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Grab a cold one and a clawed one at The Galley Seafood
Restaurant.
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BAYOU ST. JOHN
BAYOU COFFEE HOUSE 326 N. Jefferson Davis Pkwy. 484-7390 This Cajun-style coffeehouse serves up iced, frozen and hot espresso drinks in a homey, bayou-themed atmosphere. Early birds will enjoy continental breakfast fare including muffins, bagels and pastries; lunch favorites include wraps, sandwiches and hearty salads such as the cold shrimp pasta and chicken honey-mustard salads. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $
CAFE DEGAS 3127 Esplanade Ave. 945-5635; www.cafedegas.com New Chef Ryan Hughes, formerly of Lee Circle Restaurant, plans to bring plenty of exciting innovation to this popular neighborhood bistro. Die-hard regulars can still expect the casually delectable French fare they depend on, like housemade terrines and hanger steak. Don't miss the prix fixe three-course lunches for $12. Reservations recommended for parties of six or more. Lunch Tuesday through Saturday, dinner daily, brunch Sunday. Credit cards. $$
CC'S COFFEE 2800 Esplanade Ave. 482-9865; www.ccscoffee.com See 'Citywide' listing for restaurant description.
ESPLANADE DELI 3443 Esplanade Ave. (The Esplanade at City Park) 821-8939 Formerly known as the Esplanade Restaurant, this cozy spot located in the downstairs of the Esplanade at Park Esplanade Apartments now features more sandwiches and salads and serves pizza every day. There is always a daily special, such as meatballs and spaghetti. No reservations. Lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday. Credit cards and checks. $
GABRIELLE RESTAURANT 3201 Esplanade Ave. 948-6233; www.gabriellerestaurant.com Greg and Mary Sonnier's pie slice-shaped restaurant serves contemporary Creole cuisine. The slow-roasted duck with orange sherry sauce and the barbecue shrimp pie are recommended. Reservations recommended. Lunch Friday, dinner Tuesday through Saturday. Credit cards. $$$
INDIGO 2284 Bayou Road 947-0123; www.indigonola.com Chef Jared Katz's award-winning cuisine has characteristics of modern French and regional cuisines. His emphasis on classic cooking techniques shows in his plates of seared foie gras served with caramelized shallots and drizzled with port reduction and sauterne gastrique. Dine al fresco on succulent rabbit saltimbocca or Creole osso buco in the historic setting of a former French plantation. Reservations recommended. Dinner Tuesday through Sunday, brunch Sunday. Credit cards. $$$
LOLA'S 3312 Esplanade Ave. 488-6946 It's an intimate space and often busy, but Lola's paella is well worth the long wait. This national dish of Spain consists of seafood and vegetables cooked to order with saffron arborio rice. Diners often can ward off the vampires with the garlic shrimp appetizer. No reservations. Dinner daily. Checks. $$
PARKWAY BAKERY & TAVERN 538 Hagan Ave. 482-3047 They build old school style roast beef po-boys at Parkway, a venerable po-boy shop recently reopened after sitting vacant for almost a decade. The shrimp and oyster po-boys are also recommended. Catch live music every Saturday at 7:00 p.m. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $
SUSHI CAFE 3125 Esplanade Ave. 945-1919 Head Chef Victor Pasigan says the No. 1 seller is his mango blue crab roll, which won a recent food contest in Hawaii. It features blue crab, lettuce, peanuts, cucumber, avocado and mango in a soybean wrap with a sweet chile sauce. No reservations. Lunch Tuesday through Saturday, dinner Tuesday through Sunday. Credit cards. $$
WHOLE FOODS MARKET 3135 Esplanade Ave. 943-1626 With Whole Foods' gourmet to-go items, hosts can throw an elegant dinner party without heating up the kitchen. In addition to a seasonal selection of prepared dinners, Whole Foods offers made-to-order sandwiches, a full bakery and a salad bar. Vegetarian and vegan options include spicy chile tofu and spinach lentil soup. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards and checks. $
BUCKTOWN
DEANIE'S SEAFOOD 1713 Lake Ave., Metairie 831-4141 Deanie's brings diners all the bounty of the sea. The barbecue shrimp are a spicy favorite that features jumbo head-on shrimp sauteed in a unique blend of seasonings. The giant seafood platter should satisfy just about anyone with its abundance of fresh shrimp, oysters, catfish, softshell crabs and crawfish balls. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards and checks. $$
NEW ORLEANS FOOD & SPIRITS 210 Hammond Hwy., Metairie 828-2220 See 'Citywide' listing for restaurant description.
R&O PIZZA PLACE 216 Hammond Hwy., Metairie 831-1248 Pizza is the name of the game here, although R&O is by no means known by its popular pepperoni or meatball pies alone. This fun family restaurant also offers such favorites as stuffed artichokes, Italian salad, house special roast beef po-boy, and seafood dishes such as the barbecue shrimp. No reservations. Lunch and dinner Wednesday through Monday. Credit cards. $
SAIA'S ON THE LAKE 200 Hammond Hwy., Metairie 831-5700 Sal Saia still serves the prime steaks and chops locals depend on at his newest restaurant, but its Bucktown location demands that seafood be given a fair shake. Favorites include Cajun-stuffed eggplant boats and softshell crabs served in a crawfish cream sauce over angel hair pasta. No reservations. Lunch Tuesday through Friday, dinner Tuesday through Sunday. Credit cards. $$
SID-MAR'S OF BUCKTOWN 1824 Orpheum Ave., Metairie 831-9541; www.sidmarsofbucktown.com This Bucktown tradition is for seafood lovers looking for hearty helpings in a casual setting. The seafood bisque 'boat' features crawfish, shrimp and crab in a seasoned red roux served in a huge bowl, while the bountiful Fisherman's Platter comes overloaded with oysters, shrimp, catfish, stuffed crab and softshell crab accompanied with hushpuppies, French fries, a salad and toast. No reservations. Lunch and dinner Tuesday through Sunday. Credit cards. $$
TWO TONY'S RESTAURANT 105 Hammond Hwy., Metairie 831-0999; www.two-tonys.com Co-founded by Tony Montalbano and his son, Chef Anthony, Two Tony's serves up Italian and seafood. Tony recommends the speckled trout piccata, a pan-fried speckled trout fillet cooked golden and topped with artichoke hearts in a lemon butter sauce. Reservations recommended. Breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner and late-night Tuesday through Sunday. Credit cards. $$
BYWATER
BYWATER BBQ 3162 Dauphine St. 944-4445 Locals enjoy specials like Sunday's prime rib and Tuesday's Mexican night as well as the traditional smoked chicken, pork and beef brisket with all the favorite barbecue sides. Weekend brunch features huevos rancheros, eggs Benedict and drink specials on mimosas and Bloody Marys. Reservations accepted for parties of six or more. Breakfast, lunch and dinner Monday through Friday, brunch and dinner Saturday and Sunday. Delivery available. Credit cards. $
CAFE PICASSO 3401 Chartres St. 948-6881 This unassuming neighborhood hangout boasts authentic Neapolitan-style pizza with the trademark thin, crispy crust that transplanted New Yorkers dream about. Other Italian fare like the chicken parmesan pasta is also popular, as are occasional Middle Eastern-style additions to the menu. No reservations. Lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday. Checks. $
THE COUNTRY CLUB 634 Louisa St. 945-0742; www.countryclubneworleans.com A leisurely day of hanging out around The Country Club's heated pool or relaxing in one of the lounges is bound to make you hungry; snack on the homemade quiches or chili cheese quesadillas. Thursday brings dinner and a movie, with a full dinner menu inspired by the film. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $
ELIZABETH'S RESTAURANT 601 Gallier St. 944-9272; www.elizabeths-restaurant.com Now that the Bywater stretch of Chartres Street is re-paved, the lines will get longer for this restaurant best known for its generous homestyle cooking. Chef-owner Heidi Trull dishes up eclectic soul food, such as barbecue omelettes and her signature praline bacon. Hubby Joe Trull offers sweets such as buttermilk lemon ice cream and peanut butter and jelly chess pie. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch Tuesday through Saturday, brunch Saturday. Credit cards and checks. $
JACK DEMPSEY'S 738 Poland Ave. 943-9914 A timeless jewel of the Bywater, this seafood restaurant boasts the J.D Platter for two, which features two stuffed crabs, two crawfish pies, two cups of gumbo, and loads of fried shrimp, oysters, catfish and redfish. No reservations. Lunch Tuesday through Friday, dinner Wednesday through Saturday. Credit cards. $$
THE JOINT 801 Poland Ave. 949-3232 This funky Bywater outpost is fast gaining rave reviews for a good jukebox, great vibes, and exceptional barbecue. Order a cold beer with your pulled pork sandwich, rack of ribs, or quarter- or half-chicken, paired with such tasty sides as mac and cheese or baked beans. No reservations. Lunch and dinner Thursday through Monday, lunch and early dinner Sunday. Call for delivery availability. Visa/MC. $
MANDICH RESTAURANT 3200 St. Claude Ave. 947-9553; www.mandich.net Broiled stuffed shrimp with crabmeat and the roasted pork loin with candied yams -- covered with a delicious onion gravy -- come recommended. Seafood is served fresh. Reservations recommended. Lunch Tuesday through Friday, dinner Friday and Saturday. Credit cards. $$
SUGAR PARK TAVERN 800 France St. 940-6226 Sugar Park's pizza chef learned his trade in New York City, but he's happy to add local toppings such as andouille, tasso and crawfish. Burgers and fish and chips are also popular with patrons. The tavern atmosphere is conducive for neighborhood locals. No reservations. Dinner daily, brunch Sunday. Delivery available. Credit cards. $$
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Milovan Espinosa keeps customers Lauren Streifer and
Karen Lial happy at Taqueria Corona.
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CARROLLTON
BABYLON CAFE 7724 Maple St. 314-0010 This Uptown hangout is a casual student favorite for Middle Eastern staples including the gyro plate, falafel and chicken shawarma. Crusty sandwich bread is baked in-house. Feel free to bring your own wine to complement the flavors of eggplant, lamb, roasted garlic and other delicacies. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $
BANGKOK THAI 513 S. Carrollton Ave. 861-3932 Not to be confused with Mid-City's Bangkok Cuisine, this equally popular hangout turns out Thai classics like spicy curries and pad Thai for hungry Tulane and Loyola students. Try the drunken noodles -- wide tender noodles made in-house and served with a stir-fry of sweet basil, baby corn, bell pepper, tomato, onion and a choice of meats. No reservations. Lunch Monday through Friday, dinner daily. Credit cards. $
BASIL LEAF 1438 S. Carrollton Ave. 862-9001 This Uptown favorite offers a contemporary, upscale take on traditional Thai cooking in a minimalist, beautifully lit atmosphere. Try a spicy shrimp curry -- grilled shrimp served in Thai green curry with vegetables and noodles -- or the half-duck, which is smoked in-house and then fried and topped with a five-spice Cabernet sauce and served over sauteed gingered vegetables. Reservations recommended. Dinner daily. Credit cards. $$
CAFE VOLAGE 720 Dublin St. 861-4227 The warm, intimate atmosphere of this Uptown cottage is the perfect setting for a savory tete-a-tete between Italian, French and Louisiana flavors. The osso buco is a favorite, as is the braised lamb shank served with mushrooms in a white wine demi-glace. Reservations recommended on weekends. Lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday, brunch Sunday. Credit cards. $$
CAMELLIA GRILL 626 S. Carrollton Ave. 866-9573 This Uptown lunch counter is a New Orleans institution known for its hearty soda-shop food served up by bow-tied waiters. Top off a famous burger with anything from sharp cheese to chili to grilled onions and chase it with a hefty plate of chili-cheese fries. Make sure to save room for a slice of chocolate pecan pie heated up on the grill. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and late-night daily. Cash only. $
CARROLLTON STATION BAR & GRILL 8140 Willow St. 865-9190 Live local rock 'n' roll and ballgames on the bar's several TV's help Uptowners work up an appetite at this laid-back neighborhood joint. House specialties include half-pound burgers and Philly cheese steaks, and specialty salads like the sliced, grilled steak with Swiss cheese and mushrooms are also appealing. No reservations. Lunch, dinner and late-night daily. Credit cards. $
CC'S COFFEE 630 S. Carrollton Ave. 865-0027; www.ccscoffee.com See 'Citywide' listing for restaurant description.
CHINA ORCHID 704 S. Carrollton Ave. 865-1428 The menu at China Orchid gives diners a culinary tour through the provinces of China, with Mandarin, Hunan and Szechuan dishes all represented. The Emperor's Chow Mein is a regal feast with a bounty of beef, chicken, shrimp, pork and vegetables tossed with pan-fried noodles. The sesame chicken is a dependable classic, featuring fried chicken in a sweet sauce. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $
DANTE'S KITCHEN 736 Dante St. 861-3121; www.danteskitchen.com The charming cottage that houses this Riverbend cafe is just the right setting for the Creole cuisine inside. The crabmeat and Brie French toast is a rich starter, while the Trois Mignon is a popular entree featuring three petite filets topped with pork debris, stilton cheese and marchands de vin sauce. Reservations accepted for parties of six or more. Lunch and dinner daily, brunch Saturday and Sunday. Credit cards. $$
FIGARO'S RESTAURANT 7900 Maple St. 866-0100 With its famed Neapolitan-style pizzas, Figaro's is a staple for college students and Uptown residents. Entrees include the mussels Figaro, where Atlantic blue mussels are topped with tomatoes, green onion, capers, garlic and herbed butter and served over angel hair pasta, as well as the sherried chicken linguine, with chicken breast, mushrooms and pasta in a sherry cream sauce. Reservations recommended. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$
FIVE HAPPINESS 3605 S. Carrollton Ave. 482-3935; www.fivehappiness.com Voted by Gambit Weekly readers as the best Chinese restaurant in the 2004 Best of New Orleans® poll, Five Happiness offers generous portions and authentic Chinese specialties. Consider traditional dishes like crispy ginger shrimp and pecan shrimp. If you are more of a carnivore the crispy orange beef is not to be missed. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$
FRESCO CAFE AND PIZZERIA 7625 Maple St. 862-6363 Neighborhood pizza parlors like Fresco's never seem to fall out of food fashion, especially when they offer patrons lavash rolls along with a specialty sandwich menu. The Fresco Special is one such sandwich packed with grilled chicken, mozzarella, caramelized onions and roasted peppers. But its specialty is still crispy, cheesy pizza to be enjoyed al fresco on the deck. No reservations. Delivery available. Lunch, dinner and late-night daily. Credit cards. $
G.B.'S PATIO BAR AND GRILL 8117 Maple St. 861-0067 G.B.'s patio is perfect for fall weather and the college students nearby. Monday night invites patrons to snack on appetizer specials that include potato skins, chicken quesadillas, nachos, Buffalo wings, mozzarella sticks and chicken tenders. Entrees include juicy burgers, fresh seafood or a thick steak. Reservations recommended. Lunch Friday through Sunday, dinner daily. Credit cards. $$
HAAGEN-DAZS 8108 Hampson St. 861-1005; www.haagendazs.com See 'Citywide' listing for restaurant description.
HANA JAPANESE RESTAURANT 8116 Hampson St. 865-1634 This neighborhood favorite is both a sushi bar and a full Japanese restaurant, providing light lunches, hot meals of noodles or cooked fish. Take a break from shopping to enjoy an assortment of specialty sushi rolls, including the Hana Special Roll with a combination of salmon, tuna, snow crab, cucumber, avocado, egg, and shrimp tempura. Reservations recommended for parties of six or more. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$
JACQUES-IMO'S CAFE 8324 Oak St. 861-0886; www.jacquesimoscafe.com Jack Leonardi's popular contemporary Louisiana restaurant has been known to force lines out onto Oak Street. Start off with the fried green tomatoes with shrimp remoulade, and move on to the sesame seed seared tuna and crabcake with citrus relish. Reservations accepted for parties of five or more. Dinner Monday through Saturday. Credit cards. $$
JAMILA'S CAFE 7808 Maple St. 866-4366 Jamila's offers a bit of Tunisia in a city better known for its local cuisine. It makes good use of its grill, offering grilled whole red snapper with paprika, cumin, garlic and chutney. The lamb is baked in terra cotta dishes and served with saffron basmati rice. Reservations recommended. Lunch Tuesday through Friday, dinner Tuesday through Sunday. Credit cards. $$
JAZMINE CAFE 614 S. Carrollton Ave., 866-9301 This recently opened Vietnamese-American restaurant offers a wide variety of culinary options, from its all-day American breakfast to traditional Vietnamese cuisine. Popular items from the Asian side of the menu include rice crepes stuffed with bean sprouts, carrots, cilantro, pork and shrimp. The Tamarind Shrimp Soup brims with shrimp, pineapple, okra, bean sprouts and celery. Reservations accepted. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $
LA COCINITA ESCONDIDA 4520 Freret St. 891-9557 'The little hidden kitchen' has attracted lots of attention since turning 1 year old. Its Nicaraguan fare has made many fans from its pupusas and carne asada. The house recommends the Nicaraguan-style tacos ($3.75) for a satisfying lunch. No reservations. Lunch and dinner Monday through Friday, early lunch on Saturday. Credit cards. $
LA MADELEINE 601 S. Carrollton Ave. 861-8662; www.lamadeleine.com See 'Citywide' listing for restaurant description.
LEBANON'S CAFE 1500 S. Carrollton Ave. 862-6200 Cuisine from all over the Mediterranean with an emphasis on Greek and Lebanese is served up nightly at the appropriately named Lebanon's Cafe, which recently moved into the larger space next door from its previous location. All the standards make an appearance such as gyros, spinach and Greek salads and kabobs; the shawarma is a particular favorite. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $
MANGO HOUSE 8115 Jeannette St. 862-5848 A menu that offers guests a taste of the Caribbean is the goal of the Mango House owners and staff. Helping them bring island flavors to New Orleans are dishes such as coconut shrimp, conch ceviche, curried chicken and crabcakes. And what Caribbean experience would be complete without a rum drink special? Mango House has seven from which to choose. No reservations. Dinner Tuesday through Sunday. Credit cards. $$
MAPLE STREET CAFE 7623 Maple St. 314-9003 Spitting distance from Tulane and Loyola Universities, Maple Street Cafe offers the Duck Jameel: pepper-crusted duck breast topped with a blueberry cognac sauce. Also try the filet portobello, a grilled 8-oz. filet topped with portobello mushroom and a balsamic port wine demi-glace. Reservations recommended. Lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday, dinner Sunday. Credit cards. $$
MARGAUX'S 8400 Oak St. 865-1559 Zachary's has sadly been retired at this location. The good news is that Creole cuisine remains. Located just a half a block away from the Maple Leaf Bar, the management at Margaux's invites you to dine on seafood gumbo, and Southern fried chicken and other chef favorites. Reservations recommended. Lunch buffet and dinner Monday through Saturday. Brunch Sunday. Reservations recommended. Major cards. $$
MAT & NADDIE'S 937 Leonidas St. 861-9600 Mat & Naddie's adventurous menu is abound with numerous modern Louisiana fine-dining dishes such as venison medallions encased in wild boar and green onion sausage. For a little variety, try the restaurant's nightly wine dinner, which features a choice of two entrees, appetizers or desserts each paired with the appropriate wine. Reservations recommended. Dinner Monday through Saturday. Credit cards. $$$
MIKIMOTO 3301 S. Carrollton Ave. 488-1881 Japanese cuisine rules at this Carrollton Avenue standby. We're talking sushi, teriyakis, tempuras and noodle dishes. The special is the 99-cent nigiri sushi, available all the time. For the less adventurous, there is also a standard rib-eye steak. Reservations accepted. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $
NICK'S ON CARROLLTON 1120 S. Carrollton Ave. 866-1414 The patio is the perfect place on the weekends to sip a Bloody Mary, enjoy a hearty breakfast and watch the streetcars roll by. For lunch try the burgers, soups, and the Carrollton, a fried chicken breast sandwich with grilled onions and Cheddar cheese. No reservations. Lunch daily, dinner Friday, brunch Saturday and Sunday. Credit cards and checks. $
NINJA 8433 Oak St. 866-1119 The diverse menu at Ninja serves devoted Uptown customers a range of Japanese fare. Sushi rolls are the most popular items, but you can go for a variety with Box Sushi, which is a layering of fish of your choice, eel, snow crab rolls, rice and avocado. The Ninja's dinner for two introduces an array of Japanese favorites, tempura, beef and chicken teriyaki, gyzoa, edamame, hiviki and seaweed salad, and choice of two rolls. Reservations accepted. Lunch and dinner Tuesday and Sunday. Credit cards. $$
O'HENRY'S FOOD & SPIRITS 634 S. Carrollton Ave. 866-9741 See 'Citywide' listing for restaurant description.
PICCADILLY CAFETERIA 3800 S. Carrollton Ave. 482-0775; www.piccadilly.com See 'Citywide' listing for restaurant description.
PJ'S COFFEE & TEA 7624 Maple St. 866-7031; www.pjscoffee.com See 'Citywide' listing for restaurant description.
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Annadele's Plantation offers fine dining on the Bogue
Falaya River.
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RED STAR CHINESE 8330 Earhart Blvd. 861-1933 Favorites here include the hot and spicy General Tso's chicken, the crab Rangoon appetizer and the crispy shrimp. Combination plates are a great way to sample multiple dishes, and you can round out any entree with an egg roll or an order of shrimp fried rice. No reservations. Lunch and dinner Tuesday through Sunday. Credit cards. $
RUE DE LA COURSE COFFEEHOUSE 1140 S. Carrollton Ave. 861-4343 See 'Citywide' listing for restaurant description.
SALTWATER GRILL 1340 S. Carrollton Ave. 324-6640 This neighborhood seafood joint has endeared itself to Uptowners with dishes such as the grilled shrimp in avocado remoulade and Gulf fish meuniere. Oysters Rockefeller and on the half-shell are also popular, as are the house specialty fried seafood platters. Reservations accepted for parties of five or more. Lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday. Credit cards. $$
SARA'S 724 Dublin St. 861-0565; www.sarasrestaurant.com This cozy Riverbend cottage is the perfect spot for an intimate dinner, with its innovative fusion of Indian, Mediterranean, Thai and French Creole flavors. Eclectic specialties include the green curried scallops with jasmine rice and black bean salsa, or the sesame-crusted pan-seared Atlantic salmon in wasabi beurre blanc. No reservations. Lunch and dinner Tuesday through Saturday. Credit cards and checks. $$
SHELL SHUCKED 1506 S. Carrollton Ave. 861-1003 The pun-filled name refers to Shell Shucked's specialty of oysters. But there's a variety of dishes available, including a shrimp and artichoke salad and pan-fried softshell crab with garlic vegetables. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$
STARBUCKS COFFEE CO. 7700 Maple St. 864-0411; www.starbucks.com See 'Citywide' listing for restaurant description.
YE OLDE COLLEGE INN 3016 S. Carrollton Ave. 866-3683 It still serves the oyster loaf advertised on the outside wall, but the nearly 75-year-old restaurant's 'Atkins friendly' catfish Manchac (broiled catfish with a crab and Brie sauce) shows that Ye Olde College Inn also keeps up with modern trends. Fried green tomatoes with remoulade sauce are also popular. Reservations recommended. Lunch daily, dinner Monday through Saturday, late-night Friday and Saturday, brunch Sunday. Credit cards. $$
CBD
ALLEGRO BISTRO 1100 Poydras St. 582-2350 A favored destination for both busy office workers and sports fans, with its traditional Saints pre-game buffet and special dinner service during Hornets home games. The spicy barbecue shrimp, available as an appetizer or entree, is a perennial favorite; for fall, try the hearty pepper jelly-glazed, pan-seared, crispy duck breast, served in a cranberry port demi-glace over basmati dirty rice. Reservations accepted. Lunch Monday through Friday. Credit cards. $$
APPLE SEED SHOPPE 201 St. Charles Ave. 529-3442 This all-natural cafe prides itself on providing a variety of healthy foods for the CBD lunch crowd, and particularly salads, smoothies and fruit juices. It also offers sandwiches and a creamy cheese soup made with cheddar and celery that is always in demand. No reservations. Lunch Monday through Friday. Checks. $
ANTHONY'S SEAFOOD AND LOBSTER HOUSE 1 Poydras St., Suite 113 (Riverwalk Marketplace) 524-1243 Anthony's prides itself on its signature dish: the blackened lobster. Though the blackened lobster is the most popular choice on the menu, attractions -- beyond the pleasant view of the Mississippi River -- include the shrimp Drago (shrimp prepared stuffed, grilled or blackened) plus jambalaya and corn maque choux. Reservations accepted. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$$
BAYOU BAGELRY 830 Gravier St. 524-0875 See 'Citywide' listing for restaurant description.
THE BESH STEAKHOUSE AT HARRAH'S 512 S. Peters St. (Harrah's New Orleans Casino) 533-6111 Harrah's continues to offer its high rollers a fine spot to spend their winnings in John Besh's fine-dining restaurant, which serves up a contemporary twist on the classic steakhouse theme. Start off with the BLT salad, which combined chilled lobster, apple-smoked bacon and heirloom tomatoes, and move on to the popular American Kobe beef, served with lobster and shrimp-stuffed piquillo peppers and chevre whipped potatoes. Reservations recommended. Dinner nightly. Credit cards. $$
CAFE ADELAIDE & THE SWIZZLE STICK LOUNGE 300 Poydras St. (Loews Hotel) 595-3305; www.cafeadelaide.com The Commander's Palace family of restaurants lets loose with this whimsical bar and lounge, a loving paean to the Brennan's nightlife-loving Aunt Adelaide. Veteran chef Kevin Vizard offers up treats like the hot iron skillet-seared scallops with foie gras served in a coriander and black pepper crust, as well as innovative brunch dishes like the paneed eggs: breaded and fried poached eggs served over a shrimp and tomato Provencal with Serrano ham and fried grit cakes in a tomato demi-glace. Reservations recommended. Breakfast daily, lunch Monday through Friday, dinner daily, brunch Saturday and Sunday. Credit cards. $$
CAFE ARABESQUE 211 LaSalle St. 524-6455 Cafe Arabesque delivers an eclectic blend of Middle Eastern, Mediterranean and Latin food, with po-boys thrown in for good measure. Try the 'Mafia-letta' sandwich: Genoa salami, ham, pepperoni, mozzarella, Swiss and olive salad with mojo dressing, served on Roma bread and pressed in the traditional Cuban way. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch Monday through Friday. Credit cards and checks. $
CAFE DU MONDE 1 Poydras St. (Riverwalk Marketplace) 587-0841; 1400 Poydras St. (New Orleans Center) 587-0842; www.cafedumonde.com See 'Citywide' listing for restaurant description.
CAJUN MIKE'S PUB 'N' GRUB 116 Baronne St. 566-0055; www.cajunmikes.com Locals call this friendly CBD spot the closest thing New Orleans has to Cheers. But even if nobody there knows your name, you'll feel at home with dishes like owner Maria's authentic Cubanito sandwich: roast pork, ham, pickles, melted Swiss and mustard. No reservations. Lunch Monday through Friday, dinner and late-night daily. Credit cards. $
CC'S COFFEE 2 Poydras St. (New Orleans Hilton Riverside) 525-0024; 650 Poydras St. (Poydras Center) 586-0278; www.ccscoffee.com See 'Citywide' listing for restaurant description.
COBALT 333 St. Charles Ave. 565-5595; www.cobaltrestaurant.com Cobalt brings a contemporary Southern flair to every meal, starting with brunch specialties like the Low Country Eggs Calhoun, where poached eggs are served with blue crabcakes, fried green tomatoes and sherry hollandaise sauce. For lunch, try a gourmet blue plate special, priced at $10. Dinner features crawfish and fontina jammed Niman Ranch bone-in pork chop over dirty rice with an apple bourbon reduction. Reservations recommended. Breakfast and lunch Monday through Friday, dinner daily, brunch Saturday and Sunday. Credit cards. $$
THE COMMONS 1010 Common St. 525-3508 Office workers can enjoy a quick bite at this Chinese-American restaurant. There are three Chinese and American specials offered each day ranging from chicken parmesan to Mandarin chicken. Another must for those on the go is the extensive salad bar. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch and dinner Monday through Friday. Credit cards. $
CRYSTAL ROOM 833 Poydras St. (Le Pavillon Hotel) 581-3111; www.lepavillon.com With the Crystal Room's enormous chandelier tinkling overhead and the portraits on the walls, this dining room creates an ambience worthy of Versailles. For dinner, Chef Rick Myers presents specialties like award-winning crawfish cakes served with a warm Creole mustard sauce, and veal that is topped with crabmeat and a lemon butter sauce. For dessert, try the white chocolate mousse cake. Reservations recommended. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$
DIXIE GYROS 110 Carondelet St. 523-6614 Dixie Gyros' menu teeters between down-home Southern with hot beignets in the morning, and exotic flavors of the Middle East such as the popular Greek omelette stuffed with peppers, tomatoes, onions and gyro meat. For lunch, there are falafel sandwiches and Greek salads. The beef, lamb or chicken gyros can be served on your choice of pita or crusty French bread. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch and early dinner daily. Credit cards. $
DOC SMITH'S 1009 Poydras St. 561-0528 This comfortable, casual annex of Smith & Wollensky's steakhouse accommodates the after-work crowd and groups who gather to watch the big games on the large-screen TVs. To accompany the beer and cocktails, a munchie menu includes andouille and crawfish pizza, crabcakes and a blackened chicken po-boy. No reservations. Dinner and late-night daily. Credit cards. $$
HOBNOBBER'S BAR & GRILL 139 Carondelet St. 525-5428 For more than two decades, Hobnobber's has built a following with plates of home-style New Orleans cooking. A team of eight drivers stands ready to deliver lunches of grilled chicken with grilled broccoli and tomatoes or crabcakes with creamy crawfish sauce. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch Monday through Friday, bar open daily. Delivery available. Credit cards and checks. $
HORINOYA 920 Poydras St. 561-8914 In a serene downtown surrounding, the sushi chefs at Horinoya combine traditional Japanese cooking with inspired improvisations. One example is the soybean paper roll, a rice-less roll with three kinds of fish (tuna, white fish and salmon), mixed vegetables, avocado and a special sauce. Sit at the sushi bar and choose from a range of sashimi, maki and nigiri sushi. Check out the elegant back rooms for large parties. Reservations accepted. Lunch Monday through Friday, dinner nightly. Credit cards. $$
HUEY'S 24/7 DINER 200 Magazine St. 598-4839; www.hueys247diner.com Those lucky enough to stumble upon this downtown 24-hour diner are rewarded with an upscale version of the usual diner fare. Burgers served on brioche buns and flaky crust chicken pot pies await those who are early risers or night owls. Sumptuous breakfast items and housemade desserts are always in demand and served any time. Reservations accepted for large parties. Open 24 hours. Credit cards. $
THE JAMBALAYA SHOPPE 701 Poydras St. (One Shell Square) 522-0138 The folks at the Jambalaya Shoppe know how to cater to working people with fast service and bargain-priced daily lunch specials. Jambalaya is king here, but the pork roast and hamburger steak are sure to please. Hearty bowls of chicken-andouille or seafood gumbo attract nearby office workers. No reservations. Lunch weekdays. Credit cards and checks. $
JIPANG 814 Gravier St. 565-5322 The owners of this recently opened Japanese restaurant (in an old office supply store) are definitely filling a need in the CBD. Jipang offers sushi as well as a full Japanese menu and affordable lunch combos, but opens in the morning to greet downtown workers with coffee and pastries. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch and dinner Monday through Friday. Credit cards. Delivery to CBD and part of the French Quarter. $
KABBY'S ON THE RIVER 2 Poydras St. (Hilton New Orleans Riverside Hotel) 584-3880 The Hilton New Orleans' upscale restaurant offers guests a river-side view of the passing ships and the Crescent City Connection along with an eclectic menu that aims to please a wide variety of traveling clientele. Offerings include the grilled yellow fin tuna steak with roasted pepper couscous and the toasted pecan spinach salad. Reservations accepted. Lunch and dinner Tuesday through Saturday, brunch Sunday. Credit cards. $$$
KABBY'S SPORTS EDITION & GRILLE 2 Poydras St. (Hilton New Orleans Riverside Hotel) 584-3880 Sports fans shouldn't miss the Hilton's sports bar located in the hotel's lobby. While the games play on the televisions, guests enjoy the menu's burgers, po-boys sandwiches and appetizers. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $
LE PETIT PARIS 731 Common St. 524-7660 Previously an exclusively French restaurant, La Petit Paris' new owner, Dave Lancaster, is adding a few New Orleans items to the menu to give it a more down-home feel. In addition to plates like roast pork loin stuffed with garlic, there are favorites such as crawfish etoufee and crabcakes. There is also a daily seafood special. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch Monday through Friday. Brunch on Sunday. Cash only. $
LEMON GRASS RESTAURANT 217 Camp St. (International House Hotel) 523-1200; www.lemongrassrest.com French and Vietnamese cooking styles blend at Lemon Grass to give guests a taste of Asian cuisine with local ingredients. Dishes like dumplings and spring rolls populate the appetizer menu, while the Viet bird nest and seafood pasta make excellent entrees. Reservations recommended. Breakfast Monday through Sunday and lunch Monday through Friday, dinner daily. Credit cards. $$$
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Sweet Ginger's Diana Chauvin shows off one of the
restaurant's many Thai dishes with a decidedly local flair.
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MIDI 614 Canal St. (JW Marriott Hotel) 527-6712; www.midirestaurant.com Skilled preparation goes into every entree on Midi's menu, which is filled with upscale New Orleans style cuisine that goes a step beyond red beans and boudin. Midi offers guests well-crafted entrees such as chicken tapenade, blackened filet of beef, as well as duck, salmon and snapper dishes. Reservations recommended. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$
MIKE SERIO'S PO-BOYS & DELI 133 St. Charles Ave. 523-2668 If you've ever waited for the St. Charles streetcar at Common Street and St. Charles Avenue, then you have probably walked by Serio's, a local haunt with old-fashioned plate lunches and po-boys on its menu. A casual sports-themed establishment, Serio's features more than 150 football helmets for ambience. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch Monday through Saturday. Credit cards. $
NACHO MAMA'S MEXICAN GRILL 721 Common St. 558-0830 Mama knows you could make a meal of the nachos loaded with cheese, meat, guacamole, sour cream and black olives. The shrimp- and bacon-stuffed quesadilla grilled over an open flame is another good option. Two-for-one margaritas are offered nightly. Reservations recommended for large parties. Lunch daily. Credit cards and checks. $
NEW CITY DINER 1340 Poydras St. 561-0061 Office workers escape from their cubicles to fuel up at New City with a lunch of beef brisket with gravy over rice or spicy Thai baked chicken with zucchini and cabbage. The diner also offers an assortment of sandwiches and made-to-order salads. No reservations. Delivery available for large orders. Breakfast and lunch Monday through Friday. Credit cards and checks. $
NEW ORLEANS GRILL 300 Gravier St. (Windsor Court Hotel) 523-6000; www.windsorcourthotel.com The New Orleans Grill treats its guests like royalty. Chef Jonathan Wright works sumptuous ingredients like duck foie gras and truffles into his seasonal menu. The salad of shaved hearts of palm and fennel with truffle dressing makes an excellent accompaniment to the roasted loin of elk with pumpkin and preserved lemon puree. With a wine cellar of 6,000 bottles, the perfect match can be found for any dish. Reservations recommended. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$$
O'HENRY'S FOOD & SPIRITS 301 Baronne St. 522-5242 See 'Citywide' listing for restaurant description.
THE PEARL RESTAURANT AND OYSTER BAR 119 St. Charles Ave. 525-2901 The Pearl's been around since the late 1920s, and nobody lasts that long in this town without doing something right. Start off with the gumbo, with shrimp, sausage, crab and okra. Also try the grilled shrimp salad, topped with honey-mustard dressing. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch and dinner Tuesday through Sunday. Credit cards. $$
PETE'S PUB 444 St. Charles Ave. (Hotel Inter-Continental) 585-5401; www.new-orleans.intercontinental.com Pete's Pub may be located in a posh hotel, but it serves a rotating lunch menu of all-American favorites. Chicken tenders are the Tuesday special, while Thursday brings chicken fajitas. Burgers, pizza and pastas are also available. No reservations. Lunch Monday through Friday. Credit cards and checks. $$
PHO TAU BAY 1565 Tulane Ave. 524-4669 See 'Citywide' listing for restaurant description.
PJ'S COFFEE & TEA 143 Elk Place 585-1775; 644 Camp St. 529-3658; www.pjscoffee.com See 'Citywide' listing for restaurant description.
POYDRAS DINER 1555 Poydras St. (Exxon Building) 568-0733 The stuffed chicken with eggplant and the shrimp topped with Creole sauce are both popular lunch items among CBD office workers. Friday features a fish special. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch Monday through Friday. Credit cards. $
RENÉ BISTROT 817 Common St. (Renaissance Pere Marquette Hotel) 412-2580; www.renebistrot.com Focusing on Bordeaux, Burgundy, Alsace and Provence -- the four regions of French country cooking -- Chef Rene Bajeux creates earthy treats such as the roast chicken Grandmere, with bacon, mushrooms, pearl onions and thyme and garlic jus. Check out daily specials like Thursday's roast lobster Provencal, and be sure and sample housemade sausage, terrines and smoked salmon. Reservations recommended. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, brunch Sunday. Credit cards. $$
RESTAURANT AUGUST 301 Tchoupitoulas St. 299-9777; www.rest-august.com While Chef John Besh likes to shake it up with weekly menu changes, according to which seasonal ingredients are at their best, standbys like the $20.04 three-course lunch are always a sure treat. Past specials have included a Moroccan spicy duck and crispy veal sweetbreads. Reservations required. Lunch Monday through Friday, dinner Monday through Saturday. Credit cards. $$$
RESTAURANT CUVEE 322 Magazine St. 587-9001; www.restaurantcuvee.com Executive Chef Bob Iacovone offers an array of contemporary Creole dishes with Mediterranean influences, plus an impressive wine list to complement it. Pair your favorite vintage with favorites like the cane syrup-cured duck breast, served with blue cheese and walnut risotto, or the bone-in veal New York strip, with fingerling potato confit, truffle bordelaise and Maui onion rings. Reservations recommended. Lunch Monday through Friday, dinner Monday through Saturday and some Sundays. Credit cards. $$$
ROLY POLY SANDWICHES 701 Poydras (One Shell Square) 561-9800; www.roly-poly.com Roly Poly brings the wraps craze to New Orleans. Try the Key West Cuban with roasted pork, ham, turkey, melted Swiss, onion, pickle and honey-mustard dressing, all wrapped in a tortilla. The Santa Fe chicken sandwich, sliced chicken, pepper Jack cheese with salsa, is also popular with the lunch crowd. No reservations. Lunch Monday through Friday. Delivery available. Credit cards and checks. $
ROYAL BLEND COFFEE & TEA HOUSE 222 Carondelet St. 529-2005; www.royalblendcoffee.com See 'Citywide listing for restaurant description.
RUE DE LA COURSE COFFEEHOUSE 401 Carondelet St. 586-0401 See 'Citywide listing for restaurant description.
SAZERAC BAR & GRILL 123 Baronne St. (Fairmont Hotel) 529-4733 This local stalwart offers much more than its signature Pernod-tinged cocktail to hungry guests. Grill favorites include the Pontchartrain jumbo shrimp and robust pasta dishes like the pecan pesto sauce, tossed with tomatoes, artichokes, shrimp, andouille, basil and garlic in penne pasta and finished with a hint of cream. Reservations recommended. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$$
SMITH & WOLLENSKY 1009 Poydras St. 561-0770; www.smithandwollensky.com Beef is the name of the game at this revered steakhouse, which recommends the Cajun rib-eye, dry-aged in house for 21 days before being marinated for 72 hours in a mix of Cajun spices and cooked to order. Non-beefeaters can choose the Louisiana crabcakes: lump blue-leg crabmeat slightly breaded and lightly fried and served with coleslaw. Reservations recommended. Lunch, dinner, late-night daily. Credit cards. $$$
SQUARE ONE RESTAURANT 701 Poydras St. 593-9884 Business types populate the tables at this One Shell Square eatery for the traditional breakfast menu that includes bacon, eggs, sausage and grits. At lunch there is a Chinese buffet or a regular menu of American foods such as a grilled chicken salad with vinaigrette dressing. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch Monday through Friday. Credit cards. $$
THE STEAK KNIFE RESTAURANT & BAR 610 Poydras St. 212-5656; www.thesteakknife.com The popular Lakeview restaurant has expanded with a downtown location, with its full complement of steaks, seafood and other meats. Start with escargot stuffed in mushroom caps and served in garlic butter laced with white wine and brandy, then move on to entrees such as the teriyaki-marinated double-cut lamb chops in a demi-glace served with celery-garlic mashed potatoes. Reservations recommended. Dinner daily. Credit cards. $$
STEVE'S DINER 828 Gravier St. 522-8198 Daily specials keep regulars coming back for lunch, but Steve's also serves homestyle breakfasts. For lunch, the California Wrap includes turkey, bacon, Swiss cheese, avocado, cucumber and lettuce with mayonnaise and Creole mustard in a sun-dried tomato basil wrap. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch Monday through Friday. Credit cards. $
SWEET GINGER 228 Camp St. 571-7500 Formerly in the Benjarong space, Sweet Ginger offers crispy Louisiana oysters tossed with a homemade sweet chili sauce. The Red Ocean has shrimp and crawfish braised in red curry and vegetables with sesame-crusted softshell crab. Reservations recommended. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$
TANDOORI CHICKEN 115 University Place 299-1926 Affordable prices and bountiful dishes attract hungry workers in the CBD for lunch and others yearning for authentic North India cuisine for dinner. The all-you-can-eat buffet features a generous variety of the restaurant's favorites, including tender chicken baked in clay tandoori ovens, as well as a range of vegetable dishes. No reservations. Lunch Monday through Saturday, dinner daily. Credit cards. $$
TUCKER'S TAVERN 635 S. Roman St. 522-0440 A regular burger wasn't good enough for Tucker's Tavern, so the kitchen stuffed the hamburger patty, battered the bun, tossed it all into the deep-fryer and became the 'Home of the Stuffed Deep-Fried Burger. Diners particularly enjoy The Big Tuck, a deep-fried burger filled with pepper Jack cheese and bacon and then topped with barbecue sauce and cheddar cheese. No reservations. Lunch and dinner Monday through Friday, lunch and early dinner Saturday. Credit cards. $
VERANDA RESTAURANT 444 St. Charles Ave. (InterContinental New Orleans) 585-4383; www.new-orleans.intercontinental.com Guests find elegant European fare with a Cajun accent in the pleasant atrium of the InterContinental. The chef serves vegetable-stuffed ravioli, Angus filet mignon and delicious seafood. Sunday morning a lavish jazz brunch includes a Cajun dessert station, free-flowing mimosas and live jazz. Reservations recommended. Breakfast daily, lunch Monday through Saturday, dinner daily, brunch Sunday. Credit cards. $$$
ZOË 333 Poydras St. (W Hotel) 207-5018 The beautiful people dine at the W Hotel's Zoë, which has recently adopted what it calls a 'Nuevo Creole menu. Start with a seafood margarita of lobster, crab and shrimp with a lemon-lime aioli. For an entree, management recommends the redfish amandine sauteed in brown butter with lump crabmeat. Reservations recommended. Breakfast and dinner daily, lunch Monday through Saturday, brunch Sunday. Credit cards. $$$
CENTRAL CITY
CAFE RECONCILE 1631 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd. 568-1157; www.caferconcile.com This Central City spot may deserve accolades for helping at-risk youth get a head start by learning marketable hospitality industry skills, but the food also stands on its own. Regulars come for hearty Southern-style home cooking including the pan-roasted chicken with jalapeno corn bread, or the robust meatloaf with mashed potatoes. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch Monday through Friday. Credit cards and checks. $
UGLESICH'S 1238 Baronne St. 523-8571; www.uglesichs.com At this legendary neighborhood spot, start off with the creamy oyster Brie soup, fried oysters with blue cheese dressing or the Purgatory Shrimp with gorgonzola dip. For an entree, sample more oysters with the barbecue oyster plate, sauteed with new potatoes in olive oil, butter, basil, garlic, Worcestershire and lemon. The Uglesiches reveal some of their culinary secrets in the recently published Uglesich's Restaurant Cookbook. No reservations. Lunch Monday through Friday and some Saturdays. Cash only. $$
CHALMETTE
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La Cuisine serves seafood specialties with a Creole
influence.
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BARRISTER'S PATIO BAR AND GRILL 2120 Pakenham Drive, Chalmette 271-2500 This family-friendly Chalmette favorite serves up casual upscale New Orleans-style favorites on the breezy patio. Try the signature veal Pakenham, medallions of baby veal sauteed in brown butter and topped off with fresh lump crabmeat; also popular is the crabmeat-stuffed catfish in tasso cream sauce. Reservations recommended. Lunch Monday through Friday, dinner Monday through Saturday. Credit cards. $$
BUD'S BROILER 8855 W. Judge Perez Drive, Chalmette 270-9599 See 'Citywide listing for restaurant description.
CAFE ROMA 3558 Paris Road, Chalmette 270-0999 See 'Citywide listing for restaurant description.
CRABBY J'S 7420 W. Judge Perez Drive, Arabi 271-9907 J isn't too crabby to serve up some of the area's most popular gumbo. For an entree, try the Crabmeat Pasta Trio: crabmeat sauce over pasta with shrimp, oysters and catfish. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $
ESPRESSO YOURSELF CUSTOM COFFEE 3604 DeLaRonde Drive, Chalmette 271-0380; www.espressoyourself.net Don't let the name fool you; this place is much more than a coffee shop. You can pick up pastries and specialty coffees from the drive-up window for breakfast. For lunch, nibble on salads, quiche, gourmet wraps and deli-style sandwiches. No reservations. Breakfast daily, lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday, coffee and pastries only on Sunday. Credit cards. $
ITALIAN PIE 1914 E. Judge Perez Drive, Chalmette 278-0001; www.italianpierestaurants.com See 'Citywide listing for restaurant description.
PICCADILLY CAFETERIA 3200 Paris Road, Chalmette 271-6860; www.piccadilly.com See 'Citywide listing for restaurant description.
ROCKY & CARLO'S 613 W. St. Bernard Hwy., Chalmette 279-8323 People travel to 'Da Parish from miles around for Rocky & Carlo's cafeteria-style, casual atmosphere and down-home menu. Open from 6 a.m. until midnight daily, there's plenty of time to try dishes including the famous baked macaroni, veal Parmesan, fried chicken, fried seafood, salads and po-boys. Reservations accepted. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Cash only. $
STIXX ASIAN CAJUN CAFE & SUSHI BAR 535 E. Judge Perez Drive, Chalmette 276-2742 There's a full-service sushi and sashimi bar at this contemporary Asian-Cajun restaurant. For meat lovers, the Crispy Duck is roasted and flash-fried to make the outside slightly crispy, then it's topped with teriyaki sauce and served with either fried rice or stir-fry vegetables. The paneed chicken is served over angle hair pasta and topped with crawfish cream sauce. Reservations recommended. Lunch and dinner Monday through Friday, dinner Saturday. Credit cards. $$
CITYWIDE
ACME OYSTER HOUSE French Quarter, Lakefront, Northshore; www.acmeoyster.com This bustling New Orleans institution is popular with locals and tourists alike for its special ways with the humble bivalve. Start off with a dozen on the half-shell, with plenty of horseradish and lemon, and move on to a second dozen fried on a fresh loaf of French bread dressed with melted butter, pickles and all the trimmings. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $
APPLEBEE'S Harahan, Metairie, Northshore, West Bank; www.applebees.com This national chain has become more convenient now that it has car-side service, allowing customers to phone in orders and have them brought to the car when they arrive. In addition to the already expansive offerings, Applebee's has added a Weight Watchers menu for the calorie-conscious. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$
BAYOU BAGELRY CBD, Metairie, Uptown Even the snobbiest New Yorkers keep coming back for 18 varieties of the roll with the hole. In the morning, choose from a variety of gourmet cream cheeses, including smoked salmon and pesto. At lunchtime, try a special like the R&B -- roast beef, cheddar and bacon dressed with horseradish mayo, lettuce and tomato. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch daily at all locations. Credit cards. $
BUD'S BROILER Harahan, Jefferson, Kenner, Lakeview, Metairie, Mid-City, River Ridge, Uptown, West Bank Film buffs may want to visit the City Park Avenue location for its cameo as Halle Berry's workplace in the Oscar-winning flick Monster's Ball. However, the other locations all serve up the same fresh-grilled burgers and hot dogs topped with chili, cheese, hickory sauce, onions and much more, plus fries, onion rings, homemade desserts and rich, thick shakes. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Cash only. $
BYBLOS Metairie, Old Metairie, Uptown Each location of Byblos -- the Gambit Weekly readers' poll winner for best Mediterranean restaurant in 2004 -- has its own signature. There are the exotic treats at the full Lebanese grocery at the 2020 Veterans Memorial Blvd. location, then there's the on-the-go falafel at the Lakeside Shopping Center food court. All of them offer the same reliable taste of the Middle East, though, with popular snacks like succulent roasted lamb kebabs served with rice, hummus and salad. Reservations recommended for parties of six or more. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$
CAFE DU MONDE CBD, French Quarter, Kenner, Metairie, Warehouse District, West Bank; www.cafedumonde.com Cafe au lait and golden, puffy beignets are a quintessential New Orleans experience, served 24 hours a day under the famous green-and-white striped canopy of the Jackson Square flagship location. The other locations may lack the hubbub of live street performers and buggy drivers clip-clopping by, but the chicory coffee and mountains of powdered sugar are just as sweet. No reservations. Hours vary by location; Decatur Street location open 24 hours. Cash only. $
CAFE ROMA Chalmette, French Quarter, Metairie, Old Metairie, Uptown Cafe Roma's five locations offer hearty, casual Italian fare in the form of monstrous sandwiches, gourmet pizzas and inventive salads. Grilled shrimp and Portobello mushrooms seasoned with garlic and basil in a pesto sauce over penne pasta is a favorite; on the lighter side, try the grilled chicken salad, served in a raspberry-walnut vinaigrette. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. Delivery available. $$
CC'S COFFEE Bayou St. John, Carrollton, CBD, French Quarter, Kenner, Metairie, Northshore, Old Metairie, Uptown, Warehouse District; www.ccscoffee.com Every CC's location serves up classic New Orleans flavor in its time-tested original blend. They also offer a variety of teas and coffees from all over the world in signature espresso drinks like the decadent frozen Mochassippi, as well as pastries, muffins, bagels and other treats. No reservations. Hours vary by location. Credit cards. $
CHEVY'S FRESH MEX Kenner, Metairie, West Bank; www.chevysfreshmex.com This fun, casual chain never fails to start the fiesta with signature margaritas blended with fresh fruit, or appetizers like hand-rolled tamales or taquitos served with sour cream and sweet jalapeno jelly. The mesquite grill adds a smoky, south-of-the-border flavor to shrimp, chicken and steak fajitas. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$
COPELAND'S Jefferson, Northshore, Uptown, West Bank The eggplant pirogue is a house special with fried eggplant topped with shrimp, crab claws and au gratin sauce and served over angel hair pasta. The seafood platters are also popular choices, and the rich chocolate fudge cake ends the meal on a sweet note. Reservations recommended. Hours vary by location. Credit cards. $$
CUCO'S Metairie, Northshore, West Bank With Cuco's outposts sprinkled throughout the greater New Orleans area, no one's ever too far from Mexican favorites like enchiladas, burritos and fajitas made with grilled chicken and spicy steak. The menus vary by location, but you can usually count on grilled fish, black bean soup, and margaritas to wash it all down. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $
DANNY AND CLYDE'S Jefferson, Metairie, Northshore, West Bank; www.dannyandclydes.com Customers stop in before work for a breakfast sandwich with scrambled eggs, meat and cheese. Later in the day, favorites include the hot or smoked sausage po-boy and the ever-popular French fry and gravy po-boy. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and late-night daily; some locations open 24 hours. $
DOT'S DINER Jefferson, Metairie, Northshore, River Ridge Early in the morning, folks fortify themselves with thick breakfast steaks and hot breakfasts of eggs, grits, biscuits and bacon, while those looking for healthy breakfasts can dig into egg-white veggie omelettes. Lunch and dinner bring on burgers, sandwiches, steaks and salads. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily at the 4150 Jefferson Hwy. location, open 24 hours at other locations. Credit cards. $
GROUND PAT'I BURGERS Kenner, Metairie, Northshore; www.groundpati.com Ground Pat'i is known for its burgers, made of choice ground chuck and grilled to order over an open-flame char broiler. Also consider a sizzling and juicy steak dinner, available in a variety of cuts of beef, served with a dinner salad, Texas toast and a choice of French fries, baked potato or steamed veggies. Grilled or fried seafood platters round out the diverse menu. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $
HAAGEN-DAZS CBD, Carrollton, French Quarter; www.haagendazs.com Any time is a good time for premium ice cream, and Haagen-Dazs has just that along with a variety of sorbets and smoothies. Don't miss the sorbet sipper, a frozen beverage blended with sorbet, fruit juice and soda. No reservations. Credit cards. $
HOOTERS French Quarter, Metairie, West Banks; www.hooters.com Hooters is a good place to watch the Saints games while the Hooter girls serve up frothy pitchers of beer and platters of spicy chicken wings. Try the buffalo shrimp or other items from an expanded menu that includes burgers, sandwiches, salads and quesadillas. Reservations for large parties only. Lunch, dinner and late-night daily. Credit cards. $
ITALIAN PIE CBD, Chalmette, Eastern New Orleans, Jefferson, Kenner, Metairie, Lakeview, Mid-City, Northshore, West Bank, Uptown; www.italianpierestaurants.com The newest addition to the 12-outlet Italian Pie menu is a chicken Alfredo sandwich, which graces housemade bread with a bounty of grilled, marinated chicken breast, mozzarella cheese, bacon pieces and green onions, topped it with Alfredo sauce. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $
LA MADELEINE Carrollton, French Quarter, Jefferson, Metairie, Northshore Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, La Madeleine aims to bring to its customers a notion of French preparation in a suburban setting. The wide variety of menu items include baked breads, coffees and wines and desserts. Dinner entries include fondues, crepes and pastas. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $
MONA'S CAFE Faubourg Marigny, Mid-City, Uptown; www.shopno/monas.com Mona's has spread throughout the area in recent years, providing affordable Middle Eastern food. Old standbys such as gyros, tabouleh, baba ghanoush and falafel sandwiches are still available, as well as new sauteed vegetable dishes and eggplant sandwiches for vegetarians. Check out the international grocery adjacent to some locations. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $
NEW ORLEANS FOOD & SPIRITS Bucktown, Northshore, West Bank Good seafood at good prices can be found at these self-serve restaurants. Try the softshell Lafayette, a fried softshell crab garnished with shrimp sauce. Beyond seafood, the Thursday special of smothered rabbit almost always sells out. No reservations. Lunch Monday through Friday and dinner Thursday through Saturday at Bucktown and West Bank locations, lunch Monday through Saturday and dinner Wednesday through Saturday at Northshore location. Credit cards. $$
NEW ORLEANS HAMBURGER AND SEAFOOD CO. Jefferson, Metairie; www.nohsc.com Homeward-bound commuters can drive through and pick up a bag of half-pound burgers, like the Caribbean Jack with pepper Jack cheese, banana peppers, Jamaican jerk sauce and mango chutney. Patrons in less of a hurry can stop in for the seafood platter or catfish Lafitte, three fillets covered with a creamy crawfish sauce and served over crawfish rice. No reservations. Lunch and dinner Monday through Sunday. Credit cards. $$
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Chef Jordan Arace creates Creole cuisine in the
Carrollton neighborhood at Margaux's.
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PJ'S COFFEE & TEA Carrollton, CBD, Kenner, Lakeview, Metairie, Mid-City, Northshore, Old Metairie, River Ridge, Uptown, Warehouse District, West Bank; www.pjscoffee.com Now that this local chain has expanded nationally, the rest of the country will learn that PJ's iced coffee is dangerously addictive. Pastries and caffeine in all its forms are available at locations from the airport to Uptown. No reservations. Menu and hours vary by location. Credit cards. $
REGINELLI'S PIZZERIA Harahan, Kenner, Lakefront, Uptown; www.reginellis.com This fun, casual spot has recently expanded its operations to a new Kenner location. A perennial favorite is the Mediterranean pizza, topped with kalamata olives, roasted red peppers, spinach, garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Or sample a gourmet salad, like the grilled marinated chicken breast over mixed greens, sprinkled with gorgonzola, green apples, Roma tomatoes and pecans in a balsamic citrus vinaigrette. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily, late-night Friday and Saturday. Credit cards. Delivery available. $
ROYAL BLEND COFFEE & TEA HOUSE CBD, French Quarter, Old Metairie; www.royalblendcoffee.com All three locations of Royal Blend offer a wide variety of medium, dark and dessert coffees and black, green, herbal and blended teas. The CBD location also sells an impressive selection of international magazines and newspapers, while the Royal Street Cafe's courtyard is perfect for enjoying a chicken salad sandwich, bagel and lox, or a slice of quiche. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, late-night Friday and Saturday, brunch Sunday at Metairie and French Quarter locations. Credit cards. $
RUE DE LA COURSE COFFEEHOUSE Carrollton, CBD, Uptown The Old World feeling evoked by Rue de la Course's dark, polished wood furniture and green-shaded lamps is the perfect atmosphere for studying, snacking, or just whiling away the time with one of their specialty espresso drinks, sandwiches or pastries. Try the iced caffe mocha, which combines espresso, chocolate milk and chocolate froth and tops it with whipped cream and cocoa or cinnamon. No reservations. Hours vary by location. Cash only. $
SEMOLINA Kenner, Lakeview, Metairie, Northshore, Uptown, West Bank; www.semolina.com This local chain's signature is a quirky, international approach to pasta, offering up imaginative dishes that translate just about anything into an accompaniment for the humble noodle. The pad Thai pasta is a shrimp and vegetable stir-fry tossed with rice noodles, crushed peanuts and fresh bean sprouts. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$
STARBUCKS COFFEE CO. Carrollton, French Quarter, Jefferson, Kenner, Metairie, Northshore, Uptown, West Bank Fresh pastries, muffins and bagels make up the food menu at Starbucks, but the main draws are the coffee drinks and the laid-back atmosphere for visiting or studying. Check out the frappuccinos or the Caramel Macchiato, an icy concoction that adds vanilla, caramel sauce and steamed milk to espresso. No reservations. Hours vary by location. Credit cards and checks. $
TAQUERIA CORONA Harahan, Metairie, Uptown, Warehouse District Diners will find a casual atmosphere at the four locations with a menu that seldom changes and has dishes that all are made fresh daily. Meateaters can chow down on the hearty rib-eye carne asada taco, which starts with grilled marinated rib-eye steak served with grilled cebollita (seasoned green onion), pico de gallo, onion and cilantro on a choice of a flour or corn tortilla. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily at Magazine Street location; lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday at all other locations. Credit cards. $
VINCENT'S Metairie, Northshore, Uptown A meal at Vincent's is almost as good as a trip to Italy. Guests keep coming back for corn crab bisque, veal and spinach cannelloni and the seafood-stuffed pork chop. Voted best Italian restaurant by Gambit readers in the 2004 Best of New Orleans® poll. Reservations accepted; recommended for large parties and on weekends in Mandeville. Hours vary by location. Credit cards. $$
VOODOO BBQ Kenner, Lakefront, Uptown; www.voodoobbqandgrill.com The cooks at Voodoo BBQ know that good things often take time, so they slow roast their dry-rubbed brisket and pork for 16 hours. The tender meat is served with a choice of three homemade sauces and sides like corn pudding, Gris Gris Greens and Rattle Snake Beans. Voted best place to get barbecue by Gambit readers in 2004. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $
WOW WINGERY Metairie, Mid-City, Northshore; www.wingery.com This place has a lot more than wings. Try the chicken quesadilla, fajitas and sweet potato pies. The selection of 15 sauces for the wings really sets these restaurants apart. Try Santa Fe chipotle, Bombay coconut curry or Italian garlic and herb. Wings are 35 cents each Monday, and on Tuesday kids can eat for less than a dollar. They have great salads, too. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $
ZEA ROTISSERIE Harahan, Kenner, Metairie The Thai ribs (pork ribs marinated in Thai sauce and slow cooked with sesame seeds and cilantro) are 'zelicious at Zea's Rotisserie. The less carnivorous enjoy the entree-size spinach salad dressed with pepper jelly vinaigrette. The Metairie location brews its own beer, root beer and specialty sodas. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$
EASTERN NEW ORLEANS
AUGIE'S TOWER OF PIZZA 4428 Downman Road 246-9948 Augie's has been hand-tossing pizza in 'the East since the 1960s. Guests can also find traditional Italian dishes, such as shrimp scampi and crawfish fettuccine. No reservations. Lunch buffet and dinner daily. Delivery available. Credit cards. $
CAUSEY'S COUNTRY KITCHEN 7245 Chef Menteur Hwy. 242-2604 If it's soul food you crave, stop by Causey's for all the old favorites: mustard greens, fried catfish, potato salad, barbecue ribs, and chitterlings and rice. For dessert, try the sweet potato pie or the bread pudding. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch and early dinner Monday through Saturday, dinner Thursday and Friday. Credit cards. $
DONG PHUONG 14207 Chef Menteur Hwy. 254-0214, 254-0296 Many stop in just for the bakery, which is chock full of French bread, pastries and Vietnamese sweets such as coconut custard and banana ginger candy. The restaurant draws those who have time to sample savory Vietnamese dishes, such as duck soup with bok choy and shiitake mushrooms with egg noodles. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch and dinner Wednesday through Monday. Credit cards. $
GABBY'S FOOD & SPIRITS 6600 Morrison Road 242-9829 The staff at Gabby's understand that what people want most at 4 a.m. is a plate of crispy fried chicken or a long po-boy stuffed with succulent shrimp, oysters or catfish. So they oblige their patrons, keeping the kitchen and bar open until 5 a.m. No reservations. Lunch Monday through Saturday, dinner and late-night daily. Credit cards. $
ITALIAN PIE 7070 Read Blvd. 244-7200; www.italianpierestaurants.com See 'Citywide listing for restaurant description.
LAMA'S SEAFOOD RESTAURANT 7007 Read Lane 242-5656 Joe Lama's seafood haunt is all about good food for modest prices. His daily lunch specials start at $4.95 and most items don't get much higher than that any other time, either. You'll find all types of seafood dishes here, from barbecue shrimp to seafood platters to fried and boiled shrimp and crabs. It's a casual atmosphere, too, so come as you are.
FAUBOURG MARIGNY
13 517 Frenchmen St. 942-1345 Finally, downtown has a late-night option for healthy food. Night owls can sample vegetarian-friendly options like the baked tofu and herb sandwich on whole-grain bread or the portobello mushroom sandwich with roasted red pepper aioli. Carnivores can enjoy treats like the cold roast beef on sourdough with smoked cheddar and horseradish mayo or the authentic New York-style bagel with cream cheese and lox. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and late-night daily. Delivery. Credit cards. $
ADAM'S BARBECUE PLUS 1246 Franklin Ave. 942-1100 Neighbors roll up their sleeves in preparation for a meal at Adam's, where the pork ribs, beef ribs and chicken are all smoked and grilled to perfection and then slathered with plenty of the house's special barbecue sauce. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Cash only. $
ADOLFO'S 611 Frenchmen St. 948-3800 The party buzz from Frenchmen Street wafts up through the windows of this homey Italian neighborhood favorite, as you sip Chianti and nibble garlic bread under Italian travel posters. Dinner specials like rack of lamb and savory veal Marsala come accompanied by homemade pasta and fresh salads in a signature buttery horseradish dressing. Reservations required for parties of four or more. Dinner Monday through Saturday. Credit cards and checks. $$
AQUARIANS MARKETPLACE 2801 Dauphine St. 943-8884 Raw food is the specialty at this vegetarian and vegan restaurant on the edge of Faubourg Marigny. In addition to salads, sandwiches and juices, Aquarians Marketplace offers less-traditional dishes like raw pizza and raw lasagna, the latter made with a flax cracker crust and stuffed with sprouts, raw hummus, raw marinara, avocado and red peppers. No reservations. Lunch daily. Credit cards. $
BANK CAFE 2001 Burgundy St. 371-5260 The new Bank Cafe emptied the safe and installed a kitchen in this 1908 bank building. Dishes combine local ingredients with a Mediterranean flair, like the Louisiana crab beignet with horseradish aioli appetizer or the flaky black drum on Swiss chard with a saffron broth. Reservations accepted. Dinner Tuesday through Saturday, brunch Sunday. Credit cards. $$
CAFE ROSE NICAUD 620 Frenchmen St. 949-3300 This newcomer to bustling Frenchmen Street is a relaxing escape from the outside world, with its plush, red- and gold-toned interior. Cafe denizens can enjoy wireless Internet access with espresso drinks, beer and wine, as well as pastries from La Spiga bakery and light menu items like the Asian salad: mandarin orange slices and crunchy noodles over spring mix in a sesame ginger dressing. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $
CAFE UNIQUE 2529 Dauphine St. 948-8884 This neighborhood joint serves soul food home cooking that's as close as you can get to your grandma's kitchen. Daily specials include Cornish hen on Sundays, seafood gumbo on Fridays and other hearty favorites like ribs and stuffed bell peppers. Don't forget to try their signature cornbread, made sweet and crumbly in-house. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch daily. Cash only. $
FEELINGS CAFE 2600 Chartres St. 945-2222; www.feelingscafe.com Feelings Cafe has all the pleasures of a neighborhood restaurant -- easy, warm, comfortable -- combined with classic Creole fare. Cool autumn nights invite dining in the courtyard and relaxing to the sweet sounds of the piano. Popular starters include the pate de maison and oysters en brochette, and the chef recommends the seafood Thermidor or a Gulf fish dish as an entree. Reservations recommended. Lunch Friday, dinner nightly, brunch Sunday. Credit cards. $$
FLORA GALLERY AND COFFEE SHOP 2600 Royal St. 947-8358 This funky coffeehouse offers its Faubourg Marigny neighbors a place to relax and enjoy a variety of eats along with their coffee. Enjoy vegetarian sandwiches, wraps and quiches. Stop by on the way to work for a bagel or croissant with your coffee-to-go. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch daily. Cash only. $
LA PENICHE 1940 Dauphine St. 943-1460 La Peniche is everything one would want from a 24-hour neighborhood restaurant. The menu features a wide variety of offerings such as steaks, burgers and po-boys. Then there are items like the Kathryn burger, which consists of a burger with ham, Swiss cheese, and grilled onions on top. Or try the oysters Peniche, a toasted English muffin with a fried tomato and oysters topped with hollandaise and served Benedict style. No reservations. Open 24 hours, except for 2 p.m. Tuesday to 9 a.m. Thursday. Credit cards. $
LA SPIGA BAKERY 2440 Chartres St. 949-2253 You've only got a short window of opportunity to catch La Spiga open at its Chartres location but if you miss it you can catch them at any one of Crescent City Farmers Market locations each week. Either way, you'll find a variety of baked goods such as pastries, homemade pies, fresh soups, sandwiches, frutattas and turnovers.
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Enjoy a dining experience evocative of old New Orleans
at Cafe Latrobe.
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THE MARIGNY BRASSERIE 640 Frenchmen St. 945-4472; www.cafemarigny.com Attracting tourists and locals who want a martini and a fish foie gras dish, Chef Bing Adams offers New Orleans cuisine with a contemporary twist. Try the Tuna Marigny: fresh yellowfin tuna seared rare with wasabi mashed potatoes, a bok choy snow pea saute and ponzu sauce. Ask for the specials. There is also the happy 'hour on Sundays through Thursdays from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., and a Sunday brunch to get your bloody Mary on. Reservations accepted. Lunch Monday through Friday, dinner Sunday through Saturday, Sunday brunch. Credit cards. $$
MONA'S CAFE 504 Frenchmen St. 949-4115; www.shopno/monas.com See 'Citywide listing for restaurant description.
SANTE FE RESTAURANT 801 Frenchmen St. 944-6854 Sophisticated Southwestern cuisine rules this popular spot, where you can often see diners people-watching on Frenchmen Street while they wait for tables. Popular dishes include the chicken Maximilian, a boneless chicken breast pounded and rolled with chorizo and tucked into a fresh pepper. The Santa Fe combo includes a chicken enchilada, beef relleno and a pork tamale topped with poblano sauce, cheese and chili and served with rice, beans and guacamole. No reservations. Dinner Wednesday through Saturday. Credit cards. $$
SCHIRO'S COMMUNITY CAFE AND BAR 2483 Royal St. 944-6666 This neighborhood bar/grocery store/laundry is many things to many people. As a cafe, it provides top-notch burgers, wraps, sandwiches and daily specials, to locals folding socks or enjoying a cocktail. No reservations. Lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday, grocery/laundry only on Sunday. Credit cards. $
SIAM CAFE 435 Esplanade Ave. 949-1750 Nestled below the live-music venue of the hip Dragon's Den, Siam presents a spiced-up menu of Thai food, including classic pad Thai that combines sauteed shrimp and chicken breast with Chantaboon noodles, peanuts, bean sprouts and chili powder. There also is a variety of curries, tofu and veggie dishes. No reservations. Dinner and late-night daily. Credit cards. $$
SNUG HARBOR JAZZ BISTRO 626 Frenchmen St. 949-0696; www.snugjazz.com Traditional live jazz is a main draw at Snug Harbor, but the restaurant also does its part to feed the soul with entrees ranging from filet mignon to the Fish Marigny, a fillet of fish topped with Gulf shrimp and drizzled with Creole cream sauce. There's also a classic Cajun gumbo that includes shrimp, chicken, sausage, okra and, of course, rice. Reservations recommended. Dinner daily. Credit cards. $$
SUKHOTHAI 1913 Royal St. 948-9309; www.sukhothai-nola.com The expansive menu offers spicy Thai salads, wok dishes, curries, soups, seafood and vegetarian dishes. The seafood roasted curry provides a combination of shrimp, scallops, mussels and calamari cooked with pineapple, bell pepper and sweet basil in a spicy brown curry. Or there's whole fish steamed over crushed lemon grass and topped with housemade spicy lime-garlic juice and garnished with sliced lime and fresh garlic. Reservations accepted. Lunch Tuesday through Friday, dinner Tuesday through Sunday. Credit cards. $$
UPSTAIRS AT MIMI'S 2601 Royal St. 947-8015 Diners discover a little bit of Spain when they climb the stairs to this tapas bar above Mimi's. Some savor a glass of Spanish red and a plate of olives at the bar, while others enjoy a meal of small dishes of herbed stuffed pequillo peppers, mushroom manchego toast or gambas al ajillo (shrimp sauteed with garlic and white wine). No reservations. Dinner and late-night daily. Credit cards. $$
WASABI 900 Frenchmen St. 943-9433; www.wasabirestaurant.com Friendly and elegant, Wasabi can accommodate both crowds sharing sake and summer rolls (crabmeat, avocado, asparagus and smelt roe wrapped with cucumber) and couples lingering over plates of sashimi. Also popular is the Big Easy Roll, wasabi, tuna, salmon, yellowtail, snow crab, avocado and asparagus served with a mayo sauce on the side. No reservations. Lunch weekdays, dinner daily, late-night Friday and Saturday. $$
FRENCH QUARTER
201 RESTAURANT AND BAR 201 Decatur St. 561-0007; www.201restaurant.com 201 provides the upper Quarter with luxe contemporary cuisine in a hip, modern setting. Try Creole-influenced specialties like the Cornish game hen Clemenceau, served with Brabant potatoes, cured ham and crimini mushrooms in a bearnaise sauce. Reservations recommended. Dinner daily, late-night Friday and Saturday. Credit cards. $$
ACME OYSTER HOUSE 724 Iberville St. 522-5973; www.acmeoyster.com See 'Citywide listing for restaurant description.
AFT DECK OYSTER BAR 214 Royal St. (Hotel Monteleone) 523-3341; www.hotelmonteleone.com Old New Orleans charm permeates the venerable Hotel Monteleone, and anyone can sample a taste of it at the casually elegant oyster bar. Shrimp and catfish po-boys are popular choices, as is the sauteed seafood combo, which comes heaped with catfish, jumbo shrimp, crawfish and stuffed crab. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$
ALEX PATOUT'S 720 St. Louis St. 525-7788; www.patout.com Cajun classics get an upscale twist at Patout's, with favorites including a smoked pork loin served in a Southern Comfort, wild mushroom and garlic sauce alongside sweet potato praline casserole and maque choux. Reservations recommended. Lunch Monday through Saturday. Credit cards. $$$
THE ALPINE BISTRO 620 Chartres St. 523-3005; www.thealpinebistro.com Tucked away not far from Jackson Square, the Alpine's signature dish is barbecue shrimp: Gulf shrimp cooked New Orleans style, served in shells with a unique butter-pepper sauce. Alpine also suggests the 'Old World grilled lamb chops, and offers a few vegetarian choices. Reservations recommended. Breakfast Friday through Sunday, brunch Saturday and Sunday, lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$
ANGELI ON DECATUR 1141 Decatur St. 566-0077 Quirky but cozy, Angeli's is nestled into a corner surrounded by quirky Decatur Street shops. The Divine Portabella features sauteed portabella mushrooms, spinach and chicken, with spicy roasted red pepper sauce and cream. Try the Mediterranean pasta, fusilli pasta covered with sun-dried tomatoes, pesto sauce, artichokes, capers, kalamata olives and feta cheese. No reservations. Lunch, dinner and late-night daily, open 24 hours Friday through Sunday. Credit cards. $$
ANTOINE'S 713 St. Louis St. 581-4422; www.antoines.com This historic landmark is famous for more than just its oysters Rockefeller, the appetizer created here and still among its most popular selections. For an entree, try either the trout amandine, or the pompano Pontchartrain, which features a grilled filet of pompano topped with crabmeat sauteed in butter. Reservations recommended. Lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday. Credit cards. $$$
ARNAUD'S RESTAURANT 813 Bienville St. 523-5433; www.arnauds.com Since 1918, Arnaud's has been a staple of Creole dining in the French Quarter. Start with the signature shrimp Arnaud, marinated in remoulade sauce, or the escargot casserole, where the snails are baked in garlic herb butter and topped with pastry. Entrees bring specialties such as trout meuniere and Creole bouillabaisse, while the famous bread pudding soaked in whiskey sauce finishes things off. Reservations recommended. Lunch Monday through Friday, dinner daily, brunch Sunday. Credit cards. $$$
BACCO 310 Chartres St. 522-2426; www.bacco.com This airy, artsy-looking member of the Ralph Brennan restaurants offers contemporary Italian at its finest, from the homemade fresh herb focaccia with whipped ricotta to hearty specials like the osso buco over truffled mashed potatoes and the signature lobster ravioli. If that's not enough incentive, the 10-cent martinis at lunchtime certainly are. Reservations recommended. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$
THE BAR & BISTRO AT LA LOUISIANE 725 Iberville St. 378-8200 La Louisiane's contemporary Creole menu represents a nod to its storied history -- the restaurant, first open for business in 1881, has been recently resurrected by local artist Jaye Berard Smith. Combine that with an avant-garde, hip flavor. Tradition and innovation meld in dishes like the squid-ink paella with chopped clams and chorizo, or the more down-home braised rabbit with caramelized onions over fettuccine. Reservations recommended. Lunch Friday, dinner daily. Credit cards. $$
BARRACKS STREET CAFE 430 Barracks St. 525-0330 This casual juice bar offers a taste of California-style health consciousness at the edge of the decadent French Quarter with wraps, salads, frozen yogurt and vitamin-packed fresh fruit smoothies. Specialty wraps like the Baja -- purple cabbage, cheddar cheese, salsa, basmati rice and black beans in a tomato tortilla -- pack a nutritious punch washed down with a fresh grapefruit or papaya juice. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and late-night daily. Credit cards. $
BAYONA 430 Dauphine St. 525-4455; www.bayona.com Susan Spicer's warm, jewel-toned restaurant is famous for bringing seasonal, market-based cooking to New Orleans. Sample the best local farmers have to offer in original dishes like the crispy smoked quail salad with bourbon molasses vinaigrette, or the peppered lamb loin with herbed goat cheese and Zinfandel sauce. Reservations recommended. Lunch Monday through Friday, dinner Monday through Saturday. Credit cards. $$$
BEGUE'S 300 Bourbon St. (Royal Sonesta Hotel) 553-2278; www.royalsonestano.com New executive chef Philippe Pinon has recently brought his considerable skills to bear on this cozy French Quarter institution, treating local seafood and Gulf fish with a Provencal flair on a new menu debuting soon. Traditions like the Friday seafood buffet and Sunday champagne brunch still remain. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, champagne brunch Sunday. Credit cards. $$$
BELLA LUNA 914 N. Peters St. 529-1583; www.bellalunarestaurant.com Chef Horst Pfeifer is the Valentino of local chefs, with his place receiving consistent accolades for its romantic river-view atmosphere. Lovebirds can sink their teeth into specialties such as the osso buco, served with braised garden vegetables and parmesan, or the grilled yellowfin tuna with Louisiana crawfish tails, redskin potatoes and luxurious white truffle oil. Reservations recommended. Dinner daily. Credit cards. $$$
BENNACHIN 1212 Royal St. 522-1230 The exotic West African flavors of Bennachin offer a culinary tour of Senegal, Cameroon and Gambia with dishes like the vegetarian-friendly jama jama in makonda, sauteed spinach served with plantains and coconut rice. Meat-eating visitors to this homey Quarter spot enjoy dishes like the apricot lamb served with broccoli and couscous in a light brown gravy as well as local seafood served with an African flavor. Reservations accepted. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $
THE BISTRO AT MAISON DE VILLE 733 Toulouse St. 528-9206; www.hotelmaisondeville.com Just a block off of Bourbon Street, this cozy upscale bistro could easily be tucked away on a Parisian side street. Savory seared scallops are wrapped with bacon and served with leek gnocchi and paneed asparagus, and their rustic Francophile version of surf and turf is a bacon-wrapped filet mignon of venison in a caramelized onion glaze served with grilled shrimp, yam lyonnaise souffle, asparagus, grilled apple, arugula and smoked sea salt relish. Reservations recommended. Lunch Monday through Saturday, dinner daily. Credit cards and checks. $$$
BOMBAY CLUB RESTAURANT & MARTINI BISTRO 830 Conti St. 586-0972; www.thebombayclub.com The Bombay Club's main draw is its 115 martini-strong drink menu, but classy dishes like the Duck Duet, leg of duck confit and pepper-seared boneless duck breast served with sweet potato beignets and a Calvados and Vermont maple duck reduction, are worth the trip by themselves. Reservations recommended. Dinner daily, late-night Thursday through Saturday. Credit cards. $$$
BOURBON HOUSE SEAFOOD AND OYSTER BAR 144 Bourbon St. 522-0111; www.bourbonhouse.com This bustling, modern seafood house combines the party energy of its Bourbon Street address with the high culinary bar set by its Brennan brethren. The raw bar, open till midnight nightly, produces creations like the impressive Plateau de Fruits de Mer -- an imposing tower of fresh, cold, local seafood. The menu changes seasonally to spotlight fresh local ingredients, but the signature Frozen Bourbon Milk Punch remains a sweet, creamy, whiskey-laced constant. Reservations recommended. Lunch Monday through Friday, brunch Saturday and Sunday, dinner daily. Credit cards. $$$
BRENNAN'S RESTAURANT 417 Royal St. 525-9711; www.brennansneworleans.com The institution that is breakfast at Brennan's has been overstuffing loyal New Orleanians for half a century. Time-tested originals like the eggs Hussarde -- poached eggs atop Holland rusks with Marchand de Vin and Hollandaise sauces -- will keep you going throughout the day, as will tempting desserts like bananas Foster and Creole chocolate suicide cake. Reservations required. Breakfast, brunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$$
BROUSSARD'S RESTAURANT 819 Conti St. 581-3866; www.broussards.com Broussard's famous courtyard, with its picturesque cobblestones, bubbling fountain and aromatic night-blooming jasmine, is the perfect setting for an indulgent journey through contemporary New Orleans cuisine. Start with the rich casserole Florentine -- baked crabmeat in an artichoke and Brie bechamel sauce surrounded by a border of spinach -- and move on to the poached redfish and asparagus in a piquant Herbsaint beurre blanc. Reservations recommended. Dinner daily. Credit cards. $$$
BUBBA GUMP SHRIMP CO. 429 Decatur St. 522-5800; www.bubbagump.com From the award-winning film has sprouted the fun, crustacean-themed family restaurant, that serves (what else?) popcorn shrimp, fried shrimp, Cajun shrimp, boiled shrimp, coconut shrimp and many other variations -- as well as Southern favorites like fried chicken, Dixie-style baby back ribs and a down-home barbecue platter. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$
CAFE AU LAIT 307 Chartres St. 528-9933 Beyond its namesake drink, Cafe Au Lait serves up a full menu of soups, salads, sandwiches, pastries and heartier fare from the grill. The picture windows offer a perfect vantage point for Quarter people-watching while you enjoy a gourmet omelette from the all-day breakfast menu or a Fat Tuesday sandwich -- turkey, ham, Swiss cheese, coleslaw and Thousand Island dressing. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch daily. Credit cards and checks. Delivery available. $
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Karla Phipps and Joey Catanese are ready to give up your
piece of the pie at Augie's Tower of Pizza.
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CAFE DE MELLO 81 French Market Place 522-3121; www.cafedemello.com Emphasizing the French in French Market, Cafe de Mello whips up sweet and savory crepes. Patrons can't resist the house special crepe with ham, egg, cheese and salsa, and the Brazilian, a crepe with ricotta cheese, ham, pineapple, banana and roasted cashews. Cafe de Mello brews only shade-grown, organic, fair trade coffee, bien sur. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch daily. Delivery available. Credit cards and checks. $
CAFE DU MONDE 800 Decatur St. 528-9933; www.cafedumonde.com See 'Citywide listing for restaurant description.
CAFE EN VIE 1241 Decatur St. 524-3689 This breezy Decatur Street spot boasts two full walls of windows to afford a nonstop view of outdoor goings-on while enjoying espresso drinks or something stronger, like the Dolce Vita: espresso, Frangelico and coconut creme. Nibble on an antipasto board -- cheeses, grapes, pepperoni, salami, apples, olive salad and housemade Melba toast -- while watching the world pass by. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Delivery available. Credit cards. $
CAFE GIOVANNI 117 Decatur St. 529-2154; www.cafegiovanni.com Chef Duke LoCicero serves up 'New World Italian cuisine including the Tuscany asparagus, fresh asparagus with fresh mozzarella, wrapped in prosciutto and lightly fried. Reservations recommended. Dinner daily, late nights Friday and Saturday. Credit cards. $$
CAFE GUMBOLAYA 1000 N. Peters St. 523-7418 With specialties such as the catfish Pontchartrain, a fried fillet topped with shrimp and crawfish etouffee and served with jambalaya, Cafe Gumbolaya has a solid repertoire of local favorites to serve up in a relaxed, casual atmosphere. Late risers will also appreciate the all-day breakfast menu. Reservations accepted for large groups. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$
CAFE LATROBE 707 Conti St. 568-9992 New Orleans-style breakfasts provide brain food for the day with eggs any style, ham, bacon or sausage, pancakes, waffles and grits. There also are three types of eggs Benedict, including one that stacks seared filet mignon medallions and tomato on an English muffin and tops them with poached eggs and bearnaise sauce. New Orleans Surf and Turf Biscuits serves up Gulf shrimp and filet mignon tips in a Creole cream gravy over rosemary biscuits. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch daily. Credit cards. $
CAFE MASPERO 601 Decatur St. 523-6250 Come here for New Orleans' holy trinity of food staples: muffaletta, red beans and rice, and Maspero's Cajun jambalaya. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily, late nights Friday and Saturday. Cash only. $
CAFE ROMA 1119 Decatur St. 566-1800 See 'Citywide listing for restaurant description.
CAFE SBISA 1011 Decatur St. 522-5565; www.cafesbisa.com Casual fine dining, live jazz nightly and seating in the lush French Quarter courtyard make Cafe Sbisa the perfect relaxed indulgence. The pungent bouillabaisse is a melange of Gulf flavors, combining mussels, clams, shrimp, Gulf fish, crab fingers and andouille sausage in a saffron broth. Also try the roasted rosemary chicken with garlic and lemon, served with Parmesan cheese grits and mustard greens. Reservations recommended. Dinner daily, jazz brunch Sunday. Credit cards. $$
CAJUN CABIN 503 Bourbon St. 529-4256; www.cajuncabin.com It's not hard to pass a good time at the Cajun Cabin. Live Cajun and zydeco music nightly and a balcony overlooking Bourbon Street add even more spice to your gumbo and red beans. Also check out the expanded dining options next door at the Five O' Clock Grill, which offers the Southern-style barbecue favorites of succulent beef brisket, chicken, ribs and pulled pork. Reservations accepted for large parties. Lunch and dinner daily, late-night Friday through Sunday. Credit cards. $$
CC'S COFFEE 941 Royal St. 581-6996; www.ccscoffee.com See 'Citywide listing for restaurant description.
CENTRAL GROCERY 923 Decatur St. 523-1620 After nearly a century, this original home of the muffaletta sandwich has its formula just about perfect, piling salami, olive salad and cheeses onto round rolls. The gourmet grocery also offers exotic imported food items to take home. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $
CHARTRES HOUSE CAFE 601 Chartres St. 586-8383 At this casual sit-down restaurant, guests enjoy plates of New Orleans classics, including jambalaya and red beans and rice. Chartres House always keeps the kitchen open late into the evening. No reservations. Lunch, dinner and late-night daily. Credit cards. $
CHEZ VODUN 822 N. Rampart St., 558-065
