Where To Eat
Copper Monkey Bar & Grill With a full menu of quesadillas, salads, burgers and steaks, the Copper Monkey is where French Quarter regulars grab lunch or late-night eats. The penne al la Tina, tossed with sautéed mushrooms and sliced chicken in a creamy red sauce, is fabulous. Drop by on Fridays for the crawfish boil special. No reservations required, open 24 hours. 725 Conti St., 527.0869.
Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers You can probably tell from the sign that this chain is named after a dog, specifically the owner’s yellow Lab, Cane. With Raising Cane’s signature tangy sauce, chicken fingers make a great staple. Boxed meals are available for festival-goers; party platters for up to 100 are available for those last-minute get-togethers. Hours vary by location. Visit www.raisingcanes.com for more information.
Fire! A converted historic firehouse in the Lower Garden District sets the threealarm scene for contemporary and eclectic cuisine. Flatbreads piled high with toppings and a selection of hook-and-ladder dips are great ways to begin a meal. A very extensive wine list is worth the trip alone. Lunch and dinner Tuesday to Friday; Saturday dinner only. 1377 Annunciation St., 566.1950.
Bywater Bar-B-Que This hidden jewel combines down-home flavors with a New Orleans atmosphere in its dining room and cozy patio. Ribs, chicken, pulled pork, or the beef brisket are all outstanding choices, and combo plates are also available. Lunch and dinner Thursday to Tuesday. 3162 Dauphine St., 944.4445.
Mat & Naddie’s Restaurant With views of a grassy levee and trains coming down the track, you could totally forget you’re in an urban setting. The sophisticated cuisine has something for everyone, but the Moroccan braised lamb shank with currant and almond couscous is not to be missed. The restaurant features a lunch buffet on weekdays. Reservations accepted but not necessary. Lunch and dinner Monday to Friday; Saturday dinner only. 937 Leonidas St., 861.9600.
Abita Brew Pub The culinary outpost of the famous Abita brewery, Abita Brew Pub is a must-stop after touring the famous brewery or after biking the nearby Tammany Trace. The pub offers everything from burgers and wings, to fancier dishes such as quail and crawfish pasta. Reservations are necessary for larger parties. Lunch and dinner Tuesday to Sunday. 72011 Holly St., Abita Springs. 985.892.5837.
Clancy’s From a collection of dining rooms tucked away in this swanky uptown neighborhood, Clancy’s has emerged as a front-runner of Creole cooking. Appetizers such as fried oysters with brie and Bibb lettuce are mainstays. The entrees change frequently, but the focus is always on local seafood. Reservations are recommended. Dinner Monday to Saturday. 6011 Annunciation St., 895.1111.
Martinique Bistro Martinique blends French and Caribbean flavors for an incredible dining experience, whether in its quaint restaurant or courtyard. The menu is constantly updated but staples include Gulf shrimp and eggplant Napoleon or jumbo lump crab cakes with mango-chipotle vinaigrette. Reservations are a must. Lunch Thursday to Sunday; dinner Tuesday to Sunday (brunch on Sundays). 5908 Magazine St., 891.8495.
Bacco Described as Italian with Creole flair, this gem in the Quarter serves everything from vermouth-steamed mussels and shrimp and pesto bruschetta to lobster ravioli. The 10-cent martinis will make your lunch move into dinner. Lunch and dinner served daily. 310 Chartres St., 522.2426.
Casablanca The Moroccan cuisine of Casablanca offers many foreign delights, including the couscous, which is topped with mounds of fresh vegetables. Moroccan spices and dishes set Casablanca apart from other Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines. Reservations are recommended. Lunch Sunday to Friday; dinner Sunday to Thursday; closed Saturday. 3030 Severn Ave., 888.2209.