February 23, 2024
Stepping out for an extravagant evening of fine dining is an experience in which many of us take great pleasure. However, let’s face it: most days call for casual, unpretentious eats that won’t break the bank. And while New Orleans is renowned for having its fair share of luxurious dining options, there’s also some great grub out there that’s sure to tempt your taste buds and fill your belly without emptying your wallet.
Cochon Butcher – cochonbutcher.com
If you’re a “high on the hog” kind of person, then Cochon Butcher is sure to be your swine utopia! Nestled in the Warehouse District, Cochon Butcher is best described as an old-world butcher shop and deli with New Orleans flair. Owned and operated by James Beard Award-winning chefs/partners Donald Link and Stephen Stryjewski of the Link Restaurant Group, the locally and nationally lauded butchery/sandwich counter specializes in house-made meats, sausages and terrines. The casual, unassuming eatery has been pleasing palates since 2009 with its artfully created small plates, daily lunch specials and gourmet sandwiches, all of which showcase artisanal and handcrafted ingredients. They are also quite proud of their whole hog butchery program (they butcher, smoke and cure over 2,000 pounds of meat and sausage weekly!), which uses every bit of the hog—from snout to tail—in crafting their house-made charcuterie. Originally from Alabama, Chef de Cuisine Forrest Jackson began his culinary career in his home state until moving to New Orleans in 2014 and eventually landing at Herbsaint, Link Restaurant Group’s flagship restaurant. In 2020, he was tapped to run the kitchen at Cochon Butcher, where he continues to churn out top-notch, reasonably priced food served in an inviting atmosphere. Kick off your culinary journey with some savory hot boudin, or cornmeal-coated, fried Louisiana shrimp served with tangy chili vinegar mayo. Design your own charcuterie plate from favorites like Andouille sausage, country terrine, head cheese, duck pastrami, pork rillon and soppressata, to name a few. Standout sandwiches such as the Cochon Muffuletta, a celebrated version of the local Italian sandwich that layers house-made mortadella, capicola, genoa salami and olive salad with provolone, then is toasted and served hot; and the Pig Mac, two all pork patties topped with special sauce (mayo, hot sauce, horseradish and other secret ingredients), lettuce, American cheese, pickles and onions on a sesame seed bun, are not to be missed! Get piggy with the mouthwatering Buckboard Bacon Melt topped with collard greens and Swiss cheese, or the flavor-packed Cajun Pork Dog topped with black-eyed pea chili, sauerkraut and mustard on a pretzel bun. Round out your meat-centric meal with tasty sides such as marinated Brussels sprouts, mac ‘n’ cheese and potato salad, and make sure to save room for a heavenly bacon praline. Enjoy daily Blue Plate specials including red beans and rice with smoked country sausage served every Monday, steak night on Thursdays, and fried catfish with classic sides on Fridays. Wash down all that goodness with a seasonal cocktail such as About That Thyme (vodka spritz with cranberry, satsuma and thyme), Purple People Eater (creamy rum punch with elderberry and mint) or Live and Let Rye (rye Manhattan with cold brew, vanilla and mole bitters). There’s also a rotating beer list that features small-batch beers from regional, national and international producers. Pack up some goodies to go from their tasty assortment of house-made pickles, jellies, jams, mustards and sauces. Bring home the bacon for your next gathering as Cochon Butcher offers smokehouse packages, boxed lunches, seasonal menus and party platters perfect for all your catering needs.
Country Flame – countryflamerestaurant.com
Craving a Cuban sandwich? Got a hankering for huevos rancheros? Or fancy a fajita? When your taste buds are begging for the bold flavors of Latin-American cuisine, then head to Country Flame to get your fix of finely crafted fare at a fair price. For more than 40 years, the unassuming and relaxed hot spot has been the “go-to” place in the French Quarter to feast on humble, comforting, authentically-made Mexican, Cuban, Spanish and Latin American cuisine and sip well-blended cocktails. For the past 18 years, the popular eatery has been owned and operated by Mayra Rodriguez, a native of Nicaragua, who moved to the United States at the age of 15. “I grew up in a family that loved to cook and food was a central part of my upbringing,” states Mayra. “I love having a restaurant and cooking for my customers—there’s something very rewarding about making people happy through food,” she adds. The 50-seat restaurant is fittingly adorned with colorful décor including a large, vibrant mural depicting an animated, tropical scene. Much like its lively and vivid vibe, the well-seasoned food at Country Flame also packs a punch. “We specialize in Cuban and Mexican cuisine. Our Mexican dishes are known for their bold and spicy flavors, colorful presentation and use of fresh ingredients such as avocado, tomato, chilies and corn. With our Cuban cuisine, we offer a harmonious blend of flavors combining savory, sweet and tangy tastes, so that’s why our customers love the Ropa Vieja [seasoned, shredded beef or chicken cooked in Spanish red sauce, served with rice, black beans and house salad], the Cuban combination [traditionally-seasoned ground beef with black beans, rice and house salad] and our famous Cuban sandwich,” explains Mayra. Other specialty dishes include Honduran Enchiladas—two fried tortillas topped with ground beef or shredded chicken, dressed with pickled onions, carrots and jalapenos, cheese and creamy chipotle sauce; Puerco Frito—pork marinated for days, then delicately fried and served with your choice of yuca, tostones (fried green plantains) or maduros (fried sweet plantains); and Flautas—rolled, fried tacos filled with seasoned beef or chicken, topped with pickled vegetables, creamy chipotle sauce and cheese. Country Flame’s broad menu also includes a few favorite local dishes like the bountiful fried seafood plate with baked potato or fries, and crispy fried catfish po-boy, so there’s something to please everyone. Satisfy your sweet tooth with a classic, creamy flan or sugar-dusted churros with luscious caramel cream filling, drizzled with chocolate. If a hearty breakfast is desired, Country Flame will certainly deliver with signature dishes like the house special—two eggs covered with ranchero sauce and fried maduro, served with black beans, rice and your choice of grilled beef fajita or sausage, or the Tortilla Espanola—traditional Spanish omelet made with potatoes, onions and garlic, served with beans and salad. Pair your morning meal with a passion fruit mimosa or Michelada—Mexico’s answer to a Bloody Mary, but with the addition of beer. Quench your thirst with a refreshing Margarita, available in classic, mango or tropical, a delightful strawberry mojito, or house-made sangria. Country Flame is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week, and be sure to cha-cha on over for their annual Cinco de Mayo celebration to indulge in Margarita specials, live music and grande fiesta fun!
Galaxie Tacos – galaxietacos.com
A cruise down St. Claude Avenue in the artsy Bywater neighborhood will lead you to the instantly recognizable and insanely popular Galaxie Tacos. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the former 1940s gas station-turned-taqueria underwent a meticulous restoration a few years ago. Mexican-themed décor and vibrant colors were added to create an authentic and festive vibe. While the exterior, with its large roll-up garage doors (ideal for letting the outside in) and drive-under portico, still evoke the feeling that you can get an oil change or a fill up, the only thing you’ll fill these days is your stomach. There’s ample outdoor seating in front and out back, and upon entering the retro building, you’ll be greeted with an open-concept kitchen, spacious bar and a “fun, lively, funky ambiance,” says Heather Lolley, who owns the quirky eatery with her Honduras-born husband Humberto Suazo, and Chef/Partner Pablo Reyes. Specializing in cuisine from Oaxaca and Mexico City, Galaxie has garnered many accolades since slinging its first taco in 2019. “Our goal is to remain as authentic as possible, but not limit ourselves to one specific region,” explains Heather. “Chef Pablo is from Oaxaca, so there’s definitely a strong influence there, but we want to utilize flavors from all over Mexico to help bring as much culture and tradition to our corner as we can,” she adds. Although chowing down at Galaxie won’t break the bank, their focus rests firmly on freshly made food featuring high quality ingredients. For example, they grind corn in house to create masa for making fresh tortillas, and chilies are sourced directly from New Mexico. Chef Pablo and Chef de Cuisine Stephen Reyes churn out exceptional dishes like Al Pastor el Trompo—succulent spit roasted adobo pork with pineapple, onions and cilantro served atop house-ground tortillas—which Heather calls “a true point of pride.” Other standouts include Barbacoa Tacos (tender beef cheek, topped with onion and cilantro); roasted adobo chicken quesadillas; and Quesabirria, beef brisket and melted Chihuahua cheese with a tangy dipping sauce. A tasty trio of salsas (with more on the way) that are Chef Pablo’s personal recipes adds an extra zip to each dish. Chill out with a house-made frozen margarita or sip a signature drink like the Mexican Firing Squad—a delightful blend of Hibiscus-infused tequila, spiced grenadine and lime. “While our focus is on agave spirits, we still offer a good mix of classic cocktails and wine,” states Heather. Pop by Galaxie any day of the week for specials including, Martini de Martes on Tuesdays featuring $6 martinis, Wine Down Wednesday with 20% off bottles of wine, and half off all mezcal pours on Thursdays. Plus, enjoy happy hour daily with “legit fresh juice margaritas made with quality tequila or mezcal for just $6 and add a mountainous bowl of nachos for only $4 … I think it’s the best happy hour in the city,” boasts Heather, a Lafayette native, who moved to New Orleans for high school and never left. The couple (who took over as owners in March 2023) came with impressive restaurant backgrounds—both worked with Link Restaurant Group, Heather for more than 20 years, primarily in management, and Humberto for 11 years as the CFO. Heather refers to Mexico as their “home away from home” and feels that “there are similarities to New Orleans, from a strong sense of culture to the amazing food, music and art. Everything feels alive and colorful there, and you can say the same about New Orleans.” Don’t miss their Cinco de Mayo fete with a mariachi band, hand-made piñatas and, of course, plenty of tequila!
Napoleon House – napoleonhouse.com
If an expertly crafted Pimm’s Cup, a first-rate muffuletta, and a bit of sorted history sound intriguing to you, then the Napoleon House is right up your alley. Constructed in 1794, the infamous building was originally home to Nicolas Girod, a local businessman and Mayor of New Orleans. Legend states that Girod, Jean Lafitte and others were plotting to smuggle exiled French emperor Napoleon Bonaparte to seek refuge in the home. However, the alleged scheme was halted after news of Napoleon’s death in 1821. In 1914, businessman Joe Impastato took over the building, where he eventually operated a grocery and tavern, serving up classical music and stiff drinks. The three-and-a-half story Creole cottage remained in the Impastato family until respected restaurateur, Ralph Brennan, purchased it in 2015. Grab a seat at the bar or in the intimate courtyard to sip a famous Pimm’s Cup, which bartenders have been mixing since the 1940s. The signature drink, a refreshing blend of Pimm’s No. 1, house-made lemonade, a splash of lemon-lime soda and cucumber garnish, is also offered in a flight, so you can sample all three options—Original, the Englishman’s, which incorporates Bombay Gin, and the delicious Satsuma, which features Gator Bite Satsuma Bayou Rum. While Napoleon House is renowned for its skillfully-crafted cocktails, ranging from a classic Sazerac to their tangy Bloody Mary featuring house vodka and house-made mix, their delectable, traditional Creole cuisine will not be outshined. Executive Chef Chris Montero, a veteran of the Ralph Brennan Restaurant Group, took helm of the kitchen in 2015 and continues to dish up exceptional examples of New Orleans’ most iconic dishes. First off, their house specialty muffuletta starts with Italian cold cuts, cheese and olive salad, but their rendition is served hot, yielding a toasty crispness and gooey cheese. You can’t go wrong with a bowl of seafood gumbo, which boasts a dark roux, Gulf shrimp, crab and oysters, or flavorsome Creole jambalaya—seasoned rice, tomatoes, chicken and sausage. Tempting po-boys, including alligator sausage with Tabasco pepper jelly; house-roasted roast beef in a rich, brown gravy; and fried Gulf shrimp, or crispy catfish, are all sure to satisfy. An eighth-generation New Orleanian, Chef Montero kept many of the original Impastato family recipes, simply tweaking them to include artisan-made ingredients, which is particularly evident in his irresistible red beans and rice. One of the two sausages featured in the dish is Creole smoked sausage, which is locally made and philanthropic in origin. As part of “Silence of da Hams,” a cooking team that competes in Hogs for the Cause, the annual barbecue competition/benefit held each April (hogsfest.org), Montero helped to develop the sausage that is sold in area stores, with a portion of sales going to the charity. Looking for a venue to host a wedding, soiree or gathering? Spanning 2,300 square feet and adorned with custom chandeliers, antique cypress mantles and a spacious balcony overlooking the French Quarter, Napoleon House offers several elegantly appointed event spaces that can accommodate 30 to 300 guests.
Stanley – stanleyrestaurant.com
Whether your morning demands a hearty pick-me-up meal after a long night on Bourbon Street, or you’re simply a do-or-die breakfast kind of person, a trip to Stanley is sure to fit the bill. Ideally nestled on vibrant Jackson Square (grab an outdoor table for a lovely view of the iconic St. Louis Cathedral), the unassuming, 75-seat restaurant has been tempting locals and visitors alike for 15 years with its expertly executed eats. Husband and wife team, owners Scott and Tanya Boswell, have perfected the art of dishing up casual, Louisiana-inspired fare in a hospitable, approachable and lively setting. While there may be a line of hungry patrons eagerly waiting to sample Stanley’s scrumptious breakfast selections, tasty sandwiches, decadent desserts and creative cocktails, your patience will most definitely be rewarded! Start off with a luscious bowl of chicken and Andouille sausage gumbo, made from a 24-hour simmered, super dark and flavor-packed roux, or delectable house-made boudin and Velveeta croquettes, served with Rotel tomato and Velveeta fondue. You can’t go wrong with any of Stanley’s breakfast options, which are served all day, like the Corned Beef Hash Sunny Side Up, an artful melding of house-smoked corned beef pastrami, Creole breakfast potatoes and sunny side up eggs topped with hollandaise, or the luxurious Bananas Foster French Toast — sliced bananas, vanilla ice cream and toasted walnuts slathered in a rich, buttery rum sauce. Seafood lovers will rejoice with Stanley’s divine Breakfast Seafood Platter — classic eggs benny with house-smoked ham, poached eggs and Creole hollandaise, encircled by a generous portion of perfectly crisped, cornmeal-crusted soft shell crab, Gulf shrimp and oysters. There’s also an enticing selection of savory sandwiches including Eggs Benedict Poor Boy with Creole hollandaise; Cornmeal-crusted fried shrimp or oyster (can’t decide, get the half-and-half combo) poor boy topped with house-made coleslaw, spicy cocktail and remoulade sauces atop Leidenheimer French bread; or the Stanley Rueben, which features house-smoked Cajun corned beef pastrami, aged sauerkraut and Russian dressing on rye. Wash down all of that goodness with a signature cocktail like their popular Bloody Mary, which according to Scott, “has been a hit since the day we opened.” Another favorite is the Stanley Screamer, a refreshing mix of sweet tea vodka, lemon juice, lemon ginger, jasmine green and chia tea. “It tastes just like a delicious glass of sweet iced tea, but be careful because it packs a punch!” quips Scott. Those with a sweet tooth will be more than satisfied with indulgent house-made ice cream treats such as old-school malts, root beer floats, milkshakes (don’t miss the adult milkshakes including Irish Coffee with Jameson, or White Russian with vodka and Kahula), and a classic banana split complete with vanilla, chocolate and strawberry ice cream, chocolate drizzle, pineapple and strawberry toppings, whipped cream and a cherry on top, that’s sure to take you back to your childhood. Don’t leave NOLA without experiencing an icy, syrup-laden snowball. Stanley churns out unique flavors, including Dreamsicle Ice Cream, Watermelon and Nectar Ice Cream and be sure to kick your snowball up a notch by ordering it “stuffed” with two scoops of vanilla ice cream.
Cochon Butcher – cochonbutcher.com
If you’re a “high on the hog” kind of person, then Cochon Butcher is sure to be your swine utopia! Nestled in the Warehouse District, Cochon Butcher is best described as an old-world butcher shop and deli with New Orleans flair. Owned and operated by James Beard Award-winning chefs/partners Donald Link and Stephen Stryjewski of the Link Restaurant Group, the locally and nationally lauded butchery/sandwich counter specializes in house-made meats, sausages and terrines. The casual, unassuming eatery has been pleasing palates since 2009 with its artfully created small plates, daily lunch specials and gourmet sandwiches, all of which showcase artisanal and handcrafted ingredients. They are also quite proud of their whole hog butchery program (they butcher, smoke and cure over 2,000 pounds of meat and sausage weekly!), which uses every bit of the hog—from snout to tail—in crafting their house-made charcuterie. Originally from Alabama, Chef de Cuisine Forrest Jackson began his culinary career in his home state until moving to New Orleans in 2014 and eventually landing at Herbsaint, Link Restaurant Group’s flagship restaurant. In 2020, he was tapped to run the kitchen at Cochon Butcher, where he continues to churn out top-notch, reasonably priced food served in an inviting atmosphere. Kick off your culinary journey with some savory hot boudin, or cornmeal-coated, fried Louisiana shrimp served with tangy chili vinegar mayo. Design your own charcuterie plate from favorites like Andouille sausage, country terrine, head cheese, duck pastrami, pork rillon and soppressata, to name a few. Standout sandwiches such as the Cochon Muffuletta, a celebrated version of the local Italian sandwich that layers house-made mortadella, capicola, genoa salami and olive salad with provolone, then is toasted and served hot; and the Pig Mac, two all pork patties topped with special sauce (mayo, hot sauce, horseradish and other secret ingredients), lettuce, American cheese, pickles and onions on a sesame seed bun, are not to be missed! Get piggy with the mouthwatering Buckboard Bacon Melt topped with collard greens and Swiss cheese, or the flavor-packed Cajun Pork Dog topped with black-eyed pea chili, sauerkraut and mustard on a pretzel bun. Round out your meat-centric meal with tasty sides such as marinated Brussels sprouts, mac ‘n’ cheese and potato salad, and make sure to save room for a heavenly bacon praline. Enjoy daily Blue Plate specials including red beans and rice with smoked country sausage served every Monday, steak night on Thursdays, and fried catfish with classic sides on Fridays. Wash down all that goodness with a seasonal cocktail such as About That Thyme (vodka spritz with cranberry, satsuma and thyme), Purple People Eater (creamy rum punch with elderberry and mint) or Live and Let Rye (rye Manhattan with cold brew, vanilla and mole bitters). There’s also a rotating beer list that features small-batch beers from regional, national and international producers. Pack up some goodies to go from their tasty assortment of house-made pickles, jellies, jams, mustards and sauces. Bring home the bacon for your next gathering as Cochon Butcher offers smokehouse packages, boxed lunches, seasonal menus and party platters perfect for all your catering needs.
Country Flame – countryflamerestaurant.com
Craving a Cuban sandwich? Got a hankering for huevos rancheros? Or fancy a fajita? When your taste buds are begging for the bold flavors of Latin-American cuisine, then head to Country Flame to get your fix of finely crafted fare at a fair price. For more than 40 years, the unassuming and relaxed hot spot has been the “go-to” place in the French Quarter to feast on humble, comforting, authentically-made Mexican, Cuban, Spanish and Latin American cuisine and sip well-blended cocktails. For the past 18 years, the popular eatery has been owned and operated by Mayra Rodriguez, a native of Nicaragua, who moved to the United States at the age of 15. “I grew up in a family that loved to cook and food was a central part of my upbringing,” states Mayra. “I love having a restaurant and cooking for my customers—there’s something very rewarding about making people happy through food,” she adds. The 50-seat restaurant is fittingly adorned with colorful décor including a large, vibrant mural depicting an animated, tropical scene. Much like its lively and vivid vibe, the well-seasoned food at Country Flame also packs a punch. “We specialize in Cuban and Mexican cuisine. Our Mexican dishes are known for their bold and spicy flavors, colorful presentation and use of fresh ingredients such as avocado, tomato, chilies and corn. With our Cuban cuisine, we offer a harmonious blend of flavors combining savory, sweet and tangy tastes, so that’s why our customers love the Ropa Vieja [seasoned, shredded beef or chicken cooked in Spanish red sauce, served with rice, black beans and house salad], the Cuban combination [traditionally-seasoned ground beef with black beans, rice and house salad] and our famous Cuban sandwich,” explains Mayra. Other specialty dishes include Honduran Enchiladas—two fried tortillas topped with ground beef or shredded chicken, dressed with pickled onions, carrots and jalapenos, cheese and creamy chipotle sauce; Puerco Frito—pork marinated for days, then delicately fried and served with your choice of yuca, tostones (fried green plantains) or maduros (fried sweet plantains); and Flautas—rolled, fried tacos filled with seasoned beef or chicken, topped with pickled vegetables, creamy chipotle sauce and cheese. Country Flame’s broad menu also includes a few favorite local dishes like the bountiful fried seafood plate with baked potato or fries, and crispy fried catfish po-boy, so there’s something to please everyone. Satisfy your sweet tooth with a classic, creamy flan or sugar-dusted churros with luscious caramel cream filling, drizzled with chocolate. If a hearty breakfast is desired, Country Flame will certainly deliver with signature dishes like the house special—two eggs covered with ranchero sauce and fried maduro, served with black beans, rice and your choice of grilled beef fajita or sausage, or the Tortilla Espanola—traditional Spanish omelet made with potatoes, onions and garlic, served with beans and salad. Pair your morning meal with a passion fruit mimosa or Michelada—Mexico’s answer to a Bloody Mary, but with the addition of beer. Quench your thirst with a refreshing Margarita, available in classic, mango or tropical, a delightful strawberry mojito, or house-made sangria. Country Flame is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week, and be sure to cha-cha on over for their annual Cinco de Mayo celebration to indulge in Margarita specials, live music and grande fiesta fun!
Galaxie Tacos – galaxietacos.com
A cruise down St. Claude Avenue in the artsy Bywater neighborhood will lead you to the instantly recognizable and insanely popular Galaxie Tacos. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the former 1940s gas station-turned-taqueria underwent a meticulous restoration a few years ago. Mexican-themed décor and vibrant colors were added to create an authentic and festive vibe. While the exterior, with its large roll-up garage doors (ideal for letting the outside in) and drive-under portico, still evoke the feeling that you can get an oil change or a fill up, the only thing you’ll fill these days is your stomach. There’s ample outdoor seating in front and out back, and upon entering the retro building, you’ll be greeted with an open-concept kitchen, spacious bar and a “fun, lively, funky ambiance,” says Heather Lolley, who owns the quirky eatery with her Honduras-born husband Humberto Suazo, and Chef/Partner Pablo Reyes. Specializing in cuisine from Oaxaca and Mexico City, Galaxie has garnered many accolades since slinging its first taco in 2019. “Our goal is to remain as authentic as possible, but not limit ourselves to one specific region,” explains Heather. “Chef Pablo is from Oaxaca, so there’s definitely a strong influence there, but we want to utilize flavors from all over Mexico to help bring as much culture and tradition to our corner as we can,” she adds. Although chowing down at Galaxie won’t break the bank, their focus rests firmly on freshly made food featuring high quality ingredients. For example, they grind corn in house to create masa for making fresh tortillas, and chilies are sourced directly from New Mexico. Chef Pablo and Chef de Cuisine Stephen Reyes churn out exceptional dishes like Al Pastor el Trompo—succulent spit roasted adobo pork with pineapple, onions and cilantro served atop house-ground tortillas—which Heather calls “a true point of pride.” Other standouts include Barbacoa Tacos (tender beef cheek, topped with onion and cilantro); roasted adobo chicken quesadillas; and Quesabirria, beef brisket and melted Chihuahua cheese with a tangy dipping sauce. A tasty trio of salsas (with more on the way) that are Chef Pablo’s personal recipes adds an extra zip to each dish. Chill out with a house-made frozen margarita or sip a signature drink like the Mexican Firing Squad—a delightful blend of Hibiscus-infused tequila, spiced grenadine and lime. “While our focus is on agave spirits, we still offer a good mix of classic cocktails and wine,” states Heather. Pop by Galaxie any day of the week for specials including, Martini de Martes on Tuesdays featuring $6 martinis, Wine Down Wednesday with 20% off bottles of wine, and half off all mezcal pours on Thursdays. Plus, enjoy happy hour daily with “legit fresh juice margaritas made with quality tequila or mezcal for just $6 and add a mountainous bowl of nachos for only $4 … I think it’s the best happy hour in the city,” boasts Heather, a Lafayette native, who moved to New Orleans for high school and never left. The couple (who took over as owners in March 2023) came with impressive restaurant backgrounds—both worked with Link Restaurant Group, Heather for more than 20 years, primarily in management, and Humberto for 11 years as the CFO. Heather refers to Mexico as their “home away from home” and feels that “there are similarities to New Orleans, from a strong sense of culture to the amazing food, music and art. Everything feels alive and colorful there, and you can say the same about New Orleans.” Don’t miss their Cinco de Mayo fete with a mariachi band, hand-made piñatas and, of course, plenty of tequila!
Napoleon House – napoleonhouse.com
If an expertly crafted Pimm’s Cup, a first-rate muffuletta, and a bit of sorted history sound intriguing to you, then the Napoleon House is right up your alley. Constructed in 1794, the infamous building was originally home to Nicolas Girod, a local businessman and Mayor of New Orleans. Legend states that Girod, Jean Lafitte and others were plotting to smuggle exiled French emperor Napoleon Bonaparte to seek refuge in the home. However, the alleged scheme was halted after news of Napoleon’s death in 1821. In 1914, businessman Joe Impastato took over the building, where he eventually operated a grocery and tavern, serving up classical music and stiff drinks. The three-and-a-half story Creole cottage remained in the Impastato family until respected restaurateur, Ralph Brennan, purchased it in 2015. Grab a seat at the bar or in the intimate courtyard to sip a famous Pimm’s Cup, which bartenders have been mixing since the 1940s. The signature drink, a refreshing blend of Pimm’s No. 1, house-made lemonade, a splash of lemon-lime soda and cucumber garnish, is also offered in a flight, so you can sample all three options—Original, the Englishman’s, which incorporates Bombay Gin, and the delicious Satsuma, which features Gator Bite Satsuma Bayou Rum. While Napoleon House is renowned for its skillfully-crafted cocktails, ranging from a classic Sazerac to their tangy Bloody Mary featuring house vodka and house-made mix, their delectable, traditional Creole cuisine will not be outshined. Executive Chef Chris Montero, a veteran of the Ralph Brennan Restaurant Group, took helm of the kitchen in 2015 and continues to dish up exceptional examples of New Orleans’ most iconic dishes. First off, their house specialty muffuletta starts with Italian cold cuts, cheese and olive salad, but their rendition is served hot, yielding a toasty crispness and gooey cheese. You can’t go wrong with a bowl of seafood gumbo, which boasts a dark roux, Gulf shrimp, crab and oysters, or flavorsome Creole jambalaya—seasoned rice, tomatoes, chicken and sausage. Tempting po-boys, including alligator sausage with Tabasco pepper jelly; house-roasted roast beef in a rich, brown gravy; and fried Gulf shrimp, or crispy catfish, are all sure to satisfy. An eighth-generation New Orleanian, Chef Montero kept many of the original Impastato family recipes, simply tweaking them to include artisan-made ingredients, which is particularly evident in his irresistible red beans and rice. One of the two sausages featured in the dish is Creole smoked sausage, which is locally made and philanthropic in origin. As part of “Silence of da Hams,” a cooking team that competes in Hogs for the Cause, the annual barbecue competition/benefit held each April (hogsfest.org), Montero helped to develop the sausage that is sold in area stores, with a portion of sales going to the charity. Looking for a venue to host a wedding, soiree or gathering? Spanning 2,300 square feet and adorned with custom chandeliers, antique cypress mantles and a spacious balcony overlooking the French Quarter, Napoleon House offers several elegantly appointed event spaces that can accommodate 30 to 300 guests.
Stanley – stanleyrestaurant.com
Whether your morning demands a hearty pick-me-up meal after a long night on Bourbon Street, or you’re simply a do-or-die breakfast kind of person, a trip to Stanley is sure to fit the bill. Ideally nestled on vibrant Jackson Square (grab an outdoor table for a lovely view of the iconic St. Louis Cathedral), the unassuming, 75-seat restaurant has been tempting locals and visitors alike for 15 years with its expertly executed eats. Husband and wife team, owners Scott and Tanya Boswell, have perfected the art of dishing up casual, Louisiana-inspired fare in a hospitable, approachable and lively setting. While there may be a line of hungry patrons eagerly waiting to sample Stanley’s scrumptious breakfast selections, tasty sandwiches, decadent desserts and creative cocktails, your patience will most definitely be rewarded! Start off with a luscious bowl of chicken and Andouille sausage gumbo, made from a 24-hour simmered, super dark and flavor-packed roux, or delectable house-made boudin and Velveeta croquettes, served with Rotel tomato and Velveeta fondue. You can’t go wrong with any of Stanley’s breakfast options, which are served all day, like the Corned Beef Hash Sunny Side Up, an artful melding of house-smoked corned beef pastrami, Creole breakfast potatoes and sunny side up eggs topped with hollandaise, or the luxurious Bananas Foster French Toast — sliced bananas, vanilla ice cream and toasted walnuts slathered in a rich, buttery rum sauce. Seafood lovers will rejoice with Stanley’s divine Breakfast Seafood Platter — classic eggs benny with house-smoked ham, poached eggs and Creole hollandaise, encircled by a generous portion of perfectly crisped, cornmeal-crusted soft shell crab, Gulf shrimp and oysters. There’s also an enticing selection of savory sandwiches including Eggs Benedict Poor Boy with Creole hollandaise; Cornmeal-crusted fried shrimp or oyster (can’t decide, get the half-and-half combo) poor boy topped with house-made coleslaw, spicy cocktail and remoulade sauces atop Leidenheimer French bread; or the Stanley Rueben, which features house-smoked Cajun corned beef pastrami, aged sauerkraut and Russian dressing on rye. Wash down all of that goodness with a signature cocktail like their popular Bloody Mary, which according to Scott, “has been a hit since the day we opened.” Another favorite is the Stanley Screamer, a refreshing mix of sweet tea vodka, lemon juice, lemon ginger, jasmine green and chia tea. “It tastes just like a delicious glass of sweet iced tea, but be careful because it packs a punch!” quips Scott. Those with a sweet tooth will be more than satisfied with indulgent house-made ice cream treats such as old-school malts, root beer floats, milkshakes (don’t miss the adult milkshakes including Irish Coffee with Jameson, or White Russian with vodka and Kahula), and a classic banana split complete with vanilla, chocolate and strawberry ice cream, chocolate drizzle, pineapple and strawberry toppings, whipped cream and a cherry on top, that’s sure to take you back to your childhood. Don’t leave NOLA without experiencing an icy, syrup-laden snowball. Stanley churns out unique flavors, including Dreamsicle Ice Cream, Watermelon and Nectar Ice Cream and be sure to kick your snowball up a notch by ordering it “stuffed” with two scoops of vanilla ice cream.
