Over here at Compose Yourself Mag headquarters, we’re snowed in and dreaming of the warmer weather in Louisiana. We are itching to get down there and get a real taste of the south during this year’s BUKU Music & Art Festival. When we think of New Orleans, our minds go straight to beignets, crawfish étouffe, and po boys. With so much yummy food to cover in one packed weekend, it might seem impossible to get a taste of everything. But don’t worry, we’ve put together a list of a few of the must hit food joints in NOLA that won’t break the bank.
You can’t experience New Orleans without a hot, fluffy, sugary beignet. Take a bite of history at Cafe Du Monde. The original Cafe Du Monde was established in the historical French quarter in 1862. The iconic cafe is known for their classic beignet, doused in powdered sugar. What better way to start a morning than with a cup of coffee and a warm treat. [Directions]
Katie’s Restaurant and Bar in Mid-City is a must for a bottomless brunch. We can’t think of any better way to start the day than with $15 bottomless Bloody Mary’s, mimosas, or sangrias. While you slurp down a drink (or a few), you might have trouble making a decision between all the Cajun breakfast classics. A smothered Eggs Sardou is sure to fill you up, or if you’re looking for a little heat, try the Crawfish Beignet, topped with a jalapeno aoli. With most of the entrees priced below $15, Katie’s Restaurant and Bar is sure to fill you up without draining your wallet. [Directions]
As far as sandwiches go, the Poor Boy, (or the Po’ Boy as it is commonly referred to), is the definite King of New Orleans. A fluffy french bread stuffed with delicious fried seafood and dressed to the nines with lettuce, tomato, and mayo; sign us up!
With so many eateries offering this one of a kind sandwich, where’s the best place to pick up a po’ boy, you ask? If you’re in the mood for a traditional fried seafood po’ boy, or a meatier muffuletta sandwich, head on over to Parran’s Po-Boys and Restaurant. With more than 25 po’ boy choices, everyone is sure to find something that strikes their fancy. The fried beer battered crawfish tails are a must. Take a short drive outside of central New Orleans to the Metairie neighborhood to find this Po’ Boy establishment. [Directions]
If you’re feeling a little more adventurous, check out The Sammich. The restaurant name may make you giggle, but they take their food very seriously. Oysters, friend escargot, and a duck confit po’ boy might sound like it would make a dent in your wallet, but everything here at The Sammich is $15 or under! The nontraditional En Brouchette po’ boy offers a healthy portion of friend oysters, topped with bacon, brie cheese, and a meuniere (butter) sauce. You had us at bacon. Right near Tulane, this is a hot spot for college students (or festival goers) looking for good eats at the right price. [Directions]
Compose Yourself couldn’t make this list without the infamous New Orleans staple, Willie Mae’s Scotch House. Making a resilient comeback after Hurricane Katrina, Willie Mae’s hails some of the best fried chicken and comfort food in America. For only $10, you can indulge in crispy fried chicken with all the trimmings. You CANNOT miss this comfort food mecca when you’re in New Orleans. [Directions]
Looking for the ultimate in cheap and delicious eats? Stop by any roadside seafood shack to get all the great food without the restaurant atmosphere. Great for a quick pit stop, or to take on a picnic or back to the hotel room. Indulge in crab, crawfish, and other crustacious treats. Hit Schaefer Seafood in Metairie for the freshest seafood around. [Directions]
If you’re anything like us, hunger hits most after a long night of dancing and music. 13 Monaghan is the place to go if you’re looking for something late night. A plate of smothered tater tots (lovingly dubbed ‘tachos’) or a pita pizza is sure to satiate that after hours growl. With plenty of beers on the menu and specialty cocktails, 13 Monaghan is open until 4 am to catch all those night owls. [Directions]
If your mouths are now drooling with the thought of consuming these delicious and culturally unique foods, then our work here is done.
