Respond to this Story

SPRING RESTAURANT GUIDE
2003

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

J

JACK DEMPSEY'S
738 Poland Ave. 943-9914
If everything on the menu looks too good to pass up, order the J.D. Platter, which includes two stuffed crabs, two crawfish pies, two cups of gumbo, and heaps of fried shrimp, oysters, catfish and redfish. The steak and lobster special is a great deal at $17.95. No reservations. Lunch Tuesday through Friday, dinner Wednesday through Saturday. Credit cards. $$

JACQUES-IMO'S CAFE
8324 Oak St. 861-0886
The legend of the long wait at Jacques-Imo's is matched only by the testaments that inevitably conclude the meals in this chaotic Riverbend bungalow. On a bold menu, one of the boldest is the shrimp and alligator sausage cheesecake. Fry Chef Austin Leslie is known for his fried chicken, while Chef-owner Jack Leonardi cranks out countless versions of Creole fusion, including a variety of seafood interpretations. Reservations accepted for parties of five or more. Dinner Monday through Saturday. Credit cards. $$

JAEGER'S ON THE LAKE
1928 West End Park 283-7585
Spend an evening watching the sun set over Lake Pontchartrain from Jaeger's deck while taking in the nightly live entertainment. On Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays dig into boiled crawfish for $1.49 a pound. To feed the whole family, order the Big A seafood platter feast which includes fried fish, oysters, shrimp, crawfish tails, softshell crab, crabcakes, oysters bordelaise and hushpuppies -- it feeds five adults. Reservations accepted. Lunch Saturday and Sunday, dinner Wednesday through Sunday. Credit cards. $

THE JAMBALAYA SHOPPE
701 Poydras St. (One Shell Square) 522-0138
As this restaurant's name suggests, Jambalaya is the specialty at this inexpensive CBD eatery. The house recipe, which hails from Gonzales, is brown (as opposed to tomato red) and prepared with either chicken and sausage or pork and sausage. Gumbo is another option: try chicken-andouille or seafood. No reservations. Lunch Monday through Friday. Credit cards and checks. $

JAMILA'S CAFE
7808 Maple St. 866-4366
The exotic flavors of the Mediterranean and Tunisia are not the only entertainment at Jamila's Cafe, as the restaurant hosts Flamenco guitarists every Friday night and belly dancers every Saturday night. One popular entree is the grilled red snapper, with the whole fish served with steamed vegetables and saffron rice. Reservations recommended. Lunch Tuesday through Friday, dinner Tuesday through Sunday. Credit cards. $$

JAVA HOUSE
4241 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie 457-0089
Not just coffee but a variety of drinks and food awaits you at Java House. Drink options include flavored frozen cappuccinos as well as bubble tea and jet tea powered with ginseng and ginkgo biloba. For something hearty, try the chicken and sausage gumbo, or for sweet tooths, there are croissants and muffins (regular and sugar-free). No reservations. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $

JAZZ SEAFOOD & STEAK HOUSE
2722 Williams Blvd., Kenner 468-3237
Jazzy shrimp dishes are special favorites here, where the shrimp rigatoni pasta is tossed with garlic, tomato, artichoke hearts, wine and butter. The Shrimp Trio offers the little critters boiled, fried and scampi-style. Boiled lobsters are served nightly, and oysters on the half shell cost $5 a dozen. Reservations accepted. Lunch Monday through Friday, dinner daily. Credit cards. $$

THE JIMANI
141 Chartres St. 524-0493
The Jimani offers locals and visitors alike a respite from the French Quarter's noise, and the hearty food has been known to fortify a stomach before a night of libation. Recommended sandwiches include the Reuben and the 8-ounce filet mignon sandwich, and the hamburgers and pizzas always satisfy. No reservations. Delivery available at night. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $

JIMMY BUFFETT'S MARGARITAVILLE CAFE
1104 Decatur St. 592-2565
www.margaritavillecafe.com
The namesake of the famous "son of a son of a sailor," this restaurant would make grandpa proud with its take-no-prisoners approach to seafood, including the "Off to See the Lizard" Swamp Platter. It's a swamp tour for your taste buds, with frog legs, gator bites, crawfish tails and catfish, all fried and served with file gumbo, coleslaw, corn sticks, Texas toast and fries. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $ JOE'S CRAB SHACK
8000 Lakeshore Drive 283-1010
www.joescrabshack.com
There are, of course, crabs aplenty at this favored seafood joint -- boiled or steamed Dungeness are just two of many options. Among the oyster, shrimp and fish dishes, the blackened redfish served with rice pilaf and mixed vegetables is a highlight, and it can be topped with sauteed shrimp and crabmeat stuffing. Reservations accepted. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$

JOEY K'S
3001 Magazine St. 891-0997
Joey K's is known for its po-boys and all-you-can eat catfish specials, but don't forget the grilled salmon, served with steamed veggies, new potatoes and a salad. Frequent blackboard specials include shrimp and okra stew and crawfish etouffee, and a popular mainstay is the lamb shank with mustard greens and new potatoes. Reservations recommended for large parties. Breakfast Saturday, lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday. Credit cards. $

JOHNNIE'S PO-BOYS
827 Perdido St. 523-9883
There are plenty of po-boys to choose from here, but most regulars opt for the tried-and true fried shrimp or oyster choices. There's also daily specials including spaghetti and meatballs on Tuesday, hamburger steak on Wednesday, and fried chicken with butter beans on Thursday. Morning choices include egg breakfasts such as the Western omelette with sausage, bacon, ham and cheese. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch Monday through Friday. Credit cards. $

JOHNNY & JOSIE'S RESTAURANT
4445 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie 888-7888
Owner Nick Rabalais gives New Orleans food a sassy twist at this Metairie restaurant. In his capable hands, a po-boy is not just a po-boy; it's hollowed-out French bread stuffed with spicy shrimp jambalaya and boudin, which is then breaded and deep-fried. Seafood platters, fried chicken, and pasta dishes offer something for everyone. Delivery available. Reservations accepted. Lunch Monday through Saturday, dinner Friday. Credit cards and checks. $

JOHNNY AND JACKIE'S PO-BOY RESTAURANT
326 Huey P. Long Ave., Gretna 362-8690
This casual eatery is known for the namesake Johnny and Jackie's Special po-boy, loaded with roast beef, grilled ham and Swiss and American cheeses. The new Caesar salads, featuring your choice of grilled tuna and chicken or fried chicken, shrimp or oyster, are also a hit. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch Monday through Friday. Visa/MC. $

JOHNNY RYAN'S
600 St. Charles Ave. (Lafayette Hotel) 586-9411
www.johnnyryans.com
Johnny Ryan's continues to expand on the initial success of its December debut. All tastes are appeased here, with plenty of steak and filet options like twin blackened filets with garlic demi-glace and blue cheese. Tastes of the sea abound, including favorite choices of almond-crusted baby drum. Reservations recommended. lunch and dinner Monday through Friday, dinner only Saturday. Credit cards. $$

JOHNNY'S PO-BOY RESTAURANT
511 St. Louis St. 524-8129
There's two new po-boys on the board at Johnny's, so come in and try the fried boudin po-boy (served with red gravy) and fried calamari po-boy for yourself. Other lunchtime options include muffalettas, crab cakes, seafood platters and a full complement of fresh salads including the club salad -- a fried breast of chicken with bacon and cheese. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch daily. Cash or traveler's checks only. $

JUAN'S FLYING BURRITO
2018 Magazine St. 569-0000
4724 S. Carrollton Ave. 486-9950
Uptowners still can't believe they have to share the magic of Juan's hefty burritos with Mid-City. Despite its new digs, the Mid-City location already has the funky vibe down, as well as the south-of-the-border offerings. Try the house special, the Flying Burrito, a plateful of chicken, steak and shrimp with beans, rice, salsa, sour cream, guacamole and cheese -- all packed into a spinach, flour or wheat tortilla. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $

JUJU'S KITCHEN
2544 Gravier St. 821-9393
Here in the CBD is an outpost of hearty homestyle cooking. Spring brings scores of fried seafood in JuJu's special seasoning, breaded and deep-fried pork chops, and good old-fashioned bacon and egg breakfasts. Dessert brings cheesecake with strawberry or blueberry topping, or brownie a la mode. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch Monday through Friday. Credit cards. $

JUKEBOX CAJUN DINER
2560 Williams Blvd., Kenner 469-1112
www.jukeboxcajndiner.com
If there's a lock on the door, you'd never know it, since this Kenner diner never turns away a hungry stomach. Against the advice of accountants, and much to the relief of their regular customers, the management has instituted a much-needed "unlimited napkin" policy for the sloppy roast beef po-boy. No reservations. Open 24 hours daily. Credit cards. $