Before heading to Mardi Gras, I asked TK, her brother, Teddy and a few other friends from New Orleans for their top three places to eat in the city.  I ended up with a list of more than fifteen spots to try- ambitious for seven days, but we did our absolute best to hit as many as possible!  Here are the top spots for perfect bites from my New Orleans food crawl.

Sammy’s

Whenever I’m in New Orleans, I make it a point to eat as many shrimp po’ boys as I can.  You know the ‘apple a day keeps the doctor away’ idea.  That’s my philosophy when I visit New Orleans- just with shrimp po’ boys instead of apples.  TK introduced me to Sammy’s a few years back and now it’s usually one of our first stops when we get to town.  I keep saying I’m going to try something else on their menu, it all looks good- but the po’ boy calls out to me, every.single.time.

Melba’s

I don’t even eat roast beef sandwiches- at least I thought I didn’t. The Roast Beef Po’ Boy at Melba’s tastes like homemade pot roast. Teddy’s favorite, he insisted that we try it.  I did reluctantly, and then went back later in the week to get my own.  TK tried their shrimp po’ boy and gave them an honorable mention (behind Sammy’s).

Don’t be alarmed if it smells Downy fresh when you walk into Melba’s.  Connected to a laundromat next door-you can grab a po’ boy and get your laundry done while you eat.  Multitasking at its finest, gotta love it.

Drago’s

For those of you who love oysters, word on the street is Drago’s has the best charbroiled oysters.  I have avoided oysters up until this point, raw ones freak me out and I’m skeptical about the charbroiled ones too.  But Teddy swears by them and TK keeps talking about the butter they’re soaked in so- I’ve promised to try them next time.  Drago’s also has another fav of TK’s- lobster mac and cheese.  It’s rich, creamy and decadent.   A few good bites is all you’ll need (but you’ll probably eat way more).

Port of Call

When we got to Port of Call, both the bar and restaurant were packed.  I’d heard they have great burgers, so TK and I settled in with our Goombay Punch and waited for a table.  As servers passed, I noticed huge loaded baked potatoes on nearly every plate- no fries.  Once we were seated, glancing at the menu it was confirmed- burgers come with baked potatoes.  Really?  I was skeptical.  Don’t get me wrong, I love a good baked potato.  With a steak, yumm!  But with a burger?  I wasn’t convinced- until that first bite.  I don’t know what they did to that baked potato, but between that, my perfect cheeseburger and the Goombay Punch, Port of Call is alright with me.

The (Wing) Spot Cafe

I’ve got two wing spots on this food crawl- TK and Teddy couldn’t agree on which one was better, so to keep the peace you get both!   The (Wing) Spot Cafe is TK’s pick. Their lemon pepper wings were a highlight of our Mardi Gras Day, under the bridge.  The sign at the food stand said The Wing Spot Cafe, but online it’s just The Spot Cafe.  The restaurant is on Franklin Ave but they don’t have a website.  You may have to go on an adventure to find your lemon pepper wings!  I called to see if they were open and got a cell phone voicemail.  I figured I had the wrong number, until someone called me back… and said they’d be open at 4.  We never made it on this trip, but something tells me TK will want to track down those wings when we’re back in town this summer.

J’s Creole Wingery

Teddy’s pick for wings,  J’s Creole Wingery is located in two large trailers on North Claiborne Avenue.  Not sure if I’ve ever been to a wingery before, I’m not sure if it’s even a real word.  Either way, it classes up the experience.  Nothing like a high end chicken wing.  We fancy.  We tried the Honey Heat, Creole Rub and Lemon Pepper.  J’s gets my vote for their honey heat wings and The (Wing) Spot gets my vote for lemon pepper- you may have to do a wing taste-off of your own to determine the winner.

Juan’s Flying Burrito

Magazine Street is one of my favorite stops when I’m in New Orleans; the shopping area filled with boutiques and restaurants is the perfect place to spend a leisurely afternoon wandering aimlessly.  With happy hour from 2-7pm, Juan’s Flying Burrito is a great stop for a margarita (or two).   The House Rox Margarita was everything.

Bourbon House

I’ve been hearing about the Bourbon Milk Punch at Bourbon House ever since TK tried it a couple years ago.  I’m not usually a fan of milk in my cocktails or of brown liquor but I’m glad I made an exception in this case.  Try it, you won’t regret it.

Neyow’s Cafe

With the outdoor bar and patio with fire pits in the space next door, Neyow’s Creole Cafe is a cute spot for date night or a girls night out.  I’d imagine that it’s really popular in the Spring and Summer, as we were there on a rainy night in February and the restaurant was still packed.

Neyow’s really delivered on dessert with their praline pound cake.   We ordered one and when it was almost gone, Teddy ordered another.   TK and I protested, ‘We don’t need another one!  That’s too much!?!”… and then we promptly ate that one too.  It was dangerously delicious and wonderful, and I should have gotten another one to-go.

Loretta’s Authentic Pralines

I have never met Miss Loretta but I am her biggest fan.   Passing by her booth on my way into New Orleans Jazz Fest in 2014, I grabbed a praline stuffed beignet and it changed my life.  I stopped for another one on my way out of the festival… and again on day two.  In the years since, I’ve found her stand at the French Market and again at the Convention Center at Essence Music Festival.  Her praline stuffed beignets are the truth, I’ve done the research.  If you’re not headed to New Orleans any time soon, she ships too.  I won’t allow myself to order online; I’ve got to keep my habit under control but I support you in having treats delivered.  Enjoy responsibly.

The Tasting Room

The last few times I’ve been on Magazine Street, I’ve passed by The Tasting Room and always said I was going to stop in.  On this trip, TK and I finally made it over for a wine flight.

Right after both Mardi Gras and Valentine’s Day, the Tasting Room had special Carnival wine flights and a tasting menu as well.

The Tasting Room has an old world, classic vibe.  I loved everything from the furniture and music, to the wine selection and food.  We had truffle fries with our wine flight and took home a great bottle of Malbec.

As we were leaving, I saw plates headed for a couple seated nearby.  Grilled salmon and mashed potatoes- it smelled and looked fantastic.  I’ll have to go back and try dinner!  I’d add the Tasting Room to the cute date list, for sure.

Brown Lady Food Crawl Tip

Cafe Du Mondé

Cafe Du Mondé is legendary for their beignets.  You need to try them at least once.  You’ll end up covered in powdered sugar and you won’t care because beignets are fluffy, warm pillows of heavenly sweetness.  Eat them while they’re warm.  They don’t travel well or taste as good re-warmed.  If you’re visiting on a festival or holiday weekend, lines will be long at the French Market location.  You can try the Cafe Du Mondé Coffee Stand at the Riverwalk, as an alternative.

More Perfect Bites to Come

Looking at what we ate in just over a week, I’m surprised we were able to walk and that any of our clothes still fit.  I’ve still got a handful of restaurants to try, and Teddy has started referencing all restaurant meals in terms of whether they should make the blog, “It was cool, but not blog worthy.”  Sooo, I imagine there will be a part two of this food crawl over Essence weekend.

If you’ve been to New Orleans, what are some of your favorite ‘blog worthy’ bites?