New Orleans Dining

Posted by Bill

Manning’s New Orleans

New Orleans Saint’s Archie Manning has opened a new restaurant in the Harrah’s casino.  It is a casual yet refined eatery that features more than 30 flat screen TVs, including a 13- by 7.5-foot mega screen for watching your favorite sports.  Manning’s also has a sports anchor desk just incase you ever dreamed of being an anchor man/woman! Manning’s is also filled with unique memorabilia from Louisiana football and the family of Archie Manning.  The walls are also flooded with artwork by local artists to give it a unique New Orleans feel.

Manning’s is a place that is great for both sports enthusiasts to foodies.  The menu features comfort foods from the Mississippi delta with some unique Creole twists as well as creative interpretations of tailgating classics.  You’ll find such unique selections as a Cast Iron Skillet Fried Filet topped with a Southern Comfort pan sauce; Oysters “Rockefeller” Spinach Salad finished with crumbled bacon, Gruyère croutons and herb vinaigrette; and a Beer and Cheese Bisque using locally brewed Abita Beer, just to name a few.

Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant

Gordon Biersch Brewery is an American chain but is a great place to stop in and grab a few brewskies and pub food. Gordon Biersch has an assortment of beers hence having “Brewery” in the name.  Personally, I prefer darker beers but the every selection is very fulfilling.  Gordon Biersch Brewery is right across the street from the Hilton and Harrah’s casino on the corner of Poydras and Convention Center.  This puts is just a bit outside of the French Quarter and very close to the River Walk and the Aquarium of the Americas.

Drago’s

Drago’s has multiple locations in the city, one right off the Causeway in the part of Metairie called “Fat City” and one in the Downtown Hilton.  Drago’s is a local seafood restaurant and will make you love everything about New Orleans cuisine.  The stuffed soft shell crab special is a local favorite.  Drago’s also has daily specials and daily oyster shuckers.  The Drago’s in “Fat City” always looks full from the parking lot but don’t let that discourage you.  The wait staff is usually able to find adequate seating for customers.  Local tip: they do tow cars out there so make sure you park in a real parking spot.

Mother’s Restaurant New Orleans

Mother’s in a New Orleans legend.  This staple restaurant has been serving all kinds of delicious, meat-filled sandwiches since 1938.  The signature po’boys reddened with “debris” are so filling and delectable that you will often find yourself fighting off a nap after enjoying one.  Esquire and Zagat has labeled Mother’s restaurant as one of the greatest po’boy restaurants anywhere.  With this reputation Mother’s usually has a line wrapped around the building on weekends and holidays, but is well worth the wait.