Sample Some Local Delicassies

Beignets
(pronounced "ben-YAY")

These French-style doughnuts are square pieces of dough, fried and covered with generous amounts of powdered sugar. Café Du Monde in the French Quarter. Established in 1862, the 24/7 cafe is as famous for its beignets as its café au lait.

Café Du Monde
800 Decatur Street in the French Quarter

Crawfish

The "season" for the freshwater crustaceans will almost be over, but there's still time to get an order of these goodies and learn the art of "sucking da head." (Oh, and resist the urge to call them "crayfish." In New Orleans, they're crawfish, plain and simple.) Deanie's Seafood known for its Giant Seafood Platter, does not take reservations, so if you find yourself with a longer wait than you'd like, try your luck at one of the many other outstanding neighborhood seafood joints.

Deanie’s Seafood
841 Iberville in the French Quarter

Muffulettas
("muff uh LOT uh")

These Italian sandwiches contain ham, Genoa salami, mortadella, Provolone cheese and marinated olive salad on a round, seeded Italian loaf. Visit Central Grocery, the home of the original muffuletta.

Central Grocery
923 Decatur Street in the French Quarter

Po-Boys

A local version of the submarine sandwich, the traditional po-boy is roast beef or seafood (such as fried shrimp or oysters) served between warm, crunchy French bread. Order it "dressed" to add lettuce, tomato, pickles and mayo.Visit Johnny's Po-Boys, this third generation, family-owned restaurant was among one of the first restaurants to re-open its doors following Hurricane Katrina, in efforts to help rebuild the city.

Johnny’s Po-Boys
511 St. Louis Street in the French Quarter

Red Beans and Rice

Traditionally served on Mondays, this dish is a compilation of red kidney beans, vegetables like onions, bell peppers and celery, and meats like ham and hot smoked sausage. The ingredients are seasoned, slow-cooked and served over rice. Visit Mother's Restaurant , this casual, family-owned restaurant is one of the most widely recognized landmarks in New Orleans' Central Business District (CBD).

Mother's Restaurant
401 Poydras Street

Gumbo

This dish's variations are as numerous as its potential ingredients. Typical gumbo staples include seafood such as crab and shrimp or meats like chicken or andouille sausage, as well as okra, onions, bell peppers and spices, slow-cooked in a roux and served over rice. Visit The Gumbo Shop, it's not just a clever name: Locals believe this restaurant to be the place to go for a quality bowl of this classic Creole dish.

The Gumbo Shop
630 St. Peter Street in the French Quarter

Pralines
("PRAH-leen")

A sugary Creole candy, invented in New Orleans. The classic version is a flat, sugary pecan-filled disk made with sugar, brown sugar, butter, vanilla, and pecans. Visit Aunt Sally's, stop in to sample a warm praline, but stay to browse the traditional Creole merchandise.

Aunt Sally's
810 Decatur in the French Quarter

Bananas Foster

Traditionally prepared flambé, this confection is made with sugar, butter, bananas, rum and banana liqueur, cooked and served over ice cream. Visit Brennan's, it was here in 1951 where Bananas Foster was created and named for the owner's friend, Richard Foster. Today, the dessert is the restaurant's most requested item.

Brennan's
417 Royal Street in the French Quarter

Hurricanes

This fruity red rum cocktail is traditionally garnished with a cherry and an orange slice and served in its trademark curvy glass. Visit Pat O'Brien's, established in 1933, the bar is a former speakeasy. It was here that owner Pat O'Brien invented his now world-famous hurricane drink in the 1940's.

Pat O'Brien's
718 St. Peter Street in the French Quarter