New Orleans Restaurant Tips by emilienoelle

Pat O's: Pat O'Brien's Pat O's Review

Somewhat touristy and pricey but the outdoor patio is so beautiful it's worth it. Sit outside if you go.

Favorite Dish: They make better hurricanes than anyone else. But, if you order a drink here they will automatically give it to you in a souvenir glass and charge you extra for it. If you don't want it bring it up to the bar when you're done for a refund.

Address: Bourbon Street

Comparison: about average

Directions: They have an entrance on Bourbon St. as well as an entrance on St. Peter next to Preservation Hall.

Price: US$21-30

Rating: 4

Theme: Local

The Gumbo Shop: The Gumbo Shop Gumbo Shop Review

A beautiful, little restaurant withsome of the best New Orleans food I've ever had. They have great drinks, too. You might have to share your table if it gets too crowded.

Favorite Dish: The gumbo is just awesome. I also love the blackened catfish and the creamed spinach and garlic mashed potatoes.

Address: St. Peter St.

Comparison: less expensive than average

Price: US$11-20

Rating: 5

Theme: Local

Crescent City Brewhouse: Crescent City Brewhouse Crescent City Brewhouse Review

The only brew pub in the French Quarter, the Crescent CIty Brewhouse offers a fine variety of handcrafted beers and food that is a cut above the usual brew pub fare. The restaurant is spread out over two floors, both with a bar and live music. The upstairs offers outdoor balcony dining. If you just want to stop in for something quick, you can sit at the bar and enjoy a beer with your choice of oysters on the half shell or peel and eat shrimp. The atmosphere here is on the elegant side for a brewery, a definate plus, but the only bathroom in the building is located on the second floor up a flight of stairs--inconvienient after you've had a couple of 20 oz. drafts, and I am also unsure where this would leave anyone who confined to a wheelchair or who otherwise could not climb staris.

Favorite Dish: My favorite is the Weiss beer. Try it with a lemon slice. Their salads are excellent if you want something light. I like the one with shrimp and crabmeat. Their burgers and fish are also good and often come with sweet potato chips.

Address: 527 Decatur St.

Comparison: about average

Directions: French Quarter

Phone: 504-522-0571

Price: US$11-20

Rating: 4

Theme: Pub/Brewery

Website: http://www.crescentcitybrewhouse.com

McDonald's: McDonald's McDonald's Review

It's like many other McDonald's in this country, no doubt. But, for me, there is one thing that distinguishes this one. I know that I'm a New Englander and that perhaps that informs my opionion here, but this, hands down, has got to be the slowest McDonald's on the face of the earth. There were only two people in line in front of me and three regisisters open and, no word of a lie, I stood there for the better part of 20 minutes waiting for someone to take my order, never mind the food itself--a challenge for my quick-fire Northern soul to be sure. Of course in New Orleans this in quite normal, I just feel it to be my duty to let all of you know.

Address: 711 Canal Street

Comparison: about average

Price: less than US$10

Rating: 2

Theme: Fast Food

Deril's Diner: Deril's Diner Deril's Diner Review

This place was for years called "Poppy's" and was a diner with cool, campy deocrations and a friendly and colorful staff. It is still a diner now, but with more of a truck-stop theme which seemed to us to be somewhat out of character for its French Quarter location. It seems that they were going for a "Route 66" theme or something along those lines. There are far less items on the menu than before and the change in ownership seems to have dumbed down the decor a bit, but the burgers are still great, even if the fries aren't. Note that this is not a good place to eat if you are on a diet. Nothing on the menu can qualify as low-fat, or healthy for that matter.

Favorite Dish: The burgers are very good, if huge. If you get one get a "small" (it's a 1/2 pound).

Address: St. Peter St.

Comparison: less expensive than average

Directions: St. Peter St. next to Rev. Zombie's Voodoo Shoppe.

Price: less than US$10

Rating: 3

Theme: Diner

CC's Community Coffee: CC's Community Coffee CC's Community Coffee Review

The Starbucks of the South. Just as good, not as snobby.

Favorite Dish: The coffee is excellent.

Address: 941 Royal

Price: less than US$10

Rating: 5

Theme: Coffeehouse

Napoleon House: Napoleon House Napoleon House Bar & Cafe Review

An essential New Orleans restaurant located in an old house supposedly meant to house Napoleon after he escaped from his exile on St. Helena (This never happened.). Decorated wtih Napoleon artifacts, it has one of the best bars in town. Inexpensive and great for lunch.

Favorite Dish: I like to get a bottle of wine, they have lots of excellent choices, and the cheese plate and sit back and enjoy the scenery.

Address: 500 Chartres

Comparison: less expensive than average

Price: US$21-30

Rating: 5

Theme: Local

Cafe du Monde: Cafe du Monde Cafe du Monde Review

All they have here is coffee and beignets, the best beignets. It is open air in the good weather and open 24 hrs. Perfect end to a night out or first thing in the morning.

Address: 800 Decatur Street, New Orleans

Directions: across Jackson Square, close to French Market

Price: less than US$10

Rating: 5

Theme: Coffeehouse

Website: http://www.cafedumonde.com