going_places

We have only 4 days in NO. We are looking for information or opinions on some places that don't seem to get as much press. One is 201 restraurant. Another is Feelings..or Alex Patout....or Cafe Maspero or Muriels. We are trying not to have to mortgage the house for our meals, but we are willing to pay for quality. any other ideas would be wonderful!!!

Thanks
Jean

fehgeddaboudit

Maspero's definitely hits your target.
Not expensive, not fancy, but good quality food.

Vera

We loved Muriel's when we had Thanksgiving dinner there in 2003. Formal setting but informal wait staff. Take the tour of the upstairs former bordello.

Vera

shana

We had 4 days in New Orleans in 2003 and it was all about eating. We managed to eat at Bayona,Commander's Palace, Muriel's, Acme Oyster House, Napoleon House, and Cafe Degas. Muriel's was one of our favorites. Really nice atmosphere and a great location.

fehgeddaboudit

Here's another vote for ACME Oyster House. Good stuff!

BigJim

You mentioned that you're looking for places that don't get as much press. As good as Commander's Palace and Acme is, you don't want to go there. There's usually a gazillion people there because these places are mentioned everywhere.

uptowngirl2418

In addition to your list...
Inexpensive in the French Quarter is Louisiana Pizza Kitchen, Fiorella's, Coop's if you like spicy, and Port of Call.
In the Garden District is Cafe Rani and Joey K's.
Mandina's on Canal and Cafe Degas on Esplanade.

SloPugs

Sorry I can't comment on any of the restaurants you mentioned, however Bayona was my favorite. The courtyard is wonderful and romantic, but if it's raining, inside is nice too. My husband's favorite restaurant was Commander's Palace. We also liked Nola's and Emeril's. I liked the idea of the history at Antoine's, but the food wasn't good at all, and very outdated, with the exception of the classic "Baked Alaska," which we all loved! If I go back, I would go there just for dessert!

DownSouth

Uptowngirl, so glad that you mentioned Joey K's. This is one of our favorite neighborhood restaurants on Magazine. We just ate breakfast there on Saturday morning - can't beat those prices.

For more upscale in the garden district/uptown areas, over the years, we have enjoyed Gautreaux's, Upperline, and Clancy's. Any current comments??

funjione

What about Olivier's or Herb Saint? I read they are good but not advertised a lot. We are going to try them when we go.

Budman

We also loved Muriels and its location.

snowrooster

I have to disagree about avoiding Commander's and Acme due to crowds. You need reservations at Commander's and I've never noticed lots of walk-ins crowding it up. We go in July, which isn't high tourist season, but have never had trouble w/crowds at Acme either (it is full, but we've always gotten a table). I had oysters at a couple of places last time we were there and the best were definitely at Acme.

Mothers is good for lunch as is Central Grocery for mufelatta (sp?). My dad really likes Pascal Manale's but dh didn't care for it so we haven't returned. Sorry but I haven't been to the restaurants you mentioned. NOLA is very good as well - not cheap but not as pricey as some of the other popular spots.

going_places

Thank you everyone. After reading all the ideas, I wish we had 2 weeks!
Jean