JeanneB

We'll be in NOLA for a couple of nights this week, celebrating the anniversary of last year's trip to France. (Can only afford NOLA this year .)

Since the weather's going to be terrific, we're looking for courtyard dining. Can anyone recommend a French restaurant? We know Commanders...it's on our list. Last visit we loved Drago's; fabulous seafood! But we're especially interested in courtyard dining this trip.

We're staying at the Crowne Plaza Astor, so prefer places near the Quarter. But we'll have the car or can take the trolly. (How late do they run?)

LilMsFoodie

I can recommend one courtyard to see but I'd just have a cocktail and dine elsewhere.

Court of the Two Sisters in the Quarter is one of the prettiest courtyards you'll see (that is open to the public) but the food is wretched and it is rather a trap at this point.

I first ate there when I was about 5 or 6 years old and thought it was the coolest place ever. I had a poor meal there about 25 years ago and then again last year (I had no choice as I was with a business group). I suffered through a miserable mess: hideously gelatinous onion soup, fish so overcooked you could crack it on the table, a wine that several of us decided was Sutter Home plonk masquerading as a sancerre and fetching about $55 per bottle.

Do look in though, it is very pretty. LMF

Dan

Had dinner last night at Feelings Cafe in the Marigny neighborhood. Beautiful outdoor courtyard. Ask for a table on the balcony as this is very romantic. So much so that my girlfriend actually said yes when I proposed later in the evening!

Oh yes, the food is good too.

rox70047

Try Martinique on Magazine St. Small outdoor patio with excellent food.

dwooddon

I'd avoid Pat O'Briens. It has a nice courtyard but I ate there a couple of weeks ago and the meal was mediocre and the service was very poor.

djkbooks

Highly recommend Broussard's. Wonderful in every way. We loved the Courtyard (especially since we happened to get lucky and have it all to ourselves).

www.broussards.com

JeanneB

Haven't checked out Broussard's yet, but here's the list so far:

Feelings Cafe
Bayonas (lunch--highly rec. by neighbor)
Marisol
Commanders (lunch)
Cafe Atchafalaya (personal fave)
Peristyle
and August

But, but, but...Oh my, we'll only be there two days! And I haven't even included Acme Oyster and Mothers. One should be able to order a bigger appetite for a trip to N.O.

We leave tomorrow afternoon (Tues). Yummmmmmm!

Dreamer2

Marisol is excellent with a lovely courtyard. The "something" Cat (Striped?) is a block away for wonderful jazz after dinner, too! Have a great trip!

sunfun

Hi Jeanne,
We had a wonderful courtyard dining experience on our trip at Girods Bistro in the Napleon house. Make sure you ask to be seated outside in the courtyard. Food was great and not outrageously expensive! Check out:
http://www.napoleonhouse.com/bistro1.html

puddy

You don't go to Pat O'Briens for the food.

Ally75

I don't know if this would fit your specifications, but Sammy's on Bourbon is a Cajun/Creole restaurant--actually doesn't have a courtyard but outside patio seating. Hmm, maybe that's not what you want, as the patio is on the front of the restaurant at the street. Sorry to hear that about The Court of Two Sisters.

JeanneB

A follow-up trip report here:

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...n_name=JeanneB

Hint---Feelings Cafe won the day!

GatorLadyUSA

The place someone was trying to think of the name for is the Spotted Cat. Also in that area try the Blue Nile. Great dancing.
Back to courtyard dining: Feeling's Cafe, Court of Two Sisters, Pat O'Brien's, and I think Brennan's has a courtyard. Been awhile since I've been there.
*(JAMIE)*

markover

An often overlooked one is the St. Louis hotel. Their courtyard is beautiful, and very romantic.