Sarita’s – One of my favorite places on the Freret corridor! Great latin fusion with free queso and great prices! Do you need more? They also do 2 for 1 margaritas on random days but it seems like everytime I go it’s going on. I recommend, well, everything! My favorite appetizers are the Tacos Nicaraguenses (three fried tortillas stuffed with shredded beef and served with coleslaw for dipping), and the pork and ribeye tacos with your choice of 4 toppings. The only problem with Saritas is the bathroom. You can probably get into it without your footrest but it’s not easy to get in.
Mint – This modern Vietnamese bistro is another one of my cheap favorites on Freret. I have had everything here and it’s always good. From the vermicelli to the pho to rice dishes to the appetizers – nothing disappoints. My favorite thing here is the lemongrass chicken. It is spicy, tender, and delicious. The lemongrass tofu is also just as good. I also love ordering just appetizers for my meal. Some favorites are the grilled pork steamed bun, shrimp and avocado rolls, and the cream cheese and bacon rangoons. Oh yeah how could I forget about the bubble tea which you can get with a shot of alcohol in it! The food comes out so fast and it can get quite busy when school is in session. I have never used the bathroom here so cannot comment on that.
Origami – Yes another place on Freret – this one serving very good sushi! My favorites are the burning woman , burning man and the yo momma and dem roll but I have enjoyed many others. To get into Origami one of my friends usually goes inside to let them know I’m on wheels, and they open a side door where there is a nice big ramp to roll in.
Dat Dog – If you’re looking for a place to sit outside and eat a delicious sausage or hot dog this place on Freret is it! This is the original Dat Dog and now they have multiple locations throughout the city. They also have other things to eat like a Seadog (fried cod) and The Chick (fried chicken) and some great fries. Of course the outside is accessible, but a ramp on the right side of the building gets you inside where the bathrooms are also accessible.
Midway – Yet another place on Freret but now we’re talking pizza – both deep dish and thin crust! They have very unique house specialty pizzas toppings such as ! They also have one of the best lunch specials in the city called the Freret Jet Special from 11:00-2:00. For $10 you get an all you can eat pizza buffet and a salad! I recommend my favorite salad in maybe the whole city The Byt (mixed greens, roasted beets, goat cheese, toasted pecans, fresh orange slices tossed in a citrus vinaigrette.) They have a portable ramp right inside the door that can be a little tricky getting over the threshold so I usually ask for a push. The accessible bathroom is behind the kitchen which is pretty easy to get to.
Company Burger – There are two locations for company burger but I have only been to one on, guess where? – Freret. If you want a top notch burger this is possibly the best place for a burger in the city! I’ve heard some people complain that they don’t put tomatoes or lettuce on their burgers but they are too good for me to care. As for the sides you have to get onion rings and or fries. Both might be in the running for the best. They also have pretty good milkshakes and a flavor-of-the-month such as fruity pebbles which I had, and it was great! Adults can order specialty cocktails or a decent selection of beers in cans or on draft. As for the accessibility, there is plenty of room but you have to order at the counter which is a downside for me, but they will bring you your food so that pretty much cancels it out! The accessible bathrooms however, are easy to get to
High Hat – A popular place on Freret that I would say is kinda like a diner but with a New Orleans twist. The portions are BIG so be ready if you are thinking about pie for dessert – which I recommend! The burgers, the Cuban, and the Po’boys are all good. I also recommend the ginger rosemary tea if you’re looking for a non-alcoholic beverage. High Hat is accessible but there is a slight bump going in that may require a push to get over, but once you’re in, all is well. It does get packed pretty regularly and is very popular with the older crowd.
Ancora – This easily accessible restaurant on Freret St. does pizza Neapolitan style. My favorite is the Diavola with Neapolitan Salami, Fior di Latte, Chili Tomato sauce. Get the arancini and meatball appetizers – you won’t be sorry! And if they have the crab meat gnocchi – I highly recommend you try it! They also have sumptuous cocktails and a fine selection of craft beers and house made Italian sodas.
Bearcat – A breakfast place that offers healthy (goodcat), and not exactly healthy (badcat), options. The breakfast potatoes and pancakes are some of the best I’ve ever eaten. I also like the hot chicken or the brisket hash. They also have a great selection of coffee and tea featuring my favorite iced tea guava mint green tea. To get in, look for the ramp on the left side of the building.
Felipe’s Mexican Taqueria. – Quick, satisfying, made to order Mexican. My favorites are the burritos or nachos with either carnitas or al pastor. Oh, and the margaritas are tasty and strong! All three locations are accessible. I recommend sitting and ordering at the bar if your chair can raise.
Ted’s Frostop – Old school burger chain that reminds you of 50s-style Drive Ins. They make their own root beer served in frosty mugs, and the Loto Burgers come on cloud-soft po’ boy bread! Ted had fifteen of these burger joints around the city at one time, but the Uptown location on Calhoun, is still going from breakfast until 5pm. Accessible entrance.
Avo– Romantic Sicilian Italian restaurant on Magazine Street close to Nashville Avenue. The small, intimate setting includes a courtyard with a roof that can be opened. The food is excellent and I love the charred octopus with Calabrian chilies, pineapple, and black garlic. The pastas and gnocchi are house made and fabulous. The New-Orleans born, award-winning chef, keeps things interesting with a seasonally changing menu. Fortunately, the space is wheelchair accessible with a decent amount of room to move around.
New York pizza– Good pizza with a bar, on Magazine and Napoleon. A good option for a quick bite to eat during a parade or just wandering around the neighborhood is the bar special: a beer and a slice for $5. Open until 10pm, Sunday-Thursday, and until 11pm, Friday & Saturday. The bar is open till 2am, Monday-Saturday, and until 1am on Sundays. Both the entrance and bathrooms are accessible.
Pizza Domenica– the Uptown spin-off of the Downtown Domenica on Magazine Street. All I really have to say is the garlic knots are so good it’s not right. Don’t get me wrong the pizza is good too. Classic pepperoni and margherita pizzas are baked in a wood-fired oven, or you can try a not-so-classic gourmet pie such as charbroiled oyster, or smoked pork. The restaurant isn’t big and is typically crowded but the wait usually isn’t long. You need to call or email to make a reservation which is a good idea for weekend nights. It can be a challenge to get around in a wheelchair, having to ask people to move so you can get by. The bathrooms are accessible but it can be a hassle getting to them. There is a nice ramp that gets you in the front door. All that said you must try the garlic knots. The wood-roasted cauliflower is also delicious.
Creole Creamery– I love this place because it has the best ice cream in the city – all made in house. If you like ice cream you definitely should go! You will also find typical fountain classics and some incredible seasonal and house specialties such as the Tchoupitoulas – 8 scoops of ice cream and 8 toppings! Some of my favorites ice cream flavors are Creole cream cheese, chef’s perfect chocolate, and Cookie Monster. During football season, I like the black and gold crunch! Depending on when you go, you may get lucky enough to try key lime pie or chocolate pecan pie. The entrance to this hip, old New Orleans bakery space, has an incline that’s not too crazy. As soon as you get in I suggest going to the left to look at the flavors. It is easy to move around but it does get packed after dinner. They also have one in Lakeview if you are in that area.
Sukho Thai – Classic, delicious Thai restaurant. Last time I went the curries and drunken noodles were great! If you like spicy, get it spicy or you will be disappointed. No problem if you prefer mild. Two modern, chic locations: Marigny, on Royal, sometimes has outdoor seating; Uptown on Magazine, is the one I’ve been to. Both the restaurant and bathroom are wheelchair accessible!
Tal’s Hummus– a small quick service Israeli-inspired restaurant on Magazine across from the Le Bons Temps with delicious pita bread. I have had the falafel and beef kebab sandwiches and both were amazingly tasty. They have an array of other sandwiches, platters, and hummus that I haven’t tried yet. It is accessible with a slight lip to get over the entrance. Unfortunately, they have no bathroom.
La Petite Grocery – One of my favorite restaurants in New Orleans, owned by James Beard Award Winning Chef, Justin Devillier. Just a block from Napoleon, on Magazine, is this petite, fancy bistro in what used to be a grocery store. The food is French, with a Cajun New Orleans boost. You have to try the blue crab beignets which are out of this world and may require an extra order to take home. Every appetizer will leave you wanting more. For entrees, I like to order the Panéed rabbit and the grilled duck breast if on the seasonal menu. If you want a fancy lunch or dinner, it’s hard to pick a better place. They have accessible bathrooms that can be a little tricky getting to when it’s busy and crowded. I recommend making reservations.
GW Fins– Probably my favorite seafood restaurant in the French Quarter. The menu changes daily but my favorite appetizers are lobster dumplings, lump crab cake, and the fried soft shell crab. As for the entrees I would really go for any of the fish. For something different, try the Scalibut, a GW Fins original, which is halibut and scallops, and is quite good. This is easily one of the most wheelchair accessible restaurants in the city – plenty of room to move around without having to ask people to move, and an easy path to the restrooms.
Lebanon’s cafe– The best Middle Eastern restaurant around with cool tile murals on the walls. Located on So. Carrollton right next to Boucherie, it’s definitely one of my favorite spots for beef shawarma, falafel, and grape leaves. They have an extensive menu and five varieties of creamy homemade hummus. The entrance is accessible and there is outdoor seating.
Panchitas – Great, cheap place in the Carrollton area to get all the traditional Mexican favorites on a huge menu. They give you complimentary chips and 2 salsas. Yeah I said, two salsas!! A red and a green. I like the nachos because they are gigantic, meaty, and tasty . They also offer freshly squeezed juices from pineapple to honeydew. I usually sit at the outdoor sidewalk seating since the inside is so small, but it is wheelchair accessible.
Cibo– small New York style Italian eatery on Carrollton close to Oak street. They are open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I haven’t had the bagels or a hot plate yet but the sandwiches were spectacular. The meatball sandwich is one of the best I ever had and the imports combo with Prosciutto Di Parma, Sopressata, Capocolla, Fresh Mozzarella was also delicious. The other thing I like about this place is the cannolis that are filled to order. And if you want an Italian wine with your food, they got it. The entrance is accessible but with a step down to get to the dining area, it ends there. They do however, have tables outside.
Milk Bar– Creative gouhrmet sandwich place in a stripmall on South Carrollton where it meets St. Charles. The sandwiches have quirky names such as Occidental Oriental and Shrimply the Best which are two of my favorites. Sandwiches are big for the price – most around $8. The Thai Chilli Lamb Po-Boy is another favorite. They also have a great selection of salads, smoothies, shakes, and coffee.
Jacques Imo’s– Eclectic, Creole neighborhood joint on Oak Street popular with locals and tourists. I usually like to order appetizers instead of the entrees and one of their best known creations is the shrimp and alligator sausage cheesecake. Yes, I said those words. I also like the fried green tomatoes topped with shrimp remoulade, and fried grits served with crawfish and tasso. Definitely not a place to eat healthy but oh, so tasty! The fried chicken is pretty good too! Seating is first come, first served for parties of one-four. If there are five of you, you need to plan ahead and make a reservation by phone. They are semi-accessible, meaning, they do have some tables inside on the ground floor as well as tables outside, but not many. And unfortunately, the bathrooms are upstairs.
TheRum House – On the busy part of Magazine you can get Caribbean inspired tacos which on Tuesdays, are $3 bucks! Known for their Island Time drink specials from 3-6pm, and Taco Tuesdays, the place can get packed so I suggest an early dinner. There are plenty of other menu items but I have only gone for the tacos. Some of my favorites are the jerk chicken, chile glazed shrimp, Carolina bbq, and the duck duck goose. They have picnic table seating outside which can be hard to eat at in a wheelchair, but they also have a portable ramp that will get you inside, if you ask.
Theo’s Neighborhood Pizza– A thin-crust pizza joint with several locations and many sandwich and salad options in addition to pizza. I’ve only been to the first one, on Magazine St., close to Napoleon. My personal favorite specialty pizzas are the Meathead, West Bank Special, and the Spicy Mexican Chicken. They have a sometimes weird, but always delicious Pizza of the Month. The Magazine location has a portable ramp to get you up the one step – just ask for it.
Nirvana– classic Indian restaurant on Magazine close to Napoleon that offers a buffet that I have not yet tried, but hear is good. I have had the samosas which were great, and the chicken tikka and the boti kebab on the mixed grill were out of this world good! The space is colorfully decorated with Hindu art and fancy chairs for other people to sit on. It is accessible and they have an outdoor patio, but it can be a challenge to get around when it’s busy.
Shaya – Oh the pita bread! That’s all you need to know! Seriously, I am not joking – the pita bread is so damn good. Shaya is an awesome upscale modern Israeli restaurant on Magazine close to Napoleon. Open for lunch and dinner with slightly different menus that change based on what is available. Much of the menu is a selection of small plates. Start with a salatim, a combination of different salads, (3 for $15 or 5 for $23), such as labneh, baba ganoush, and tabouleh. Then they have different types of hummus with cauliflower or lamb ragu among others. When I went they had hummus with duck and it was delicious. Remember what I said about the pita! The big difference between lunch and dinner is lunch has sandwiches and dinner has more large plates. One of the large plates I tried was Shakshouka, which is a poached egg in a spicy tomato sauce. Definitely try to get a reservation but if not, you might still be able to get a table or eat at the bar. Shaya is accessible but I did not use the bathroom so I need to get me some pita and let you know later.
Blue Oak BBQ– this southern bbq place, once a pop-up inside of Grits and Chickie Wah Wah, was so popular they opened up their very own location in Mid-city on Carrollton Ave. Boasting the best BBQ in New Orleans since 2012, it’s definitely on top. From the specialty sandwiches to garlic mac and cheese you can’t go wrong. They have a good happy hour from 3-6pm featuring smoked wings (8 for $6), and bbq sliders (2 for $7), and of course, deals on drinks. Blue Oak is very accessible for a small place and the bathrooms are good. Sometimes it can be hard to find a table that works if it’s crowded. They also have seating outside but I am not a fan of the tables. The restaurant operates as a self service counter and the bar is separate with a lower counter for wheelchairs.
Frey Smoked Meat Co.- Delicious bbq joint in midcity, kinda hidden behind a grocery store and other restaurants on South Carrollton and Bienville in Mid-city. The St. Louis ribs are perfect and fall off the bone and they have 5 different house made bbq sauces. My favorite thing to get is the bucket-o-biscuits with honey butter to start and then the 3 meats plate with the St. Louis ribs, pulled pork, and brisket or sausage. They also have sandwiches, burgers, mac and cheese, and crazy big milkshakes. The building is accessible by a ramp to the left but it is a little further from the door than I would like. The bathrooms are accessible and it is pretty easy to move around.
Willa Jean– The best biscuits ever are at Willa Jean’s, a bakery and restaurant in the Central Business District. They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I have only been for dinner or just to grab some biscuits on my way home. The fried chicken sandwich and the pot pie I had were delectable! The unbelievably good biscuits are only on the breakfast and lunch menus but they usually have a few at the counter later in the day. If you love biscuits this is a must stop! The entrance is flat but you have to go up a ramp once you get inside the door. The bathroom is good but can be hard to get to. It’s also pretty easy to get to using public transportation.
Delachaise– Neighborhood wine bistro on St. Charles close to Louisiana Ave. A big positive is that it stays open later than most restaurants, ‘til 1am weeknights, and 2am Fridays and Saturdays. Another is their award-winning Pommes Frites fried in goose-fat and served with house made peanut satay & malt vinegar aioli. The peanut satay sauce is my favorite! The grilled cheese is also amazing with asiago and pecorino cheese, and house-made apple butter. While the inside is not accessible they do have a big patio with outdoor seating. The other problem is you have to order at the bar inside but if you have someone with you – problem solved.
Chais Delachaise– a spin-off of Delachaise in Uptown on Maple Street. It is a quaint bistro and wine bar with globally inspired small and large plates. You must get the goose fat pommes frites served with spicy ketchup & malt vinegar herb aioli. Last time there I started with the Crab Ceviche that was sweet and spicy and so good! Then I followed it up with the Beef Rendang which is a Malaysian dish served over coconut jasmine rice. They have a small patio in front that is accessible, or you can park and use the ramp in back.
Superior grill– a large long-standing Tex-Mex restaurant on St.Charles that has all the classics plus a few more things. They have a good Happy Hour from 3:30-6pm featuring ½ off beers, $5 wine and most importantly, 2-1 margaritas, and 3-1 margaritas on Wednesdays. The food is good and they give you a lot of it! To enter, there is a nice ramp in the back. It does get crowded sometimes, and if tables by the door are filled, it can be hard to get through. The bathrooms are also accessible.
Frankie and Johnny’s– Old school New Orleans neighborhood restaurant that opened in 1942. Located Uptown on Arabella and Tchoupitoulas in a cozy building with a long bar in the front. Known for fried seafood, po-boys, and other New Orleans classics. This in one of the places I bring out-of-towners for a New Orleans lunch. My favorites are the stuffed artichoke, onion rings, gumbo, and the seafood combo platter with shrimp, catfish, crab cake, oysters, and fries. They have a gravel parking lot and the whole place is wheelchair accessible, including the bathrooms.
Cochon Butcher– Spin-off of the Donald Link restaurant Cochon right next door. Small butcher shop that specializes in meats and superior sandwiches. My favorite sandwiches are the Carolina Style bbq pork and the Cubano with smoked pork. They also have all kinds of sides, beers, and cocktails. It is accessible but small, with limited seating at mostly high-top tables, and can get packed.
St. James’s Cheese Company– A cool place for sandwiches and you guessed it – cheese! There are two locations: Uptown, and the Warehouse district, and both are wheelchair accessible. They offer beer and wine to pair with the cheeses. You can eat lunch here or just grab some creamy, rare farmhouse and artisan cheeses to go. If you don’t know what cheese to buy the staff is happy to help and they know their stuff. The sandwiches feature specific cheeses with ingredients to compliment the flavor. To enter the Uptown location, use the ramp in the middle of the building; the Warehouse location has a flat entrance.
La Crêpe Nanou– French bistro Uptown on Prytania with delicious crepes, escargot, and mussels among others. My favorite crepes are the lump crab, Crêpe au Crabe, and the Crêpe Bourguignonne (beef tips). You also can’t leave without a dessert crêpe with ice cream. Fully accessible, small restaurant, so it’s a squeeze trying to move about.
Vincent’s– Classic old-school New Orleans Italian restaurant on St. Charles. Probably my favorite upscale Italian restaurant with its intimate, dark, and fancy dining area. I would recommend getting reservations because there are not a lot of tables. There are a few steps to get in but they have a portable ramp.
Chill Out Cafe– A breakfast and Thai restaurant in an old house turned restaurant with a laid back vibe on Maple Street. While I never had breakfast here I have had many of the Thai offerings. I usually go for noodles or curry dishes and am always happy with the food, the price. The restaurant is small but has outdoor seating on the porch. The entrance is on the side with a wooden ramp and a little bit of a bump at the doorway
Hana– Small sushi place with inexpensive and huge rolls! They also serve complimentary cold Miso-Sesame Noodles to start which I find tasty. There is a ramp in front but there are just a few tables inside so it is good to call ahead to save it. I once went and the tables were taken but a couple graciously volunteered to move.
District Donuts– this is a review of only the location on Magazine and Jackson as the other locations are either not accessible or I haven’t been there yet. In a rustic, chic cafe setting District specializes in big, fancy donuts, coffee and sliders. The donuts change daily with flavors that can be anything from Vietnamese coffee, Almond Joy, raspberry cheesecake, to Nutella. For sliders, I love the fried chicken or pork belly. The waffle fries are great too. They serve breakfast biscuits and Croquenuts which are sandwiches using donuts as the bun, until 11am. District has a wheelchair accessible entrance and a small parking lot – with loose gravel though. The one thing I don’t like is that you have to go back and get your order when it’s ready.
Steins Market and Deli– New York style Jewish-Italian deli on Magazine and Jackson. Great place for sandwiches, bagels and beer. They make a great Reuben and an even better Robert with imported prosciutto, house-made mozzarella, aged balsamic vinegar on ciabatta. They offer more than 25 different sandwiches and tons of bagel choices. The best part about Stein’s is the huge curated selection of craft beers from everywhere. They also have a good selection of specialty grocery items. While accessible, it is very small and a challenge to move around – but the owner will help if he is there.
Humble Bagel– You guessed it. This couple-run place on Freret has bagels – hand-rolled, kettle boiled, and freshly baked everyday. These magnificent bagels come in an array of flavors. The entrance is wheelchair accessible with a slight incline but don’t think they have any bathrooms.
Reginelli’s Pizzeria– Local pizza chain with locations throughout New Orleans and Baton Rouge. I have been to the pizzerias on Magazine, and the one on Poydras, close to the SuperDome. In addition to pizza, some of my favorites are the spinach and artichoke dip, the meatball sandwich, and calzones. They also deliver from most locations. They are all wheelchair accessible but in different ways. The one on Magazine & State has a nice big ramp and accessible parking. The Magazine location, close to Louisiana, has a ramp on the side that someone has to put out for you, but they also have tables outside. The Poydra location has a flat entrance with some outdoor seating.
Five happiness– Oldest and most popular Chinese restaurant in the city, on South Carrollton close to Midcity. Featuring all the Chinese staples you come to expect and love. They also deliver but it’s more fun to eat in the spacious, modern, Asian decorated space, even though they will even deliver a Mai Thai or two! The food is highly quality Chinese but it’s not as spicy as I like. The Pu-Pu Platter is awesome and fun to get. Other favorites are the twice cooked pork, sweet and sour chicken, the kung pao chicken, generals chicken, citrus beef, and Peking duck. It is wheelchair accessible including the restrooms and the small parking lot has wheelchair spaces.
Johnny Sanchez– Inventive Mexican in the CBD on Poydras and only a few blocks from the SuperDome. I have only been here for the happy hour which is fantastic with $2 tacos and several half-priced drink options running from 2pm-6pm Monday-Friday. The Taco Tuesday deal is $2 tacos all day. I had the queso, carne asada taco, and catfish taco. I really want to try the whole grilled fish! You also get complimentary chips and salsa but with a small delicious twist of plantain and corn tortilla chips. This place does get crowded for dinner but it is wheelchair accessible as are the restrooms.
Parkway Bakery-in Mid-city right where Bayou St. John and Jeff. Davis parkway ends. Parkway is one of the best Po’Boy places in the city. You have to try the roast beef but they have plenty of other options. I love shrimp and roast beef and sometimes it’s hard to choose but Parkway makes it easy with the surf-n-turf which gives you both! While it is accessible the main area where you order is not. You do have some options as to where to sit. I usually sit outside but if it’s too hot or cold, I go inside the accessible entrance right by the patio. The other option is to use the front door ramp and sit at the bar if your chair can raise. They also have a big parking lot with accessible parking spots.
MOPHO– Modern Vietnamese fusion with a Louisiana influence in Mid-city, on City Park Avenue in a small shopping mall across from Delgado Community College. Known for their incredible MOPHO chicken wings that come in 4 flavors and Pho with a choice of 3 different broths and plenty of protein choices. The food is a bit more pricey than traditional Vietnamese places but definitely a great choice if you are visiting the park. Bathrooms and restaurant are both wheelchair accessible.
Bangkok Thai– Quaint Thai restaurant with big flavor and loads of spicy options. Located in the Carrollton neighborhood right next to Cooter Browns on the corner of St. Charles and Carrollton. Last time I had the pork cut in cubes and it was amazing. They offer different levels of spiciness as well as a good lunch special for $11. The entrance is wheelchair accessible and easy to get in, but quaint means small. It’s a great place to start off then go next door for drinks at Cooter Brown’s
Taqueria Corona– Authentic Mexican that locals have loved since 1988. With 4 locations throughout the land, the original on Magazine is the only one I have been to. Arguably the best fish tacos around (and I agree), if you are looking for really good Mexican at a good price this is it and I love it! My favorite thing to get is the Numero Tres and split it with a friend. It comes with a choice of 3 tacos, a burrito, and a flauta. The cebollitas and the queso are also unbelievably delicious! They also have huge ass California burritos if that’s your thing, as well as enchiladas. It’s accessible, but a little bit tricky, plus the restaurant is small. Both doors have to be opened to get in, otherwise it is too narrow. They will happily help open them for you and find a table that is easy to get to.
Gracious Bakery– With 3 locations throughout the city, I have only been to the Prytania location which is right next to Creole Creamery and a block from the Kingpin. For breakfast or lunch they have waffles, doughnuts, sandwiches, salads, coffee, tea, and most of the things you would expect from a bakery. I recommend the almond croissant for sure and whatever the pot pie or hand pie they have that day. There is so much I want to try that I will have to keep going back. Fortunately, the entrance is accessible with a slight ramp and the space is big enough to move around. I want to assume the other locations are accessible too, and will update my review once I visit.
Bywater Bakery– a newer bakery in, surprise, Bywater! They specialize in Chantilly cakes and man they are great. They do all kinds of bakery stuff but most important are the king cakes. When it’s that time of the year, they are amazing! The traditional ones are available but I go for the chantilly cream and apple king cake. WIth an assorted array of breakfast cups and lunch options like hand pies, this place is excellent, and is accessible.
Pizza Delicious– They got that right! This hip Bywater place serves up the best pizza in New Orleans. It is New York style pizza with all the toppings you expect and then some. I still have a hard time not getting pepperoni though. Non-pizza options include pasta dishes, salads, garlic knots, and rolls filled with different things such as cauliflower, pepperoni, or spinach-feta. If you want pizza in New Orleans then you definitely have to try this place – voted #1 Pizza in New Orleans. The interior dining room is accessible but because it’s small, it can be hard to navigate when it’s busy. Alternatively, they have an outdoor patio with tables. The bathroom is accessible, but again, can be hard to get to if it’s busy.
Toups Meatery– Located in Mid-city on Carrollton Ave is Toups, a delicious place for Cajun inspired meats. I would call it a little fancy. I only went once for my birthday and it was so good it changed my opinions about food I hadn’t eaten before. First I recommend The Meatery Board with chicken liver mousse, hog’s head cheese, chicken hearts, boudin balls, cured meats, and fresh cracklins – all were amazing. I also had the lamb neck and it was delicious! The double-cut pork chop is the biggest I ever did see and was cooked perfectly. While it is wheelchair accessible it is a pretty small place so I recommend getting reservations.
Central City BBQ– Yet another, relatively new, BBQ joint in you guessed it, Central City. Inside is a very spacious, modern design with a big bar and plenty of room to move freely. Outside, there is seating as well. You enter either through the front door with the ramp, or the side by the patio, but I recommend the front door to avoid the gravel. Alright, now to the bbq. I got the 2 meat plate with ribs and burnt ends, and 2 sides of beans and spoon bread. The ribs were fantastic and so were the burnt ends but I think the ribs were better. I didn’t even put bbq sauce on them and I love sauce. This was also my first experience with spoon bread and it was so good! If you don’t know what spoon bread is, it is basically cornbread pudding. The beans were lucious. There are enough meat and sides options to keep everyone happy – from traditional bbq choices to things like boudin and Brussels sprouts. I did find it a little more expensive than other bbq places but it was really good. The bathrooms are easily accessible behind the bar and the kitchen on the left side.
Saba– New Israeli restaurant by famed chef, Alon Shaya, Uptown on the corner of Magazine St. and Nashville Avenue. Inside of a modern newish building. My experience at Saba was amazing and one of the best dining experiences in my life, I went with a big group of friends during Mardi Gras and we had a private room. My friends who booked it had to choose the food before and was served family style. We went with the vegetarian menu and I didn’t miss the meat at all because it was all amazing. We had tabbouleh, labneh, Lutenitsa(roasted eggplant and red pepper dip), seasoned fries( like no other fries I had before), hummus with brussel sprouts and falafel sandwiches. Oh, how could I not mention the pita bread till now?! It’s truly the best pita bread and then just keep bringing fresh ones out and you can’t say no. Everything was delicious and I was good and happy before the falafel sandwich but it was the best falafel. The restaurant is wheelchair friendly with a ramp in the back and accessible bathrooms. Their only problem is it can get really busy and a little bit cramped at the regular tables.
Mandina’s– classic New Orleans restaurant in a hard to miss punk building that is both seafood and Italian in Mid-city on Canal on the streetcar line. Mandina’s is one of my favorites for classic New Orleans to take out of towners to. They have everything from fried seafood to poboys and Italian food. I start with one or all my favorite appetizers of the crab fingers in wine sauce, onion rings, turtle soup. For entrees I recommend the ½ fried chicken, gulf fish amandine and the seafood platter if you are really hungry because it’s a lot. Mandina’s has a nice big wheelchair ramp up the main entrance and the first floor is accessible but it does get busy. Another thing I do like is the have a secret accessible bathroom by the stairs and you have to ask them to unlock it.
Venezia– classic old school Italian restaurant that has pizza and some New Orleans original dishes, located in Mid-City on Carrollton and Canal. It’s one of my family’s favorite restaurants to celebrate birthdays without spending a ton of money but still feel special. The hardest thing about Venezia is choosing what to eat because it’s all great but my favorites are the lasagna(my favorite lasagna), spaghetti and meatballs, and stuffed shells. While not my favorite thing here but still damn tasty is the pizza with all the typical toppings but also breaded veal! They also make good drinks and of course have wine but my favorite is the pimm’s cup with fresh cucumbers! While the entrance and restaurant is accessible the bathrooms are not accessible. Another tip: don’t get dessert there and go down half a block to Angelo Brocato’s for gelato and other Italian baked goods.
Domenica– upscale Italian restaurant with Neapolitan pizzas located in the beautiful Roosevelt hotel on Baronne St close to Canal St. Similar food to Pizza Domenica with more Italian dishes from pasta like lasagna, tagliatelle, and gnocchi to veal chops, roasted duck breast, and salami. I only have had the pizzas and roasted cauliflower which were fantastic. It is accessible through the hotel lobby and accessible bathrooms in the lobby but some distance away on the other side.
Tommy’s Cuisine– upscale Italian Creole restaurant in the Warehouse District on Tchoupitoulas St. close to Julia St. The two or three times I have been Tommy’s has been a great experience from the food to the old school waiters. The first time I remember going to Harrah Casino with my family and my step dad said “I am going to $20 at the Keno machine and whatever I win will go towards dinner”, and he won around $200 and we decided to go to Tommy’s to celebrate. Oh man did we celebrate racking up a bill way more then $200 but no one cared because it was amazing. It’s hard to pick my favorites because everything has been good. Definitely get some baked or roasted oysters, turtle soup, and for entrees the veal parmigiana, eggplant , lasagna or the gulf fish Capri are great choices. Tommy’s also has a great wine list. The restaurant is accessible and it’s big enough to move around while still feeling cozy. The bathrooms are what I would call not wheelchair accessible since they are small and could only get in mostly without my feet rest.
Liuzza’s– old school New Orleans/Italian place in Mid-City on Bienville close to Jeff Davis Parkway. Not to be confused with Liuzza’s by the track which isn’t accessible. Known for the Frenchulatta (muffuletta on French bread) and beer served in frosted mugs. They have a ton of options including seafood, classic Italian, and poorboys. I usually order a frozen bushwacker(alcoholic drink) and a poorboy and then a nap after. Liuzza’s has an accessible entrance with what google says also an accessible bathroom but I haven’t checked on that yet.
Mosca’s– old school Italian mafia joint serves delicious food family style on the West Bank in an unassuming building. At moscas not much has changed from 1946 including being cash only. Everything is served in huge portions to share and it’s all very good. Definitely try Oysters Mosca which might be my favorite way to eat oysters, spaghetti and meatballs, and the chicken a la grande. It is kinda out of the way but definitely worth the experience and for the food if you are able to get out there since I don’t think public transportation goes out there.They are accessible with an area to park but on gravel .
Costera– cool new Spanish restaurant that specializes in coastal Spanish foods with small and large plates on Prytania St. close to St. Charles. I had Manchego, Radish, Almond and Greens Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette which was very tasty and goes well with the seafood and meats. My favorite thing was the littleneck clams with chorizo and white beans. The combination which I have seen or thought would be a thing but it is amazing! They also have seafood paella that looks good but is $30 a person so I didn’t try it this time also I heard the shrimp and Papas Bravas are good. Costera is very accessible with a ramp inside the door with plenty of room and has accessible bathrooms. Another plus is it’s close to one of my favorite bars Kingpin.
