New Orleans, the Crescent City, the Big Easy, no matter what name you call it; it’s a fabulously fun place to visit. It is known for its round-the-clock nightlife, vibrant live-music scene and the Creole foodie scene is literally without equal!
The Creole flavors of New Orleans reflect its history as a melting pot of African, French, Spanish, Irish, West Indies and American cultures.
NOLA is world-renowned for its distinct music, Creole cuisine, unique dialect, and its annual celebrations and festivals, most notably Mardi Gras.
The historic heart of the city is the French Quarter, the Vieux Carre, known for its French and Spanish Creole architecture and vibrant nightlife along Bourbon Street and live Jazz on Frenchman Street.
We try to pop over to New Orleans a few times a year since we live in Houston. It’s a great weekend getaway, especially since there are more great places to eat than we have been able to sample, thus far. Fear not!, we will continue to travel and share our delectable morsels with you. For a foodie NOLA is almost over stimulating, with all the pastries, pralines, Creole and Cajun foods, and each restaurant bringing their own flair to their recipes—so hard to choose —and literally every.single.one is incredible. Enjoy!
The Ruby Slipper Café – Things you should know
Relatively new to the scene, opening post -Katrina, The Ruby Slipper Café holds its own.
Touting a friendly atmosphere with Cajun & Creole flavors they hit the spot. Open seven days a week serving breakfast and brunch classics with amazing cocktails. Especially the mimosas.
They are usually busy, so it’s a great idea to make a reservation. However, they will not seat your group unless everyone is present. They are reasonably priced. It’s comfort food at its best, you will not be disappointed.
We were all sharing our spoils and every.single.one was delicious!!
There are several locations, this one is on Canal Street.
The Ruby Slipper
The Ruby Slipper Café
Location: 1005 Canal St, New Orleans, LA 70112
Phone: +1 (504) 525-9355
K-Pauls Louisiana Kitchen – **update** ~ **Permanently CLOSED**
K-Paul’s is the upscale creation of Paul Prudhomme and his wife Kay. Chef Paul Prudhomme is celebrated for creating “hot sauce” and many Creole and Cajun seasonings that are synonymous with New Orleans flavor!
We went for the scrumptious blackened drum and blackened pork chops, alongside Gumbo and Red Beans and Rice.
K-Paul’s boasts some of best Cajun-creole recipes in New Orleans. Definitely, a bucket list stop.
The Dress Code is “Business Casual.” Jackets are not required.
No tank tops but jeans are okay. Nice shorts are okay during the Summer.
Please resist using your cell phone when dining.
In accordance with the Clean Air Act, the restaurant is completely nonsmoking, including the Balcony and Courtyard.
Call ahead, if you can, they are usually pretty busy.
There are two floors, one for dining and one for private parties but both floors feature an open kitchen where you can watch exactly how each delectable dish is prepared.
K-Paul’s Louisiana Kitchen
Location: 416 Chartres Street, New Orleans, LA 70130
(in between Conti and St. Louis Streets)
Phone: +1-504-596-2530
Napoleon House – Things you should know
Napoleon House, just one of the many Brennan Family restaurants that are the essence of New Orleans! I love the history of this building. Located in the Vieux Carre (French Quarter) is a historic building. Construction started in 1797, as a private home for the mayor, Nicholas Girod. It was being enlarged in 1821 and offered to Napoléon Bonaparte as a home in the New World during his exile. Napoleon died before the plan could be carried out.
There is a quiet history in this place that you can see and feel. Like all of New Orleans, you feel like you step back in time, when life was slower and you stopped to watch the passersby and enjoy a Pimm’s Cup.
Enjoy reading the History of Napoleon House.
Their signature dish is the Italian Muffuletta but don’t stop there, the Red Beans and Rice are definitely show stoppers here too! As well as, the Po’boys.
Napoleon House Bar and Cafe
Location: 500 Chartres St. New Orleans, Louisiana
Phone: +1 (504) 524-9752
The Original Pierre Masperos — Things you should know
Pierre Maspero’s is quite dear to my hear, this is where I first tasted Chicken ‘n Waffles. I have had a love affair with them ever since. You how it is, everyone is compared to your first love. Amazingly, none have measured up, yet. I will definitely, keep trying though.
The Original Pierre Maspero’s is located a stones throw from Napoleon House, you can pop in for dinner at one and drinks at the other, if you’re in the mood. Both have such history that they are incredible to venture in and soak it up.
Maspero’s carries the darker history with the Pirates Jean and Pierre Lafitte using the coffee house as part of their slave trade. But on a higher note it is also where the brothers met with Andrew Jackson to plan the defense at the epic Battle of New Orleans.
Go for the history, stay for the experience and incredible food! Fried Alligator, Fried Green Tomatoes or the amazing crab cakes for starters. But you can’t go wrong with the Crescent City Sampler or any of the Po’boys. Finish with Bread pudding that is a NOLA staple. I will always be partial to the Chicken and Waffles.
The Original Pierre Maspero’s
Location: 440 Chartres Street, New Orleans, LA 70130
Phone: +1 (504) 524-8990
The Original Pierre Maspero’s website
Olde NOLA Cookery — Things you should know
We stumbled onto this gem by accident. I spent a lot of time researching restaurants and asking locals, so I thought I had the right place. Ha! I did not but we just fell in love with amazing staff that make you feel at home right away. It is located on Bourbon Street, so we asked for a balcony seat upstairs.
No problem, they said. Took us upstairs, opened a window and we crawled out onto a little stoop, squeezed our chubby buddies together and enjoyed a great meal. Not to mention, people watching on Bourbon Street from the balcony is second to none for entertainment.
They will even change up the menu for you, like a scratch kitchen. We ordered the Chicken Alfredo but asked for blackened chicken. No problem! The fries!? Gator, no gator. We took gator! Fantastic! I’m no longer a gator virgin!!
They make a Hurricane, New Orleans’ famous drink, that will kick your ass!
Aaannd did I mention they have a great Kentucky Bourbon Pecan Pie!?! Being raised a southern girl, in Kentucky I am partial to all things Southern and Kentucky…in that order!
You will see a lot of Red Beans and Rice, on this post. It is a New Orleans favorite, but it is the favorite of my hubbies. He orders it at every single restaurant we go to. He says, “why mess with perfection?” Insert eye roll here.
Olde NOLA Cookery
Location: 205 Bourbon St. New Orleans, LA 70130
Phone: +1 (504) 525-4577
Commander’s Palace – Things you should know
The Palace has been a landmark in New Orleans since 1893, starting out as a saloon but has stood the test of time and forces of nature, to stay one of the iconic restaurants of New Orleans. Located in the beautiful tree-lined Garden District, home to some of the most beautiful mansions in New Orleans.
It is one of the more famous restaurants owned by the locally famous Brennan family.
Commander’s Palace has given us some of game changing chefs like, Emeril Lagasse and Paul Prudhomme, who put Haute Creole cuisine on the map.
The Sunday Brunch is a must but call ahead they book up very quickly. Having cash on hand is definitely helpful as they have musicians playing live from table to table and taking requests, but tips are expected.
Everything on the menu is out of this world but the Strawberry Shortcake is the star! The biscuit has crystal sugar on top and gives it this amazing sweet crunch, with heavenly whipped cream and oh, yeah! the strawberries…they are sweet pops of fruity yumminess…topped with a sprinkle of powdered sugar…I don’t share…
The Turtle soup is outstanding and a NOLA favorite. The Redfish is a classic and the Tournedos of Black Angus are just good ole’ comfort food!
If you’re too full after eating one of the best meals in New Orleans, then may I suggest a walk through the Cemetery across the street. Lafayette Cemetery No1. It is free to walk through but you can jump in on a tour and you only pay what you think it is worth at the end of the tour.
Commander’s Palace
Location: 1403 Washington Avenue New Orleans LA 70130
Phone: +1 (504) 899-8221
Café Beignet – Things you should know
Less famous that its competitor (Café Du Monde) but oh, my! definitely, not second in taste! Just a cute little café with a musician that plays and sings for your delight. The soft pillows of fried dough smothered in powdered sugar, served fresh and warm. Ready to eat immediately! Ain’t no body taking them and waiting until later!!!
They serve a Chicory coffee that was introduced by the French when New Orleans was still a colony. The locals love the bold flavor.
Located just outside is a courtyard to sit and eat your bounty while watching the crowds mill by.
Café Beignet
Location: 334 Royal St., New Orleans, LA
Café Du Monde – Things you should know
First of all, they are open 24 hours. That seals it for me! I can get these amazing deep fried lighter than air doughnuts, well not so much, they do get pretty heavy with the lavish amount of powdered sugar sprinkled on top (just a heads up, the tables and floors are pretty sticky) anytime I want…which is often but hey! isn’t that why we are here? to eat, savor the flavor and immerse ourselves into the culture even if it’s just for a weekend?
They serve great hot chocolate (the thick European kind!) and the Chicory coffee that is a local favorite.
But let’s not forget the history of Café Du Monde. They aren’t just a “sweet” face. It started out as a coffee shop in 1862 for the French Market. When the locals and farmers would bring their produce and goods to sell at the market.
Beignets and Chicory Coffee
Cafe Du Monde
Café Du Monde
Location: 800 Decatur Street, New Orleans, LA 70116
Phone: +1 (504) 587-0833
Willa Jean – Things you should know
Such a fun place to have breakfast or brunch. The atmosphere here is relaxing with a friendly staff that will navigate you through the menu. There are so many mouthwatering options to choose from.
The bakery is just bursting with tantalizing morsels that yes, you do have to take a “take away” bag. The chocolate chip cookie is served warm, if you ask. And yes, please, ask…so good!
Their take on the Croque Madame is fantastic! Highly recommend it. There isn’t anything you wouldn’t want to try.
Willa Jean
Location: 611 O’Keefe Ave, New Orleans, LA
Phone: +1 (504) 509-7334
The Gumbo Shop — Things you should know
On one of our first trips to New Orleans, we stumbled on this treasure. I of course, didn’t take pictures and we drank entirely too much, needless to say I couldn’t remember the name or where it was in New Orleans. A while back walking through the city we stumbled across this peach again.
I am so happy! I made sure to take notes this time…
The Macque Choux Corn is one of the best. We ordered a few sides to round out the meal, mostly because couldn’t decide on a just few. So, of course the local faves, like Jambalaya, Gumbo, Crawfish Etouffee, and Boudin, even if you don’t like Boudin it’s great!
The 1795 building is full of character with old murals depicting scenes from the history of the city lining the walls. But you can always enjoy a table in the charming courtyard, neither will disappoint.
Gumbo Shop
Location: 630 Saint Peter Street, New Orleans LA, 70116
Phone: +1 (504) 525-1486