Where I Like to Eat in New Orleans: Breakfast

The Big Easy is famed for its food. However, some of the finest fusion and creole cuisine here is a bit out of the price range of a lowly loan-bound law student. With that - and my rather stifling academic schedule limiting my exposure - in mind, I figure I'll share a few of the places I recommend to friends and family when they're in town. Starting with the first meal of the day...

Breakfast:

+ The Bluebird Cafe - Prytania Street, Uptown
- A classic no-frills diner space with a friendly, interesting staff and a quick wait line outside. The omelets hit the spot, especially when accompanied with black beans and rye toast. You never know who might show up in the seats.

+ Surrey's - Lower Magazine Street
- The wait on weekends can be prohibitive, but the food is scrumptious. The bananas foster pancakes were memorable, and the fresh, relaxing atmosphere feels just right in the morning.

+ Betsy's Pancake House - Upper Canal Street, Mid-City
- The food's alright, but the atmosphere is one of the most intriguing mixing pots in the city. The place has character. With blue walls, crucifixes over the doors, and a range of clientele from churchgoers in their Sunday best to local law enforcement, the place is great for people-watching. Betsy herself will likely serve you, dressed in gold, accompanied by colorful, unscripted calls from the kitchen.

+ Oak Street Cafe - Oak Street, Carrollton
- The food isn't the best around, but the music from regular pianist Charles Farmer makes for a pleasant start to the day nonetheless.

+ The Coffee Pot - St. Peter Street, The Quarter
- While it's in the Quarter, and it's certainly more expensive, the outdoor courtyard seating is picture-perfect - if you hit it early on a weekday morning when it's not overrun by tourists. And even if it is, the staff is gracious and gregarious, and the menu sports some old school hard-to-find entries, like lost bread (done well) and calas. Omelets = delicious.

|