Any suggestions to where to have lunch in New Orleans?

K-Paul's at 416 Chartres St Phone 504-524-7394.. My wife and I had a great lunch there about a month ago. The Jambalay was great. We liked lunch so much we went back for dinner the next night. Chef Paul Prudhomme's place

edit for a typo

If you are there on a Friday, the best choice has to be Galatoire's. It has wonderful food and the local social elite have Friday lunch there. It makes for a great meal and it's fun to watch the interaction between the tables.

Note that Galatoire's doesn't accept reservations and everyone (and I mean everyone regardless of celebrity) stands in line to get in. Jackets for men are a must.

Cuvee On Magazine is awesome!
http://www.restaurantcuvee.com/cuvee_rest.html

Mothers for a Po Boy

All of the above worth a visit but my favorite is:

Dooky Chase's ask Miss Chase to cook you EVERYTHING on the menu! Ms Chase is makes the trip worthwhile!

Almost forgot after lunch grab a cocktail at Saturn Bar!~

Napoleon House (http://www.napoleonhouse.com/). Excellent mufelattas, different taste/texture than the Central Grocery's. Their courtyard is a terrific place to unwind.

Bacco on Chartres is one of the Ralph Brennan restaurants - you can earn SPG points also (the restaurant services the W-French Quarter Hotel). No cajun food, but great Italian. Also, unless they have stopped running the promotion, they have $.10 martinis for lunch!!!

http://www.bacco.com/

Also, more laid back and lot more affordable is Louisiana Pizza Kitchen, 95 French Market Place. My favorite pizza is the roasted garlic and spinach with sundried tomatoes. They have a great winelist with many of the wines by the glass.

For the best burger in town, try out the Clover Grill. This is located in the gay part of the French Quarter on Bourbon Street. If you're in a hurry, don't bother going. They don't get in a hurry for anybody. :D

http://www.clovergrill.com/

It would help if you let us know neighborhood, price range, and whether you want something that efficient or leisurely.

But if you're going after Oct 21st, I'll throw out Uglesich's. Expect a line if you get there after 11:00, since the locals know this place has some of the best seafood dishes in town.

http://www.uglesichs.com/

What day of the week are you looking to lunch? Are you willing to dress up? ARe you looking for fine dining or are you looking to grab a fabulous po-boy and dine on the Riverwalk? How many in your party? are you looking for hip and trendy or classic New Orleans fare? Will you have a car available? What part of town are you trying to stay in?

I have plenty of suggestions but I need more info. I would have different suggestions for different situations.

Galatoire's is old New Orleans at it's best on a Friday afternoon but getting dressed up to stand outside a restaurant hoping for a table is not everyone's cup of tea, and slipping the doorman a $100 won't get you in any quicker to the first floor (which is where you want to sit). You can get a ressie for the 2nd floor dining room, but there is no point in going for Friday lunch if you are going to sit on the 2nd floor. The first floor is where you want to be seen.

Too bad you weren't here during the summer. I love going to the old line restaurants for lunch and seeing all the lawyers (young and old) dining in their sear sucker suits. I know most people thought sear sucker was dead and buried but the New Orleans lawyer set is keeping it alive and well :D

Any suggestions to where to have lunch in New Orleans?
Emeril's Delmonico or Lola

It would help if you let us know neighborhood, price range, and whether you want something that efficient or leisurely.

Neighborhood would most likely be around the French Quarters and surrounding areas.
Price range...nothing outrageous, I don't want to have to take out a small loan for it ;) Although, for a nice, memorable dining experience I don't mind spending a small fortune :)

Efficient or leisurely...I am not picky.


What day of the week are you looking to lunch? Are you willing to dress up? ARe you looking for fine dining or are you looking to grab a fabulous po-boy and dine on the Riverwalk? How many in your party? are you looking for hip and trendy or classic New Orleans fare? Will you have a car available?
We are arriving on Friday morning. Leaving Saturday late afternoon.

What kind of dining...I am open to different kinds.

Willing to dress up...we will have nice casual clothes with us. Will include a sports jacket in luggage just in case.

Party..atm just two, my husband and myself, however may add 15 year old son with one of his friends.

Hip/trendy/classic...like any of them.

We will have a car.

:) Thanks for all the suggestions :) It is soooo nice to have recommended places than just to show up in a city and take a chance somewhere.

Please don't forget one of the finest places in MSY...Commanders Palace!

Please don't forget one of the finest places in MSY...Commanders Palace!Commander's is great and they are willing ot work with kids I am not sure how much your 15 yr old and his friend may enjoy a long lunch at Commander's. The Palace Cafe (http://www.palacecafe.com/) may be more to your liking. The Red Fish Grill (http://www.redfishgrill.com/) is also really good, but has a casual atmosphere.

Commander's is great and they are willing ot work with kids I am not sure how much your 15 yr old and his friend may enjoy a long lunch at Commander's. The Palace Cafe (http://www.palacecafe.com/) may be more to your liking. The Red Fish Grill (http://www.redfishgrill.com/) is also really good, but has a casual atmosphere.



http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=325010&highlight=palace+cafe

What has changed since July 24th when you said that, "I find the Palace Cafe to be WAY overrated. As a NOLA girl I only go there if guests/clients insist. It is on Canal Street and attracts many tourists. The decibel level in that restaurant is incredibly loud. It is true that is owned by the Brennan family of New Orleans but I think for less money you can get better food, service and ambience. YMMV"

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=325010&highlight=palace+cafe

What has changed since July 24th when you said that, "I find the Palace Cafe to be WAY overrated. As a NOLA girl I only go there if guests/clients insist. It is on Canal Street and attracts many tourists. The decibel level in that restaurant is incredibly loud. It is true that is owned by the Brennan family of New Orleans but I think for less money you can get better food, service and ambience. YMMV"I wouldn't go there for a romantic dinner but for LUNCH with two teenagers I think it is a great way to experience the cooking of the Brennan family in a casual atmosphere where you don't have to worry about being stiff and proper. The original poster was asking about LUNCH. I stand by recommendation as a LUNCH place. Yes I still think it is too expensive for what it is but I didn't say the food was BAD just that you could get better for the money. I think MOST of the restaurants that tourists want to go to over-priced and over-rated, for instance COMMANDER's PALACE. My ex was a chef in Commander's (CIA trained) and he stated that unless you went for a full blown evening dinner then you were getting seriously overpriced food. I tend to take his word for it since he was in the kitchen day in and day out. Frankly if you are looking for REALLY good food it won't have fancy table cloths and it isn't in the FQ, but then again that is not what most people consider the NOLA experience.

I wouldn't go there for a romantic dinner but for LUNCH with two teenagers I think it is a great way to experience the cooking of the Brennan family in a casual atmosphere where you don't have to worry about being stiff and proper. The original poster was asking about LUNCH. I stand by recommendation as a LUNCH place. Yes I still think it is too expensive for what it is but I didn't say the food was BAD just that you could get better for the money. I think MOST of the restaurants that tourists want to go to over-priced and over-rated, for instance COMMANDER's PALACE. My ex was a chef in Commander's (CIA trained) and he stated that unless you went for a full blown evening dinner then you were getting seriously overpriced food. I tend to take his word for it since he was in the kitchen day in and day out. Frankly if you are looking for REALLY good food it won't have fancy table cloths and it isn't in the FQ, but then again that is not what most people consider the NOLA experience.

Interesting.....the other thread that I referenced where you said that you would not go there unless clients/guests insisted was about someone planning a birthday meal and they wanted a casual environment. It's ok if you don't like Palace Cafe or Commander's Palace. ;) I was a bit taken aback when you seemed to have an aversion (in July) to Palace Cafe and now you are recommending it to someone.

Interesting.....the other thread that I referenced where you said that you would not go there unless clients/guests insisted was about someone planning a birthday meal and they wanted a casual environment. It's ok if you don't like Palace Cafe or Commander's Palace. ;) I was a bit taken aback when you seemed to have an aversion (in July) to Palace Cafe and now you are recommending it to someone.Bigjim do you live in NOLA, how many DIFFERENT restaurants in the NOLA area have you actually tried. I have lived here my entire life and have tried pretty much all the "big name" restaurants and many many restaurants that you haven't even heard of. What makes you think that you are the expert on New Orleans dining. You are comparing apples and oranges. the Original poster had a specific set of requirements (ie, lunch with teenagers in the French Quarter, wanting a NOLA experience). The original poster in the thread you quoted was a different set of circumstances. I have different choices for different occasions.

I personally believe that the BEST desserts in New Orleans can be found Angelo Brocato's (http://dinesite.com/info/rstrnt-385038/action-map/??&t=0) on Carrollton Avenue but I wouldn't send most people in the FQ all the way down there just for a canoli. You have to take all the facts into account when making reccomendations.

Another favorite of mine is Vincent's Restaurant (http://www.bestofneworleans.com/cuis/restreviews/vincents.html). They have the most to die for corn crab bisque in a bread bowl that I have ever had. it is uptown in a crowded little dimly lit restaurant. The tables are crammed together and doesn't have a New Orleans flare but all the dishes are delicious. The owner is a charming little man who loves his restaurant and takes pride in the food prepared. After polishing off the wonderful food at Vincent's I would then head over to Cooter Brown's (http://www.cooterbrowns.com/main.html) for a few pints of beer or if really adventurous you could try "Around the world in 80 Beers" challenge.

Bigjim do you live in NOLA, how many DIFFERENT restaurants in the NOLA area have you actually tried. I have lived here my entire life and have tried pretty much all the "big name" restaurants and many many restaurants that you haven't even heard of. What makes you think that you are the expert on New Orleans dining. You are comparing apples and oranges. the Original poster had a specific set of requirements (ie, lunch with teenagers in the French Quarter, wanting a NOLA experience). The original poster in the thread you quoted was a different set of circumstances. I have different choices for different occasions.

I personally believe that the BEST desserts in New Orleans can be found Angelo Brocato's (http://dinesite.com/info/rstrnt-385038/action-map/??&t=0) on Carrollton Avenue but I wouldn't send most people in the FQ all the way down there just for a canoli. You have to take all the facts into account when making reccomendations.

Another favorite of mine is Vincent's Restaurant (http://www.bestofneworleans.com/cuis/restreviews/vincents.html). They have the most to die for corn crab bisque in a bread bowl that I have ever had. it is uptown in a crowded little dimly lit restaurant. The tables are crammed together and doesn't have a New Orleans flare but all the dishes are delicious. The owner is a charming little man who loves his restaurant and takes pride in the food prepared. After polishing off the wonderful food at Vincent's I would then head over to Cooter Brown's (http://www.cooterbrowns.com/main.html) for a few pints of beer or if really adventurous you could try "Around the world in 80 Beers" challenge.

Not trying to debate you here - I was just trying to understand what appear to be contradictions. I felt sort of blasted by you in the referenced thread and now you're recommending exactly the same place. It's not a big deal - thanks for trying to explain though.

Also, in answer to your question, I spend at least 60 days a year in New Orleans and have been doing this for years. I eat out 3 meals a day, at least 60 days a year in New Orleans.

Is there a place in 'Naw Orlins' that isn't good to eat at? ;)

I have yet to find one! :)

-Mark

Is there a place in 'Naw Orlins' that isn't good to eat at? ;)

I have yet to find one! :)

-Mark

^ ^ ^

Cafe Degas!

And, my best friend in NOLA was the GM of Commander's for many years. I think it has to be one of the best LUNCH values in town (when compared to the same fare prices at dinner).

Also, Dickie Brennan's Steakhouse, which is way more than "just steak" and has the intriguing "your price in dimes is the outside temperature" special. Good when a cold front hits NOLA and it's 80 instead of 95! ;)

Or, Fiorella's, by the French Market, for that old diner experience and the best fried chicken and pork chops on the planet... but don't expect posh there!

Hi, prncess ...
I like the upstairs at Galatoire's - used to have my own
waiter there back in the palmy old days ... haven't seen
him (Imre, the little Hungarian guy with the big eyebrows)
since my heart crisis a couple years ago, though ...
but then I prefer not to be seen most of the time anyway.

I'm partial to Brennan's. Mmmmmmmm! Have their Bananas Foster for dessert; they originated it. ^

http://www.brennansneworleans.com/index.html

Is there a place in 'Naw Orlins' that isn't good to eat at? ;)

I have yet to find one! :)

-Mark


I've found two.

1) Hot dogs and chips from the upstairs snack bar at the State Palace Theater.

2) Ernest Morial Convention Center cafeteria.

Infromal, in the Quarter, best burger in a bar setting, good for lunch with teenagers-- Port O'Call on the edge of the Quarter. Real NO experience. Pizzas are good also.

I really enjoyed 2 Brennan places,Palace Cafe on Canal,and Bourbon House in the Crown plaza.
And I just loved Mothers!
The Susan Spicer place cobalt is Gorgeous-just don't let them out you next to the bar-but you have to be carfull ordering,very hit or miss.
I will have to try some new places at the end of the month.I will make it out to comanders palace this time.

Please don't forget one of the finest places in MSY...Commanders Palace!

And lunch at the Palace can be had for less than $20 per person; that even includes a few of their 25-cent martinis.

http://www.commanderspalace.com/new_orleans/menu_lunch.php

(edited to correct typo)

2) Ernest Morial Convention Center cafeteria.


So what is a good place to eat lunch around the Convention Center? It looks like I will be attending a three day event there next month.

MOTHERS!
Actually

MOTHERS!
Actualy the CC is not to far from the places in the CBD(Bourbon House,Palace Cafe and Mothers are the ones that come to mind.

If lunchtime is tight, avoid the walk to and wait at Mother's and pop right across the streen from the CC to Mulates. Not the best food in town, but very servicable versions of Nawlins classics like etoufee, red beans, etc. And you can be back to your booth in about 45 minutes total.

Or have a big breakfast at Mother's before the convention, and you won't need to eat again until dinner.

So what is a good place to eat lunch around the Convention Center? It looks like I will be attending a three day event there next month.
For excellent Cuban pressed sandwiches and other Latin American fare, try Liborio's (http://neworleans.citysearch.com/map?mode=geo&id=4441899&map_lat=299502&map_lon=-900676&fid=2&cslink=profile_map_noncust&ulink=profile_2_vitalinfo_1___map__1) on Magazine near Poydras.

It would help if you let us know neighborhood, price range, and whether you want something that efficient or leisurely.

But if you're going after Oct 21st, I'll throw out Uglesich's. Expect a line if you get there after 11:00, since the locals know this place has some of the best seafood dishes in town.

http://www.uglesichs.com/


No, no, no, no. Don't tell him about this place. It is getting crowded enough. Most visitors don't find my little hole in the wall. My sister, who attended college there showed me this fine establishment many many years ago.

Seriously, it is a great place, albeit not very high brow. You go there for the food and local flavor, not fine dining.

maybe here: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=309387

When I am in town I frequently take my clients to Palace Cafe. 605 Canal Street. Ph 504-523-1661. The bread pudding is exquisite.

Z

If you want oysters and don't mind a drive, I've got two suggestions. First, head to Drago's in Metairie and order the chargrilled oysters. Drenched in a buttery garlicky sauce and grilled in an open shell. You have to have them to understand what I'm talking about. Parking can be hellacious, however. For fried and raw oysters, try Bozo's, which is about five block from Drago's. Crispy, not greasy at all, and prepared by the restaurant's namesake. He refuses to let anyone else do it.

Near the convention center, try Sunray Grill. Can't remember the intersection, but it's on a corner in the Warehouse District. Tex mex/asian/american. Very eclectic. I recommend the Tokyo Tuna.

Seriously though, it's hard to not find a good restaurant in MSY. Most New Orleanians are big time restaurant goers. If a place isn't up to the challenge, it doesn't last long. Too many other good places to choose from.

New Orleans. Home. How dearly I miss it...

"Seriously though, it's hard to not find a good restaurant in MSY. Most New Orleanians are big time restaurant goers. If a place isn't up to the challenge, it doesn't last long. Too many other good places to choose from."
Well I found some a really nasty place-and it has been around for decades-TUJAQUES,horrid food,nasty waiters,and expensive for what they slop on the plate.

"Seriously though, it's hard to not find a good restaurant in MSY. Most New Orleanians are big time restaurant goers. If a place isn't up to the challenge, it doesn't last long. Too many other good places to choose from."
Well I found some a really nasty place-and it has been around for decades-TUJAQUES,horrid food,nasty waiters,and expensive for what they slop on the plate.sorry you feel that way. They make some of the best garlic chicken I have ever tasted, and the brisket is to die for. The New Orleans DO of 2003 was held at Tujaques and the staff was just lovely. Tujaques is NOT fine dining, if that is what you were looking for.

The best meal I had in MSY (and one of the best of my life) was at Bayona's, in the Quarter. The garlic soup was incredible, and the salmon was indescribably delicious. Highly recommended!

Any suggestions to where to have lunch in New Orleans?
Lunch, I don't know; but people always say, "Dinner at Antoine's, breakfast and Brennan's."

sorry you feel that way. They make some of the best garlic chicken I have ever tasted, and the brisket is to die for. The New Orleans DO of 2003 was held at Tujaques and the staff was just lovely. Tujaques is NOT fine dining, if that is what you were looking for.
No,I was not looking for "fine dining"just good food served with a modest amount of pride and love.This place failed on all counts.
One of my party had the galic chicken-dried out single breast.
I had the crawfish-straight from the cambells can
Two guest had the fillets-ok but not $35 ok.
Yes,the brisket was good-just wish this would have been a main course.
Soup was,again,straight out of a campbells can.
Shrimp remoulade?I do hope they were kidding!

That's a shame, because I love Tujague's. I've been going there since I was a kid and have a polo shirt of theirs sitting in my closet. Absolutely not fine dining, but it's good solid food. It's not the best in the world, but they do two dishes ridiculously well: the brisket and the garlic chicken, which I think is called Chicken Bonfant. The brisket sandwich is something else. You'll need to ask for that one though at lunch, because it's not on the menu (is there a printed menu there?). As for the chicken, I think you might be talking about a different dish, because the one I'm thinking of is an entire chicken, quartered and fried, then covered with fried sliced potatoes and garlic.

Maybe it's a locals kind of place. I dunno.

Tujague's - the famous brisket is fine but not so good as my own;
I'm not so enthusiastic about it perhaps for reasons not completely
its fault (I had my cardiac, er, episode walking back to the hotel
from Tujague's a couple years ago).

Antoine's - there are better.

Brennan's - there are better.