem of superb Louisiana fare, nestled in the historic 150-year-old Princess of Monaco Courtyard and Carriage House. NOLA Locals frequently flock here for the delicious food and refreshing cocktails. 912 Royal St., 412-8965, cafeamelie.com
Caffe! Caffe!, winner of the “Best of the Big Easy” for best café, boasts an extensive menu featuring items like salads, soups, sandwiches and wraps. Their breakfast sandwiches are to die for--the Egg, Cheese & Bacon Croissant is fantastic and pairs well with their Bacon & Cheese Grits. 2 Metairie locations, caffecaffe.com
Café Carmo’s unique vegan-friendly menu is inspired by the flavors of the Caribbean, West Africa and South and Central America. Stop by with a date or group of friends for lunch or dinner. Check out the Taradito Sashimi for a unique take on fresh fish. 527 Julia St., 875-4132, cafecarmo.com
Café Degas is the oldest Gallic restaurant in town, with authentic French cuisine that’s perfect for impressing that special someone. Their decadent, savory take on cheesecake is more dinner than dessert and comes loaded with crab and andouille. 3127 Esplanade Ave., 945-5635, cafedegas.com
Café Maspero is a world-famous French Quarter institution, with simple, well-executed takes on New Orleans classics. Their Muffaletta is a fantastic version of the famous sandwich and comes hot with French fries on the side. 601 Decatur St., 504-523-6520, cafemaspero.com
Jimmy J’s Café is a funky breakfast and lunch spot with a colorful, lively atmosphere. Their French Toast Monte Cristo is a unique combo of two classic dishes and comes with shaved ham, American cheese and bacon. 115 Chartres St., 309-9360, jimmyjscafe.com
Lakeview Brew serves homemade pastries, desserts and breakfast alongside gourmet coffee and tea in a cozy café setting. Stop by while in Lakeview for brunch or a light lunch. They’ll make you a sumptuous Panini-on-a-Biscuit, no less. 5606 Canal Blvd., 483-7001, lakeviewbrew.com
Morning Call Coffee Stand is more than just a coffee stand with world famous beignets; it is known as “New Orleans’ most famous coffee drinking place” and it’s been around for almost 150 years. Along with your cup of joe, try a bowl of their fantastic Crawfish Etoufée. City Park and Metairie locations. morningcallcoffeestand.com
Nola Beans is a cozy Lakeview operation with a fantastic breakfast menu. If you come in too late for eggs, check out their Magic Club Sandwich, which stacks ham, turkey and bacon, and pairs well with their onion soup. 762 Harrison Ave., 504-267-0783, nolabeans.com
Petite Amelie is an extension of Café Amelie with a smaller, faster twist on fresh salads, juices, coffee, light breakfast fare, desserts and sandwiches. Their “Cuisine Rapide” includes a daily marketplace menu with cheeses and pastries. 900 Royal St., 412-8065, cafeamelie.com/petite-amelie
Riccobono’s Panola Street Cafe is a breakfast and lunch spot in the heart of Uptown. In addition to all your breakfast favorites and some great sandwiches, they have one of the neighborhood’s best Crab Cake Benedicts. 7801 Panola St., 314-1810, panolastreetcafe.com
The Ruby Slipper’s diner-style atmosphere has earned it a popular reputation among locals and tourists. The Peacemaker lets you pair two of their huge Signature Benedicts, which include shrimp and chicken options, for a breakfast feast like no other. Multiple locations, 504-525-9355, therubyslippercafe.com
Italian
Mardi Gras Zone looks like a corner store from outside, but it houses an enormous selection of ethnic groceries. They also have room for a wood-fired brick pizza oven. Pick up a slice of the Spinach, Mushroom and Feta Cheese; your wallet (and your stomach) will thank you. 2706 Royal St., 504-947-8787
Mellow Mushroom is rumored to bake up some of the best pizza in the South. Their Oak Street location features a great location near all Oak Street action, as well as a wonderful balcony. Don’t miss the delicious Cajun Earl Pizza. 8227 Oak St., 345-8229, mellowmushroom.com/store/oak-street-nola
Mid-City Pizza has a variety of creative pies and appetizers, available for delivery. Their new Uptown location near Tulane University will be opening soon. Try their Margherita, and if you’re in a carnivorous mood, ask for pepperoni on half. 4400 Banks St., 483-8609, midcitypizza.com
Pascal’s Manale has been an Uptown institution for over a century and should be visited by every local or tourist alike. Don’t miss their world-famous BBQ Shrimp, simmered in-shell in a blend of Creole seasonings. 1838 Napoleon Ave., 895-4877, pascalsmanale.com
Red Gravy serves unique and delicious Italian fare while also being known as one of the top brunch spots in the city. Check out their delicacies like the Cannoli Pancakes and Sicilian Egg Pies in their homey, comfortable location on Camp Street near Canal. 125 Camp St., 561-8844, redgravycafe.com
Reginelli’s Pizzeria has many locations for salads, sandwiches, pastas, a variety of apps and, of course, pizza that can satisfy any craving. Their Gumbo Pizza is a delicious mash-up of andouille sausage, shrimp marinated in Crystal hot sauce, and pickled okra. Multiple locations, reginellis.com
Venezia is a New Orleans staple for amazing Italian food. They do not disappoint with their expertly-cooked pastas, seafood and heavily-praised classic pizzas. Their Veal Pontchartrain is particularly delicious. 134 N Carrollton Ave., 488-7991, venezianeworleans.com
Wood Pizza is a lovely restaurant that’s perfect for dining al fresco on a cool fall evening. They feature handmade, thin-crust wood-fired pizza and over 40 beers on tap, many from local breweries. 404 Andrew Higgins Dr., 281-4893, woodpizzaneworleans.com
Mexican
Caretta’s Grill serves up Tex-Mex in locations all over NOLA, complemented by great service, wonderful margaritas, and catchy live music. Their Combo Fajitas Plate comes sizzling hot, with hearty portions of shrimp, chicken and beef. Multiple locations, carrettasgrillrestaurant.com
Izzo’s Illegal Burrito makes authentic Mexican burritos that are so good, it might be criminal. Their Magazine Street location is popular with students, while families love their Kidz Night. The company’s slogan is “roll your own” and they keep their promise to “roll you a better burrito”. Multiple locations, izzos.com
Middle Eastern
Lebanon’s Café has earned a solid reputation in New Orleans as one of the best Middle Eastern dining destinations in the city ... plus it’s affordable and BYOB! Their Hummus with Lamb is among the most popular options. 1500 S Carrollton Ave., 862-6200, lebanonscafe.com
Mona’s Café has been serving traditional Lebanese specialties for 20 years. With a number of locations around town, you don’t have to go far for Mona’s Combination Kebab: a flavorful fusion of beef, chicken and lula. Multiple locations, monascafeanddeli.com
Pyramids Café is great for those on a budget who are craving healthy, authentic, fresh Mediterranean cuisine. Located across from Tulane University, their Vegetarian Plate offers big portions of hummus, baba ganouj, tabouli and falafel. 3149 Calhoun St., 861-9602, pyramidscafeneworleans.com
The Halal Guys have been selling chicken, gyros and other halal-style food in New York City for 25 years, but recently have gone national. Go to their new St. Charles location to see what brought them from a humble hot dog cart in NYC to super-stardom. 301 St. Charles Ave., thehalalguys.com
New Orleans Cuisine
Antoine’s Restaurant has been a fixture in New Orleans for 175 years, and is still operated by the family that originally founded it. They’ve perfected their seafood options: the Drum Amandine, Shrimp Remoulade and Huitres (Oysters) Bienville make for a perfect trio. 713 Saint Louis St., 581-4422 antoines.com
Augie’s Restaurant & Events brings some of the flavor of the French Quarter to Metairie. A great spot for lunch, dinner or brunch, Augie’s also has plenty of space for private parties and weddings. Visit Augie’s for a beautiful atmosphere and delicious cuisine. 6005 Jefferson Hwy., 733-3000
Café 615 Home of Da Wabbit is a Westbank favorite that will remind you of home-cooked comfort food. Check out their daily specials for something that’s sure to please. Their Soft Shell Crab Platter comes with two massive crabs and two sides. 615 Kepler St., 365-1225, dawabbit.net/dine-in.html
Columns Hotel has a delightful little bistro tucked away on its porch overlooking St. Charles Avenue. Their Grilled Pork Ribeye is fantastic and comes accompanied by a seasonal chutney. They’re also open for brunch every Sunday. 3811 St. Charles Ave., 899-9308, thecolumns.com/dining
Cornet, named after Louis Armstrong’s kick starter from the Karnofsky Family, has steaks, seafood and Cajun fare in an iconic Bourbon Street building, with big wrought-iron balconies and picturesque French Quarter views. Their Shrimp Creole is a fantastic take on a classic Cajun dish. 700 Bourbon St., 523-1485, cornetnola.com
Crescent City Brewhouse is the French Quarter’s only microbrewery, but they don’t stop at beer. Their menu is to die for, too. Check out the Broiled Crawfish Acadania, served with corn and crawfish maque choux, fingerling potatoes, roasted fennel and Creole tomato glaze. 527 Decatur St., 522-0571, crescentcitybrewhouse.com
Crossroads at House of Blues offers delicious food in the heart of your favorite music venue. For a starter, choose between their Pulled Pork, Angus and Portobello Sliders. 225 Decatur St. 310-4999, houseofblues.com/neworleans/crossroads
EAT, located in the heart of the French Quarter, cooks traditional Southern dishes like Red Bean and Andouille Gumbo with local seafood and seasonal produce. BYOB is encouraged. 900 Dumaine St, 522-7222, eatnola.com
Frankie and Johnny’s is a local institution known for great seafood, service and ice cold beer. A great spot for the family or a large group of friends, Frankie and Johnny’s does not disappoint. Their oyster dishes are particularly popular and surprisingly affordable. 321 Arabella St., 243-1234, frankieandjohnnys.net
Joey K’s is a classic, casual Uptown joint with generous seafood platters and Southern favorites done “Like Ya Mama’s.” Their fried chicken is a delicious indulgence, its spice complemented by the many beers available at the bar. 3001 Magazine St., 891-0997, joeyksrestaurant.com
Kingfish offers Louisiana specialties in the French Quarter and has an elegant atmosphere and Cajun favorites. Their seared “Hook and Line” Gulf Fish is a delicious and healthy option, accompanied by roasted squash and cherry tomatoes, and pairs well with a Queens Park Swizzle cocktail. 337 Chartres St., 598-5005, kingfishneworleans.com
Melba’s is one of the top spots in the city and it’s only five minutes from the French Quarter. Don’t miss their “Free Wings” special after every Saints game. The prices are unbeatable: an order of fries and a whopping, delicious Roast Beef Po-Boy will run you under $8. 1525 Elysian Fields, 267-7765, eatatmelbas.com
New Orleans Creole Cookery has a variety of traditional Louisiana dishes including Shrimp Creole and Gumbo Three Different Ways. Their Blackened Redfish is delicious. It’s topped with a dill Beurre Blanc sauce and comes with heirloom potatoes and Creole green beans. 508 Toulouse St., 524-9632, neworleanscreolecookery.com
Poppa’s Poor Boys has some of the best po-boys in town with generous portions and modest prices. Their $16.95 All-You-Can-Eat Boiled Shrimp every Friday can’t be beat! The Shrimp and Oyster Po-Boy is a delicious pairing of two seafood favorites. 720 Claiborne Dr., 832-8114
RF’s offers a relaxed yet elegant dining experience just a block from Bourbon Street. A popular choice is their grown-up take on Chicken and Waffles. It’s only offered for dinner and comes with maple-chipotle syrup and a sunny-side-up egg. They also offer live music and a huge selection of martinis. 301 Dauphine St., 504-586-0972, www.rfsnola.com
The Praline Connection is a Frenchmen Street favorite. They serve authentic Cajun-Creole cuisine at affordable prices with dishes that are popular with locals and tourists alike. If you can’t decide what to order, just know that their Barbecue Ribs are to die for! 542 Frenchmen St., 943-3934, pralineconnection.com
Short Stop Poboys boasts some of the best po-boys out there, even in a city full of darn good po-boys. Open from early ‘til late, Short Stop is also famous for their amazing Seafood Gumbo. Their Soft Shell Crab Sandwich is enormous, with legs hanging out of the bread; if you get it dressed, it’s a delicious mess! 119 Transcontinental Dr., Metairie, 885-4572, shortstoppoboysno.com
Vacherie is home to traditional and delicious Cajun food. Try their Taste of Vacherie Sampler if you’re into variety. It comes with okra and seafood gumbo, shrimp etoufée, smothered collard greens and fried green tomatoes. 827 Toulouse St., 207-4532, vacherierestaurant.com
Seafood
Acme Oyster House features fantastic Louisiana seafood that has been a New Orleans staple since it opened in 1910. It’s all in the name; their oysters are amazing and come raw or chargrilled. Multiple locations, acmeoyster.com
Crazy Lobster Bar and Grill offers fresh seafood buckets and great views on the banks of the Mississippi. They call their seafood tower the Crown Jewel of the Sea. It comes with Crab Maison, shrimp remoulade, shrimp cocktail, oysters, clams and mussels. That’s a lot of shellfish. 500 Port of New Orleans Place, 569-3380, thecrazylobster.com
Lafitte’s Landing Seafood House is a brand new Westbank eatery hailing from veteran restauranteurs AJ and Anna Tusa, who own the Creole Cookery among other area spots. The Steamed Seafood Bucket is just one of their extravagant combo options. 1700 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, 504-252-9613, lafitteslandingseafoodhouse.com
Nola Boils Café is a restaurant and catering company that specializes in on-site boils of all kinds of seafood including crab, crawfish, lobster, shrimp and more. For those into surf, their Shrimp and Crab Baskets are overflowing with savory goodness. And for those into turf, the Roast Beef is to die for. 601 Metairie Rd., 782-6070, nolaboils.com
Oceana Grill is a seafood lover’s paradise. Their menu offers everything you could want, but the Crab Cakes are a particular delight and you can get them paired with creamy fettuccine noodles. Ask about the Mardi Gras Pasta as well. 739 Conti St., 504-525-6002, oceanagrill.com
Poseidon has everything from Creole-style oysters to fresh sushi to karaoke. A great spot to visit with a group of friends or that special date, their unique St. Patrick Roll combines shrimp, mango, spicy tuna and avocado. 2100 St. Charles Ave., 509-6675, poseidonnola.com
Royal House Oyster Bar is one of New Orleans’ most exemplary oyster spots, located in the heart of the Quarter. A great spot to take visitors, their Oysters on the Half Shell are among the city’s best. 441 Royal St., 528-2601, royalhouserestaurant.com
Vegetarian
Seed is a vegan oasis in a city brimming with rich Southern cuisine. For vegans in town who want to experience a po-boy, their Fried Eggplant is a perfect compromise. 1330 Prytania St., 302-2599, seedyourhealth.com