ALBERTINE’S TEA ROOM
3811 St. Charles Ave. (Columns Hotel) 899-9308
www.thecolumns.com
Tucked in the back of the charming Columns Hotel is a restaurant with decor that matches the hotel’s famed veranda facing St. Charles Avenue. Under whirring fans, French stained glass and Victorian bric-a-brac, start your day with a Continental breakfast; for more substance, order honey and pecan pork medallions with apple brandy reduction. Reservations recommended. Breakfast daily, brunch Sunday. Credit cards. $$
ALEXIS’ CHICKEN SHACK
2216 S. Claiborne Ave. 524-8807
The search for this city’s best fried chicken inevitably includes a stop at Claiborne Avenue. Alexis’ chicken’s thin and golden-fried skin is worth a try at least. The rest of the menu is limited to seafood plates, po-boys, potato salad and fries; there’s no seating, but there are plenty of friends in line. No reservations. Dinner Tuesday through Saturday, late-night Friday and Saturday. Cash only. $
ALL NATURAL FOODS AND DELI
5517 Magazine St. 891-2651
Uptowners benefit from both a nutrition-oriented retail store and an extensive line of freshly prepared natural foods under this roof. In the back deli, look for a saute of five-grain tempeh cakes, capers, shoyu and lemon juice tossed with artichoke pasta. Ginger and sesame-marinated tofu is baked and served with brown rice and steamed vegetables. Smoothies and wheat grass juice keep the flow. No reservations. Lunch daily, brunch Sunday. Credit cards and checks. $
ASAHI
709 St. Charles Ave. 528-9008
Bowing to an insatiable taste for innovative Japanese cuisine in the Central Business District, Asahi serves sushi many ways. Taste a mix of your favorite swimmers with the Toshio roll of tuna, salmon, crabstick, avocado and asparagus rolled in a cucumber. Reservations required. Lunch weekdays, dinner Monday through Saturday. Credit cards and checks. $$
AUGUST MOON CHINESE RESTAURANT
3635 Prytania St. 899-5122
Affordable dining is key at this neighborhood favorite. Bring your family to feast on the Happy Family chef special – a mix of shrimp, beef, chicken and roast pork with a combo of broccoli, bok choy, mushrooms, water chestnuts, bamboo shoots and baby corn. Delivery available. No reservations. Lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday. Credit cards. $
THE AVENUE PUB
1732 St. Charles Ave. 586-9243
Considered by a loyal pack of late-night devotees to be the ultimate end-of-the-night stop, The Avenue Pub never closes its doors or its kitchen. There’s an extensive menu that showcases all the munchie classics: spicy wings, nachos, po-boys and burgers; people watching (one of the Pub’s main attractions) peaks around 3 a.m. No reservations. Open 24 hours. Credit cards. $
BABYLON CAFE
7724 Maple St. 314-0010
Back after a two-year hiatus from the restaurant business, Iraqi-born Chef Najah has opened his Lebanese kitchen in this collegiate Carrollton strip (previously, it was located on Canal Street). Sandwiches made with bread baked on-site include falafel, eggplant and roasted garlic with olive oil, feta cheese and onions. You’ll also find Middle Eastern favorites like chicken shawarma, kebabs, vegetarian-stuffed grape leaves and baklava. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards and checks. $
BAGEL FACTORY
7901 St. Charles Ave. 866-1521
The Bagel Factory might live up to its name by cranking out a wide variety of that chewy namesake, but there’s much more to explore. Customers enjoy favorites such as the lox bagel with salmon and cream cheese, and the Everything bagel with garlic pepper spread. Danishes, blueberry muffins, pineapple turnovers, and several blends of java are also available at both locations; the Uptown location now offers beignets and donuts. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday, lunch and dinner Sunday. Credit cards. $
BALCONY BAR & CAFE
3201 Magazine St. 895-1600
Admittedly, it’s the beer that brings most regulars to this prime Magazine Street vantage point, but a recently expanded menu makes a good argument for the food options as well. Cheese fries, chicken fingers and wings are designed to accompany a cold one; a variety of pizzas, burgers (try the Baja or Mediterranean varieties), gyros, salads and appetizers are also available. Delivery available. Dinner and late-night nightly. Credit cards. $
BAYOU BAGELRY
1907 St. Charles Ave. 525-9400
6307 S. Miro St. 862-6800
See "Citywide" listing for restaurant description.
BEEBO’S
7329 Freret St. 866-6692
Already an Uptown favorite for breakfasts and late weekend brunches, Beebo’s is now open for dinner with dishes like the Dominique salad: jumbo Gulf shrimp tossed in apricot chutney with tropical fruit. Croque monsieur and panini sandwiches, pastas and fresh seafood also come out at night. For breakfast, try the Kitchen Sink omelette with home fries and grits. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch Tuesday through Sunday, dinner Tuesday through Saturday. Checks and cash. $
BLUEBIRD CAFE
3625 Prytania St. 895-7166
Bring a newspaper, a starter cup of coffee and a hat to keep out the sun. All three make the wait outside the Bluebird Cafe on weekend mornings a little more bearable. Before you know it, your stamina will be well rewarded with huevos rancheros and black beans, banana-pecan pancakes, a tofu scramble or steak with eggs and a biscuit. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch daily. Cash and checks. $
BRAVO! ITALIAN KITCHEN
1711 St. Charles Ave. 525-5515
Bravo! has a new pasta sampler plate to announce. The entree affords tastes of three different pastas: pasta Bravo is a toss of rigatoni with chicken and red bell pepper sauce; penne Mediterranean includes sun-dried tomatoes, feta and pine nuts; and the pesto capellini speaks for itself. Twin filets topped with scampi sauce comprise another popular entree, and wood-fired pizzas are available all day. Reservations recommended. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$
BUD’S BROILER
3151 Calhoun St. 861-0906
See "Citywide" listing for restaurant description.
THE BULLDOG
3236 Magazine St. 891-1516
www.ultimatebeer.com
Of course, 150 varieties of sometimes hard-to-find beers can take anyone’s mind off food, especially at the convivial Bulldog. However, the recently expanded menu offerings from the kitchen beg to differ. Crawfish banditos (crawfish tails with cheese and green chiles rolled in a wheat tortilla and fried) are still available. Burgers mean a half-pound of sirloin on a sesame seed bun, dressed to order. No reservations. Lunch Friday and Saturday, dinner and late-night daily. Credit cards. $
CAFE ATCHAFALAYA
901 Louisiana Ave. 891-5271
Chef John Calon contributes a few intriguing curveballs to the gourmet Southern food at this Irish Channel neighborhood mainstay. New seasonal items include the Eggplant Bayou, which is a fried eggplant boat filled with jumbo shrimp, crab fingers and lump crabmeat in a Cajun cream sauce. Reservations recommended. Lunch and dinner Tuesday through Saturday, breakfast and brunch weekends. Credit cards. $$
CAFE BANQUETTE
3445 Prytania St. 891-5773
There is a banquet of choices at this Uptown restaurant, which opened in February. Popular menu items include chicken wings, chicken fingers, fried calamari, burgers, po-boys, salads, steamed vegetables, quesadillas and pastas. No reservations. Lunch Monday through Saturday, dinner Wednesday through Saturday. Credit cards and checks. $
CAFE LUNA
802 Nashville St. 269-2444
Perched at one of Uptown’s finest people-watching intersections, the shaded porch of Cafe Luna is ideal for students on study binges jolting themselves awake with coffee, or neighborhood patrons enjoying a reprieve from the sun with an herbal iced tea. Inside the coffeehouse, French pastries and housemade soups and sandwiches are served up with espresso drinks and loose-leaf teas. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards and checks. $
CAFE RANI
2917 Magazine 895-2500
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). Reservations accepted. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$
CAFE ROMA
1901 Sophie Wright Pl. 524-2419
See "Citywide" listing for restaurant description.
CANNON’S
4141 St. Charles Ave. 891-3200
www.cannonsrestaurants.com
Cannon’s has earned a faithful following with consistent seafood and distinctly New Orleans cuisine. Try house specialties such as the chicken oyster Rockefeller, a grilled chicken breast topped with fried oysters, creamed spinach and hollandaise. Cannon’s offers banquet facilities and can accommodate wedding rehearsal dinners, graduation celebrations and other special occasions. Reservations recommended. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$
CASAMENTO’S
4330 Magazine St. 895-9761
Open again after taking the summer off, Casamento’s is in high oyster and softshell crab mode. Although you may order them fried, it would be a shame not to taste at least a half dozen of the sea-salty mollusks raw on the half-shell. After the warm-up, entree choices include po-boys, gumbo, seafood platters and spaghetti with meatballs or daube. This spotless, tiled, diner-style restaurant has sincere, old New Orleans charm. No reservations. Lunch and dinner Tuesday through Sunday. Cash only. $
CC’S GOURMET COFFEEHOUSE
900 Jefferson Ave. 891-4969
2917 Magazine St. 891-2115
1452 Louisiana Ave. 899-1866
See "Citywide" listing for restaurant description.
CHARLIE’S STEAK HOUSE
4510 Dryades St. 895-9705
After 70 years in the steak business, it’s no surprise that Charles Jr. runs the place now. You’ll find the usual suspects here, served in an atmosphere you could only find at a 70-year-old steakhouse. Fried onion rings are coated in egg batter; au gratin potatoes are thick with butter. Order small, medium or large T-bones, or a 9-oz. filet mignon. No reservations. Lunch and dinner Tuesday through Friday, dinner Saturday. Credit cards. $$
CHEZ NOUS CHARCUTERIE
5701 Magazine St. 899-7303
The cute little yellow house on Magazine has long been a favorite place for Uptown’s wine, gourmet-to-go and catering needs. New popular items include a sweet plum salad with Gruyere cheese and walnuts, and a goat cheese, apricot and sage-stuffed chicken breast. Call to get on the mailing list for current selections, or to check out the new catering menu. Delivery available. Lunch and early dinner Monday through Saturday. Credit cards and checks. $
CIRO’S COTE SUD
7918 Maple St. 866-9551
The romantic French atmosphere of Ciro’s puts it on the A-list for special occasions, dates and date wannabes. Ciro’s menu is skewed towards the Provencal, with steamed mussels in a creamy white wine sauce with bleu cheese, and a tarte tatin served a la mode. Don’t forget the pizzas held over from previous ownership. Delivery available. Reservations recommended. Dinner nightly. Checks and cash. $$
CLANCY’S
6100 Annunciation St. 895-1111
The menu is Creole inspired and the hospitality is pure New Orleans, made better by such delectables as smoked softshell crab in meuniere sauce, and risotto with lobster, oysters and Brie. Refreshing dessert specialties include lemon icebox pie and peppermint ice cream. Reservations recommended. Lunch Tuesday through Friday, dinner Monday through Saturday. Credit cards. $$
COMMANDER’S PALACE
1403 Washington Ave. 899-8221
www.commanderspalace.com
This aqua-blue Garden District mansion is home to one of the dining experiences that helped make New Orleans cuisine internationally famous. If award-winning dinners starting with a Sazerac and moving onto turtle soup, lamb chops and bread pudding souffle will break your budget, check out Commander’s bargain lunches. Or make a reservation for Sunday jazz brunches and relax in the courtyard with Rain vodka Bloody Marys and eggs Sardou. Reservations required. Lunch weekdays, dinner nightly, brunch Saturday and Sunday. Credit cards. $$$
COPELAND’S
4338 St. Charles Ave. 897-2325
See "Citywide" listing for restaurant description.
COPELAND’S CHEESECAKE BISTRO
2001 St. Charles Ave. 593-9955
With a 110-item menu spanning cuisines from Italian and American to Chinese, Copeland’s Cheesecake Bistro offers something for every palette. Save some space for their extensive menu of dessert items, featuring over 40 types of cheesecake. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily, brunch Saturday and Sunday. Credit cards. $$
DICK AND JENNY’S
4501 Tchoupitoulas St. 894-9880
Now firmly established as a favorite for top-notch but not top-dollar cuisine, Dick & Jenny’s is packed almost nightly. From a constantly changing seasonal menu, one option this fall is the shrimp and crab stuffed flounder; for dessert, try chocolate fritters and carrot cake with cream cheese. No reservations. Dinner Tuesday through Saturday. Credit cards. $$
DINO’S PIZZA
1039 Broadway St. 861-4441
DINO’S PIZZA, CHICKEN & RIBS
339 W. Harrison Ave. 484-6460
Fried chicken, Kansas-style barbecue ribs and, of course, pizza are the most common orders at the Lakeview restaurant, although it also serves charbroiled chicken, onion rings, seafood and pastas. The Uptown shop focuses on one thing: take-out pizzas. Delivery available at the Lakeview location. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily in Lakeview; dinner and late-night daily Uptown. Credit cards. $
DOMILISE’S PO-BOYS
5240 Annunciation St. 899-9126
The management says that nothing has changed at Domilise’s during its nearly 75 years in existence; no one is complaining. Fried shrimp and oysters get along famously in the half-n-half world of the Peacemaker po-boy. The home-cooked roast beef po-boys are drenched in gravy and dressed with housemade yellow and Creole mustard sauces. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday. Cash only. $
DOS JEFES UPTOWN CIGAR BAR
5535 Tchoupitoulas St. 891-8500
What could be better than a premium cigar to cap off the upscale pub fare at this comfy Uptown lounge? Find heavy appetizer selections of fish and chips, grilled tuna and coconut shrimp, as well as specialty sandwiches boasting smoked sausage, portobello mushrooms and steak. After dinner, enjoy the soothing sounds of live jazz. No reservations. Dinner and late-night daily. Credit cards. $
DUNBAR’S
4927 Freret St. 899-0734
After 17 years in business, the staff at this restaurant still makes sure no one goes away hungry. Thursday’s special offers all the smothered turkey necks with candied yams and mustard greens you can eat for just $6.99. Other down-home offerings include fried chicken with red beans and rice, meatloaf with potatoes, gumbo and smothered okra, and barbecue baby back ribs. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday. Credit cards and checks. $
ELEVEN 79
1179 Annunciation St. 299-1179
This Uptown spot has quickly earned a solid reputation serving unique specialty dishes to a decidedly upscale clientele. Top appetizer choices include the grilled calamari with pecorino polenta and lemon butter. Follow this with the signature paneed veal Eleven 79, served with roasted red peppers, asparagus, buffalo mozzarella and a lemon sauce. Reservations recommended. Dinner Monday through Saturday, late-night Friday and Saturday. Credit cards. $$
EMERIL’S DELMONICO RESTAURANT
1300 St. Charles Ave. 525-4937
www.emerils.com
Showcasing high-end, contemporary Creole cuisine in a fine dining atmosphere, Emeril matches the innovation of his flagship restaurant with the elegance kicked up a notch. Try signature items such as the pecan crusted Plaquemines Parish oysters with melting Brie, or the Gulf rock shrimp with crispy shallots and lemon butter. Emeril’s Delmonico offers a Sunday brunch with the right price and choices like Louisiana crawfish quiche. Reservations recommended. Lunch weekdays, dinner nightly, brunch Sunday. Credit cards. $$$
FAT HARRY’S
4330 St. Charles Ave. 895-9582
Popular with the college crowd, Fat Harry’s offers food selections to pair with that cold beer. Football fans will love the Monday night football special: half-price pitchers and wings during the game. Equally popular is the Cajun burger made with hot Cajun sausage and ground beef. No reservations. Lunch, dinner and late-night daily. Credit cards. $
FIGARO’S PIZZERIA
7900 Maple St. 866-0100
Patio dining is one of Figaro’s main attractions. Pizza and entree-size salads are two others. Seafood risotto is crammed with scallops, shrimp, mussels, clams and crawfish. And the stuffed chicken breast packs a mixture of wild mushrooms, tomatoes and spinach; it’s then wrapped in prosciutto and adorned with Pinot Noir sauce, sauteed vegetables and mushroom risotto. Delivery available. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards and checks. $$
F&M PATIO ZANZIBAR
4841 Tchoupitoulas St. 895-6784
The fun stays in full gear here when other nightspots are winding down. After a little dancing and libation, renew your energy with the favorite chili cheese fries. Combine them with the Ninth Ward club, a composition of grilled chicken breast, pastrami, bacon and the fixings on toast. No reservations. Dinner and late-night daily. Credit cards. $
FORTISSIMO
3331 St. Charles Ave. 899-5314
There’s no mistaking the value of a gourmet-to-go outlet on your drive home from work. At 4 p.m. every day, Fortissimo busts out the hot line with ever-changing items that might include rotisserie chicken, roast pork loin, braised lamb shank and garlic mashed potatoes. Stop at lunch for sandwiches, salads and blue-plate specials. And don’t overlook the Italian gelatos in the corner. No reservations. Lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday. Cards and checks. $
FRANKY AND JOHNNY’S
321 Arabella St. 899-9146
www.frankyandjohnnys.com
This Uptown neighborhood joint packs in a crowd of regulars who swear by Franky and Johnny’s po-boys, red beans with rice and boiled crawfish (when in season). The pastrami and Swiss cheese sandwich is an unusual draw, as are deep-fried green bell peppers with ranch dipping sauce. Seafood’s star shines brightest on this menu, but don’t overlook Italian dishes like spaghetti with red gravy. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards and checks. $
FRIAR TUCK’S
5130 Freret St. 891-4080
A popular student hangout, Friar Tuck’s is popular for a killer happy hour. And the burgers go down almost as fast as the brews. The Tuck’s Burger is a hand-packed half-pound wonder with cheese and fries in regular or sweet potato. Not limited to burgers, the menu’s other bestseller is the Freret Street chicken salad made with either grilled or fried chicken. No reservations. Lunch and dinner weekdays. Credit cards. $
GAUTREAU’S
1728 Soniat St. 899-7397
A true Uptown institution, Gautreau’s offers food and atmosphere fit for both special occasions and spur-of-the-moment nights out. Chef Brent Bond’s new autumn menu includes a roasted pork chop with sweet potato hash, braised red cabbage and apple-sage butter, as well as a shrimp appetizer with tarragon and crisped shallots. Reservations recommended. Dinner Monday through Saturday. Credit cards. $$$
THE GROCERY
2854 St. Charles Ave. 895-9524
The Grocery long has set an Uptown standard with its Cuban sandwiches, pressed muffalettas and Southwestern clubs. And that’s not to mention the convenience of cappuccinos and pastries on St. Charles Avenue in the morning. A new menu item involves shrimp salad dressed in a light coating of mayonnaise and spiked with Creole seasoning and cilantro. Catering available. No reservations. Lunch Monday through Saturday. Checks. $
GUY’S PO-BOYS
5259 Magazine St. 891-5025
Every neighborhood should have a Guy’s. Shrimp tossed around on the griddle with spicy seasonings, catfish crusted golden brown, shingles of roast beef, chunks of fried chicken, thin slices of steak with fried egg and mayo – all this can be yours between pieces of po-boy bread at Guy’s. Owner Marvin Matherne also cooks up daily specials like white beans and ham with rice, spaghetti with meatballs and Salisbury steak. No reservations. Lunch Monday through Saturday. Cash only. $
HEAVENLY HAM
5300 Tchoupitoulas St. 891-5100
www.heavenlyham.com
The sandwiches here get lots of praise, whether you’re talking about smoked turkey, turkey salad, roast beef or a veggie po-boy. Popular sides include pasta, potato salad and seasonal fruit salad. The shop also offers heavenly apple-caramel-walnut and Southern pecan dessert pies. Delivery available. No reservations. Lunch daily, early dinner Monday through Saturday. Credit cards and checks. $
HENRY’S SOUL FOOD
2501 S. Claiborne Ave. 821-7757
Ordering a main dish is the easy part; it’s the side dishes that will leave you stumped. Selections include candied yams, snap beans, okra, macaroni and cheese and cabbage. Go with popular opinion and order the red beans and rice with smoked sausage. Make sure to leave room for the banana pudding and sweet potato pie. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards at the Mid-City location; cash only at the Uptown location. $
HOUSTON’S
1755 St. Charles Ave. 524-1578
www.houstons.com
Houston’s defies New Orleans’ traditional aversion to national chains. Looking for proof? Just swing by during any lunch rush or Sunday evening and witness the swarms of people longing for those baby back ribs and thick juicy steaks. But bring your appetite; Houston’s menu runs the gamut of American cuisine, most coming in hungry-man portions. Make sure you save room for the popular brownie sundae. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$
HYDE PARK GRILLE
1525 St. Charles Ave. 586-1525
www.hydeparkgrille.com
Be sure to coordinate selections from the fine wine list with dishes like pan-seared red snapper accompanied by crawfish risotto and crystal beurre blanc. Four-cheese ravioli are tossed with crawfish in a Parmesan cream sauce. Finish with palate-cleansing key lime pie or vanilla bean creme brulee. Reservations recommended. Lunch weekdays, dinner Monday through Saturday. Credit cards and checks. $$
IGOR’S
2133 St. Charles Ave. 522-2145
Insomnia? Igor’s will wear you out with video games, darts, foosball and pool tables. If you’re productive in your sleeplessness, bring your laundry, too. The Igor Burger is a half-pound sirloin patty charbroiled and served with barbecue or Cajun-style sauce and steak fries. Try it with a Bloody Mary. Every Monday, the kitchen dishes up honey-baked ham slow-cooked with red beans and rice (hint: it’s free at 7 p.m.). No reservations. Open 24 hours. Credit cards. $
IGOR’S BUDDHA BELLY BURGER BAR
4437 Magazine St. 891-6105
Talk about multi-tasking. At the Buddha Belly, you can eat, drink, launder and play pool – all in a friendly neighborhood environment in the heart of Uptown. The Break Away Steak sandwich is stuffed with shaved beef and sauteed onions, mushrooms and peppers. It’s served with fries, baked potato or pasta salad. A marinated chicken sandwich rife with oregano offers the same choice of sides. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and late-night daily. Credit cards. $
IGOR’S GARLIC CLOVE
2137 St. Charles Ave. 522-6602
Sidewalk dining is a premium on St. Charles Avenue but a way of life at the Garlic Clove. The interior boasts a mural painted by local artist Tony Green. There are, of course, specialty dishes for garlic lovers, including mussels steamed either in a garlic white wine sauce or housemade marinara. Shrimp Orleans is seasoned with crushed red peppers, then served over pasta with marinara. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $
ITALIAN PIE
5538 Magazine St. 894-0005
See "Citywide" listing for restaurant description.
JAMILA’S
7808 Maple St. 866-4366
Make a reservation for Friday night, and you’ll dine to the sounds of flamenco guitar; on Saturdays, there’s belly dancing. And on the menu you’ll find a plethora of Mediterranean and Tunisian specialties prepared by Chef Jamila. Boneless lamb is baked in a tajine with lemon and garlic, then served with basmati rice. For a pasta dish, try shrimp with garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Reservations recommended. Lunch and dinner Tuesday through Friday, dinner Sunday. Credit cards. $$
JOEY K’S
3001 Magazine St. 891-0997
A breath of old neighborhood air along its gentrified stretch of Magazine Street, Joey K’s delivers with New Orleans natives’ favorites. Try corned beef and cabbage on Monday, beef brisket with cabbage Wednesday, all-you-can-eat catfish on Fridays and a barbecue plate on Saturday. Reservations recommended for large parties. Breakfast Saturday, lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday. Credit cards. $
JUAN’S FLYING BURRITO
2018 Magazine St. 569-0000
Bring a healthy appetite to this Uptown restaurant, since portions tend to lean on the side of "whoa." You’ll think south-of-the-border when you taste the new shrimp fajitas: bell peppers, onions, jalapenos, and salsa served with beans, rice and flour tortillas. Or think green with the super green burrito of fresh garden vegetables grilled and rolled in a spinach tortilla. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $
KELSEY’S
3923 Magazine St. 897-6722
www.kelseysrest.com
While retaining his signature dishes, Chef Randy Barlow recently released new fall menus for both lunch and dinner. At lunch, order the chicken roulade in Manchego cheese sauce. Or wait for paneed rabbit with andouille Creole pasta at dinnertime. Both menus offer a grilled portobello Napoleon. Reservations recommended. Lunch and dinner Tuesday through Friday, dinner Saturday and Sunday. Credit cards. $$
KOKOPELLI’S
3150 Calhoun St. 861-3922
Even the heartiest appetite will meet its match when Kokopelli’s wraps up burritos brimming with rice, beans, cheese, sour cream, a choice of four salsas and main ingredients like jerked chicken, barbecue shrimp, Thai chicken or a host of veggies. The hot and spicy roasted corn salsa is a must-try. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards and checks. $
KUNG’S DYNASTY
1912 St. Charles Ave. 525-6669
Though Kung’s is no doubt popular partly because of the fast and friendly service, Uptowners hit this spot on The Avenue to find Hunan specials far above the mundane selection plaguing Chinese restaurants nationwide. One such item is Kung’s Chicken: chunks of chicken are fried and then refried in a plum sauce to bring out a sweet-and-spicy quality. Delivery available. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $
KYOTO
4920 Prytania St. 891-3644
Now with two locations (see "Harahan" for Kyoto II), Kyoto makes it easier for New Orleanians to sample flavors from the Orient. The appetizers are quite popular, including whitefish carpaccio drizzled with basil-infused olive oil. And don’t overlook the favorite California roll, served with tempura veggies. No reservations. Lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday. Credit cards. $$
LA CREPE NANOU
1410 Robert St. 899-2670
Locals love La Crepe Nanou’s moules frites, whole roasted fish and creamy house salad dressing. But next time you’re in the mood for the sexy Euro ambience, try the bubbling pot of cheese fondue touched with Chablis and Kirsch, and served with fruit and bread. Vegetarians will appreciate the crepe Provencal filled with ratatouille and served with boiled new potatoes. No reservations. Dinner nightly. Credit cards. $$
LA MADELEINE
601 S. Carrollton Ave. 861-8662
1327 St. Charles Ave. 410-8500
See "Citywide" listing for restaurant description.
LE BON TEMPS ROULE
4801 Magazine St. 895-8117
If this were a music guide, we would write paragraphs about this bar’s free shows. Instead, how about that half-pound cheeseburger topped with mushrooms, bacon or chili? Quesadillas step it up with veggies, black beans, chicken or a combination, served with pico de gallo and sour cream. While it’s light out, try housemade daily lunch specials. No reservations. Lunch, dinner and late-night daily. Credit cards. $
LILETTE
3637 Magazine St. 895-1636
Chef John Harris has not wanted for press since the opening of his Uptown restaurant. Taste the hype in his truffle-buttered toasts with Parmesan and bone marrow, or in the potato-crusted black drum with baby vegetables, sugar snap peas and red wine butter. Lunches are elegant, even when tackling the football-size sandwich that spills Italian cold cuts, cole slaw and French fries. Early reservations recommended. Lunch and dinner Tuesday through Saturday. Credit cards. $$
LUCKY’S BAR AND GRILL
1625 St. Charles Ave. 523-6538
A bar that combines St. Charles Avenue style with the album cover decor of a straight-up watering hole, Lucky’s offers menu options reflecting the same mood. Half-pound burgers in the Cajun, barbecue or cheese varieties come with steak fries; red beans are slow-simmered with ham and sausage. And the beans are free every Monday evening. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and late-night daily. Credit cards. $
MAGAZINE PO-BOY SHOP
2368 Magazine St. 522-3107
The name says a lot about offerings and location, but it doesn’t relate that everything is made from scratch daily. Along with the signature po-boys, there are also the eggplant Parmesan, and the egg, ham and cheese breakfast po-boy with hash browns and biscuits. Delivery available for orders of $20 or more. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch Monday through Saturday. Cash only. $
MAMA’S TASTY FOODS
1641 Louisiana Ave. 899-6162
There’s plenty of down-home cookin’ on the menu at both locations, but owner Rollie Raqueno takes particular pride in the chicken, which comes fried and skinless. Named after his daughter, Rona’s Delight features bite-size nuggets of the stuff. Frequent the place enough and you’re likely to bump into rap stars Juvenile and Mystikal, who are reportedly frequent customers. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Cash only. $
MAPLE STREET CAFE
7623 Maple St. 314-9003
The easy menu at this Uptown cafe can send you traveling around the Mediterranean with French, Italian, Greek and Middle Eastern influences – all the while never letting you forget where you are. Ask for the grilled filet mignon topped with portobello mushrooms and a red wine balsamic demi, or salmon with feta baked inside phyllo dough. Reservations recommended. Lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday, dinner Sunday. Credit cards and checks. $$
MARCO POLO’S MARKET
1901 Audubon St. 862-7656
For the past couple of years, sno-balls, deli sandwiches and waffles have beefed-up this nearly century-old neighborhood grocery. The design-your-own waffle bar is stocked with toppings as common as syrup and chocolate, and as far-out as ketchup and cheddar cheese. There’s oat bran for the health nuts and ice cream for the rest of us. Lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday. Credit cards and checks. $
MARTIN WINE CELLAR DELI AND CATERING
3827 Baronne St. 896-7380
www.martinwine.com
Along with Martin’s extensive wine selection, both locations offer gourmet-to-go dinners. Try grilled salmon with pineapple relish over creamy polenta or grilled escolar over sun-dried tomato and garlic risotto. While the retail store long has sold Wild Flour Breads, the deli recently began building sandwiches with the locally baked goods. Catering available. No reservations. Breakfast (deli foods and sandwiches only), lunch and early dinner Monday through Saturday, lunch Sunday. Credit cards and checks. $
MARTINIQUE BISTRO
5908 Magazine St. 891-8495
With a lush side patio perfect for fall nights, Martinique continues to serve a restyled French cuisine accented heavily by Caribbean influences. Chef-owner Hubert Sandot’s prized wine list is an 80-plus bottle collection. Popular picks include the Caribbean bouillabaisse with lime and cayenne, and the duck breast with framboise glace de canard. For dessert, try the chocolate brownie with ice cream. Reservations recommended. Dinner nightly. Credit cards. $$
MAT & NADDIE’S
937 Leonidas St. 861-9600
Locals would like to keep this Uptown gem to themselves. But who could help talking about the cozy surroundings and dishes like the shrimp and crawfish cake with pickled onions and fennel? A new autumn entree comprises ancho-crusted tiger prawns with pesto rice, sweet pepper salad and yellow pepper butter. They break out the backyard grill on the weekends for grilled oyster preparations. Reservations recommended. Catering available. Lunch and dinner Tuesday through Friday, dinner Saturday. Credit cards. $$
MR. JOHN’S STEAK AND SEAFOOD HOUSE
2111 St. Charles Ave. (Avenue Plaza Hotel) 679-7697
Diners make sure it remains a bull market here, ordering USDA prime steaks served in a rich butter sauce above all else. Double your taste investment with sauteed mushrooms in white wine and butter. Seafood lovers profit from oysters Rockefeller served on artichoke bottoms with hollandaise; for dessert, there’s fresh fruit over creme brulee. Reservations accepted. Breakfast and lunch daily, dinner Tuesday through Sunday. Credit cards. $$$
MONA’S CAFE
3151 Calhoun St. 861-2124
4126 Magazine St. 894-9800
See "Citywide" listing for restaurant description.
MONJUNI’S ITALIAN CAFE AND GROCERY
3442 St. Charles Ave. 899-1570
www.monjunis.com
Part of a Louisiana-based restaurant franchise born in the 1920s, Monjuni’s offers Italian eats in a slip of a restaurant with a view of the streetcar line. To start, order Italian cheese toasts topped with tomatoes and Cajun-marinated Gulf shrimp. The Italian sampler plate packs on lasagna, spaghetti with a meatball and a muffaletta wedge. Delivery available for large orders. Reservations recommended. Lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday. Credit cards. $
MOONLIGHT CAFE
1921 Sophie Wright Pl. 522-7313
Open every night (morning) until 3 a.m., Moonlight lures in the late set with a great blending of both munchie and Middle Eastern fare. Favorites on a recently over-hauled menu include spinach and artichoke dip, filet mignon shish kabobs and a Turkish salad with or without chicken, feta and olives. Delivery available. Reservations accepted. Lunch, dinner and late-night daily. Credit cards; checks accepted for delivery only. $
MS. HYSTER’S BARBECUE
2000 S. Claiborne Ave. 522-3028
The tender hickory-smoked pork ribs and tender barbecue chicken put diners in hog heaven, especially when they’re served with mustard greens, potato salad, cole slaw, string or baked beans and macaroni and cheese. The housemade desserts – sweet potato pie, bread pudding, jelly cakes and chocolate sour cream pound cakes – make it real. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily, late-night Friday and Saturday. Credit cards and checks. $
MYSTIC CAFE
3244 Magazine St. 895-7272
Uptown diners flock to this Magazine Street hot spot to satisfy many cravings. Mediterranean-style pizzas might sport feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes and superb olives. Other options include chicken portobello sandwiches and chicken tetrazzini pastas. Delivery available. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards and checks. $
NAUTICAL
7708 Maple St. 866-7504
You’ll never tread water in search of uncommon seafood dishes here. Check out the crabmeat and Brie appetizer with housemade rosemary toast points, or an entree of diver scallops baked in their shells with soy sauce and lemon grass. The chef looks to the skies to create herb-roasted duckling bathed in a Merlot reduction with rosemary-garlic mashed potatoes. Reservations recommended. Dinner daily. Credit cards. $$
NEW YORK PIZZA
5201 Magazine St. 891-2376
See "Citywide" listing for restaurant description.
NIRVANA INDIAN CUISINE
4308 Magazine St. 894-9797
Nirvana Indian Cuisine shines in a roasted leg of lamb seasoned with garam masala (cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, fennel, cumin, coriander, nutmeg, mace, black pepper and bay leaves). A favorite appetizer comprises marinated and roasted skewers of onions, bell peppers and farmers cheese (paneer). The lunch buffet costs $6.95. Reservations recommended for parties of five or more. Lunch and dinner Tuesday through Sunday. Credit cards. $$
PARASOL’S RESTAURANT AND BAR
2533 Constance St. 899-2054
It ain’t much to look at, but Parasol’s didn’t become one of the city’s favorite roast beef po-boy haunts by worrying about its looks. These sloppy, sinful sandwiches on Ledenheimer’s French rolls are piled high with thinly sliced roast beef doused in garlicky brown gravy. Order some boudin balls while you wait. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards and checks. $
PASCAL’S MANALE
1838 Napoleon Ave. 895-4877
With some of the city’s most loyal customers, Pascal’s Manale is one of the most successful institutions around. Everyone knows about the famed barbecue shrimp; those in the know ask for extra-cooked sauce to kick up the spice content. Other signature dishes include the combination pan roast: a stuffing of chopped oysters and crabmeat with shallot, parsley and seasonings. Reservations accepted. Lunch and dinner Monday through Friday, dinner Saturday. Credit cards. $$
PIZZA HUT
2800 S. Claiborne Ave. 891-9904
4903 Prytania St. 896-4990
See "Citywide" listing for restaurant description.
PJ’S COFFEE & TEA
7624 Maple St. 866-7031
5300 Tchoupitoulas St. 895-2007
5432 Magazine St. 895-0273
McAllister Pocket Park (Tulane University) 865-5705
See "Citywide" listing for restaurant description.
THE PONTCHARTRAIN BISTRO AND WINE BAR
2031 St. Charles Ave. (Pontchartrain Hotel) 524-0581
www.pontchartrainhotel.com
During recent renovations at the Pontchartrain Hotel, workers discovered the restaurant’s original hand-painted ceilings, Venetian glass windows and terrazzo marble floor. Along with the facelift came a name change and new menu selections. Reservations recommended. Breakfast and lunch daily in the Bistro, dinner daily in the Bayou Lounge wine bar. Credit cards and checks. $$
RED ROOM
2040 St. Charles Ave. 528-9759
In order to accommodate a dip in the economy and to support its loyal customers, the Red Room has altered its menu to a lower price bracket. Now priced between $15 and $23, entrees include a filet mignon crusted with Danish blue cheese and served with Madeira jus. A lemon and herb-stuffed chicken breast comes with basil-mashed potatoes, haricots verts and white wine sauce. Reservations recommended. Dinner Wednesday through Sunday. Credit cards. $$$
REGINELLI’S PIZZERIA
741 State St. 899-1414
See "Citywide" listing for restaurant description.
RENDON INN
4501 Eve St. 822-9858
If you haven’t dropped by for an order of the famous onion rings, go all out and top them off with a Haslett sandwich: a double-decker with house-roasted beef, pastrami and Swiss cheese on rye. There are red beans on Mondays and gumbo on Fridays; other specials make guest appearances throughout the week. Delivery available. No reservations. Lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday. Credit cards and checks. $
RICCOBONO’S PANOLA STREET CAFE
7801 Panola St. 314-1810
Riccobono’s created a spin on eggs Benedict, adding crawfish, sauteed mushrooms and green onions and calling it eggs Pontchartrain. Also popular are pollo rancheros and a variety of omelettes including one with spinach, mushrooms and mozzarella. For lunch, try a mushroom burger. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch daily. Credit cards and checks. $
RIVERHOUSE CAFE
5961 Magazine St. 894-0046
If variety is the spice of life, life at the Riverhouse Cafe is really spicy. You’ll find burgers, po-boys and a popular penne pasta with feta and garlic butter sauce. Another favorite is the shrimp and crab claw gumbo. And don’t forget the happy hour specials. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily, late-night Monday through Saturday. Credit cards. $$
ROCKY’S OLD NEW ORLEANS BAR & PIZZA JOINT
3222 Magazine St. 891-5152
Having satisfied the pizza cravings of Uptown for years, Rocky’s expanded on its success and opened a location in Metairie last summer. Both menus feature the same classics, with an array of gourmet pizzas (on either white or wheat crusts), plus pastas, salads and sandwiches. The Caesar salad with shaved Parmesan is a favorite. Delivery available. Reservations accepted. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $
ROMAN PIZZA
7329 Cohn St. 866-1166
This delivery-only pizza house is as proud of its sandwiches as it is of its pizzas. Try the Roman Special with Italian cold cuts, melted mozzarella, black olives, Creole mustard and the standard dressings. As for the pies, the spinach pizza is sprinkled with roasted garlic and feta, and then basted with garlic butter. Delivery only. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $
RUE DE LA COURSE
1140 S. Carrollton Ave.
1500 Magazine St. 529-1455
3128 Magazine St. 899-0242
6501 Willow St. (Tulane University) 862-8063
See "Citywide" listing for restaurant description.
ST. CHARLES TAVERN
1433 St. Charles Ave. 523-9823
At the St. Charles Tavern, breakfast is always served and the party never stops. Besides breakfast items, po-boys, burgers, red beans with rice and gumbo are popular. Stop in for nightly specials like all-you-can-eat boiled crabs on Tuesday for $8.95; Wednesday and Thursday are steak nights. No reservations. Open 24 hours. Credit cards. $
SAKE CAFE
2830 Magazine St. 894-0033
While Uptown’s new, hip sushi destination shares a name with another Sake Cafe in Metairie, the two restaurants differ in both ownership and menu. Here, try the original Uptown roll: spicy scallop inside; tuna, salmon, masago and crunchy stuff outside. The Magazine Street location serves a popular yellowtail tartare with Russian caviar, as well as lobster tempura. Reservations recommended. Lunch, brunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$
SAMUEL’S AVENUE PUB
1628 St. Charles Ave., 581-3777
If their deck with one of The Avenue’s most prime locations isn’t enough to lure you in, Samuel’s bar food and drink specials seal the deal. The half-pound burgers go quickly, as do crabcakes and nachos New Orleans, which are piled high with chili, cheese, onions, peppers and fried seafood. On Wednesdays, come for three-for-one mixed drinks. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $
SAUCY’S ON FRERET
7130 Freret St. 861-7890
At Saucy’s on Freret, condiments are king. Saucy’s offers 15 homemade sauces, including mesquite barbecue, lemon pepper, buffalo, lemon pepper, Thai, honey mustard and blue cheese. Once you’ve picked out your sauce, dress up a hamburger, salad or sandwich of your choice, and discover the power of catsup’s perky cousins. Delivery available. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $
SECRET GARDEN TEA ROOM & CAFE
3626 Magazine St. 895-2913
Offering a three-course classic tea in a casual setting until 4 p.m., the Secret Garden serves up the ideal ladylike afternoon. An additional lunch menu includes soups, salads, quiche and deli-style sandwiches. Daily specials might include the likes of stuffed avocados, grilled tuna Caesar salads and stuffed bell peppers. Reservations recommended. Lunch Monday through Friday, brunch Saturday. Available Sundays for private parties. Credit cards and checks. $
SEMOLINA
3226 Magazine St. 895-4260
See "Citywide" listing for restaurant description.
STARBUCKS COFFEE CO.
2801 Magazine St. 879-4944
5800 Magazine St. 269-5113
7700 Maple. St. 864-0411
See "Citywide" listing for restaurant description.
SUPERIOR GRILL
3636 St. Charles Ave. 899-4200
www.superiorgrill.com
Put this one on your list for year-round patio dining, a superior tequila selection and the place to be on Wednesday nights for happy hour. Lunch specials include mesquite-grilled fish, fajitas and taco salads; at dinner, choose from southwestern specialties, burgers and steaks. Fajitas steak tampiquena is a skirt steak served with an enchilada and a gathering of side dishes. Reservations recommended. Lunch and dinner daily, brunch Saturday and Sunday, late-night Friday and Saturday. Credit cards. $$
SURREY’S CAFE AND JUICE BAR
1418 Magazine St. 524-3828
Drink to your health at Surrey’s with fresh-squeezed organic juices, and keep feeling good with Surrey’s healthy sandwiches. The eggplant muffaletta boasts grilled eggplant basted with seasoned oil, provolone and Swiss cheeses and traditional olive salad. Other sandwich favorites include falafel and avocado. If it’s straight comfort food you seek, try Surrey’s breakfast offerings. Lunch Wednesday through Saturday, Sunday brunch. Cash only. $
TAQUERIA CORONA
5932 Magazine St. 897-3974
See "Citywide" listing for restaurant description.
TED’S FROSTOP
3100 Calhoun St. 861-3615
Ted’s holds the secret to long-term appeal, pleasing Uptown palates for more than 45 years. The steady draw for the devoted collegiate and blue-collar clientele is simple: good, cheap diner-style food, and lots of it. Southern breakfasts like eggs, grits, biscuits and pancakes cater to both frat boy and working man appetites. Lunch and dinner offerings are equally satisfying: cheeseburgers, chili dogs and red beans with rice. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch daily, dinner Monday through Saturday. Cash only. $
TOKYO BISTRO
1612 St. Charles Ave. 581-4449
www.tokyonola.com
An offshoot of the successful Little Tokyo restaurant, the Tokyo Bistro maintains the authenticity of its owner’s vision. Yusuke Kawahara’s dream was to bring genuine Japanese cuisine to the discriminating taste buds of New Orleans. Sample the tuna and avocado salad, or one of the chef’s special rolls like the Yami Yami Eel. Reservations accepted. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards and checks. $
TROLLEY STOP CAFE
1923 St. Charles Ave. 523-0090
No matter the hour, the Trolley Stop Cafe can service your appetite. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are always served in this 24-hour eatery. Popular selections include the Trolley Special, a lumberjack-size feast of eggs, pancakes, biscuits and hash browns. Take your pick of seafood specials that include shrimp, oysters or catfish. No reservations. Open 24 hours. Credit cards. $
UPPERLINE
1413 Upperline St. 891-9822
www.upperline.com
JoAnne Clevenger’s Uptown institution quietly keeps hordes of locals fed and happy, and Upperline is a rare one to put on your list for Sunday evening dining. A new fall menu offers a watercress salad with Stilton cheese and pecans; garlic-crusted fish with grilled leeks, and banana passion fruit sorbet. Dinner Wednesday through Sunday. Reservations recommended. Credit cards. $$
VAQUEROS
4938 Prytania St. 891-6441
www.vaqueros-restaurant.com
Vaqueros is an Uptown mainstay for premium tequilas and good times. The menu showcases unique interpretations of Southwestern dishes like a grilled pork chop crusted with aji amarillo chiles, cinnamon, and cloves, served with roasted blue potatoes, lemon-scented spinach and an orange-cranberry salsa. Reservations accepted. Lunch and dinner daily, brunch Sunday. Credit cards. $$
VERA CRUZ
7537 Maple St. 866-1736
It might be news to some, but there’s more to Vera Cruz than award-winning margaritas. Start out with nachos Marineros, topped with white cheese and black beans; move on to a huge platter of veggie fajitas with all the trimmings. Or split one of the hefty combo platters (like the Tres Amigos) with a friend. Reservations accepted. Lunch Thursday through Saturday, dinner Monday through Saturday. Credit cards. $
VINCENT’S ITALIAN CUISINE
7839 St. Charles Ave. 866-9313
Prime locations Uptown and in Metairie make it hard to miss out on Vincent’s. Come try the corn and crab bisque, or the jumbo lump crabcakes, which are sauteed and topped with champagne beurre blanc and a Cointreau aioli. Italian classics like cannelloni and osso bucco are also at home here. Reservations recommended. Lunch Tuesday through Friday, dinner daily. Credit cards. $$
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