Okay, so it might not be the breakfast of champions, but brunch is a celebrated ritual in New Orleans. From Creole Bloody Marys to mimosas made with freshly squeezed Satsuma oranges, uniquely Southern spins on this leisurely, mid-morning meal make brunch a must-do. Gather your friends and hit up these spots, where you can enjoy a little “hair of the dog” while recounting last night’s adventures.
Commander’s Palace
Built in the 1880s, Commander’s Palace is a long-standing New Orleans tradition, and it’s easy to see why. From the delectable cuisine to impeccable service, this Garden District gem showcases Southern charm at its best. Start out with an “eye-opener,” such as the Yellow Heirloom Tomato Bloody Mary or the Alabama Peach Bellini, before deciding on mouthwatering dishes like eggs couchon de lait, veal daube, farm-fresh fruit salad and Creole bread pudding soufflé.
Mr. B’s Bistro
Every Sunday, locals and visitors flock to Mr. B’s Bistro, where weekly jazz brunch accompanies hearty, flavorful dishes. Expect to see New Orleans specialties like short rib hash, veal and grits, barbecued shrimp, fried chicken livers and seafood gumbo. For a libation that can stand up to the menu’s robust flavors, order Mr. B’s signature Bloody Mary, which boasts just the right amount of spicy kick, without going overboard.
Palace Café
If seafood for brunch sounds right up your alley, Palace Café is sure to please. Begin the meal with an appetizer, such as pan-roasted oysters or crabmeat cheesecake, before moving on to heftier dishes like catfish pecan meunière, crabmeat quiche or grilled gulf fish panzanella. Wash it all down with a signature Bloody Mary, garnished with spicy, pickled green beans.
The Court of Two Sisters
It doesn’t have to be the weekend to get your brunch fix — just head over to The Court of Two Sisters for the daily jazz brunch buffet. The all-you-can-eat spread includes Southern classics like made-to-order shrimp Creole omelets, turtle soup, homemade country pâté, boiled shrimp, carved meats and freshly baked desserts. Sit out on the patio while sipping on a spicy Bloody Mary and listening to live music by the house jazz trio.
Photo Credit: Flickr/@jbtaylor (John Taylor)