New Orleans, LA

restaurants

Commander's Palace

Most locals and tourists alike know well of Commander's Palace. True to it's name, you're treated like royalty at this Brennan's Family Owned establishment. Perfect for any special occasion or a fancy brunch/lunch. If you are able to make it to lunch (Monday-Friday) take part in their 25 cent (yes, cent) Martini Lunch! I believe they max you out at four, but four martinis at lunch should be enough...until you find your next watering hole! Multiple courses are a must. You'll find Creole/Cajun fare here. Fantastic gumbo and turtle soup. The Creole Bread Pudding Soufflé is well known but make sure to order it when you order your entrees as it take 20+ minutes to make. Located in the Garden District, a perfect excuse for anyone visiting to get out of the French Quarter. Dress code enforced.

New Orleans, LA

restaurants

Brennan's

If heading Uptown to the Garden District is too stressful, no worries! You can still have a Commander's Palace fantastic like meal in the French Quarter at Brennan's. As the name suggests, it's another Brennan's Family Owned establishment but by another family member. I highly recommend Brunch although I don't believe the executive chef, Slade Rushing, can do wrong here. Most of the menu items have a Creole/Cajun vibe. Again, I recommend the Turtle Soup. Speaking of turtles, make sure to visit the resident turtles in the courtyard. And no they don't eat them. Banana's Foster is flambeed tableside, very exciting. Lately, there have been vegan items popping up on the menu. Something for everyone! Dress code enforced.

New Orleans, LA

restaurants

Mandina's Restaurant

Last time I mention turtle soup, promise. And if you're a fan, this is the bowl you need to have! Mandina's menu hasn't changed as long as I've been going there (25+ years) and reflects Creole/Cajun and Italian items. Gumbo, fried seafood, poboys, pasta. The crab claws in wine sauce are so heavy and decadent but an absolute must. Make sure to order garlic bread to soak up all the extra sauce. The fried seafood platter is enough for two people to share with leftovers. Far from a fancy venue, if you want to leave the jacket and tie at home or shorts and flip flops are more your style, Mandina's is your spot for relaxing and local food. Be prepared to wait though, at prime dinner hours there's usually a line. Located in MidCity.

New Orleans, LA

restaurants

New Orleans

You know we're all about our seafood here in New Orleans, right? Well this almost-hole in the wall has it all. Seafood Gumbo, Poboys, boiled crawfish, boiled crabs, raw oysters, fried seafood platters, etc. There's a long bar as soon as you walk in where you can wait for a table, have a drink and/or enjoy a few oysters from the Shucker behind the bar. Very casual. Don't let the almost-hole in the wall vibe fool you, occasionally you will find a bit of a wait, especially during crawfish season. Uptown.