We are a coming at the end of Feb to do Katrina cleanup in NO. We want to do an end of trip dinner early Friday evening, March 2, before we board our bus to go home.In meeting with the group last night the 3 criteria that emerged include
1. Not terribly high cost
2. Variety of foods(some want spicy, cajun-some don't)
3. Locally owned rather than a chain(my personal issue)
Is there such a place?
Thank you for your help!

My favorite is Pascals Manale

http://www.nola.com/sites/pascals/menu.html

They created BBQ shrimp - which, if you haven't had it before isn't what you think it will be. It is my "want to get back on a plane to NO just to eat that meal" meal. (I ask them to pull the heads of the shrimp first)

I love the shrimp, but the restaurant is great for large groups and there's enough on the menu for everyone (see link above)

Eileen - not sure what you mean by "not terribly high cost", but if Manale's fits your budget, by all means go. Couldn't agree with Starrsville more - we've flown to NO on weekends with the idea that Manale's was the only restaurant on the "must do" list (although our list of favorites is rather long). Fabulous food, low key, great staff. And, yes, you won't believe the BBQ shrimp.

DH has been 3 times to New Orleans with such a group, and they had such a dinner each time, on their last night. He recommends:

+The Palm Court, on Decatur. A club atmosphere with old-time jazz playing while you eat dinner.

+The Praline Connection, on Frenchman St. Regularly voted the best soul food in New Orleans.

He says Praline Connection has less atmosphere but better food; both are good.

Call ahead for reservations, of course, but both places had no trouble serving groups of 30.

Whenever we have a large group, we head to Deanie's in Bucktown.

http://secure.deanies.com/dinner.html

Thank you! Gives me some good places to research!
Last year when we went to do cleanup we ate at Praline Connection but I couldn't remember the name. Good food.
AND, I didn't know there was a Bucktown near NO. Atlanta & Chicago, but not NO.
Again, thank you.

I'd say Praline Connection or Mulates for a group that size. If you can afford it, Antoine's can definitely accommodate a group that size as well.