Backspace Bar & Kitchen 139 Chartres St • 322-2245 • backspacenola.com
Need a break from all of the French Quarter dive bars? Backspace Bar & Kitchen is a diamond in the rough as a literary-themed bar that offers up author-inspired drinks and a menu of local favorites. Enjoy a Hemingway Cuban and specialty cocktail next to the fireplace for a unique bar experience.
Bennachin 1212 Royal St • 522-1230 • bennachinrestaurant.com
Head to Bennachin for a taste of Africa inspired by Gambia and Cameroon. Both vegetarians and meat eaters can find a flavorful dish at this BYOB joint. Bennachin is known for its Jama Jama, spinach sauteed in vegetable oil, ginger, onion and garlic, which is a big hit at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival.
Bombay Club 830 Conti St • 577-2237 • bombayclubneworleans.com
Offering simple and traditional Creole classics, Bombay Club is a refreshing touch of elegance in the heart of the French Quarter. Famous for their martinis, enjoy one of their many creative creations paired with Boudin Scotch Eggs or, perhaps for a bigger bite, the Cracklin’ Cruster Fish and Chips.
Buffa’s Bar and Resaturant 1001 Esplanade Ave • 949-0038 • buffasrestaurant.com
Weekly events and regular music mean that Buffa’s is rarely empty. The weekend Jazz Brunch, a meeting of great New Orleans jazz and traditional classics like boudin balls, gumbo, and their famous Crawfish Scramble, is a great way to transition from last night’s concert to this morning’s first meal.
Café Amelie 912 Royal St • 412-8965 • cafeamelie.com
In the historic backdrop of the Princess of Monaco courtyard, Café Amelie offers a romantic and quaint ambiance that makes the food taste all that much better. Classic Louisiana dishes like lamb meatloaf (dinner menu) and Boudin and Grits (brunch menu) allow for history to be conveyed through more than just the setting.
Crescent City Brewhouse 527 Decatur St • 522-0571 • crescentcitybrewhouse.com
Crescent City Brewhouse brought New Orleans and Louisiana its first brewpub in 1991. Their menu offers traditional New Orleans cuisine, but with a modern flair. Dine on the freshest of seafood accompanied by a fantastic beer that was brewed in-house.
EAT 900 Dumaine St • 522-7222 • eatnola.com
Focusing on local, organic, fresh and seasonal ingredients, EAT combines the complex food culture of New Orleans and the larger health/organic food movement. Serving classic dishes like gumbo and fried green tomatoes, EAT is a perfect spot for those who want to sample New Orleans gastronomy without having to worry about food sourcing.
Fiorella’s Café 1136 Decatur St. • 553-2155
Serving food since 1937, Fiorella’s is a New Orleans staple. The homey, no-frills atmosphere is a great place to checkout. The fried chicken and other Creole soul food staples are simply amazing. Be sure to try their innovative seafood muffaletta!
The Jimani 141 Chartres St • 524-0493 • thejimani.com
Right off Canal St, The Jimani has been a downtown institution for locals and tourists alike since 1971. With the classic combination of beer, sports and great food, their success is not surprising. Try one of their innovative burgers (for example, the Peanut Butter Bacon Burger) or stick with something a little more traditional.
Jimmy J’s Café 115 Chartres St • 309-9360 • jimmyjscafe.com
In the heart of the French Quarter, Jimmy J’s is a no-frills diner that offers classic breakfast fare. Enjoy a variety of egg-based dishes, like the Cochon Eggs Benedict served with a jalapeno hollandaise) or sample something a little more traditional, like the Fried Oyster/ Shrimp Plate.
New Orleans Creole Cookery 510 Toulouse St • 542-9632 • neworleanscreolecookery.com
A new addition to the French Quarter, New Orleans Creole Cookery offers Creole classics in a low-key and casual environment. Stop in for a quick shrimp po-boy or enjoy a delicious meal of shrimp and grits. With a constantly changing cocktail menu, this is also the perfect spot while exploring the French Quarter.
Orleans Grapevine 720 Orleans Ave • 523-1930 • orleansgrapevine.com
This French Quarter spot boasts an elegant selection of classic New Orleans fare to match their impressive wine selection. For oenophiles, the flights of wines are perfect to broaden one’s tasting abilities. Try a New Orleans classic like Creole Courtbouillon or sample the 14-oz Double-Cut Pork Chop.
WhereYat.com | March 2015 | 9