Top 5 Breakfast Spots in New Orleans for Festival Goers

If you believe that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, then you are right. And isn’t it nice to be right? When you’re waking up in the morning, mid-morning, or afternoon after spending all day at one of the many festivals in New Orleans this festival season, these are the places that will make you know just how right you are. You can even grab a bite before French Quarter Fest this weekend.

Cake Cafe (Marigny) – The place is named after my favorite food group, and in that department they don’t disappoint. But on top of brilliant cupcakes and the best slice of king cake in the city, Cake Cafe dazzles as breakfast. A breakfast sandwich and cup of coffee is just $6, and the cafe also boasts homemade biscuits, bagels or breads. The sandwich sits about 3 feet high (or maybe 6 inches, but in the morning time I’m groggy) and never disappoints. I’m also a huge fan of eggs and lox, or any of the brilliant pastries that line the shelves. Walk in the door, get in line, order at the counter, and have a seat. When they call your name to bring your food out, you can have your cake and eat it too.

Elizabeth’s (Bywater) – Elizabeth’s is queen to me. This was the first place I broke fast on my first trip to New Orleans, and is still a go-to on Sunday mornings for the duck waffle with jalepeno jelly topping, or the eggs sardou. You must always start with praline bacon washed down with their famous Bloody Mary. While you’re waiting for a table, visit the bar upstairs. The coffee is dark and the menu is deep. This is one lady who will leave you wanting more.

Slim Goodies (Garden District – Magazine Street) – I drove overnight in a moving truck when I arrived in New Orleans on a permanent basis, and before taking a mid-morning nap, I had Jewish Coonass at Slim Goodies (2 potato latkes topped w/fresh spinach, 2 eggs, crawfish etouffee, biscuit). Just reading through the tiny print menu blew my mind on a night with no sleep, but the black as Mississippi mud coffee and crazy character of a waiter brought me back to life. Also safe bets: any of the slammers or the Slimcherro’s. This is a great stop on a street full of great shops and is guaranteed to kill your hangover.

Satsuma Cafe (Bywater) – Named after our sweet mystery fruit of the south, Satsuma Cafe has a wonderful list of site-squeezed juices and breakfast sandwiches stuffed full of freshness. I like to start with a latte and a beet and lime juice, to be quickly followed by a croissant filled egg, spinach, and tomato pile of goodness. The decor is totally New Orleans, and the vibe is local local local. You can walk off your breakfast with a stop in the nearby flea markets and antique stores. This little cafe is a great stop if you’re looking for locally grown, fresh-squeezed New Orleans.

Eat (French Quarter) – I’ve graced Eat with my presence several times, but the most stunning I’m sure will always be the morning the waiter said these words: Savory Bread Pudding with pulled pork and eggs. Yes, yes, and yes. In a town known for Krispy Kreme bread pudding, I took a stab at this twist. And I’ve never looked back. You also can’t go wrong with Eggs Dumaine or the Fried Green Tomato Breakfast. If you want total NOLA treats, order the trio of gumbo, red beans, and a stuffed pepper. Yes, for brunch. It’s location is key for walking, the service is always stellar, and the quaint atmosphere sequesters you in sunlight leaving you revitalized for the day.

So go ahead, bask in the glory of being right.

Like this post? Check out this one about 7 New Orleans Happy Hours under $7, this one about5 Things Couples can do in NOLA for Under $20, and this one about Fifty Free Things to do in New Orleans.

Tagged as: Bywater, Cake Cafe, Eat Restaurant, Elizabeth's, French Quarter, Garden District, Magazine Street, Marigny, New Orleans, Satsuma Cafe, Slim Goodie's