ACME OYSTER HOUSE
519 E. Boston St., Covington (985) 898-0667
See "Citywide" listing for restaurant description.
ABITA BREW PUB
72011 Holly St., Abita Springs (985) 892-5837
www.abitabrewpub.com
This brewpub always has a lot of its key ingredient on hand, capitalizing on Abita Beer’s many flavors. Consider the baby back ribs cooked with Purple Haze. The bar also features a new brew every couple of weeks. Reservations accepted for parties of four or more. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$
ARTESIA
21516 Hwy. 36, Abita Springs (985) 892-1662
www.artesiarestaurant.com
The kitchen of this cozy, historic house in Abita Springs has gone through some major changes in the past six months, ending finally with Chef Gerard Maras (also of Gerard’s Downtown) as executive chef. Look for a completely new menu featuring dishes like foie gras terrine served with apricot compote, and poached Gulf shrimp tossed with homemade pasta and lobster sauce. Reservations recommended. Lunch and dinner Wednesday through Friday, dinner Saturday, brunch Sunday. Credit cards and checks. $$$
BACK PORCH GRILL
414 N. New Hampshire St., Covington (985) 892-5252
The chicken salad, which owner Bridgette Aronson claims is the "best on the Northshore," flies out of this lunch stop. Soups are made fresh every day, as are daily hot specials like roast chicken with angel hair pasta and cheese sauce served with Creole green beans. Try the bread pudding with non-alcoholic vanilla sauce for dessert. Delivery available. No reservations. Lunch Monday through Friday. Credit cards and checks. $
BEAR’S RESTAURANT
128 W. 21st St., Covington (985) 892-2373
A minimalist restaurant, Bear’s serves po-boys, potato salad, home-baked cookies and bags of chips. You can’t go wrong with the drippy roast beef. Also try housemade meatballs, deftly fried shrimp and the roast beef again, only this time drowning in Bear’s trademarked barbecue sauce. No reservations. Lunch Tuesday through Saturday. Checks and cash. $
BILLY FARRELL’S
Hwy. 190 (at 22nd St.), Lacombe (985) 882-3461
Even after 17 years in the business, Billy Farrell still prefers the hands-on approach. So if you’re enjoying the old-fashioned crawfish bisque (while the season lasts), or ever popular baked crabmeat Pontchartrain, there’s a good bet Billy helped cook it. All oysters come from Captain Pete’s. No reservations. Lunch and dinner Tuesday through Saturday. Credit cards and checks. $$
BOULE PRIME HOUSE
1202 Hwy. 190, Covington (985) 809-0969
Jeff Curtis’ Northshore’s meaty outpost specializes in USDA prime beef, with a couple nods to Ruth’s Chris; Curtis orders his steaks from the same company that used to supply the famous steakhouse, and his steaks’ crusty exteriors are reminiscent of Ruth’s. Check out the grilled porterhouse and the ribeye. Lunch and dinner weekdays, dinner Saturday. Credit cards. $$$
CAFFE! CAFFE!
3900 Hwy. 22, Mandeville (985) 727-4222
While the name Caffe! Caffe! is appropriate considering the vast java offerings at both locations, food is the hidden gem. In-house bakers keep the stores stocked with fresh desserts. For a real meal, try the popular avocado salad with romaine, sliced avocado, crumbled Gorgonzola, walnuts, orange slices, red onions and mango vinaigrette. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch and dinner weekdays; breakfast and lunch Saturday, beverage bar only Sunday. Credit cards. $
CARRETA’S GRILL
1200 W. Causeway Approach, Mandeville (985) 727-7212
LA CARRETA
108 NW Railroad Ave., Hammond (985) 419-9990
Offering some of the hottest (literally) south-of-the-border fare around, Carreta’s is known for fajitas: beef, chicken or shrimp accompanied by sizzling bell peppers, onions and tomatoes and served with rice, beans, guacamole salad and tortillas. You’ll find drink specials on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Reservations accepted, except for after 6 p.m. Thursday through Saturday. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards and checks. $
CITY CLUB
1011 Village Walk, Covington (985) 892-5529
Owners Mike and Gayle Pair (formerly of Zazou Cafe and Cypress Bistro) are celebrating their restaurant’s one-year anniversary in November. Order one of their entree favorites: blackened tuna with grilled shrimp and mirliton slaw, or pork tenderloin Waldorf-style (with a pan saute of apples, walnut and currants). Think of City Club for wine dinners and private parties. Reservations recommended. Lunch and dinner Tuesday through Friday, dinner Saturday. Cards and checks. $$
CLOCKER’S STAND
326 Lee Lane, Covington (985) 867-3773
Another North Shore newcomer, Clocker’s Stand has a relaxed atmosphere, a large dining room and a full bar popular for happy hour partiers. Try double-battered buffalo wings tossed in Bloody Mary sauce as an appetizer. Main courses include grilled quail over spinach salad, and soy-marinated chicken with Asian accompaniments like rice noodles and enoki mushrooms. Reservations recommended for 12 or more. Lunch, dinner and a limited late-night menu daily. Cards. $
COFFEE RANI
234-A Lee Lane, Covington (985) 893-6158
Hwy. 190, Pontchartrain Square, Mandeville (985) 674-0560
This stylish cafe has made sure to keep changing with the times. The newly revamped menu maintains the charm of a cafe lunch (read: green salads topped with chunks of blue cheese, chicken breast and poppy seed dressing) but adds hot entrees for dinner (like thick, mouthwatering steak filets). No reservations. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$
COLUMBIA STREET NATURAL FOODS
415 N. Columbia St., Covington (985) 893-0355
Columbia Street Natural Foods is the white knight rescuing your palate from all those fried pickles, po-boys and jambalaya. This specialty store offers a take-out deli that caters to the vegetarian in all of us. Try the veggie and hummus wraps, or sample the vegetarian spin on a muffaletta. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards and checks. $
COPELAND’S
680 N. Highway 190, Covington (985) 809-9659
See "Citywide" listing for restaurant description.
CUCOS
2000 SW Railroad Ave., Hammond (985) 345-2634
See "Citywide" listing for restaurant description.
CREOLA
2891 Hwy. 190, Mandeville (985) 727-1112
Kim Kringlie and Ken Lacour, the brains behind Dakota, offer the more modest and casual food and atmosphere of Creola. Popular appetizers include the smoked onion rings or chicken nachos, while a can’t-miss entree is the signature 15-oz. smoked prime rib served with horseradish cream mayonnaise, a twice-baked potato and a salad. For the surf side, consider the Creole stuffed shrimp with French fries and apple-pecan cole slaw. Reservations accepted for parties of eight or more. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards and checks. $$
CYPRESS BISTRO
115 Gerard St., Mandeville (985) 727-9909
For a menu that includes fresh, innovative selections, take a seat at this stylish Mandeville bistro. Some of the more notable entrees include a sesame-crusted tuna filet, duck cassoulet, bouillabaisse and apple-crusted pork T-bone. Reservations recommended. Lunch and dinner Tuesday through Saturday. Credit cards. $$
DAKOTA RESTAURANT
629 N. Hwy. 190, Covington (985) 892-3712
At Dakota, you’ll experience a grand selection of Creole-influenced dishes. Break into song with the Halleluiah softshell crab served with Louisiana seafood stuffing and sauce Creollaise. New to Dakota is a bar menu of unique appetizers, which includes grilled Caribbean shrimp with coconut remoulade and an artisan cheese plate. Reservations recommended. Lunch and dinner Monday through Friday, dinner Saturday. Credit cards. $$$
ETOILE
407 N. Columbia St., Covington (985) 892-4578
Epicureans will never run afoul of good taste with selections like the New Orleans rum-glazed port chop served with black-eyed pea slaw and garlic mashed potatoes. Grilled tilapia comes topped with an artichoke heart, caper and tomato relish. Also check out the award-winning wine list offering nearly 40 wines by the glass. Reservations recommended on weekends. Lunch Monday through Saturday, dinner Tuesday through Saturday. Credit cards. $$$
FRIENDS ON THE TCHEFUNCTE
407 St. Tammany St., Madisonville (985) 845-7303
River dining never got so good. Camp out at this oasis with the chef’s mixed grill, which includes three of the following according to availability: filet mignon, sausages, veal chops, lamb chops, chicken and ribs. Eggplant Tchefuncte is a layering of eggplant, shrimp and crabmeat in a creamy sauce with pasta. Reservations recommended. Lunch and dinner Tuesday through Sunday. Credit cards and checks. $$
GALLAGHER’S
1630 N. Hwy. 190, Covington (985) 892-1444
Bring the family to dine on Mr. Gallagher’s American-style cuisine, kicking your meal off by splitting a platter of ribs slowly cooked over a hickory fire. Seafood lovers might enjoy the grilled ahi tuna, and diners seeking a good old-fashioned steak should order Pat’s Special: a thick, pepper-crusted, sizzling filet. Lunch and dinner Monday through Friday, dinner Saturday. Credit cards and checks. $$
GROUND PAT’I
814 N. Hwy. 190, Covington (985) 893-4208
See "Citywide" listing for restaurant description.
HUGH’S WINE CELLAR
4250 Hwy. 22, Mandeville (985) 626-0066
www.hughswinecellar.com
Known for a premier wine cellar, Hugh’s is forging into new ground. A recent addition to the deli counter menu is called "Hugh’s At Home." Homemade meals are prepared in-store daily and are ready to be whisked away to your own kitchen. Favorites include raspberry-glazed pork tenderloin and sliced filet mignon with assorted veggies. No reservations. Lunch Monday through Saturday; wine bar and retail store open later. Credit cards and checks. $
ITALIAN PIE
4350 Hwy. 22, Mandeville (985) 626-5252
See "Citywide" listing for restaurant description.
LA MADELEINE
3434 Hwy. 190 (Del Champs Premier Shopping Center), Mandeville (985) 626-7004
See "Citywide" listing for restaurant description.
LA PROVENCE
2502 Hwy. 190, Mandeville (985) 626-7662
This Northshore restaurant combines classic Provencal cuisine with local Louisiana flavors. Go for the rack of lamb, which is marinated and roasted in herbs and comes with salad, vegetable and potato. Don’t forget the duck a l’orange, which is roasted in an orange Curacao sauce. Reservations recommended. Dinner Wednesday through Sunday, brunch Sunday. Credit cards. $$$
LAFITTE’S LANDING AT BITTERSWEET PLANTATION
404 Claiborne Ave., Donaldsonville (225) 473-1232
www.jfolse.com
Lafitte’s Landing has one motto: "Come home for dinner … then stay the night." Looking to distinguish himself from the routine, Chef John Folse set his restaurant at the 1859 Bittersweet Plantation. It’s more than just a gimmick, and the eatery has customers flocking back for Folse’s signature dishes. Favorites include the chef’s famous Death by Gumbo: quail stuffed with oysters, andouille and sassafras rice served in "bayou broth." Reservations recommended. Dinner Tuesday through Saturday, brunch Sunday. Credit cards. $$
LOUISIANA GRILL
2223 N. Causeway Approach, Mandeville (985) 727-5585
From burgers to lobster, there’s something for everyone at this Northshore restaurant and fresh seafood market. Dive into a crawfish waffle or a serving of seafood lasagna. And if hearty steaks are your desire, Louisiana Grill won’t disappoint. The Sunday jazz brunch guarantees that a four-piece authentic jazz band will usher in your day of rest. Reservations accepted. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards and checks. $$
LOUISIANA STAR
407 N. Columbia St., Covington (985) 893-8873
Visit Louisiana Star for the popular steamed mussels in creamy dill broth. This restaurant is also attached to a wine shop offering monthly tastings. Call for details. No reservations. Lunch Monday through Saturday, dinner Tuesday through Saturday. Credit cards. $$
MACARONI GRILL
3410 Hwy. 190, Mandeville (985) 727-1998
www.macaronigrill.com
You won’t find grilled macaroni at this Mandeville franchise restaurant, but you will find a long list of pastas and Italian-inspired entrees. One house specialty features grilled chicken and portobello mushrooms topped with smoked mozzarella and served with spinach orzo. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $
MAGNOLIA GRILL
315 N. Vermont, Covington (985) 893-0402
Magnolia’s kitchen offers dishes like pecan-crusted catfish meuniere, filet mignon with marchand de vin sauce and white chocolate bread pudding. Magnolia’s monthly etiquette classes for children teach youngsters to mind their Ps and Qs at the dinner table. Reservations recommended. Lunch weekdays, dinner Wednesday through Saturday. Credit cards and checks. $
MIDDENDORF’S SEAFOOD RESTAURANT
I-55 North (Exit 15), Manchac (985) 386-6666
The theory holds that if you want fresh seafood, go to the source. Like the Manchac Swamp, where this third-generation, family-operated restaurant specializes in boiled Manchac crabs, broiled whole flounder and fried catfish. You’ll also find a host of other sea critters served broiled, fried and boiled. No reservations. Lunch and dinner Tuesday through Sunday. Credit cards. $$
MANDE’S RESTAURANT
340 N. Causeway Blvd., Mandeville (985) 626-9047
This Northshore favorite has entered its fourth decade in business. At lunch, half a baked chicken is served with gravy, mashed potatoes and vegetable; crawfish etouffee is served over rice or eggplant. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch daily. Credit cards. $
MICHABELLE
1106 S. Holly St., Hammond (985) 419-0550
French owners Michel and Isabelle Marcais offer uncommon delicacies such as smothered rabbit, duck terrine, and oysters baked with leek and white wine. Monthly wine dinners are big events, and Sunday brunches cost $12.95 per person. For an overnight getaway, stay at the adjoining bed and breakfast. Dinner Tuesday through Saturday, brunch Sunday. Credit cards and checks. $$
MORTON’S SEAFOOD RESTAURANT
702 Water St., Madisonville (985) 845-4970 www.mortonsseafood.com
Diners can choose between having seafood served on a plate or on a large, overstuffed section of Leidenheimer bread. Either way, Morton’s is known for serving fresh Lake Pontchartrain crabs, shrimp and crawfish, as well as oysters shucked to order. Dine inside and out. No reservations. Lunch and dinner Wednesday through Monday. Credit cards and checks. $$
NUVOLARI’S
246 Gerard St., Mandeville (985) 626-5619
For many in the Northshore’s jet set, Nuvolari’s is a second home. Built upon a solid balance of good food, good times and good prices, the restaurant offers a menu of both classic Italian and innovative dishes. Try the Mediterranean shrimp pasta with tomatoes, black olives and feta. Chicken Marsala often highlights nightly specials. Reservations recommended. Dinner nightly. Credit cards. $$
OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE
60 Park Place Drive, Covington (985) 893-0505
See "Citywide" listing for restaurant description.
PARIS BISTRO
408 N. Causeway Blvd., Mandeville (985) 626-6191
Looking for authentic French cooking on the Northshore? Look no further than Paris Bistro’s homemade pates, a classic version of steamed mussels with fries, or a hearty coq au vin. Those staples are complemented by a wide selection of daily specials, for a taste of Paris across the Pontchartrain. Lunch and dinner Tuesday through Friday, dinner Saturday and Sunday, brunch Sunday. Credit cards and checks. $$
PICCADILLY CAFETERIA
69008 Hwy. 190 Service Road, Covington (985) 892-9994
See "Citywide" listing for restaurant description.
PIZZA HUT
1814 N. Causeway Approach, Mandeville (985) 674-0066
2807 N. Hwy 190, Covington (985) 892-8220
See "Citywide" listing for restaurant description.
PJ’S COFFEE & TEA
1600 N. Hwy. 190, Covington (985) 871-9326
2963 Hwy. 190, Mandeville (985) 674-1565
4480 Hwy. 22, Mandeville (985) 624-9015
See "Citywide" listing for restaurant description.
SAIA’S BEEF ROOM
1306 S. Morrison Road, Hammond (985) 345-9998
In addition to corn-fed prime Midwestern beef, the menu at Saia’s boasts fresh Maine lobster and plenty of other seafood. For red-meat cravers, there are plenty of steak and beef choices. Or mix your proteins with a dish of paneed veal, crabmeat au gratin, mushrooms and green onions. Reservations recommended. Lunch Tuesday through Friday, dinner Tuesday through Sunday. Credit cards. $$
SEMOLINA
100 Tyler Square, Covington (985) 898-0004
2999 Hwy 190, Mandeville (986) 626-8923
See "Citywide" listing for restaurant description.
SPAHR’S SEAFOOD RESTAURANT
3682 Hwy. 90 E, Des Allemands (985) 758-1602
Take a table at the window and gloat at the alligators lounging on logs in the pond out back as you savor your alligator sauce piquant. Too mean? Go for one of Spahr’s patented signatures: catfish chips, bite-size softshell crab or fried onion sticks. Spahr’s also offers a boiled seafood salad of shrimp and crabmeat. Reservations accepted. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards and checks. $$
STARBUCKS COFFEE CO.
3601 Hwy. 190, Mandeville (985) 626-5234
See "Citywide" listing for restaurant description.
TIMES BAR & GRILL
1896 N. Causeway Blvd., Mandeville (985) 626-1161
Want a burger with a twist? Try these on for size: the Gold Burger topped with pepper jack cheese, onion rings and barbecue sauce; the Sunset, which sports a fried egg and Cajun spices. For a lighter touch, the Times Bar & Grill also serves a selection of pastas and salads. Kids will like the corn dogs, shrimp and catfish nuggets. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily, late-night Friday and Saturday. Credit cards and checks. $
TREY YUEN CUISINE OF CHINA
600 N. Causeway Blvd., Mandeville (985) 626-4476
2100 N. Morrison Blvd., Hammond (985) 345-6789
Even city slickers don’t seem to mind the drive for the Wong Brothers’ fancy Chinese cuisine. Their Presidential Chicken breast is sauteed in a spicy Szechuan sauce with imported straw mushrooms, bamboo shoots, vegetables and roasted peanuts. Or try stir-fried alligator with mushrooms and onions in a light oyster sauce. Complete family menus also available. Reservations recommended for parties of eight or more. Lunch Wednesday through Friday and Sunday, dinner nightly. Credit cards. $$
|
