Bennachin
1212 Royal St., 522-1230
For an edible lesson in how West African cooking influenced the development of Creole culinary traditions, just visit Bennachin and sample dishes like the African version of jambalaya and okra-based stews. Other representative dishes include a stew of beef and ground nuts served with rice and black-eyed pea fritters. Vegetarian options abound and the BYOB policy keeps tabs low. Reservations recommended. Lunch and dinner daily. Cash only. $$

AMERICAN

13 Monaghan
517 Frenchmen St., 942-1345; www.13monaghan.com
The eclectic menu at 13 has something to satisfy cravings, including vegetarian, at all hours. The housemade black bean veggie burger uses a mix of black beans and brown rice seasoned with garlic, cumin and chile powder. The patty is served on French bread with chips, a pickle wedge and either tater tots or salad. The sesame chicken salad sandwich is served on toasted multigrain bread with a mix of greens, cabbage, shredded carrots and seasoned almonds. Delivery available. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and late-night daily. Credit cards. $

APPLEBEE'S NEIGHBORHOOD GRILL & BAR
Citywide; www.applebees.com
There's something for every diner and craving at Applebee's, from nachos to burgers, steaks to salads, as well as a kid's menu and Weight Watchers' items. Entrées range from roasted chicken, baby back ribs and fajitas to fried shrimp, pasta dishes and others. Menu combos and specials offer great variety while keeping meals affordable. Several flavored cheesecakes, decadent chocolate brownies, cake and apple pie offer sweet conclusions to a meal. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$

Audubon Golf Clubhouse
6500 Magazine St., 212-5282; www.auduboninstitute.org
Whether you've got a tee-time or just like the park setting, the Clubhouse is open to anyone interested in starting the day with a breakfast of croissants, waffles, eggs or omelet. At lunch, the kitchen is on top of its game with a clubhouse chicken salad platter, a combination of chunky diced chicken breast with pecans and red grapes on a bed of spring mix. Or try the salmon citrus Caesar with a fillet of lightly blackened salmon on a traditional Caesar salad with citrus dressing. Reservations accepted. Breakfast and lunch Tue.-Sun., brunch Sun. Credit cards. $

BENNIGAN'S GRILL AND TAVERN
3010 Holiday Drive, 394-2805; 3434 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 888-0664
Offering a huge menu of American and pub favorites ranging from fish and chips to shrimp tempura to Guinness-glazed chicken and shrimp, Bennigan's is a good choice for families and finicky eaters. Also good for adults is a large selection of bottled and draft beers, including seasonal specials on popular imported brews. Reservations recommended for large parties. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$

THE BUFFET AT HARRAH'S
8 Canal Street, at the River, 533-6000; www.harrahsneworleans.com
Harrah's buffet has something for everyone from Pacific Rim dishes to Creole and French fare. Just a few of the offerings include Creole gumbo, Kolby steamship round, smoked salmon and Louisiana's famous turducken. The dessert bar has more than 40 items alone. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and late-night daily, Sun. brunch. Credit cards. $$

CAFÉ BANQUETTE
3445 Prytania St., 891-5773
For a casual lunch or dinner, amble into this comfortably appointed tavern and try the namesake Banquette burger topped with bacon, grilled onion and cheddar cheese. Sandwiches include many familiar po-boy options like roast beef or fried seafood. Shrimp and crawfish Alfredeaux is made with white wine cream sauce and served over penne pasta. No reservations. Lunch Mon.-Sat., dinner Wed.-Sat., late-night Fri.-Sat. Credit cards. $

CAMELLIA CAFÉ
69455 Hwy. 59, Abita Springs, 985-809-6313
This family friendly café offers something for everyone on its large menu of local fare. One of the more popular starter offerings is the corn and crab bisque loaded with shrimp, crabmeat and corn. The fried seafood platter comes loaded with shrimp, catfish, oysters, stuffed crabs and stuffed shrimp. The 8-oz. filet mignon is available Monday through Thursday for $14.95. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily, brunch Sun. Credit cards. $$

CANNON'S RESTAURANT
4141 St. Charles Ave., 891-3200; www.cannonsrestaurants.com
For nearly two decades, Cannon's has been a stately presence on St. Charles Avenue. Casual American classics such as steaks and large entrée salads are mainstays of the menu. House specials include chicken Reginald prepared with sautéed mushrooms and hollandaise sauce. Crab cakes Salvatore are served over linguine with crawfish sauce. The Blue Roof burger is topped with melted bleu cheese and dressed with all the fixings. Reservations recommended. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$

COPELAND'S CHEESECAKE BISTRO
4517 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 454-7620; www.alcopeland.com
The Cheesecake Bistro is a good place to start with dessert and work your way backwards. Specialty cheesecakes include bananas Foster, Oreo cookies and cream, white chocolate macadamia, strawberry and fudge brownie. The dining menu hits multiple flavor references with everything from chicken Marsala to Cobb salads to pot roast. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily, brunch Sun. Credit cards. $$

DECKBAR & GRILLE
1715 Jefferson Hwy., Jefferson, 830-0104
Deckbar has a full menu of tasty bar food to snack on and entrées ranging from fried seafood platters to quesadillas to burgers. Its most popular items are brisket and homemade crab balls, which can also be ordered as a platter with salad and fries. The Mississippi burger is served with grilled onion, mushrooms and cheese. Daily specials include chicken and dumplings, smothered pork chops, meatloaf and pepper steak. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $

EASY DOGS
307 Huey P. Long Ave., Gretna, 367-1001; www.neworleanseasydogs.com
These dogs aren't simply best in show, they're the only show at this Gretna weiner shack. The Katrina dog is made with the house special "easy sauce," homemade chili, shredded cheese, coleslaw, onions and a side of cheddar fish crackers. The Lundi dog packs on red beans and rice in the bun plus a side of pickled corn relish. The Jazz dog is lathered with cheese and olive salad. For dessert, try a Hubig Pie mode (topped with whipped cream). No reservations. Lunch Tue.-Sat., dinner Thu.-Sat. Credit cards. $

FOX AND HOUND
1200 S. Clearview Pkwy., Jefferson, 731-6000
Sports fans flock to the Fox and Hound for 38 brands of beer on tap and an extensive selection of appetizers, sandwiches, pizzas and salads. The Black Forest sandwich is Bavarian pretzelbread piled high with grilled turkey, smoked bacon and Monterey Jack cheese, dressed and spiced with honey mustard. The mahi mahi sandwich is new to the menu, as are the ribs and all can be eaten while watching sports on one of many flat screen TVs. No reservations. Lunch, dinner and late-night daily. Credit cards. $

GROUND PAT'I GRILLE AND BAR
1305 W. Esplanade Ave., Kenner, 466-8060; 11 Westbank Expressway, Gretna, 367-9512
Ground Pat'I is famous for its namesake burger — the Ground Pat'I — made with ground chuck and grilled to order over an open flame, but there's more to the restaurant than just burgers and fries. The menu offers its share of seafood entrées — fried catfish, tuna steaks, and grilled or fried shrimp — and there's a full selection from the grill including pork chops, rib-eyes, filets and T-bones. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$

HARD ROCK CAFÉ
415 N. Peters St., 529-5617; www.hardrock.com
Like the rock 'n' roll memorabilia on the walls, the Hard Rock's menu is festive and all-American, with classics like hot fudge sundaes and beefy char-grilled burgers. Try the Rock Chop, a smoked, center-cut pork chop brushed with a maple-mustard glaze and served with cheddar mashed potatoes and Granny Smith-mango chutney. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards $$

HOOTERS
2781 Belle Chasse Hwy., Gretna, 889-0160; 4748 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 393-7177; www.hooters.louisiana.com
Now offering a full bar, Hooters will keep you warm this winter with its famous wings—served as hot as you want with your choice of mild, medium, Three Mile Island or 911 sauce. Or order up some hot nachos, quesadillas or Buffalo chicken strips while you watch sports or other distractions. A variety of burgers, sandwiches, salads and seafood round out the menu. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$

HOUSTON'S RESTAURANT
4241 Veterans Memorial Blvd. Metairie, 889-2301
Steaks, sandwiches, barbecue ribs and seafood from Gulf, Atlantic and Pacific waters make Houston's a popular destination for surf and turf lovers alike. Whatever your appetite calls for, there's plenty to pair with your entrée choice on Houston's ample wine list. The spinach and artichoke dip is a standout starter. For something a little less traditional, try the Thai steak and noodle salad—a marinated steak with fresh noodles, avocado, mango and fresh herbs in Thai dressing. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$$

Live Bait Bar and Grill
200 Hammond Highway, Metairie, 840-0902; www.livebaitnola.com
The bar may be the lure at Live Bait, but the kitchen turns out worthy bar food, burgers and sweet desserts. There's even free Wi-Fi, live music and a nice view of Lake Pontchartrain. Barroom fare includes favorites like nachos, chicken wings and burgers. There's local seafood in the barbecue shrimp po-boy and New Orleans staples like creamy red beans and rice and gumbo. Reservations accepted. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $

MATTINA BELLA
421 E. Gibson St., Covington, (985) 892-0708
Northshore diners wake up for Mattina Bella's breakfast classics like the Florentine omelet prepared with three eggs and stuffed with creamed spinach and artichokes and topped with melted mozzarella. Breakfasts are served with potatoes and grits. At lunch, the catfish Creole meuniere is popular, with a crust of pecans and a creamy meuniere sauce. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch Tue.-Sun. Credit cards. $

MOTHER'S
131 Huey P. Long Ave., Gretna, 368-8678
The regular menu's Greek dishes like chicken shish kebabs and gyro plates are a good reason to head to Mother's for lunch, but changing daily specials also draw attention. Some popular weekly dishes include breaded pork chops, catfish amandine, Italian specials like veal or chicken Parmesan on Thursday, and Friday seafood specials. There are always plenty of vegetable side dishes to choose from. Red beans, beet salad, eggplant casserole and cabbage are rotating options. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch Mon.-Fri. Credit cards. $

NEW ORLEANS BREAKFAST & PANCAKE HOUSE
101 Lapalco Blvd., Gretna, 394-7272; 4301 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 281-4510
These comfortable cafés are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Start the day with the Big House omelet made with four eggs, bacon, sausage, peppers, onions, mushrooms and cheese. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Metairie location open 24 hours Thu.-Sat. Credit cards. $

NEW ORLEANS HAMBURGER AND SEAFOOD COMPANY
817 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 837-3382; 1005 S. Clearview Pkwy., Jefferson, 734-1122; 6920 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 455-1272; www.nohsc.com
New Orleans Hamburger and Seafood Company has reinvented itself with newly renovated dining rooms and a new, contemporary menu that includes entrées like barbecue ribs, grilled salmon and steaks, catfish pecan and crawfish etouffée. True to its burgers-and-seafood roots, there are still old favorites like half-pound burgers and the original one-handed barbecued shrimp po-boy. On the garden side is the Strawberry Fields salad with grilled chicken, fresh sliced strawberries, blue cheese, and red onions in a poppy seed dressing. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$

O'HENRY'S FOOD & SPIRITS
Citywide; www.ohenrys.com
The casual, tavern-like vibe of this popular chain is emphasized by the coating of peanut shells crushed on the floor, plus the all-important free birthday steak for those in the know. The menu strikes a local note with its version of crawfish Monica, made with crawfish tails in spicy cream sauce over pasta. There are a few spicy and exotic accents, like the Thai shrimp wrap and Cajun Chicken Melt. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$

PETUNIA'S PLACE
2020 Hwy. 59, Mandeville, (985) 674-3436
Petunia's motto is "a family restaurant," and it's definitely kid-approved. Order your meal at the counter and send the little ones to the activity table, where they can make ornaments for the year-round "festivity tree." Start off with the signature hand-battered onion rings served with Petunia's dipping sauce. Plates include the redfish Julia, a grilled redfish fillet with creamy crawfish sauce served with garlic butter pasta. Dessert options include Bob's brownie a la mode, a warm brownie with vanilla ice cream and chocolate syrup. No reservations. Lunch Thu.-Tue., dinner Thu.-Mon. Credit cards. $

PICCADILLY
Citywide; www.piccadilly.com
Hearty, affordable, Southern fare is the rule at Piccadilly, but the restaurant chain has a contemporary gourmet-to-go sensibility and entire meals are available for take out. The buffet features local, Southern and American staples including crawfish etouffée, meatloaf, fried chicken, baked macaroni and cheese, and a colorful, sugary array of pies, cakes and Jell-O. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $

POPEYES
Citywide; www.popeyes.com
A New Orleans original, Popeyes fries boldly seasoned chicken and complements it with sides like smoky red beans and rice. Fried chicken is available in both mild and spicy versions for combo meals, in baskets of chicken strips and on sandwiches. Sides include mashed potatoes and gravy, Cajun rice, spicy battered fries and mac and cheese. Some locations serve fried shrimp as well. No reservations. Hours vary by location. Credit cards. $

RAISING CANE'S CHICKEN FINGERS
Citywide; www.raisingcanes.com
Chicken has gone to the dog at Raising Cane's — the founder's namesake golden Labrador retriever, Cane, that is. But specials like the Caniac Combo are all about chicken fingers, with a six-piece order complemented by coleslaw, fries, two sauces, Texas toast and a drink. Boxed meals are available in many sizes, and there are tailgate packs and party platters of 100 chicken fingers as well. No reservations. Hours vary by location. Credit cards. $

RICCOBONO'S PEPPERMILL RESTAURANT
3524 Severn Ave., Metairie, 455-2266
Riccobono's is renowned for its breakfasts, but it also offers a variety of entrées for lunch, including grilled redfish, roast pork with au jus gravy and baked sweet potatoes, grilled amberjack, and veal topped with crawfish sauce. Several low-carb dishes like the grilled chicken Caesar salad and shrimp salad with roasted tomato are also featured for lunch. Start the morning with an eye opener like a bloody Mary or Irish coffee, and try the crab cake Benedict — two poached eggs nested on blue crab cakes topped with hollandaise. Reservations accepted. Breakfast and lunch daily, dinner Wed.-Sun. Credit cards. $$

SEMOLINA'S
1121 Manhattan Blvd., Harvey, 361-8293; 2999 Hwy. 190, Mandeville, (985) 626-8923; 4436 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Suite 37, Metairie, 454-7930; www.semolina.com
The international pasta selection at Semolina comes home this time of year for crawfish season, when all of the restaurant's specialty crawfish pasta dishes are featured. But you can still order dishes from around the world — like pad Thai, the sweet and spicy combination of shrimp, mushrooms and tofu with rice noodles and peanuts. Classic pasta Alfredo with chicken or shrimp and double cheeseburger pasta are perennial favorites. Pasta jambalaya with andouille, tasso and Creole sauce is popular with locals and out-of-towners alike. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$

SPEAKEASY SPORTS BAR & GRILL
4345 Williams Blvd., Kenner, 466-4069; www.speakeasysportsbar.com
Speakeasy's game plan is a straight-ahead rush of big 10-oz. burgers, sandwiches and bar food. Bar munchies include jalapeño poppers, quesadillas, chicken wings and egg rolls, or you can get fancy with an 8-oz. filet or tuna steak. No reservations. Lunch, dinner and late-night daily. Credit cards. $

SPUDLY'S SUPER SPUDS
2609 Harvard Ave., Metairie, 455-7783
Taters are tops at Spudly's, which elevates the potato to edible art. Spudly's cheese sauce graces many of the terrific tubers served here. Toppings include everything from diced roast beef to shrimp and crabmeat to chili. If carbs aren't what you're craving, burgers, salads and soups are also available. No reservations. Lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat. Credit cards. $

SUN RAY GRILL
619 Pink St., Metairie, 837-0055; 1051 Annunciation St., 566-0021; 2600 Belle Chasse Hwy., Gretna, 391-0053; 3700 Orleans Ave., 324-9663; www.sunraygrill.com
Sun Ray Grill serves an eclectic menu of casual cuisine that includes dishes from around the globe as well as close to home. Singapore spring rolls, guacamole with chips, Siamese riblets, Thai curry barbecue ribs and Southwestern chicken quesadillas are just a few of the worldly small-plate selections. Popular entrées include ahi tuna steaks crusted with black and white sesame seeds and smoky bourbon barbecue ribs served with fries and roasted corn. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$

WINSTON'S PUB & PATIO
531 Metairie Road, Metairie, 831-8705
Winston's Pub is a comfortable spot to grab a drink, a burger or any of the restaurant's platters. The grilled chicken Caesar pita is one of the more popular items. Pub-style fish and chips use beer-battered cod and come with waffle fries. No reservations. Lunch, dinner and late-night daily. Credit cards. $

WOW CAFÉ & WINGERY
Citywide; www.wingery.com
Nothing hits the sauce harder than the wings at WOW Café. Whether you pick up an eight-piece box or the party-friendly 1,000-piece spread, WOW wings come with a choice of sauces including Key West citrus, honey barbecue, Thai peanut, various heat levels of Buffalo, coconut curry, sweet and sour, teriyaki and many others. The Wingery also serves wraps, burgers, salads, quesadillas, chicken tenders and fajitas. No reservations. Hours vary by location. Credit cards. $

ZEA ROTISSERIE AND GRILL
1401 W. Esplanade Ave., Kenner, 468-7733; 1525 St. Charles Ave., 520-8100; 1655 Hickory Ave., Harahan, 738-0799; 4450 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 780-9090; www.zearestaurants.com
Zea offers a casually elegant spot to enjoy American favorites. Start things off with the spinach salad with pepper jelly vinaigrette. Signature dishes include rotisserie chicken, Thai ribs and Asian almond shrimp. Many meats are slow-roasted on the rotisserie. The bar serves up micro-brewed beers specially made for Zea by Heinerbrau, a Covington brewer. Reservation policy varies by location. Lunch and dinner daily, brunch Sun. at Kenner location. Credit cards. $$

AMERICAN CONTEMPORARY

5FIFTY5
Marriott Hotel, 555 Canal St., 553-5638
The menu at 5Fifty5 offers a unique blend of sophisticated and home-style comfort foods. The lobster mac and cheese is smothered in a special three-cheese sauce, topped with fresh Maine lobster and served with grilled crostini. The double-cut Silverado lamb chop dish is succulent marinated chops cooked on an open wood-burning grill, served with Abita Amber greens and boudin made in house. Reservations recommended. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$

ARDOISE
4300 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 885-5566
The chefs at Ardoise offer exciting intercontinental versions of refined seafood and steak dishes. Try the sweet Thai chili calamari or the coffee-rubbed New York strip served with sweet potato hash. Daily lunch specials are also available. Reservations recommended. Lunch Mon.-Fri., dinner Tue.-Sat. Credit cards. $$$

BAYONA
430 Dauphine St., 525-4455; www.bayona.com
Celebrity chef and now cookbook author Susan Spicer may have made some of her creations available for fans to attempt at home, but for the full effect, it's better to leave it in the hands of the master. Don't miss the grilled duck breast with a pepper jelly glaze or her renowned goat cheese croutons with mushrooms in Madeira cream. Reservations recommended. Lunch Wed.-Sat., dinner Mon.-Sat. Credit cards. $$$

BEEBE'S
7224 Pontchartrain Blvd., 302-9657
At the Lakefront, Beebe's offers local seafood and a worldy approach to fine dining. Chef Kristen Olsen serves Gulf shrimp tempura with spicy Thai curry and soy and sake steamed mahi mahi is served with soba noodles, ginger and lemongrass. Handmade pasta is served with wild mushrooms, Reggiano cheese and truffle oil. Brunch features crepes with Gulf shrimp and blue crab. For a final course, sample from the cheese selection or try a dessert like hot donuts with chicory sauce and Kahlua cream. Reservations accepted. Dinner Tue.-Sat., brunch Sun. Credit cards. $$

BISTRO DAISY
5831 Magazine St., 899-6987
The bright exterior of this upscale Uptown bistro is as cheery as a daisy. Inside, deep purple walls make for an intimate atmosphere. Chef Anton Schulte creates daily specials in addition to regular items, which include the Daisy salad, composed of fresh mozzarella, roasted peppers, baby arugula, pine nuts and white balsamic vinaigrette. Entrées are equally elaborate; celebrate crawfish season with the crawfish mascarpone ravioli. Reservations recommended. Dinner Tue.-Sat. Credit cards. $$$

BULL'S CORNER
1036 W. Airline Hwy., Laplace, (985) 652-3544; www.bullscorner.com
The filet Norton, chargrilled filet mignon served on top of marinated portobello mushroom and topped with Danish blue cheese and garlic butter, is still Bull's signature dish, but the fresh Maine lobster could be a good alternative. Daily lunch specials include baby-back ribs and save room for one of the special desserts such as bread pudding or chocolate overload, which is a hot brownie topped with ice cream, chocolate sauce and whipped cream. Reservations recommended. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$

CHAD'S BISTRO
3216 W. Esplanade Ave., Metairie, 838-9935; www.chadsbistro.com
Chad's Bistro has something for everyone, with entrées ranging from fried seafood to pasta dishes to steaks. Options include the chicken Parmesan, which features an 8-oz. boneless breast grilled or fried and served in an Italian herb sauce over angel hair pasta with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Big enough for two people, the super seafood platter includes golden-fried shrimp, oysters, catfish, stuffed crab, stuffed shrimp, a jumbo soft-shell crab, plus a potato, salad and Texas toast. Reservations accepted. Lunch Sun.-Fri., dinner daily, late-night Fri.-Sat. Credit cards. $$

CRYSTAL ROOM AT LE PAVILLON
833 Poydras St., 581-3111; www.lepavillonhotel.com
The elegance of this Poydras Street hotel carries into its regal dining room, where hot and cold buffets, cooked-to-order stations and a dessert bar offer a selection of food fit for a king. At breakfast, order a custom omelet or eggs Benedict. At lunch, choose from healthy salad options, New Orleans specialties and pasta dishes. Reservations accepted. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$$

DOMINIQUE'S RESTAURANT
1001 Toulouse St., Maison Dupuy Hotel, 522-8800; www.dominiquesrestaurant.com
Dominique Macquet, a classically trained chef and native of Mauritius, combines fresh local ingredients with exotic influences from around the globe for a distinctive cuisine at his namesake restaurant in the Maison Dupuy hotel. Seared Moulard duck breast and duck leg confit are served with parsnips en crepinette, a masala pear fondant and duck-fig jus. Seared pompano is served on a fricassee of rock shrimp and hearts of palm with lobster-lemon oil. Reservations recommended. Dinner Tue.-Sat. Credit cards. $$$

IRIS
8115 Jeannette St., 862-5848; www.irisneworleans.com
An intimate and cozy atmosphere makes dining on classic French dishes with Asian accents all the better at this Uptown locale. Among the most popular are dishes like the ricotta gnudi, house-made ricotta cheese and dumplings with a truffle filling served with basil, tomatoes and Parmesan cream. The braised Niman Ranch lamb shank is complemented by wild mushrooms, housemade pappardelle, lacinato kale, roasted shallots and basil. The bar mixes an array of creative cocktails with fresh fruit. Reservations recommended. Dinner Mon.-Sat. Credit cards. $$$

MR. JOHN'S RISTORANTE
2111 St. Charles Ave., 679-7697; www.mrjohnssteakhouse.com
Half of the menu at Mr. John's reads like that of a classic New Orleans steakhouse, while the other half offers a tour of northern Italian specialties. From shrimp scampi to crabmeat-stuffed ravioli to grilled seafood dishes, the kitchen satisfies a wide range of cravings. When it comes to steaks, Mr. John's broils strips, filets, rib-eyes and other cuts to order and serves them sizzling with butter. Reservations recommended. Dinner Tue.-Sat. Credit cards. $$$

NEW CITY GRILLE
2700 Metairie Road, Metairie, 888-8484
Mixing Creole favorites with updated classics gives the menu at New City Grille a unique twist. Shrimp remoulade, jumbo lump crab cakes and oysters en brochette are familiar appetizers. Popular entrées include the spice-rubbed rib-eye with garlic mashed potatoes and grilled vegetables, and the Gulf fish pecan. There are also burgers, steaks and seafood entrées like grilled redfish with lump crab and lemon butter. Reservations recommended. Lunch and dinner Mon-Sat. Credit cards. $$

PELLICANO RISTORANTE
4224 Williams Blvd., Kenner, 467-2930; www.pellicanoristorante.com
Pellicano's menu is a melting pot of exotic ingredients and culinary influences. Duck confit spring rolls are stuffed with duck, wild mushrooms, caramelized leeks and pine nuts and are served with a pomegranate reduction. Caribbean lobster is poached in butter and served with lemongrass, asparagus and crab succotash with lemon verbena roasted garlic mashed potatoes and roasted fennel vinaigrette. For dessert there are sweet concoctions like Kona coffee-infused Belgian chocolate flourless cake and hazelnut crusted Meyer lemon cheesecake with blackberry sauce. Reservations recommended. Dinner Tue.-Sun. Credit cards. $$$

VERANDA AT THE HOTEL INTERCONTINENTAL
444 St. Charles Ave., 585-4383
European flair and Southern hospitality mix and mingle at the flagship restaurant of the Hotel Intercontinental, where local chefs have been given a free hand to put their own stamp on the menu. The Sunday jazz brunch features the Gregg Stafford Trio, bubbly, carving stations and made-to-order omelets and desserts. Reservations recommended. Breakfast Mon.-Sat., lunch and dinner daily, brunch Sun. Credit cards. $$$

BAR & GRILL

THE BULLDOG
3236 Magazine St., 891-1516; 5153 Canal Blvd., 488-4191; www.draftfreak.com
The Bulldog has a larger beer than food menu but the combinations are endless. A voluminous menu of brews —bottled and on draught— from the world over matches a good selection of pub grub. There are chicken sandwiches hot off the grill and more creative bar fare like the Crawfish Bandito, a mixture of crawfish and spices rolled in a tortilla and fried. The chicken and sausage gumbo is served in a bread bowl. Uptown: Lunch Fri.-Sun., dinner daily. Mid-City: Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $


CALYPSO PATIO BAR AND GRILL
326 Lee Lane, Covington, (985) 875-9676
The cuisine at Calypso, which just marked its first anniversary, has a distinctly island vibe. Appetizers highlights include beer-battered coconut shrimp and crab cakes with white remoulade. The 12-oz. rib-eye is topped with Argentine chimichurri sauce and served with a salad and choice of sides. The popular Wednesday night special serves up Dungeness crab boiled in chef Chad Landry's special spices and served with red new potatoes and corn. Reservations accepted for large parties. Lunch Mon-Fri., dinner Wed.-Sat. Credit cards. $$


COOTER BROWN'S
509 S. Carrollton Ave., 866-9104; www.cooterbrowns.com
Cooter Brown's takes bar food to another level with some inspired local offerings. While the countless TVs broadcast all the big games (and even some obscure ones), the kitchen turns out specialties like spicy Cajun boudin and a po-boy stuffed with crawfish pies and dressed with remoulade. Meanwhile, a shucker keeps raw oysters coming by the dozen. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $


COPPER MONKEY BAR & GRILL
725 Conti St., 527-0869
Swing on in any time, the Copper Monkey is open 24 hours serving up cold drinks and hot food to a mix of Quarter locals and adventurous tourists. Quesadillas, salads, burgers and steaks are menu mainstays and some specials include the penne á la Tina with sautéed mushrooms and sliced chicken breast in a creamy red sauce. No reservations. Open 24 hours. Credit cards. $


DINO'S BAR & GRILL
1128 Tchoupitoulas St., 558-0900
This Warehouse District bar offers hearty food at affordable prices. Burgers, chicken Caesar wraps and an Italian chicken sandwich are some of the diverse offerings. Spinach and feta triangles are fried phyllo dough pockets presented on top of greens and topped with more feta. The grilled tuna salad uses sushi-grade tuna which is grilled with a feta vinaigrette glaze and served over greens with tomatoes and croutons. No reservations. Lunch, dinner and late-night daily. Credit cards. $


F&M PATIO BAR
4841 Tchoupitoulas St., 895-6784; www.fandmpatiobar.com
The late-night bar scene at F&M's is legendary. It's a last stop for many, whether they come to dance on top of the pool table in front or head to the grill in the back. The limited menu includes burgers, quesadillas and legendary cheese fries, which are waffle-cut fries baked with a blend of three cheeses and topped with green onions. The Gator Quesadilla is stuffed with alligator sausage, grilled onions, peppers, salsa and cheese. No reservations. Dinner and late-night daily. Cash only at the grill. $


FAT HARRY'S
4330 St. Charles Ave., 895-9582
The tavern kitchen at this Uptown watering hole has been sustaining patrons long into the night for many years. The Cajun burger is an old standby for regulars, blending beef and Italian sausage. The chicken wings are famous among discerning football fans and thirsty law students. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and late-night daily. Credit cards. $


LAGER'S INTERNATIONAL ALE HOUSE
3501 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 887-9923; www.draftfreak.com
Hearty pub grub accompanies the dizzying selection of beers from around the world at Lager's. For a starter, try items like meat pies, waffle fries, wings, crawfish spring rolls, gumbo, or potato and bacon soup. Bigger appetites will be satisfied with sandwiches, salads and entrées including a 16-oz. rib-eye, grilled tuna, Thai spare ribs and, of course, Guinness stew made with beef, potatoes, carrots, onions and celery. Fried catfish is the special every Friday. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$


T.L. STARKE'S SPORTS BAR & GRILLE
3535 Severn Ave., Metairie, 888-5858
Burgers fly out of the kitchen at this casual bar and grill, where the décor features a vintage-aviation theme, with World War II-era pictures of fighter pilots as well as model planes hanging from the ceiling. Start off with the Acadiana pistolettes, a pair of loaves stuffed with crabmeat and served with remoulade sauce. Half-pound hand-formed burgers are served with a loaded baked potato or French fries. No reservations. Lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat. Credit cards. $$


TAVERN ON CITRUS
5708 Citrus Ave., Harahan, 218-5186
The Tavern is a casual spot to grab a beer and shoot a game of pool, but its grill is also a sure shot. The Tavern burger is a big 10-oz. beef patty grilled to order. There are also popular bar noshing items like fried mushrooms, and salads are served as well. No reservations. Lunch, dinner and late-night daily. Credit cards. $


VIC'S KANGAROO CAFÉ
636 Tchoupitoulas St., 524-4329
Reflecting the spirit of the proprietor's native Australia, this friendly pub offers hearty meals like Shepherd's pie with Guinness gravy and Ms. Cathy's barbecue beef platter with garlic and cheddar mashed potatoes. Jambalaya, pizzas, meatball subs and bar snacks offer flavors from closer to home. All meats are slow-roasted on the premises. Compliment your meal with a frothy pint of any one of several imported draughts. Weekday happy hours last from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. No reservations. Dinner and late-night daily. Credit cards. $

BARBECUE

ABITA BAR-B-Q
69399 Hwy. 59, Abita Springs, (985) 892-0205
Abita springs gets to the meat of the matter with its slow cooked brisket and pork. Sandwiches are filled with brisket, pulled pork, sausage and chicken breasts. Platter options offer slabs of ribs, turkey legs, half chickens and pork steaks. For side items, there is everything from macaroni and cheese, cornbread and potato salad to coleslaw, corn on the cob and baked beans. Abita serves bottled beer as well as local Abita and other brews on tap. No reservations. Lunch Mon.-Sat., dinner Tue.-Sat. Credit cards. $


THE BAR B Q PLACE
4100 Gen. DeGaulle Drive, 392-0001; ww.thebarbqplace.com
Located on the West Bank, this joint dishes up savory beef brisket, pulled pork and St. Louis style pork ribs, all hand-rubbed with tangy seasoning and hardwood smoked for more than 12 hours. But barbecue wouldn't be barbecue without its sinful sidekicks like baked cheddar macaroni, Creole mashed potatoes, country-style coleslaw, smoked and baked potatoes and marinated onion loaf. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$


BYWATER BAR-B-QUE
3162 Dauphine St., 944-4445
Chicken, ribs, beef brisket and pulled pork aren't the only tempting combinations at this long-time neighborhood hot spot. While barbecue is the namesake specialty here, Bywater Bar-B-Que adds Italian specials like pizza and calzones after 4 p.m. Be sure to check out the lush patio out back during nice weather. No reservations. Lunch and dinner Thu.-Tue. Cash only. $


CORKY'S RIBS & BAR-B-Q
4243 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 887-5000
This pulled-pork palace features sandwiches topped with coleslaw, dry or wet ribs and a wide variety of burgers, salads, appetizers and sides. Even the most ferocious appetite will be sated by The Killer, a slab of ribs and choice of chicken, pulled pork, beef brisket, turkey, sausage or fried catfish, plus barbecue beans, coleslaw and a homemade roll. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $


HILLBILLY BAR-B-Q
208 Tallulah Ave., River Ridge, 738-1508; www.hillbillybbq.com
Hickory wood provides the distinctive flavor for Hillbilly Bar-B-Q's brisket, pulled pork, smoked boudin sausage by the link and the huge hamburger known as the Belly Buster. Diners can order a baked potato on the side or make one a meal by topping it with any of the barbecued meats. There are also smoked chicken halves and a cool chicken salad. Reservations accepted. Lunch and dinner Tue.-Sat. Credit cards and checks. $


J'ANITA'S
1906 Magazine St., 373-5337; www.janitas.com
The newest barbecue joint in town is J'Anita's in the Lower Garden District. Breakfast is an á la carte assembly of eggs, meats, cheeses and whatever else you want on the plate. The lunch menu features slow-smoked pulled pork served with Killer Cajun Coleslaw and a choice of sides. Redfish is on a sandwich with feta cheese, bacon, tomato and Caesar dressing. There are also burgers and creative items. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $


THE JOINT
801 Poland Ave., 949-3232; www.alwayssmokin.com
"Always smoking" is the motto of this homegrown barbecue operation. Sweet and juicy pork spare ribs are served by the half or full rack. Peppery beef brisket is smoked with pecan wood and served on a sandwich or as a platter. The "W" special combines beef and pork with one or two sides. Catering is available. No reservations. Lunch Mon.-Sat., dinner Wed.-Sat. Credit cards. $


SWEET DADDY'S BBQ
420 Tyler St., Covington, (985) 898-2166; 2534 Florida St., Mandeville, (985) 626-0208
For seven years, Sweet Daddy's has been doing it slow and steady. You don't rush this kind of flavor. Favorites include the dry-rubbed baby-back ribs and herb-scented pulled pork, roasted and smoked for at least 12 hours. For dessert, try the homemade chocolate chip pie or the pecan island square pie, which is yellow cake mixed with pecans and cheesecake topping. Catering available. No reservations. Lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat. Credit cards and checks. $$


TEXAS BAR-B-QUE COMPANY
3320 Houma Blvd., Metairie, 456-2832
Tucked away just off Veterans Boulevard, this Metairie eatery serves slow-smoked ribs, brisket and pulled pork. Texas Bar-B-Que also cooks steaks and burgers. Try a smoked potato stuffed with chopped barbecue beef and topped with sauce, cheese and chives. Many barbecue meats are available on a bun or in a po-boy. Non-meat eaters can sample the fried catfish or shrimp as platters or po-boys. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $


UGLY DOG SALOON
401 Andrew Higgins Blvd., 569-8459; www.uglydogsaloon.net
Ugly Dog combines barbecue with a sports bar environment complete with pool tables and televised sports. There are sandwiches, burgers and generous platters of barbecue meat that come with sides such as chili beans with sour cream, onions and cheese and the sweet and spicy coleslaw. The juicy pulled pork is slow-cooked shoulder roast brushed with the saloon's tangy sauce. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $


VOODOO BBQ & GRILL
1501 St. Charles Ave., 522-4647; www.voodoobbqandgrill.com
Voodoo casts its spell with slow-smoked brisket, pulled pork and ribs, using a special blend of spicy seasonings in its mojo sauce. Side dishes include Rattlesnake Beans, corn pudding, coleslaw, Gris Gris Greens and creamy macaroni and cheese. Voodoo also offers burgers and chicken sandwiches. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $


WHOLE HOG CAFÉ
639 Loyola Ave., 525-4044; www.wholehogcafe.com
The Whole Hog approach starts with the belief that everything goes better with barbecue meat and that coleslaw belongs on all sandwiches. Start with the barbecue nachos or get barbecue on top of salads. For entrées, the selection includes pulled pork, brisket, full and half slabs of ribs, pulled chicken meat and half chickens. The Whole Hog Platter rounds up pork, brisket, three beef ribs, baked beans, coleslaw and dinner rolls. A selection of six different barbecue sauces ranging from sweet to tangy to spicy are already on the tables, or head to the counter and ask for the super-hot Volcano sauce. No reservations. Lunch Mon.-Fri. Credit cards. $


ZYDECO BBQ AND ROADHOUSE
808 Iberville St., 565-5520; www.zydecobbq.com
Deep South barbecue traditions meet Louisiana Cajun cooking at this offbeat eatery. The St. Louis spare ribs offer pork ribs dry-rubbed with Cajun spices and slow-smoked with hickory and pecan wood. Cochon de lait is brined in marinade, treated to a dry rub of seasonings and smoked. The menu also includes jambalaya, gumbo and salads loaded with barbecued meat. Delivery available in CBD and French Quarter. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $

BELGIAN

CLEMENTINE'S BELGIAN BISTROT
2505 Whitney Ave., Gretna, 366-3995
Now open for lunch, Clementine's brings a touch of Belgium to the West Bank. Try the classic steamed mussels served with a white wine cream sauce and accompanied by crisp Belgian fries. Salads are light and tossed with restrained mixes of olive oil and vinegar. The Salad Liégoise is a wonderful taste sensation both hot and cold, with warm potatoes and bacon topping cool greens. Among the crepes, a delicate version includes baby spinach with goat cheese and Parmesan. Try the apple crepe for dessert. Reservations recommended. Lunch Tue.-Fri., dinner Tue.-Sat. Credit cards. $$

BREWPUB

ABITA BREW PUB
72011 Holly St., Abita Springs, (985) 892-5837; www.abita.com
As the weather warms up, Abita Brew Pub, the local brewery's dining branch, once again becomes one of the more popular places to finish off a bike ride on the Tammany Trace with a filling lunch. Along with daily specials and pub stand-bys like burgers and hot wings, Abita Brew Pub can get more creative with everything from pecan-crusted catfish and barbecue ribs to fried quail and crawfish pasta. Reservations recommended for large parties. Lunch and dinner Tue.-Sun. Credit cards and checks. $$


CRESCENT CITY BREWHOUSE
527 Decatur St., 522-0571; www.crescentcitybrewhouse.com
German-style beers are brewed on the premises while the kitchen cooks up contemporary Louisiana cuisine like redfish St. Louis, which is pan-seared and topped with fried oysters and smothered in barbecue sauce made with butter, black pepper and Worcestershire sauce. The popular crab cakes Decatur are made with lump crabmeat and topped with remoulade sauce. Reservations accepted. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$


GORDON BIERSCH
200 Poydras St., 552-2739; www.gordonbiersch.com
Gordon Biersch is always adding new items to its extensive menu and brewing new beers. From the kitchen, try the new flat-iron steak served on a nest of crispy fries and drizzled with a robust homemade steak sauce. Or try the savory pizza baked fresh on homemade dough. The outdoor tables and large-screen TVs that line the quaint Fulton Street promenade beckon passersby and sports fans alike. Reservations accepted. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$

BURGERS
THE AVENUE PUB
1732 St. Charles Ave., 586-9243
The grill is always hot at the Avenue Pub. Stop in any time for big half-pound burgers, po-boys, chicken wings or a range of bar food options. Munchies include jalapeño poppers, mini-tacos, fried mushrooms and meat pies. No reservations. Open 24 hours daily. Credit cards. $


BEACHCORNER BAR & GRILL
4905 Canal St., 488-7357
As reliable as the streetcar that delivers patrons to its tavern doors, "the last living thing on Canal Street" offers classic grilled pub food and plenty of TVs to watch the games of the day. The classic 10-oz. ground sirloin burger has a hint of garlic. Lighter options include the 8-oz. grilled tuna steak served in a sandwich or on a salad. The grilled chicken salad comes loaded with fresh lettuce, tomato, onions, cheese and choice of dressings including low-fat options. No reservations. Lunch, dinner and late-night daily. Credit cards. $


BROOKS SEAHORSE SALOON
1648 Gentilly Blvd., 218-4217
Even though it sits across from the Fair Grounds, Brooks isn't just for after the races or Jazz Fest, serving burgers and sandwiches from lunch through late-night. Appetizers include cheese sticks, stuffed olives and egg rolls. The popular burger is a char-grilled half pound of ground sirloin. The grilled chicken sandwich is a marinated chicken breast dressed and served with a choice of fries or potato salad. Late-nighters can try the new corndogs. The new happy hour is from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. No reservations. Lunch, dinner and late-night daily. Credit cards. $


BUD'S BROILER
Citywide
Bud's is best known for its charcoal-broiled burgers. The topping choices keep it simple: hickory-smoked sauce, grated cheese or another burger patty. The few non-burger options are hot dogs, a chicken breast sandwich on a bun and a broiled fish fillet. Complete a meal with a side item like onion rings or French fries, which can be spiced up with chili and cheese. For dessert, there are apple, peach and cherry pies. No reservations. Hours vary by location. Cash only. $


BURGERS GONE WILD
3613 N. Causeway Blvd., Metairie, 838-8311
The gratuitous hot burger action here is appropriate for the whole family. The basic burger is topped with cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomatoes and pickles, or it's available undressed. Sautéed onions, Brie cheese, lettuce, tomato and mayo smother the French burger. The Burger Dawg is slathered in chili with cheddar cheese, onions and mayo and is served in a hot dog bun. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $


CHECKPOINT CHARLIE'S
501 Esplanade Ave., 281-4847
Noon, midnight or 4 a.m., Checkpoint Charlie's is the spot for a beer, a load of laundry, a game of eight ball, a live set from a local band, or all of the above. There are bar-food standards off the grill and out of the fryer including cheese fries, grilled chicken sandwiches and a big, spicy Cajun-seasoned burger. No reservations. Open 24-hours daily. Credit cards. $


ERNST CAFÉ
600 S. Peters St., 525-8544
Established in 1902, Ernst Café has been feeding and watering downtowners for more than a century. Burgers, chicken and fried seafood are mainstays that make it a busy lunch spot. Look for the gumbo du jour and changing specials like ribs. No reservations. Lunch, dinner and late-night daily. Credit cards. $


FRIAR TUCK'S
5130 Freret St., 891-4080; www.friartucksbar.com
The weekly drink specials at the bar keep the good times rolling at this Uptown college hangout. The kitchen offers plenty of choices to make sure those drinks have a solid foundation on which to rest. Philly-style cheesesteaks come with mushrooms, onions, peppers and Swiss cheese on hoagie rolls. The fryer churns out a steady supply of waffle fries, sweet potato fries and corn dogs. No reservations. Dinner daily. Credit cards. $


HARBOR BAR & GRILL
3024 17th St., Metairie, 835-6111
Harbor Bar & Grill serves up more than the soft-shell crabs and fried seafood you'd expect—patrons also love the grill's big 12-oz. cheeseburgers, which get even bigger with extras like chili and bacon. A salad of tomato, bacon and artichoke hearts tossed with greens and topped with blackened tuna is a popular item. Meat pies and Harbor fries topped with cheddar, diced onions and roast beef gravy will satisfy your late night cravings. No reservations. Lunch, dinner and late-night daily. Credit cards. $


IGOR'S
2133 St. Charles Ave., 568-9786
An ideal place for multi-taskers and late-night revelers alike, this all-hours lounge and game room has a mini-laundromat and serves big, fat burgers around the clock. The Cajun burger is a half-pound patty seasoned with crystal hot sauce and Cajun spices, grilled, dressed and served with fries. Other sides and snacks include Cajun cheese fries or jalapeño poppers. No reservations. Open 24 hours. Credit cards. $


IGOR'S BUDDHA BELLY BURGER BAR
4437 Magazine St., 891-6105
The cold beers and rocking jukebox are prime draws at this Magazine Street tavern, but the sizzling grill quickly advertises its presence to hungry patrons. The house Buddha burger is a specially seasoned half-pound patty. The Cajun burger adds a kick of Tabasco, Creole seasonings and an optional dose of pepper-blended spice mix. No reservations. Lunch, dinner and late-night daily. Credit cards. $


JIGGER'S GRILL
1645 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 828-3555
Kick back to watch the big game or play a game of darts at this casual sports bar. There are burgers and other bar favorites at reasonable prices. A special house marinade flavors Jigger's chicken breast sandwich, and the spicy chicken wings are popular. Daily lunch specials are served Monday through Friday. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $


KABBY'S SPORTS EDITION GRILL
Hilton Riverside Hotel, 2 Poydras St., 561-0500
This sprawling sports bar off the lobby of the Hilton scores big with a wide variety of bar food, burgers and sandwiches. Signed jerseys and memorabilia, and big-screen TVs line the walls. The bar mixes a full line-up of specialty cocktails. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $


KRYSTAL
116 Bourbon St., 523-4030; www.krystal.com
A sack of tiny, oniony Krystal burgers go down just right after a long night on Bourbon Street. The Scrambler specials are breakfast items piled in a cup, and there are conventional options like sausage, egg, bacon pancakes on hand to end a long night or begin the day. No reservations. Open 24-hours. Credit cards. $


LEE'S HAMBURGERS
Citywide
Lee's burgers get a little extra zing from chopped onions. So even though you can get quick service, its still got homemade appeal. The drive-through is convenient for days when you can't stand in line but must have the Works, a big cheeseburger dressed and served with onion rings or fries. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $


LEGENDS PATIO BAR & GRILLE
2708 N. Hullen St., Metairie, 887-3877
Legends has a limited menu of burgers and chicken sandwiches along with cocktails and frosty beers. The chicken tenders are breaded and served with crispy French fries. No reservations. Dinner and late-night Tue.-Sun. Credit cards. $


LUCY'S RETIRED SURFERS BAR & RESTAURANT
701 Tchoupitoulas St., 523-8995; www.lucysretiredsurfers.com
There may not be much surf, but spirits run high at this lively downtown hangout. Spicy riptide chicken wings are served wet with sauce or dry with a rub of seasoning. Specialties like the Southwestern-style burgers and Baja rolls with chicken, avocado, black beans, cheese and salsa are bestsellers. Lucy's also serves seafood, sandwiches and salads and offers daily drink and wing specials. Fridays draw a fun-loving after-work crowd. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily, brunch Sat.-Sun. Credit cards. $


PHIL'S GRILL
3020 Severn Ave., Metairie, 324-9080; www.phils-grill.com
Phil's allows customers to build their own burgers from a long menu of options including 10 cheeses, six choices of bread and 18 toppings. Try Angus beef or hot sausage-blended patties or portobello burgers. Sides include fried pickles, fried onion strings, sweet potato fries and others. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$


PORT OF CALL
838 Esplanade Ave., 523-0120; www.portofcallneworleans.com
The reason people line up and wait for a table at Port of Call is its famously huge burger. Pick a few toppings, decide what you want on your baked potato and then ready yourself for the daunting dining challenge of actually clearing your plate. The kitchen also prepares steaks. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$


RED EYE GRILL
852 S. Peters St., 593-9393; 1057 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 833-6900; www.redeyegrill.net
The Red Eye offers a green light to hungry folks out for a night on the town. Enormous burgers, jalapeño poppers and popcorn shrimp call for the Red Eye's other major specialty — cold beer and cocktails with a kick. Health-conscious diners can dig into turkey burgers and salads topped with grilled tuna or chicken. No reservations. Lunch Mon.-Fri., dinner and late-night Mon.-Sat. Credit cards. $


SIDELINES BAR & GRILL
1229 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 831-4002
Burgers, appetizers and wraps take centerfield at Sidelines. Specialties include wraps like the chicken Caesar and chicken tender wraps on whole wheat pita served with fries. Other items include sandwiches like grilled tuna on a sesame bun. No reservations. Lunch, dinner and late-night daily. Credit cards. $


STATION 8801
8801 Oak St., 861-9293
The gas pumps are long gone at this outpost by the parish line, but folks can still count on a fill up from the tavern's kitchen. There's an 8-oz. Angus beef burger and a 10-oz. filet served with spicy potatoes, while onion rings, sweet potato fries and chicken sandwiches offer other options. No reservations. Lunch, dinner and late-night Tue.-Sat. Credit cards. $


STEP BROTHERS LOUNGE & RESTAURANT
4971 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie, 889-9856
Step Brothers is known best for burgers and po-boys, but it also features Tuesday steak nights and a surf-and-turf special every Sunday. A filet is matched with a grilled or fried lobster tail plus potatoes, vegetables and bread for $20. For smaller bites, cheese sticks, jalapeño poppers, egg rolls, chicken tenders and wings are available as well. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $


TED'S FROSTOP
3100 Calhoun St., 861-3615
The gigantic root beer mug in the parking lot may still sit upside down as a reminder of Katrina, but little else seems to have changed at this vintage diner. The signature Lot-o-Burger is as good as ever. Fried seafood and plate lunches like baked chicken or pork chops provide square meals. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $


THE TIMES GRILL
1827 Front St., Slidell, (985) 639-3335; 1896 N. Causeway Blvd., Mandeville, (985) 626-1161; www.timesgrill.com
The Times is best known for its burgers, but the grill also offers salads, sandwiches, wraps, fried seafood (in po-boys or baskets) and pasta-based entrées. At the heart of the menu, though, are some incredible two-fisted patties. The hamburger combines Swiss cheese and sauerkraut, and the Home of the Aloha has pineapple, teriyaki sauce and cheddar. The Buffalo burger is brushed with a mild version of the wing sauce, finished with provolone cheese and adorned with onion rings. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $


TUCKER'S TAVERN
869 Magazine St., 522-0440
Tucker's is the undisputed home of the deep-fried burger. The Big Al is a half-pound burger stuffed with pepper Jack cheese and mushrooms. The Big Tuck slathers it on with bacon, pepper jack and American cheese on the inside and cheddar and barbecue sauce on top. Appetizers and grazing options include fried pickles, nachos, spicy Buffalo oysters and wings. The rest of the extensive menu ranges from homemade soups and salads, po-boys, sandwiches wraps, quesadillas and entrée platters of grilled fish and steak. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$

CAFÉ

BAYOU COFFEE HOUSE & Café
326 N. Jefferson Davis Pkwy., 484-7390; www.bayoucoffeehouse.com
This quaint coffee shop overlooking Bayou St. John is nestled in a comfy cottage, from which springs coffee, pastries, desserts and more. Two of the more popular desserts are the brownies and the bananas Foster cheesecake. Breakfast is served until 2 p.m. weekdays and Sunday and all day Saturday. The $4 weekday breakfast special covers the bases with two eggs, bacon, grits and toast. Lunch features salads and sandwiches, chicken and shrimp pasta, pizzas and wraps as well as daily specials. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch and early dinner daily. Credit cards. $


BEAN GALLERY
637 N. Carrollton Ave., 324-8176
Near City Park, Bean Gallery offers espresso, iced coffee drinks and strong, thick Turkish coffee. There are bagels, muffins, croissants and egg sandwiches for breakfast, including the Italian sausage and egg sandwich with cheddar cheese. For lunch, try the panini sandwiches, including the popular turkey and roasted red pepper, and the prosciutto and asparagus. Desserts feature carrot and chocolate cake, along with a small selection of gelato including old favorites like chocolate, vanilla, pistachio, strawberry and coffee. Mango sorbet and tiramisu gelato were recently added. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards and checks. $


BECK-N-CALL CAFÉ
534 N. New Hampshire St., Covington, (985) 875-9390
Traditional items get a twist at Beck-N-Call Café, where a turkey club comes layered with hickory-smoked turkey, crisp bacon, Swiss cheese, Romaine leaves, tomato and honey mustard on soft honey-wheat bread. Daily specials include crawfish etouffée and housemade lasagna. Delivery available. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch Mon.-Sat. Credit cards and checks. $


BLUE PLATE CAFÉ
1330 Prytania St., 309-9500
Blue ceramic-tiled tables and decorative plates make for a festive atmosphere at this cute café, but the real eye-opener is the food. A full breakfast menu offers something for everyone, from fluffy, veggie-stuffed omelets to three varieties of pancakes to quiche and breakfast burritos. If lunch is what you're after, try one of the homemade soups or daily specials. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch Mon.-Fri., brunch Sat. Credit cards. $


BLUE TOMATO
4401 Jefferson Hwy., Jefferson, 734-3000;
Popular for its eclectic mix of dishes and kitschy decor, this Jefferson Highway cantina-with-a-twist features Mexican food such as fajitas and carnitas, alongside classic American burgers, pizza and pasta. Blue Tomato has also recently added a few new dishes, including smoked ribs served with a side of pineapple baked beans and coleslaw, and a yellowfin tuna entrée. No reservations. Lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat. Credit cards. $


BLUEBIRD CAFÉ
3625 Prytania St., 895-7166
Come early for such staples as buckwheat pancakes, waffles and eggs. At lunchtime, burgers, fish sandwiches and salads take center stage. Don't miss the popular huevos rancheros, which pile up corn tortillas, black beans and fried eggs with ranchero sauce, cheese and salsa. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch Wed.-Sun. Cash only. $


BRICK OVEN CAFÉ
2805 Williams Blvd., Kenner, 466-2097
For more than 10 years, Brick Oven Café has offered an extensive menu of gourmet pizza, fish, beef, chicken and veal in classic New Orleans-Italian style. The Brick Oven filet is a 10-oz. grilled steak grilled to order and topped with garlic butter. The redfish piccata is a broiled fillet topped with grilled shrimp and crawfish lemon-butter sauce, all served over angel hair pasta in marinara sauce. No reservations. Lunch Sun.-Fri., dinner daily. Credit cards. $$


THE BROKEN EGG CAFÉ
200 Girod St., Mandeville, (985) 624-3388; www.anotherbrokenegg.com
Huge specialty omelets stuffed with everything under the sun are the toast of breakfast at the Broken Egg. The Southern Crab Stack piles a crab cake on a grits cake and adds andouille and shrimp cream sauce. Also consider the stuffed French toast: brioche bread laden with pastry cream, fresh berries and whipped cream. For dessert, try the classic bananas Foster bread pudding. Reservations accepted weekdays. Breakfast and lunch daily. Credit cards and checks. $$


BROTHERS' NEW ORLEANS CAFÉ
1502 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, 366-1073
Huge portions and reasonable prices keep customers coming back to Brothers', where for more than 32 years the kitchen has turned out signature fried food made with a special batter. Everything fried is good here, but hungry diners shouldn't overlook the generously seasoned hamburger steak. Reservations recommended for large parties. Breakfast, lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat. Credit cards and checks. $


CAFÉ 59
1931 Hwy. 59, Mandeville, 727-1120; www.internationalrollsplus.com
Don't expect your typical café when you stop by Café 59 in Mandeville. There is an eclectic menu complete with breakfast offerings like Alexis' Wake-Up Yogurt Banana Split and Eggs and Benedict Caribbean Style. For lunch, there's a Baja fish taco with grilled catfish, topped with Baja sauce, shredded cabbage, tomatoes, cilantro, lime and served with beans, salsa verde and chips. Dinner features dishes like Asian-Cajun shrimp fried rice and crawfish pasta. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch Tue.-Sat., dinner Tues.-Wed, Fri.-Sat. Credit cards. $


CAFÉ BEIGNET
311 Bourbon St., 525-2611; 334B Royal St., 524-5530; 819 Decatur St., 522-9929; www.cafebeignet.com
With three locations in the French Quarter, it's hard to miss out on the variety of New Orleans favorites including fresh beignets crawfish cakes. Cajun hashbrowns combine andouille sausage, potatoes, bell peppers and red onion and come with French bread and scrambled eggs. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Hours vary by location. Credit cards. $


CAFÉ D'CAPPUCCINO
4041 Williams Blvd., Kenner, 443-2299
This busy little café offers many hearty options to start the day. Eddie's breakfast plate delivers eggs, bacon or sausage, grits and your pick of toast or biscuit. Dolph's wrap is filled with egg and cheese plus bacon or sausage. The menu for lunch and dinner offers an array of wraps, burgers and sandwiches, as well as a popular homemade chicken salad. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat. Credit cards and checks. $


CAFÉ ENVIE
1241 Decatur St., 524-3689; www.myspace.com/envienola
French doors lining the Barracks Street side of this corner café are open in good weather, making it a breezy, inviting spot to relax with a newspaper or work on a laptop. Coffee drinks and a full bar complement sandwiches, bagels and a changing variety of pastries. The kitchen offers breakfast dishes like Eggs Envie and gourmet quiches filled with salmon, Guyere and crumbled bacon or apple and sausage. There's wireless Internet as well. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $


CAFÉ FLEUR DE LIS
307 Chartres St., 529-9641
At this sunny French Quarter spot, the classic muffaletta gets a makeover as a hot, crispy pressed panini sandwich. Omelets stuffed with crawfish tails and other inventive takes on New Orleans classics make the early-morning menu stand out. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch daily. Credit cards. $


CAFÉ FRERET
7329 Freret St., 861-7890
Casual and comfortable with plenty of outdoor seating, Café Freret puts its own spin on familiar favorites. The voodoo burger is a half-pound patty with sautéed onions and mushrooms smothered in the house "Bomb" sauce and topped with bacon, provolone, lettuce, tomato, pickles and Creole mayo. Another popular choice is the thick muffuletta with olive salad. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch and dinner Fri.-Wed., brunch Sat.-Sun. Credit cards. $$


CAFÉ LATTE II
2324 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 833-6343
It's easy to make this café part of your regular workday routine with breakfast in the morning and lunch in the afternoon. Check out the chicken quesadillas with red onions, chicken, black beans and tomatoes served in a wheat tortilla. The chicken salad wrap is filled with homemade chicken salad and fresh ingredients. No reservations. Breakfast Tue.-Fri., lunch Mon.-Fri. Credit cards. $


CAFÉ MINH
4139 Canal St., 482-6266
Chef Minh Bui moved his signature French-Vietnamese fusion dishes to Café Minh in November 2006. For starters, try the shrimp dumplings, coconut shrimp or crabmeat and sweet corn soup. Summer rolls of shrimp, avocado, cucumber, cilantro and rice noodles are wrapped in rice paper and served with peanut-citrus dipping sauce. The medallions of pork tenderloin are prepared with a tamarind glaze and served with a ginger sweet potato mash. For dessert, the poached pear is marinated in Shiraz and finished with Saigon cinnamon. Reservations recommended. Lunch and dinner Tue.-Sat. Credit cards. $$


CAFÉ PONTCHARTRAIN AT TREASURE CHEST CASINO
5050 Williams Blvd., Kenner, (800) 298-0711; www.treasurechest.com
Need a little something to tide you over between black jack hands? Stop by the buffet for hot daily specials like chicken-fried steak, hot tamales, red beans and rice or spaghetti and meatballs. Or try one of the daily specials such as barbecue beef brisket special. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $


CAFÉ RANI
2917 Magazine St., 895-2500
Café Rani spans the culinary globe, from Thai flavors to Jamaican jerk chicken, sashimi-style tuna to Southwestern-style burgers. New Orleans barbecue shrimp is a popular appetizer. Starters made to share include spinach and artichoke dip and a medley of hummus, black olive tapanade and feta cheese served with warm wheat pita. There's also a version of the popular New Orleans pasta dish Crawfish Monica. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily, brunch Sun. Credit cards. $$


CAFÉ ROSE NICAUD
634 Frenchmen St., 949-3300
Cushy leather armchairs beside picture windows overlooking busy Frenchmen Street are an ideal place to perch with a steaming latte and a newspaper. A wide variety of espresso drinks and teas complement salads, sandwiches, soups, quiches and bagels served with an array of gourmet spreads. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $


CAFÉ ROYALE
3343 Metairie Road, Metairie, 304-8438
Fresh breakfast, lunch and dinner choices make Café Royale a great stop whether you dine in or grab a bite to go. The Thai chicken salad is flavored with almonds and spicy peanut and ginger dressings over romaine lettuce. Tuesday's special is veal pot roast, cooked until tender and served with mashed potatoes, salad and garlic bread. No reservations. Breakfast Mon.-Sat., lunch and dinner Mon.-Fri. Credit cards. $


CAFÉ SATORA
3749 N. Causeway Blvd., Metairie, 832-1444
New owners have transformed Café Satora from a coffee-and-sandwich shop to a full-service restaurant with a bar and happy hour. The menu features sandwiches, salads and hot-pressed paninis as well as daily specials like cabbage rolls and red beans and rice. If you're jonesing for caffeine, order one of the popular iced cappuccinos or other specialty coffee drinks. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch Mon.-Fri., dinner Mon.-Sat. Credit cards and checks. $


CAFFE ANGELINA
5024 W. Esplanade Ave., Metairie, 889-7770
This casual, family-run Italian restaurant serves fresh, homemade foods, including a large selection of salads, soups, sandwiches and dinner entrées. Roast beef Angelina features tender roast beef dressed with lettuce, tomato, onions, sprouts, sweet peppers, avocado and creamy horseradish sauce on ciabatta bread. The muffuletta is a traditional sandwich of imported salami, mortadella, ham, Swiss cheese and olive salad on Italian bread. Reservations accepted for large parties. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $


CAFFE! CAFFE!
3900 Hwy. 22, Mandeville, (985) 727-4222; 4301 Clearview Pkwy., Metairie, 885-4845; www.caffecaffe.com
Coffee worth shouting over is just one of the things you'll find at Caffe! Caffe! Savory salad options abound. The avocado salad on romaine lettuce is mixed with gorgonzola cheese, walnuts, orange segments, red onions and mango vinaigrette. Lunch offerings include two daily soup specials, sandwiches, salads and quiche. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch Mon.-Sat., dinner Mon.-Fri. Credit cards. $


CELLARS OF RIVER RIDGE
1801 Dickory Ave., Harahan, 734-8455; www.cellarsrr.com
A long list of sandwiches, salads, burgers, quesadillas and fajitas comprise an extensive menu of homemade items. A traditional Reuben is corned beef piled high with grilled sauerkraut, Swiss cheese and Thousand Island dressing on the side. The Philly cheese steak and shrimp remoulade on French bread are popular choices. New menu items include an Asian salad with seared sashimi-grade tuna and sesame vinaigrette. The heart-attack burger starts with a half-pound of beef and hot sausage and adds apple-smoked bacon, cheddar pepper Jack and Swiss, grilled onions and fried egg. No reservations. Lunch Mon.-Sat. Credit cards and checks. $


CHATEAU COFFEE HOUSE AND CAFÉ
139 Robert E. Lee Blvd., 286-1777; 3501 Chateau Blvd., Kenner, 465-9444; East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie, 888-0601
The coffeehouse serves freshly baked pastries, hot and iced coffee as well a wide range of lunch and dinner items including specialty wraps, burgers, quesadillas, salads and signature sandwiches. Daily specials include choices like etouffée, barbecued pork sandwiches or mahi mahi. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Hours vary by location. Credit cards and checks. $


CHRISTY'S PO-BOYS
1102 Stumpf Blvd., Gretna, 368-6498
Po-boys meet eclectic Spanish fare at this West Bank eatery, including the ever-popular pressed Cuban sandwiches of pork, ham, Swiss cheese and pickles. Traditional Spanish dishes include the Friday and Saturday special of stewed oxtails served over rice with plantains. Or try the ropa viejo, an entrée of shredded beef in red gravy served with rice, black beans and plantains. Fresh shakes are made with mango and papaya. No reservations. Lunch Mon.-Sat. Cash only. $


COFFEE COTTAGE
5860 Citrus Blvd., Harahan, 818-0052
This quaint café's menu offers breakfast items like bagels, muffins and a host of special omelets. Midday meal choices include crawfish pasta smothered in spicy pepper cream sauce and the portobello wrap with Swiss, onions, spring mix and carrots. Dinner entrées include pan-fried catfish with a Creole pecan-butter sauce. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch daily, dinner Mon.-Sat. Credit cards and checks. $


COFFEE COVE
3431 Houma Blvd., Metairie, 780-9445
Whether it's a caffeine jolt or a bite to eat you're after, you'll find it at the Coffee Cove. Enjoy a pastry or cookie with a frothy cappuccino. There is a full lunch menu of sandwiches, wraps and salads. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch Mon.-Sat. Credit cards. $


COFFEE RANI
234 Lee Lane, Covington, (985) 893-6158
There's more than coffee being served at this heart-healthy Northshore café. Grilled shrimp are served on a bed of mixed greens with raisins, apples and curry dressing. Looking to slim down for spring? There's a low-carb menu and Rani Watchers selections, which are assigned a Weight Watchers-like point system. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $


COMMON GROUNDS
335 Huey P. Long Ave., Gretna, 227-2200
Downtown Gretna's Common Grounds is a popular spot for a leisurely breakfast. There's everything from eggs and bacon to waffles and bagels. Later in the day, there's fried seafood and sandwiches, tuna steaks and beef steaks hand-cut in-house. The spacious patio has plenty of room for a relaxing meal during pleasant weather. Reservations accepted for large parties. Breakfast, lunch and dinner Tue.-Sun. Credit cards. $


COVENANT CAFÉ
1515 Poydras St., 522-3335; www.covenanthouseno.org
Covenant Café covers all the bases with its brief breakfast menu and offers a wide range of sandwiches, wraps and salads for lunch. The morning starts with bagels, pastries, pancakes and breakfast sandwiches with eggs, bacon, sausage or ham. Sandwich options range from pesto chicken or turkey on wheat to cheeseburgers to the panini-style Blue Mambo with grilled chicken breast, blue cheese and purple onion. The Orient Express salad serves grilled chicken over greens, shredded carrots and Chinese noodles tossed in sesame ginger dressing. The Café supports Covenant House. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch Mon.-Fri. Cash only. $


CREPES á LA CART
1039 Broadway St., 866-2362; www.crepesalacarts.com
For a quick lunch or a midnight pig-out, this hole-in-the-wall creperie has you covered. The signature á la Cart crepe is stuffed with grilled chicken, ham, spinach, broccoli, red onions, mushrooms and cheese with a drizzle of honey mustard. The sweet trifle crepe has strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, chocolate chips and angel food cake sprinkled with brown sugar and cream. Breakfast, coffee and frozen drinks are available all day long. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and late-night daily. Credit cards. $


CROISSANT D'OR
617 Ursulines St., 524-4663
A tiny Parisian oasis on a quiet side street, Croissant d'Or's sweet and savory pastries are worth their weight in gold. Try a crusty housemade baguette, savory pastries smothered in béchamel, or light-as-air éclairs stuffed with rich chocolate cream. The interior courtyard is a charming al fresco oasis with a fountain. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch Wed.-Mon. Credit cards. $


THE DELACHAISE
3442 St. Charles Ave., 895-0858; www.thedelachaise.com
Inside its tiny, Art Nouveau-styled wedge of a building, the Delachaise pours distinctive wines, liquor and beer from around the world while the kitchen does some of its own globe-trotting. Chef Chris DeBarr serves everything from French fries cooked in duck fat to daily pasta and risotto specials. There are creative small plates and cheese and charcuterie boards. No reservations. Dinner daily. Credit cards. $$


THE DELI AT TREASURE CHEST CASINO
5050 Williams Blvd., Kenner, (800) 298-0711; www.treasurechest.com
Treasure Chest offers several dining options and The Deli is where you go when you want a good sandwich. There are fried shrimp and hot sausage po-boys as well as hotdogs and hamburgers. Daily specials like red beans and rice, hot tamales and chicken-fried steak change regularly. No reservations. Dinner daily. Credit cards. $$


DRY DOCK CAFÉ
133 Delaronde St., 361-8240; www.thedrydockcafe.com
Ride the quaint Algiers Point ferry and drop anchor at this Westbank tavern where the kitchen turns out sandwiches, seafood platters, big salads and tempting bar munchies like mini-tacos and potato skins. The half-pound Bestbank burger is loaded with cheese, bacon, mushrooms and sautéed onions. Entrées include crawfish pasta in creamy sauce topped with Parmesan cheese, as well as changing specials like blackened redfish. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit Cards. $$


ELIZABETH'S
601 Gallier St., 944-9272; www.elizabeths-restaurant.com
There always seems to be something new cooking at this café, which combines down-home ambiance with creative takes on casual Southern cooking. Blue cheese oysters and boudin balls make tempting starters. Braised rabbit with roasted garlic and seared salmon with pepper and dill relish are popular dinner choices. The kitchen's signature praline bacon is good at breakfast and finds its way into dishes later in the day as well. No reservations. Lunch Wed.-Fri., dinner Wed.-Sat., brunch Sat.-Sun. Credit cards. $


FELLINI'S CAFÉ
900 N. Carrollton Ave., 488-2155
This spacious Mid-City haunt features pastas, sandwiches and pizzas with a heavy Mediterranean influence. For starters, try the spicy tomato dip. The Mediterranean kebabs present a choice of beef, chicken or shrimp and come with a side of hummus and small Greek salad. The chicken portobello roll has fresh red pepper sauce. The newly renovated outdoor patio is ready for spring. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $


FLORA GALLERY & COFFEE SHOP
2600 Royal St., 947-8358
There's a bohemian vibe to this cozy café as regulars sip espresso drinks and fresh juice while playing chess, checking out fliers for arty downtown happenings and catching up on neighborhood gossip. The small kitchen offers an eclectic menu of baked goods and lunch fare that ranges from Tex-Mex to Middle Eastern items. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Cash only. $


FROSTY'S CAFFE
3400 Cleary Ave., Metairie, 888-9600; 2800 Manhattan Blvd., Suite B, Harvey, 361-9099
Frosty's offers a wide variety of signature bubble teas, ranging from sweet and familiar flavors (strawberry or mango) to the more exotic (jasmine green tea with jellied lychee or the avocado shake). For a fusion of French colonial cuisines, try the Vietnamese po-boy. The Metairie location has a larger menu of Vietnamese dishes. No reservations. Hours vary by location. Credit cards. $


GAMBINO'S BAKERY
300 Lapalco Blvd., Gretna, 391-0600; 4821 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 885-3620; http://gambinos.info
Known for its February infusions of heavenly cinnamon-laced King Cakes, this Crescent City institution also bakes pies, petit fours and doberge cakes year-round. Beyond the sweet thrills of its bakery, The Café at Gambino's (Metairie location) offers plenty of items for a lunchtime nosh, including muffulettas, hot panini sandwiches, salads and gourmet soups. The Gretna location is a bakery only. No reservations. Lunch Mon.-Fri. Credit cards. $


GELATO PAZZO CAFÉ
8115 Oak St., 304-6908; www.gelatopazzo.com
From paninis to homemade gelato, Italian treats abound at Gelato Pazzo. Panini sandwiches are served on grilled ciabatta bread and include the grilled shrimp panini, large Gulf shrimp with mixed greens, grilled Roma tomatoes and house-made fresh basil pesto. Basic gelato favorites like chocolate chip, vanilla and blood orange are always available. Changing specials include flavors like Cherry Mania, made with Smith's creamery milk and Italian Amarena cherries, and layered with Italian chocolate straciatella throughout. Delivery available. No reservations. Lunch Tue.-Sun., dinner Tue.-Sat. Credit cards. $


GOOD EARTH MARKET AND Café
821 Girod St., Mandeville, (985) 674-4329
Good Earth's many wraps on whole-wheat tortillas are a healthy and popular lunch item, but don't overlook the daily specials. There is international appeal in the mix of tacos and dishes like chicken cacciatore, beef stroganoff and Indonesian stew. Tender cochon de lait is made daily. Extra-large salads and a changing selection of soups complete the menu. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch daily, dinner Mon.-Sat. Credit cards and checks. $


HICKORY CHICKORY CAFÉ
1827 Hickory Ave. Ste. E, Harahan, 738-2220; www.hickorychickorycafe.com
Sometimes the little things set a place apart — like the mini-doughnuts at the kid-friendly Hickory Chicory. Dunk them in coffee or one of the many dipping sauce choices like chocolate, strawberry, caramel, banana, lemon or orange. Vegetarian red beans and rice is available, or add on andouille sausage, which is sautéed with onions, bell peppers and tomato. Hickory also serves homemade soups, panini sandwiches and salads. Delivery available. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch Mon.-Sat. Credit cards and checks. $


LA BOUCHERIE COFFEE HOUSE & CAFÉ
339 Chartres St., 581-6868
A series of interconnecting rooms lures visitors through this casually elegant coffeehouse and lunch spot. The baristas serve a complete line of coffee drinks and an array of teas, plus pastries and sweets. The lunch crowd comes for daily specials, salads and sandwiches like the Conti Club, which layers house-roasted turkey breast, smoked bacon, Swiss and cheddar cheese on wheat bread. No reservations. Lunch Mon.-Fri. Credit cards and checks. $


LA BOULANGERIE
4600 Magazine St., 269-3777
La Boulangerie has moved but is still one of the city's most popular bakeries for fresh baked breads and French pastries like flaky croissants. The menu has expanded and includes more panini sandwiches, small pizzas and salads. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch daily, early dinner Mon.-Sat. Checks. $


LA DIVINA GELATERIA
3005 Magazine St., 258-5313; www.ladivinagelateria.com
At La Divina, gelato and sorbets are made in-house every day from fresh ingredients like strawberries and citrus and imported items like Sicilian pistachios and French chocolate. Try the créme brulée gelato or the plum Beaujolais sorbet. For a meal, panini choices include prosciutto and chevre cheese with a spicy pepper sauce and tuna with artichoke and purple olive tapanade, both on ciabatta bread. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $


LA MADELEINE
601 S. Carrollton Ave., 861-8662; 3300 Severn Ave., Suite 201, Metairie, 456-1624; 3434 Hwy. 190, Mandeville, (985) 626-7004; 5171 Citrus Blvd., Suite 2000, Harahan, 818-2450; www.lamadeleine.com
A convenient cafeteria-style of service and a menu of French café classics have made the La Madeleine chain a local favorite. There are always American and darker French roast coffees to choose from. The bakery prepares breakfast pastries, potato galettes, salads and sandwiches like the croque monsieur. The tomato-basil soup is a popular hot item. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch daily. Credit cards. $


LA VITA
3201 Esplanade Ave., 948-0077; www.lavitapizza.com
This casual Italian restaurant from the same group that runs Angeli on Decatur Street and Del Forno offers pizza, salads, calzones, panini sandwiches and pasta dishes. The menu has new items like the arugula salad tossed in a honey balsamic vinaigrette with shaved Reggiano cheese and extra virgin olive oil. A popular entrée is the veal Marsala, a 6-oz. pan-seared veal cutlet topped with Marsala wine sauce with sautéed portobello mushrooms. Reservations accepted for large parties. Lunch, dinner and late-night daily. Credit cards. $$


LAFITTE'S CAFÉ
6325 Elysian Fields Ave., 284-7878; www.lafittescafe.com
Lafitte's serves wraps with a wide selection of fillings, burgers and patty melts, salads, sandwiches and baked potatoes. Dig into appetizers such as fried pickles, chili cheese fries and baskets of fried seafood. There's also free wireless Internet. No reservations. Breakfast Sat., lunch and dinner daily, brunch Sun. Credit cards. $


LAKEVIEW BREW COFFEE CAFÉ
5606 Canal Blvd., 483-7001
Lakview Brew offers a wide selection of specialty drinks including espresso, cappuccino, several lattes, hot and iced chai tea, hot chocolate and others. Pastries and baked goods are available for breakfast. The lunch menu includes soups, gourmet salads and sandwiches on croissant, in an herb wrap or as a pressed panini. The Brew Roasted Veggie is filled with grilled red and yellow peppers, zucchini, squash, spinach, red onions, mushrooms and Romano cheese. No resesrvations. Breakfast and lunch Mon.-Sun. Credit cards. $


LAUREL STREET BAKERY
5433 Laurel St., 897-0576
Home to the "hottest muffins in town," this patisserie serves a variety of classic bakery fare: bagels (boiled and baked daily), cinnamon rolls, quiche, scones and quick breads including zucchini and banana. Cakes are prepared for all occasions. Lunch choices include sandwiches such as ham and Swiss on a homemade croissant. Outdoor seating is available for sunny days. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch daily. Cash and checks. $


LORETTA'S TOO/HE-BREW
2101 N. Rampart St., 944-7068; www.lorettaspralines.com
This Marigny corner café bakes a variety of pastries in-house, including blueberry, chocolate-chip, lemon poppy seed and signature carrot "sunrise" muffins. Stop by on Friday afternoons for New Orleans-style lunch specials like fried and baked chicken, stuffed bell peppers and seafood plates. No reservations. Breakfast daily, lunch Fri. Cash only. $


MADDIE'S PLACE
3200 Severn Ave., Suite 108, Metairie, 456-7075
Relax with a cappuccino, cool off with an iced chai or grab a bite at this cozy café on Severn. The European-style coffeehouse serves homemade sandwiches and salads. Maddie's famous chicken salad is made with grilled breast meat, eggs and mayo and is available in a sandwich or on top of a salad. The Swiss turkey salad rests smoked turkey on Romaine and spring mix with Swiss cheese, alfalfa sprouts, cranberries and walnuts dressed with raspberry vinaigrette. No reservations. Lunch Mon.-Sat., dinner Wed.-Fri. Credit cards. $


MELIUS CAFÉ
1701 Lake Ave., Metairie, 828-9446
At Melius Café, weekday specials range from red beans and rice with smoked sausage on Monday to roast beef po-boys on Tuesday to taco plates with rice and beans on Thursday. Friday is shrimp po-boy day. Regular sandwich options include the Melius burger, BLTs, patty melts with grilled onions and Swiss cheese, and cheese sandwiches on thick Texas toast. Melius also serves breakfast items like omelets, and eggs and toast. No reservations. Breakfast and dinner Mon.-Sat., lunch Mon.-Fri. Credit cards. $


MOONLIGHT CAFÉ
1921 Sophie Wright Place, 561-1255
Moonlight reopened to the same kind of night owl hours for which it has long been known, but the new menu focuses on Louisiana and Southern fare. In addition to burgers and salads, look for meats slow-cooked to aromatic goodness in the smoker. Breakfast on the weekends now features dishes like grillades and grits, and biscuits smothered in gravy. No reservations. Breakfast Sat.-Sun., lunch, dinner and late-night daily. Credit cards. $$


MUGGS Café
3445 Esplanade Ave., 324-9482
This quaint lunchtime café offers daily lunch specials that rotate out every week. Monday means beans. Tuesday features Italian dishes. Thursday is for beef, and Friday brings seafood. Everyday, the chicken salad is made with grapes and olives. Muggs' slow-cooked garlic roast beef is available as a po-boy or as a plate) also can't be beat. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch Mon.-Fri. Credit cards and checks. $


NATZ Café
2101 Paris Road, Chalmette, 276-9095; www.flourpowernola.com
Formerly known as Flour Power, the café has preserved its menu of dishes like the Flour Power Salad, which is a salad of mixed greens, goat cheese, fresh sliced strawberries, candied pecans and a homemade balsamic vinaigrette. It also offers the wonderful Flour Power desserts. No reservations. Lunch Mon.-Fri. Credit cards and checks. $


N'AWLINS FLAVA CAFÉ
830 N. Rampart St., 324-6420; www.nawlinsflavacafe.com
There's plenty of flavor on this café's menu, mixing Cajun, Creole and soul food dishes and also offering burgers and other bites. Garlic shrimp pasta features jumbo shrimp in creamy garlic sauce over pasta with garlic bread and salad on the side. The Country Soulfood Platter rounds up fried chicken, a ham hock, pig feet, chitlins, collard greens, candied yams, dirty rice and cornbread. Delivery available in the French Quarter. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch and dinner Wed.-Mon. Credit cards. $$


OAK STREET CAFÉ
8140 Oak St., 866-8710; www.oakstreetcafe.com
A piano player is usually at work here in the morning, playing bluesy tunes as regulars file in for donuts, coffee and breakfast dishes like the Creole spinach egg nest with poached eggs on a bed of spinach and cream cheese over English muffin halves. Po-boys and daily plate lunch specials are served in the afternoon. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch daily. Cash only. $


PALM COURT JAZZ CAFÉ
1204 Decatur St., 525-0200; www.palmcourtjazzcafe.com
The Palm Court offers a winning combination of traditional New Orleans jazz and Creole cooking. Starters include gumbo with chicken, andouille and okra. Equally traditional fare like shrimp Creole is popular at the supper club. The chicken sardou is served on a bed of creamed spinach over artichokes with oyster sauce. Or try the shrimp ambrosia cooked in fennel and served over spinach pasta. Reservations recommended. Dinner Wed.-Sun. Credit cards. $$


PARADISE CAFÉ
3717 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 888-4141
Warm up with a cup of cream of cauliflower or zucchini and squash soup. Or dig into barbecued brisket, an avocado stuffed with chicken salad, chicken quesadillas, smoked sausage or pork chops served with white beans and rice. No reservations. Breakfast Mon.-Fri., lunch Mon.-Sat. Credit cards and checks. $


PAUL'S CAFÉ
100 E. Pine St., Ponchatoula, (985) 386-9581
Many locals drop into this quaint café for home-cooked breakfasts and lunches of po-boys and blue plate specials like the red beans and rice. Since its in Ponchatoula, home of the annual Strawberry Festival, strawberry daiquiris are always an appropriate beverage choice. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch daily. Credit cards. $


PUCCINO'S
Lakeside Shopping Center Annex, 17th Street at Severn Ave., Metairie, 835-3151; 5200 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 780-9970; www.lovepuccinos.com
Beyond coffee drinks like the signature Frozen Puccino—a malted coffee and ice cream concoction—and other coffee and tea creations, Puccino's serves sandwiches, salads, soups and pastries. The breakfast menu features omelets, fritattas and the Puccino's buttermilk waffle sandwich with two eggs, cheddar cheese and ham or bacon. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch and early dinner daily. Credit cards. $


REFUEL COFFEE AND NOSH
8124 Hampson St., 872-0187
Customers order at the counter and then settle in to the stylish dining room at this casual café. Refuel's breakfast and brunch specialties include corned beef hash, huevos rancheros and some seriously creamy grits. At lunch, the Cuban sandwiches are grilled crisp, and there are entrée plates built around marinated flank steak, tuna and salmon. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch Tue.-Fri., brunch Sat-Sun. Credit cards. $


RENDEZ-VOUS CAFÉ
3001 Gen. DeGaulle Drive, 367-6013
Aromatic hookah pipes, coffee drinks and beer and wine are some of the indulgences at this wide-ranging eatery. At breakfast time, try the Western omelet with bacon, sausage, ham and cheese with pancakes or toast on the side. Dinner specialties include classic chicken Parmesan covered with sauce and served over pasta. One new area of the menu features Mediterranean favorites such as hummus and baba ghanoush. Reservations accepted. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards and checks. $


RICCOBONO'S PANOLA STREET CAFÉ
7801 Panola St., 314-1810
Regulars rarely need menus at this cozy, family-run café tucked away in the University neighborhood. Some neighbors build their schedules around daily lunch specials like hamburger steaks and fried catfish. At breakfast time, the standard egg and pancake options are augmented by dishes like the crawfish omelet and crab cakes Benedict. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch daily. Credit cards. $


RIVERSHACK TAVERN
3449 River Road, Jefferson, 834-4938; www.therivershacktavern.com
Long known as a honky tonk with plenty of draft beer and road food, the Rivershack has an ambitious kitchen now, and even the sandwiches are big productions. The Usual Suspects is a grilled deli-style lineup of corned beef, pastrami, debris and Swiss cheese. Weekday lunch specials range from traditional red beans to braised rabbit with spaetzle dumplings to peanut-crusted soft-shell crab with basmati rice and tandoori cream. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $


ROYAL BLEND
204 Metairie Road, Metairie, 835-7779; 621 Royal St., 523-2716
Royal Blend is more than a coffeeshop. It offers a full range of sandwiches, salads, wraps, weekly specials, plus muffins, pastries and desserts. The baked potato salad and the chicken salad sandwich with bacon and avocado are particular favorites. Baristas make specialty lattes and other caffeinated creations. An impressive indoor magazine stand gives you plenty to read while you nosh and sip at the Metairie location. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch and early dinner daily. Credit cards. $


STAR CAFÉ
2186 Florida St., Mandeville, (985) 674-9920; www.starcafe.com
The creative menu at Star Café gives diners options such as the cleverly named Pearis Stilton salad, which sets blue cheese, poached pears and walnuts over spring mix greens with a vinaigrette dressing. Homemade breads make Star's sandwiches stand out. The Kevin Bacon chicken sandwich on fresh focaccia has tomato-garlic aioli, feta cheese and fresh vegetables on top of two chicken breasts. Build your own burger or order the daily burger special, such as the mushroom-Swiss or jalapeño-Cheddar. Kids eat free on Wednesdays. Reservations accepted. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$


SURREY'S CAFÉ & JUICE BAR
1418 Magazine St., 524-3828; www.surreyscaféandjuicebar.com
Fresh-squeezed juice and vegetarian dishes are hallmarks of Surrey's, but not everyone necessarily seeks out the menu's lightest choices. Bananas Foster stuffed French toast is stuffed with bananas, cream cheese and brown sugar and served bathing in rum sauce. The Surrey's club is stacked with turkey, goat cheese, bacon, mixed greens and tomato on either seven grain or sourdough bread. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch and brunch Wed.-Sun. Cash only. $


THEN, NOW & NEXT CAFE
6401 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 885-5700; www.fourpointsnola.com
Inside the Sheraton Four Points Hotel, this bright and inviting café has a constantly changing menu that sticks to familiar flavors. Bayou Fettuccini is a dish of pasta tossed with large Gulf shrimp and tasso in spicy cream sauce. Twin grilled crab cakes are served with lemon-butter sauce. There are always roast beef dishes and low-calorie options. Reservations accepted. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$


TOUT DE SUITE
347 Verret St., 362-2264; www.toutdesuitecafe.com
Tout de Suite breakfasts include egg dishes and rotating weekend specials like huevos rancheros and buttermilk biscuits with gravy. For lunch, try a chicken panini with apple smoked bacon and Swiss cheese. Fresh salads combine greens with items like fruit, nuts, chicken or seared salmon. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$


VAZQUEZ RESTAURANT
515 E. Boston St., Covington, (985) 893-9336
At Vazquez, specials change on a daily basis and include dishes like red beans, pork chops, stuffed crabs and the Cuban sandwich. Vazquez also offers its own take on the club sandwich. No reservations. Lunch and dinner Mon.-Fri. Credit cards and checks. $


VIANNE'S TEA SALON & CAFÉ
544 Girod St., Mandeville, (985) 624-5683; www.viannes.com
High tea is a three-course affair at this charming Old Mandeville spot. The event consists of housemade scones served with lemon curd, cream and jam, tea sandwiches and canapés, and an assortment of mini-desserts. The café serves more than 100 loose-leaf teas either hot or iced. The lunch menu includes items like peanut chicken salad, which pairs Mandarin oranges and crushed nuts with a panéed chicken breast. Reservations recommended. Lunch Tue.-Fri., brunch Sat.-Sun. Credit cards. $$


VITALITY JUICE, JAVA & SMOOTHIE BAR
322 Dalwill Drive, Mandeville, (985) 727-3482; 1915 Hickory Ave., Harahan, 737-1901; 2309 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 828-3488; www.vitalityjuice.com
Vitality specializes in organic coffees, smoothies, juices, teas, soups, sandwiches and desserts. Popular fruit smoothies include the Spunky Monkey, made with strawberry, orange and banana. The Caesar Gone Skinny salad is made with homemade low-fat Caesar dressing, free-range grilled chicken with Romaine lettuce and Parmesan cheese. No reservations. Breakfast and early dinner Mon.-Sat., lunch daily. Credit cards and checks. $


YE OLDE COLLEGE INN
3000 S. Carrollton Ave., 866-3683; www.collegeinn1933.com
This Uptown stalwart moved to a new building after more than 70 years of service, but the regulars still come in for their old favorites. The veal cutlet still covers the plate, and the hamburger is still made on a uniquely airy Leidenheimer bun. The kitchen also prepares more ambitious daily specials. Reservations accepted for six or more. Dinner Tue.-Sat. Credit cards. $$

CAJUN

BON TON CAFÉ
401 Magazine St., 524-3386; www.thebontoncafe.com
Amid the Creole traditions of New Orleans, the Bon Ton has been serving authentic Cajun fare since 1953. One specialty, the namesake redfish Bon Ton is seasoned, seared on the grill and finished in the broiler with lemon butter sauce. Classic dishes include crawfish etouffée and turtle soup. Reservations recommended. Lunch and dinner Mon.-Fri. Credit cards. $$$


COCHON
930 Tchoupitoulas St., 588-2123; www.cochonrestaurant.com
Chefs Donald Link and Stephen Stryjewski have made their porcine mark on Cajun cuisine, and Cochon is a familiar stop for many local and out-of-towners. While the pork dishes like Louisiana Cochon with turnips, cabbage and cracklins are mouthwatering, there are other offerings such as rabbit and dumplings with braised Mississippi rabbit and vegetable stew baked in a cast iron skillet. Reservations Reccomended. Lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat. Credit cards. $$


THE CORNER SPORTS BAR AND GRILL
500 St. Peter St., 522-2999
Located within a stone's throw of Jackson Square, patrons will find a menu of New Orleans staple items like gumbo, shrimp Creole, red beans and jambalaya. Also try the restaurant's own inventions like crawfish chicken, a marinated chicken breast topped with crawfish tails in a thick roux with peppers and mushrooms on a bed of white rice. No reservations. Breakfast, Fri.-Sun, lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $


LAZY RIVER
Jax Brewery Millhouse, 600 Decatur St., Suite 101, 588-2853; www.patobriens.com/lazyriverneworleans.html
Southern food and hospitality invite even the most motivated Quarter visitor to sit for a lazy spell at this riverfront restaurant. Hang out on the terrace and watch the ships go by or grab a table inside to try the mango margarita, the muffuletta made on focaccia bread, spicy meat pies, crawfish bread or roast beef po-boys. No reservations. Lunch and early dinner Wed.-Sun. Credit cards. $


MULATE'S CAJUN RESTAURANT
201 Julia St., 522-1492; www.mulates.com
This Warehouse District destination offers a taste of the Cajun countryside paired with the unique sounds of the region and a dance floor to flaunt your two-step. As Cajun bands perform for the evening crowd, the kitchen dishes out favorites like grilled catfish Mulate's topped with crawfish etouffée, chicken and sausage jambalaya, blackened fish, crabmeat au gratin and platters of grilled and fried seafood. Reservations recommended. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$

CARIBBEAN

COCO HUT
2515 Bayou Road, 945-8788
Caribbean flavors give this tiny but bright café some sweet and spicy appeal. The menu is made of dishes posted on signs at the front. The jerk chicken is grilled dark meat chicken served with rice, peas and plantains. For seafood, try the grilled red snapper served with a salad, vegetables and fried plantains. Other specials might include curry or stewed meats. No reservations. Lunch and dinner Tue.-Sat. Checks. $$


WEST INDIES CAFÉ
1600 St. Charles Ave., 571-2015
West Indies offers dishes from Latin America and the Caribbean including ceviche, yucca meat pies called carimanolas and grilled skirt steak with Argentine chimichurri sauce. There are also salads, seafood dishes with mussels, shrimp and grilled fish and chicken and steak. No reservations. Lunch Mon.-Fri., dinner Mon.-Sat. Credit cards, checks. $$

CHINESE

ASIAN SUPER BUFFET
3900 Williams Blvd., Kenner, 712-0899; www.asiansuperbuffett.com
The items change daily, but with seven buffet lines, you're bound to find many of your favorite Chinese dishes such as sweet and sour chicken or beef and broccoli. American fare like pizza, garlic bread and apple pie increase your options. Mongolian barbecue dishes are cooked to order and allow diners to choose their own meats and vegetables. Reservations accepted for large parties. Lunch Mon. — Sat, dinner buffet all day Sunday. Credit cards. $


AUGUST MOON
3635 Prytania St., 899-5129; www.augustmoonneworleans.com
August Moon offers a wide variety of Chinese and Vietnamese selections from curry to moo shu pork to Szechuan dishes. The crispy lemongrass shrimp features jumbo shrimp pan-seared with onions and minced lemongrass and served with vermicelli and nuoc cham sauce. The extensive menu is broken down into helpful categories such as chef's specialties, popular chinese dishes and low-cholesterol items. Brown rice is available. No reservations. Lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat. Credit cards. $


CHINA DOLL
830 Manhattan Blvd., Harvey, 366-8822
Cantonese cuisine is the specialty at China Doll. House specialties include the crab rangoon, a fried wonton filled with crabmeat, spices and velvety cream cheese. Lunch combinations abound, complemented by shrimp fried rice and choice of egg roll or cho cho, a crispy wonton made from pork and shrimp. Reservations accepted. Lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat. Credit cards. $$


CHINA ORCHID RESTAURANT
702 S. Carrollton Ave., 865-1428
Familiar favorites fill the comprehensive menu at this American-Chinese restaurant. The empress chow mein, for instance, has crispy thin noodles topped with scallops, shrimp, chicken, beef and vegetables in brown sauce. Vegetarian options abound, and the budget-friendly prices appeal to families and college students alike. Reservations accepted. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $


CHINA ROSE
3501 N. Arnoult Road, Metairie, 887-3295
China Rose offers many Chinese seafood specialties. The Lomi Lomi combines jumbo shrimp, pineapple and water chestnuts wrapped in bacon, fries them golden brown and serves them on a bed of sautéed vegetables. The Seafood Festival is a round-up of shrimp, scallops and Chinese vegetables cooked in light white sauce. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $


CHRISTINA'S EMPRESS OF CHINA
429 Wall Blvd., Gretna, 392-3939; www.empressofchina.net
Elegance and comfort converge at Christina Tsang's restaurant. Chef's creations include the Empress poached salmon served atop fresh ginger and scallions. The Tangeri beef is flash-fried beef and orange peel served with a sweet, peppery sauce. Christina's also offers lunch specials of sweet-and-sour chicken (with sides of either fried or steamed rice, egg roll and tea) and family-style suppers with dishes like moo shu pork with plum sauce. Reservations recommended for four or more. Lunch and dinner Tue.-Sun. Credit cards. $


CHUN LEE RESTAURANT
1100 Elmwood Park Blvd., Harahan, 733-8562
An American-style Chinese restaurant with 25 years under its belt, Chun Lee is still going strong with its newest addition to the menu, sesame chicken. Mandarin chicken and General Tso's chicken are both served with an egg roll and fried rice. The Chun Lee Special Platter inlcudes balamaki, fried shrimp, rumaki shrimp, an egg roll, paper-wrapped chicken, ribs, a fried wonton and barbecued pork. Reservations accepted. Lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat. Credit cards. $


DOUBLE DRAGON
8236 Hwy. 23, Belle Chasse, 433-4333
Seafood is the specialty here, especially in dishes like salt-and-pepper soft-shell crabs or whole deep-fried red snapper served with Hunan sauce. For fowl, General Tso's chicken is a popular choice. Reservations accepted for large parties. Lunch Sun.-Fri., dinner daily. Credit cards. $


EMPIRE Café
1633 N. Causeway Blvd., Mandeville, (985) 951-8686
Empire Café's buffet lays out a variety of regional Chinese dishes with no wait. Best of all, it always costs less than $10. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $


FIVE HAPPINESS
3605 S. Carrollton Ave., 482-3935; www.fivehappiness.com
Five Happiness specializes in regional Chinese cuisine for dining in, pick-up or delivery. Daily lunch specials include a choice of soup, shrimp fried rice and fried wonton. For dinner, try the Triple Dragon, a trio of chicken, beef and shrimp simmering in hot garlic sauce. All dishes can be altered for preferred spice level. No reservations. Lunch and dinner Mon.-Sun. Credit cards. $$


FONG'S CHINESE RESTAURANT
2101 Williams Blvd., Kenner, 467-9928
Fong's has long been a popular Kenner destination for Chinese cuisine. Regional dishes use a great variety of shrimp, pork, chicken, beef and vegetable ingredients. Staple appetizers include wontons and crab rangoon. The Triple Treats platter includes beef, pork and chicken stir-fry with Chinese vegetables like bok choy, baby corn and snow peas. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $


JUNG'S GOLDEN DRAGON RESTAURANT
4417 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 887-6081
Jung's offers generous luncheon specials combining fried or steamed rice plus an egg roll or fried wonton starting at $5. Jung's offers dishes like Empress chow mien, which includes shrimp, chicken, pork and beef sautéed with fresh Chinese vegetables in brown sauce served over crispy pan-fried noodles. The shrimp with honey pecan is Gulf shrimp sautéed with Chinese vegetables in a sweet brown sauce and garnished with crispy honey pecans. Delivery available. Reservations recommended. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards.$


MANDARIN HOUSE
3501 Severn Ave., Metairie, 779-0888
Known for its popular seafood bar, which boasts boiled shrimp, crawfish, king crab and more, the buffet at Mandarin House offers roughly 300 items including Chinese dishes, sushi and dessert. Meat dishes range from barbecued pork to teriyaki chicken. Cakes, cookies and fresh fruit satisfy the sweet tooth for dessert. Reservations accepted. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $


RED STAR CHINESE RESTAURANT
8330 Earhart Blvd., 861-1933; www.redstarchineserestaurant.com
Red Star is a favorite for delivery Uptown and Mid-City and for diners to drop in for house specials like the beef and scallop combination with brown sauce or the spicy ta-chien chicken with vegetables. The kitchen also has a lighter menu of dishes prepared with no addedsalt, sugar or corn starch. Delivery available. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $


TEA GARDEN
1918 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 833-9455
Whether you're looking to feed yourself or your whole family, Metairie's Tea Garden is a good choice. Many classic Chinese dishes can be found on the menu, from daily lunch specials such as moo goo gai pan to General Tso's chicken. Family dinners such as kung bo shrimp and sweet-and-sour pork are a bargain at just over $10. No reservations. Lunch Mon.-Fri., dinner daily. Credit cards. $


TREY YUEN CUISINE OF CHINA
600 N. Causeway Blvd., Mandeville, (985) 626-4476; 2100 N. Morrison Blvd., Hammond, (985) 345-6789; www.treyyuen.com
The Wong brothers bring the Orient to the Northshore. There are ambient touches like fishponds and a pagoda-style building, but the food is why loyal patrons return. Try the crawfish with spicy lobster sauce, which features crawfish tails, pork, peanut oil, garlic, ginger and egg wok sautéed and served over a bed of rice. Reservations recommended. Lunch Mon.-Fri., dinner daily. Credit cards and checks. $$

COFFEE & DESSERT

ANGELO BROCATO'S
214 N. Carrollton Ave., 486-1465; www.angelobrocatoicecream.com
New Orleans' most famous purveyor of ice cream is a Mid-City sweet shop that also provides ice creams and pastries to restaurants all over town. Brocato offers 24 flavors made fresh with milk, cream, fruit, nuts and nut pastes, as well as Italian ice specialties like spumoni or cassata. With spring comes blood-orange ice, and in March, Brocato's will make Louisiana strawberry ice. Pastries and baked goods include several types of Sicilian cannoli, which are crispy ricotta cheese-filled pastry shells with semi-sweet chocolate chips or dipped in pistachio nuts. No reservations. Lunch and dinner Tue.-Sun. Credit cards. $


BELLA BREW
2701 Airline Drive, Suite L, Metairie, 846-9930
This coffeehouse and lunch spot offers a mix of coffee drinks, juices, pastries, quiches and salads as well as daily lunch specials. The frozen coffee punch is an espresso drink of ice cream blended with chocolate and topped with chocolate syrup and whipped cream. The lightly spiced shrimp salad rests in half an avocado surrounded by greens, tomato and egg. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch and early dinner Mon.-Sat. Credit cards. $


BEN & JERRY'S ICE CREAM
3500 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 887-5656; www.benjerry.com
The famous New England brand Ben & Jerry's is every ice-cream lover's dream come true. In addition to ice cream in basic flavor varieties, there are specials like the waffle cone sundae filled with any flavor and topped with hot fudge or caramel, whipped cream and a choice of toppings. For something a little lighter, there's the strawberry kiwi smoothie made with non-fat sorbet and fresh fruit. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $


CC'S COFFEEHOUSE
Citywide; www.communitycoffee.com
CC's brews a full range of specialty coffee drinks and has all the extras to wake up in the morning or settle in for an afternoon of studying. A locally founded chain, Community Coffee serves its own special blends. Sweet options include pastries, muffins and cookies. Many locations also have wireless Internet. No reservations. Hours vary by location. Credit cards. $


CAFÉ DU MONDE
Citywide; www.cafédumonde.com
Café du Monde is a landmark built on coffee and donuts. Café au lait with chicory and airy beignets loaded with powdered sugar have made the original location world famous and spawned new coffee stands throughout the area. Even with t