Whether you think of this time of year as spring or crawfish season, it's a good time to dine out.
Gambit Weekly's Spring Restaurant Guide surveys the city's dining scene from Cajun and Creole institutions to po-boy and pizza places. With restaurants arranged from A to Z, the guide has the latest news on menu items, hours of operation, reservation policies and more. Enjoy.
Prices
$ = $1-$10
$$ = $11-$20
$$$ = $21-up
#s | A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z
B
BABYLON CAFÉ
7724 Maple St., 314-0010
Babylon Café offers an array of familiar Mediterranean dishes including dips and grilled meats. There is hummus, baba ghanoush, falafel and crusty rolls in addition to pita bread. For entrees, order kebabs, gyros, shawarma and vegetarian dishes. Diners are welcome to bring their own wine. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $
BACCO
310 Chartres St., 522-2426; www.bacco.com
Bacco combines Creole and Italian flavors in an elegant restaurant inside the chic W Hotel French Quarter. Popular dishes include lobster ravioli, which fills housemade ravioli with lobster and Gulf shrimp and bathes them in a champagne butter sauce. The garlic and rosemary pork tenderloin is hickory grilled and served with wilted escarole, rustic mashed potatoes and a sweet and sour prune sauce. Many of the pastas are made in house. Reservations recommended. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$$
BALCONY BAR & CAFÉ
3201 Magazine St., 894-8888
The Balcony Bar is known for its huge selection of beers on draft and as a late-night draw for the Uptown party set. Belly up to the kitchen window to order tavern grub like the Balcony burger, a half-pound patty with sautéed onions, mushrooms and green peppers topped with bacon and jalapeños. No reservations. Lunch, dinner and late-night daily. Credit cards. $
BAMBU AT HARRAH'S CASINO
4 Canal St., 533-6000; www.harrahs.com
Bambu has a winning combination of Asian-inspired specialties from sushi to hot entrées. The menu combines standards from Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese and Japanese cooking, plus specialties like Cantonese barbecued duck and pecan-battered shrimp. No reservations. Lunch Fri.-Sun., dinner daily. Credit cards. $$
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. Tasty classic sides include 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. $$
BARCIA'S GROCERY
3633 Annunciation St., 899-9111
The corner store is a fixture in New Orleans neighborhoods, and Barcia's stands out with its po-boys, club and roast beef sandwiches and hot plate items. Breakfast sandwiches are available in the morning for those on the go. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch Mon.- Fri. Cash only. $
BARU BISTRO & TAPAS
3700 Magazine St., 895-2225, www.barubistro.com
Chef Edgar Caro is inspired by his hometown, Cartagena, Colombia, along with influences from Cuba, Puerto Rica and the Caribbean. He's fused those elements to create tapas dishes such as Mazorca, grilled corn with Salao cheese, pink sauce and crunchy potato sticks. His quaint Uptown café also offers entrées like Lechon Cubano, slow-roasted pork shoulder served with coconut rice and ensalada de Papas. No reservations. Dinner Tue.-Sat. Credit cards. $$
BARU CAFÉ
3235 Williams Blvd., Kenner, 467-5404
Baru Café offers a flavorful tour of Caribbean-style Colombian cooking. A roasted corn salad with fried potato sticks and farmer's cheese is a popular appetizer, as are ceviche and mashed yucca stuffed with beef. The cazuela is a bouillabaisse of clams, mussels and shrimp in a garlic broth. Entrées include a 12-oz. rib-eye steak with chimichurri sauce, highly seasoned tilapia with coconut rice, and spicy Caribbean shrimp. Stop in at lunch for pressed Cuban sandwiches or wraps of grilled garlic shrimp with cheese. Reservations accepted. Lunch Mon.-Sat., dinner Wed.-Sat. Credit cards. $$
BASIL LEAF
1438 S. Carrollton Ave., 862-9001
A Carrollton area favorite, Basil Leaf turns out elegant Thai fare in a relaxed atmosphere. The whole coconut curry overflows with sea scallops and shrimp sautéed with coconut meat and eggplant in red curry, and it is served in a coconut shell with jasmine rice. Pad Thai is a classic, with spicy rice noodles wok-sautéed with shrimp, chicken, bean sprouts and peanuts. Reservations recommended. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$
BAYONA
430 Dauphine St., 525-4455; www.bayona.com
Since 1990, the historic Creole cottage on Dauphine Street has been Susan Spicer's venue from which to introduce New Orleans to fresh, seasonal cuisine with an eclectic global flair. 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. $$$
BAYOU COFFEE HOUSE & CAFÉ
326 N. Jefferson Davis Pkwy., 484-7390; www.bayoucoffeehouse.com
This Bayou St. John coffeeshop offers sweet treats like brownies and bananas Foster cheesecake as well as meal options. The $4 weekday breakfast consists of two eggs, bacon, grits and toast. Lunch features salads and sandwiches, chicken and shrimp pasta, pizzas and wraps as well as daily specials. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch and early dinner Fri.-Wed. Credit cards. $
THE BEACH HOUSE
2401 N. Woodlawn Ave., Metairie, 456-7470
The Beach House has a casual vibe and a mix of burgers, po-boys, steaks and seafood. The lobster dinner features a boiled 1 1/4 pound lobster served with spicy corn and potatoes. The pork chop dinner includes a marinated and grilled 12-oz. chop served with salad, garlic bread and choice of French fries, baked potato or baked sweet potato. Reservations accepted. Lunch Tue.-Fri., dinner Tue.-Sun., latenight Fri.-Sat. Credit cards. $$
BEACHCORNER BAR & GRILL
4905 Canal St., 488-7357
There's more on the menu, but the classic 10-oz. ground sirloin burger with a hint of garlic is the big catch at Beachcorner. 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. Or grab a drink and a basket of fries and watch sports on one of the many TVs. No reservations. Lunch, dinner and late-night 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. Bagels, muffins, croissants and egg sandwiches constitute breakfast, alongside the Italian sausage and egg sandwich with cheddar cheese. For lunch, try the popular turkey and roasted red pepper panini, or the prosciutto and asparagus panini. There is selection of gelato including old favorites like chocolate, pistachio, strawberry and coffee and more exotic flavors. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards and checks. $
BEAR'S RESTAURANT
128 W. 21st Ave., Covington, (985) 892-2373
This Northshore eatery specializes in oversized, overstuffed po-boys that could sate a hungry bear's appetite. The hands-down top seller is the home-cooked roast beef po-boy slathered with gravy or tangy barbecue sauce. Also available are shrimp, chicken and cheeseburger po-boys. No reservations. Lunch Tue.-Sat. Credit cards. $
BECK-N-CALL CAFÉ
534 N. New Hampshire St., Covington, (985) 875-9390
At Beck-N-Call Café, a hickory-smoked turkey club comes layered with crisp bacon, Swiss cheese, Romaine, tomato and honey mustard on soft honey-wheat bread. Daily specials include crawfish etouffée and homemade lasagna. Delivery available. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch Mon.-Fri., brunch Sat. Credit cards and checks. $
BEEBE'S
7224 Pontchartrain Blvd., 302-9657
At the Lakefront, Beebe's offers local seafood and a worldly approach to fine dining with dishes like Gulf shrimp tempura with spicy Thai curry. Soy- and sake-steamed mahi mahi is served with soba noodles, ginger and lemongrass. Sunday's jazz 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. $$
BEEF CONNECTION
501 Gretna Blvd., Gretna, 366-3275
West Bank beefeaters know to go to the Beef Connection for large New York strips, rib-eyes and T-bones. Lunch is a bargain because steaks come with a selection of two sides such as creamy potatoes au gratin or the vegetable of the day. The steakhouse also cooks seafood from grilled salmon or tuna to Maine lobster. Catfish is the special on Fridays. Reservations accepted. Lunch Mon.-Fri., dinner Mon.-Sat. Credit cards and checks. $$
BEGUE'S RESTAURANT AT THE ROYAL SONESTA
300 Bourbon St., 553-2278: www.beguesrestaurant.com
Named for Madame Begue, a New Orleans culinary icon from the 19th century, this opulently appointed hotel restaurant features modern interpretations of Creole cooking. Friday's bountiful seafood buffet is a popular attraction. Off the á la carte menu, try classics like sherried turtle soup or something more exotic like the framboise-braised bison rack served with Parmesan potato gratin. Reservations recommended. Breakfast and lunch daily, dinner Wed.-Sun., brunch Sun. Credit cards. $$$
BEIJING
2222 Clearview Pkwy., Suite B2, Metairie, 885-8881
Beijing offers a wide range of Chinese dishes including vegetarian options, noodle dishes and fried rice. Beijing Crispy Chicken is a sautéed mix of lightly battered and fried chicken slices with julienned carrots and celery in sweet and spicy brown sauce. General Tso's shrimp features flash-fried jumbo shrimp sautéed with red and green bell peppers, carrots and onions in a tangy sauce. Delivery available. Reservations accepted. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$
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 Vermont duo behind Ben & Jerry's mixed up an ice cream lover's dream that's equally rich, sweet and witty. 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. $
BENNACHIN
1212 Royal St., 522-1230
To taste the links between West African and Creole culinary traditions, head to 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-eye pea fritters. Vegetarian options abound and the BYOB policy keeps the tab low. Reservations recommended. Lunch and dinner daily. Cash only. $$
BENNIGAN'S GRILL AND TAVERN
3010 Holiday Drive, 394-2805; 3434 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 888-0664; www.bennigans.com
Bennigan's offers American pub favorites like grilled burgers and steaks and dishes ranging from fish and chips to shrimp tempura to Guinness-glazed chicken and shrimp. There's a wide range of appetizers and sampler platters with everything from Buffalo wings or shrimp to broccoli bites. Reservations recommended for large parties. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$
BESH STEAKHOUSE AT HARRAH'S
4 Canal St., 533-6111; www.harrahs.com
It's high steaks and no risk at chef John Besh's steakhouse in Harrah's Casino. From the amber bar to the bright, open kitchen, the steakhouse sets the stage for decadent meals of generously sized steaks like the 38-oz. cowboy rib-eye and the big New York strip. Gulf seafood dominates the appetizer menu, and there are rustic elements like Jacob's andouille in the gumbo. Reservations recommended. Dinner daily. Credit cards. $$$
BETSY'S PANCAKE HOUSE
2542 Canal St., 822-0213
Betsy's offers fast and affordable breakfast fare in Mid-City. Dig into a short stack of pancakes or try Belgian waffles with bananas, nuts and whipped cream. One of the most reliable deals in town is the breakfast special of eggs, bacon, grits and pancakes for $4. The Western omelet breaks eggs with ham, onion and bell pepper with picante sauce on top. The lunch menu features an array of sandwiches and po-boys. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch Sun.-Fri. Credit cards. $
BIG AL'S SEAFOOD
1377 Annunciation St., 265-0324
A historic firehouse is the setting for Big Al's, a purveyor of Louisiana-style seafood dishes. Start with a dozen raw or grilled oysters, then tackle one of Al's overstuffed po-boys, a huge seafood platter or specialties like fried frog legs or alligator, There also is boiled seafood. Catfish lovers should drop in on Wednesdays for Big Al's mid-week all-you-can-eat special. Reservations accepted for large parties. Lunch and dinner Tue.-Sun. Credit cards. $$
BIG DADDY'S SEAFOOD
1023 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 301-1907; www.bigdaddysseafoodllc.com
While this Metairie market specializes in fresh seafood, it also carries prepared foods to go, such as seafood gumbo and stuffed artichoke. Patrons also can order boiled crab, crawfish or shrimp and dine in. No reservations. Lunch and dinner Wed.-Sun. Credit cards. $
BISTRO 38
3838 N. Causeway Blvd., Metairie, 836-5253; www.bistro38restaurant.com
Chef Dominique Macquet serves rustic French cuisine at his Metairie bistro. The 12-oz. rib-eye is prepared with Dijon, parsley and butter and served with wedged potatoes and French green beans. For those in the mood for seafood, Dominique's Louisiana bouillabaisse combines fresh fish, shrimp, oysters and crawfish in a rich seafood broth. For dessert, there are crepes, bananas Foster and chocolate mousse. Lunch features more New Orleans-style salads and sandwiches. Reservations recommended. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, brunch Sun. Credit cards. $$$
BISTRO AT THE MAISON DE VILLE
733 Toulouse St., 528-9206; www.maisondeville.com
Chef/proprietor Greg Picolo oversees both the intimate kitchen and cozy dining room at the Bistro. Try the duck cassoulet which is duck confit, breast of duck and Italian sausage with cannellini beans. Other dishes include seared foie gras with wild rice, and moules frites, mussels steamed in white wine sauce and served with homemade French fries. Reservations recommended. Lunch and dinner Tue.-Sat. Credit cards. $$$
BISTRO DAISY
5831 Magazine St., 899-6987
The cheery brightness of the restaurant's facade suggests its floral namesake, while inside, deep purple walls create an intimate, moodier dining atmosphere. Try the signature Daisy salad, composed of fresh mozzarella, roasted peppers, baby arugula, pine nuts and white balsamic vinaigrette. Entrées are equally elaborate, and dishes include crawfish mascarpone ravioli. Reservations recommended. Dinner Tue.-Sat. Credit cards. $$$
BLACK ORCHID BISTRO
3749 N. Causeway Blvd., Metairie, 832-1444
This bistro offers a full menu during the day, and the bar stays open in the evening with happy-hour specials. Sandwiches, paninis, salads and homemade soups are offered at lunch. There's a choice of several daily specials. Popular iced cappuccinos and a host of specialty coffee drinks can handle any coffee fix. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch Mon.-Sat. Credit cards and checks. $
BLUE PLATE CAFÉ
1330 Prytania St., 309-9500
Blue ceramic-tile tables and decorative plates brighten this cute café, but the real eye-opener is the food. A full breakfast menu offers everything from fluffy, veggie-stuffed omelets to three varieties of pancakes to quiche and breakfast burritos. Lunch features homemade soups and 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 cantina also features Mexican food such as fajitas and carnitas, alongside classic American burgers, pizza and pasta. The menu also includes dishes like yellowfin tuna and smoked ribs served with a side of pineapple baked beans and coleslaw. No reservations. Lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat. Credit cards. $
BLUEBIRD CAFÉ
3625 Prytania St., 895-7166
Breakfast staples such as buckwheat pancakes, waffles and eggs taper off into lunchtime menu of burgers, fish sandwiches and salads at this casual café. The popular huevos rancheros piles up corn tortillas, black beans and fried eggs with ranchero sauce, cheese and salsa. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch Wed.-Sun. Cash only. $
BOMBAY CLUB
830 Conti St., 586-0972; www.thebombayclub.com
With overstuffed leather armchairs, rich wood and stately portraiture, the Bombay club oozes English-manor charm. Icy martinis from the extensive cocktail menu are a perfect prelude to the kitchen's creative offerings. Try the Cajun-grilled sirloin or pancetta-wrapped diver scallops. Reservations recommended. Dinner daily, late-night Fri.-Sat. Credit cards. $$$
BON TON CAFÉ
401 Magazine St., 524-3386; www.thebontoncafe.com
The Bon Ton has been a scion on the Creole and Cajun dining scene since 1953. Menu classics include turtle soup, crawfish etouffée and fried crawfish tails with Alzina's special sauce. The namesake redfish Bon Ton is seasoned, seared and then broiled with lemon butter sauce. Reservations recommended. Lunch and dinner Mon.-Fri. Credit cards. $$$
BOURBON HOUSE
144 Bourbon St., 522-0111; www.bourbonhouse.com
Bourbon House presents fresh local seafood at both the raw bar and in a wide range of Creole dishes. Redfish on the half shell is grilled skin-on and served with a side of lemon-butter sauce. Diners can sweeten the deal by adding optional crabmeat with a Chardonnay broth. From the raw bar, a platter of fruits of the sea include fresh-shucked oysters on the half-shell, boiled Gulf shrimp, marinated crab fingers, roasted calamari and crawfish salad. The bar offers a full range of premium and small batch bourbons. Reservations recommended. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$$
BRAVO CUCINA ITALIANA
3413 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 828-8828; www.bravoitalian.com
There's more than just traditional Italian fare to applaud at Bravo. In addition to lasagna, pasta and pizza, this restaurant fires up unique creations such as fried shrimp topped with charred tomato and lemon-butter sauce. Hickory wood-grilled salmon is served with crispy potatoes and lemon-caper butter sauce. Reservations accepted. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$
BREAUX MART
315 E. Judge Perez Drive, Chalmette, 262-0750; 605 Lapalco Blvd., Gretna, 433-0333; 2904 Severn Ave., Metairie, 885-5565; 3233 Magazine St., 262-0750; 9647 Jefferson Hwy., River Ridge, 737-8146; www.breauxmart.com
The deli at Breaux Mart offers a wide variety of dishes and changing daily specials. On Wednesdays, fried crispy or lemon-baked catfish are the specials of the day. Other popular dishes include ribs, savory beef brisket and seafood gumbo. Side-dish options include macaroni and cheese, dirty rice and candied yams. For dessert, try the apple or peach cobblers. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $
BRENNAN'S RESTAURANT
417 Royal St., 525-9711; www.brenn ansneworleans.com
Breakfast is the signature experience at Brennan's, but it serves classic Creole cuisine all the time. Start the day with the brandy milk punch and ease into rich hollandaise-laden courses of poached eggs or veal and crabmeat. For dessert there is the restaurant's original creation, bananas Foster, made tableside. In the evenings, classics like the trout amandine and crabs béarnaise shine in traditional Creole style. Reservations recommended. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$$
BRICK OVEN CAFÉ
2805 Williams Blvd., Kenner, 466-2097
Brick Oven Café offers 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. 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, served with angel hair pasta in marinara sauce. No reservations. Lunch Sun.-Fri., dinner daily. Credit cards. $$
BRIGTSEN'S RESTAURANT
723 Dante St., 861-7610; www.brigtsens.com
Frank and Marna Brigtsen welcome guests into their converted shotgun house for a tour de force of contemporary Louisiana cuisine. House specialties include roast pork tenderloin with sweet potato dirty rice and pork debris sauce, blackened yellowfin tuna with smoked corn sauce, red bean salsa and avocado sour cream and a unique seafood platter without a single fried item. Reservations recommended. Dinner Tue.-Sat. Credit cards. $$$
THE BROKEN EGG CAFÉ
200 Girod St., Mandeville, (985) 624-3388; www.anotherbrokenegg.com
The Broken Egg specializes in big stuffed omelets but has plenty of breakfast options. 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. $$
BROOKLYN PIZZA
4301 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 833-1288
Thin-crust, New York-style pies are the main attraction at Brooklyn Pizza. Assemble your own version with a selection of toppings including pepperoni, Canadian bacon, Italian sausage, black olives, banana peppers, salami and ricotta cheese. Brooklyn offers hero-style sandwiches, all available hot, as well as a hearty Philly cheesesteak, Italian salads and pasta dishes. No reservations. Lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat. Credit cards and checks. $
BROOKS SEAHORSE SALOON
1648 Gentilly Blvd., 218-4217
Even though it sits across from the Fair Grounds, Brooks isn't just for after 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 chargrilled 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 snack on corndogs. No reservations. Lunch, dinner and late-night daily. Credit cards. $
BROTHERS' NEW ORLEANS CAFÉ
1502 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, 366-1073
For more than 32 years, Brothers' kitchen has turned out signature fried food made with a special batter. 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. $
BROUSSARD'S RESTAURANT
819 Conti St., 581-3866; www.broussards.com
This French Quarter institution is known for its pretty courtyard, elegant dining rooms and mix of Creole and Continental dishes. Pompano Broussard's combines grilled pompano, scallops and shrimp in a phyllo pastry shell complemented by a mustard-caper sauce. The Louisiana bouillabaisse simmers shrimp, scallops, mussels, fish and oysters in a savory saffron-tomato broth and is garnished with crabmeat and rouille croutons. The veal chop and the wild game grill are popular meat selections. Reservations recommended. Dinner Mon.-Sat. Credit cards. $$$
BRUNO'S TAVERN
7538 Maple St., 861-7615; www.brunostavern.com
For more than seven decades, Bruno's has been a spot for students and neighbors to relax and blow off steam. The tavern's ever-expanding menu is available throughout the day and includes such temptations as Boudreaux cheese fries: sweet potato fries smothered with roast beef debris, gravy and blue cheese, then broiled with golden raisins and spiced pecans. No reservations. Lunch, dinner and late-night daily. Credit cards. $
BUBBA GUMP SHRIMP COMPANY
429 Decatur St., 522-5800; www.bubbagump.com
Drawing on the fame of 1994 hit film Forrest Gump, this whimsical seafood restaurant is decked out in film memorabilia. The references even continue on the menu, where customers find the Run Forrest Run smoothie and the Mama Blue's Southern Charmed Fried Shrimp. Shrimp are served every way imaginable except in a box of chocolates. A gift shop and music from the film's soundtrack playing in the dining room complete the Gump experience. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$
BUD'S BROILER
Citywide
Bud's is best known for its charcoal-broiled burgers. The topping choices keep it simple: hickory-smoked sauce, grated cheese or another burger patty. The few non-burger options are hot dogs, a chicken breast sandwich on a bun and a broiled fish fillet sandwich. Complete a meal with a side item like onion rings or French fries, which can be spiced up with chili and cheese. For dessert, there are apple, peach and cherry pies. No reservations. Hours vary by location. Cash only. $
BUFFA'S LOUNGE
1001 Esplanade Ave., 949-0038
The barroom at Buffa's might not be the first place you'd think of for breakfast, but the neighborhood spot offers housemade biscuits in sausage gravy and build-your-own omelets with up to 10 fillings. At night the "Border of the Quarter Café" serves up pub grub with a twist, including fresh salads and Cajun-seasoned steaks, plus burgers and sandwiches. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Cash only. $
THE BUFFET AT HARRAH'S
8 Canal Street, at the River, 533-6000; www.harrahsneworleans.com
Harrah's buffet has something for everyone from Pacific Rim dishes to Creole and French fare. Just a few of the offerings include Creole gumbo, Kolby steamship round, smoked salmon and Louisiana's famous turducken. The dessert bar has more than 40 items. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and late-night daily, Sun. brunch. Credit cards. $$
THE BULLDOG
3236 Magazine St., 891-1516; 5153 Canal Blvd., 488-4191; www.draftfreak.com
Beer would seem like the main food group at the Bulldog with its voluminous menu of brews from the world over, but there is a good selection of solid food. 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. $
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 mushrooms and topped with Danish blue cheese and garlic butter, is still Bull's signature dish, but the menu offers up plenty to choose from. 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. $$
BURGERS GONE WILD
3613 N. Causeway Blvd., Metairie, 838-8311
Despite the name's reference to the famous DVD series, the only provocative thing here is the food. Sautéed onions, Brie, lettuce, tomato and mayo smother the French burger. The Burger Dawg is loaded with chili, cheddar cheese, onions and mayo, and is served on a hot dog bun. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $
BUSTER'S PLACE
519 E. Boston St., Covington, (985) 809-3880
Named for the proprietor's grandfather, Buster's is a new restaurant that hopes to draw on a familiar name. There is an oyster bar and a menu that ranges from crab and corn bisque, fried crawfish tails and crabmeat-stuffed jalapenos to fried seafood platters, burgers and po-boys. Chicken La Louisianne features two grilled chicken breasts topped with creamy mushroom and crawfish tail sauce served over rice with salad. No reservations. Lunch daily, dinner Thu.-Mon. Credit cards. $$
BUSTER'S SOUL FOOD
2135 St. Charles Ave., 522-6602
Buster's Soul Food offers a hearty menu of pork chops, smothered chicken, seafood and alligator sausage po-boys, jambalaya, gumbo and more. Barbecue ribs are a specialty here, but also check out the daily specials. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$
BYBLOS
1501 Metairie Road, Metairie, 834-9773; 3218 Magazine St., 894-1233
Byblos combines a rotisserie with many popular Mediterranean dishes like chicken shawarma and lamb dishes. The drunken halloumi appetizer is Cypriot cheese lightly pan-fried with ouzo, served over tomato slices with garlic aoili. The menu also offers salads. Belly dancers perform Thursday nights at the Uptown restaurant. Reservations recommended. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$
BYBLOS MARKET
2020 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 837-9777
This quick-serve deli is a popular lunch spot for affordable Middle Eastern fare. Sandwiches and kabobs are prepared to order from meats roasting on spits. Fresh salads, stuffed dolmas and platters of meat with hummus and pita make complete meals. 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 longtime neighborhood hot spot. Specials change daily, and the weekend brunch draws neighborhood regulars for morning meals like fluffy biscuits in rich sausage gravy. Be sure to check out the lush back patio during nice weather. No reservations. Lunch and dinner Thu.-Tue. Cash only. $
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