Where are the best places to go in New Orleans, specifically for food and drinks?

Question

ie. Pat O'Briens, Cafe Du Monde, Emerils...

Answer 1

Mandina's on Canal is my absolutely favorite! While you're over there, go to Angelo Brocato's for a canoli. My other favorite is Napolean House in the Quarter. Their muffaletas are the best ever!

Answer 2

I lived in NO before and after Katrina -- here's my two cents.

As far as the quarter goes, Pat O's is great for the lush courtyard, but Lafitte's on Bourbon (they say it's the oldest bar in the country) makes a better hurricane with real juice. Port of Call (on Esplanade) makes an amazing burger and the monsoons are deadly. When you're venturing uptown, definitely stop and have a drink at the Columns -- it's a gorgeous old hotel with a huge front porch right on St. Charles Ave. Obviously, there are columns.

My favorite restaurants in New Orleans are the hole-in-the wall places tucked away uptown. I've never had anything less than wonderful at Dante's Kitchen for both brunch and dinner (the restaurant is in an old house by the riverbend with an outdoor patio - very cozy). As someone mentioned earlier, Upperline's not to be missed.

Dick and Jenny's (off of Tchop) is great, the only prob is that they don't take reservations. Put your name on the list, grab a bottle of champagne or wine at Sav-a-Center across the street and zip down to the fly by Audobon to catch the sunset. By the time the champagne's gone, your table will be ready.

All of the standards mentioned above (Commanders, Emerils, Antoine's, Gallatoire, Arnaud's) are good, but these smaller restaurants tend to be a little cheaper (15-25 an entree). I've had a couple great meals at Bayona in the quarter too.

Finally, we always took visitors to Jacquesimo's because it's a fun place with great food. Jacques is usually on hand to do tequila shots with and the place is always packed. Go on a night when ReBirth is playing at the Maple Leaf next door.

Hopefully this will get you started -- I could go on forever.

Enjoy!

Answer 3

Becks234 I think had the best answer by far, and I don't think I could write anything more informative, but I will put in my two cents.

1st cent: I could not agree enough on how great Jacque Imo's is. Truly a one-of-a-kind New Orleans experience. (And I had brunch at Dante's yesterday; delicious as always.)

2nd: Anyone, and I mean anyone, who recommends Margaritaville is sadly misguided. Why would you come all the way to New Orleans - a place renowned for its food and culture - to eat a cheeseburger at a chain restaurant/bar that has nothing - NOTHING - to do with the city and said cuisine/culture. Don't get me wrong, burgers are great, but if you're trying to take in the sites, you could find a year's worth of things to do and places to see, before Margaritaville should make it on your itinerary. And that's being generous to Margaritaville.

Answer 4

My all time favorite place for food outside the French Quarter is The Upperline. Inside the French Quarter it's Galatoire's.

My favorite place for drinks in a casual "party" style spot is The Old Absynthe House and for drinks in a more refined style try the Montleone Carosel Bar. The bartenders at both places can make just about anything you ask and do it better then most.

Answer 5

Cross into Jefferson Parish and have seafood at Deanie's at 1713 Lake Avenue in Bucktown, a section of Metairie! It's just across the 17th St. Canal from New Orleans. It's the best. No reservations, but people wait because they know they won't be disappointed. Their bread pudding is excellent, and I'm not much of a dessert eater.

I love their seafood platter, boiled crabs, crab trio, shrimp fixed any way, gumbo. Stuffed flounder. Everything is yummy!

Dinner menu with prices:
http://secure.deanies.com/dinner.html

Lunch menu with prices:
http://secure.deanies.com/lunch.html
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Mandina's at 3800 Canal St. in New Orleans has finally reopened, and not only is the food delicious, but you'll have to ask for a to-go box, because there's no way you can finish a meal. They serve enough for a bunch of truck drivers. It's sooooo good!

Here's their menu with prices:
http://mandinas.com/page/nvjz/Menu.html

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Andrea's on 19th St. off Causeway is a great Italian Restaurant.


Are you looking for any particular type of food?


If you want coffee and beignets, I prefer Morning Call on 17th St. in Metairie. It's better than Café du Monde, in my opinion, which changed since new owners took over many years ago.


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Answer 6

i've travelled to NO many many times. the last time i was there, i went to Emeril's Delmonico. It's a little pricey, but the food was excellent. they've got a really small bar area, but in a place like that, you're there to enjoy the food. i've also been to Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville, but i don't think they're open. If you hit the French Quarter you're bound to find a few hotspots. you can't go wrong in NO.

here's a link to rachael ray's show she did on NO
http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/show_ad/episode/0,1976,FOOD_9947_23060,00.html

i hope that helps

Answer 7

If you're a fan of fine dining-- you absolutely must go to the iconic Commander's Palace. I've heard Galatoire's is also excellent.

If you're looking for something more casual, I'd recommend The Acme Oyster House (great gumbo!) or Mama's (eat the chocolate cake). You won't be disappointed!!!

Answer 8

Old N'Awlins Cookery. Corner of Conti n Bourbon. Try the BBQ Shrimp or half duck. Good drinks as well.

Answer 9

And don't forget the Gumbo Shoppe, on the block to the left of the cathedral in the Quarter. Oceania, the Alpine...all good places to eat and drink.

Answer 10

Pat O'Briens definitely, Port Orleans for their "storm" drink, K Paul's for some good eats.