While tourists crowd Café du Monde, New Orleans maintains a separate diner culture where locals gather for traditional breakfast fare mixed with Creole influences.
These establishments serve dock workers, musicians ending their nights, and multi-generation New Orleans families.
Camellia Grill
Operating since 1946, Camellia Grill maintains its original counter with white-coated servers.
Their pecan waffles use local Louisiana pecans, and their chocolate freezes remain unchanged since opening day.
The kitchen prepares red beans and rice for breakfast, serving it with eggs and house-made biscuits.
Their grits come with options of shrimp or debris gravy.
Elizabeth’s Restaurant
Established in 1996, Elizabeth’s serves traditional diner fare with New Orleans flair.
Their praline bacon draws morning crowds, made fresh each day.
The kitchen prepares boudin and eggs using sausage from local makers.
Their biscuits come topped with debris gravy simmered overnight.
Russell’s Marina Grill
A lakefront institution, Russell’s combines diner standards with seafood influences.
Their breakfast menu features eggs Benedict with local crab meat.
The kitchen makes three varieties of hash browns, including their signature spicy version.
Their biscuit recipe uses local dairy and comes with house-made jam.
Clover Grill
Operating 24 hours, Clover Grill serves traditional diner food in the French Quarter.
Their hamburgers cook under hubcaps on the flat-top grill. The kitchen prepares eggs and grits throughout the night.
Their breakfast combinations include thick-cut bacon from Louisiana suppliers.
Late-night service attracts everyone from tourists to local characters.
Slim Goodies Diner
A post-Katrina success story, Slim Goodies maintains classic diner traditions.
Their breakfast menu includes the “Disaster” platter with debris and eggs.
The kitchen makes crawfish étouffée for breakfast service.
Their potato preparations include sweet potato hash with andouille sausage. Weekend crowds include locals seeking traditional hangover cures.
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