New Orleans' brunch scene ranges from casual to fine dining, costing approximately $12-$75 per person, with Commander's Palace and Atchafalaya being the most recommended spots by locals. This Reddit-backed guide highlights the city's best brunch experiences, avoiding tourist traps and focusing on local favorites for an authentic taste of NOLA.
New Orleans is the birthplace of brunch, and the city takes the meal seriously. From Commander's Palace's legendary jazz brunch to Elizabeth's praline bacon in the Bywater, NOLA offers brunch experiences you won't find anywhere else. Budget about $12–$75 per person depending on whether you're going casual or fine dining.
We analyzed hundreds of Reddit posts across r/AskNOLA, r/NewOrleans, and r/NOLA to find the 12 brunch spots that actual New Orleanians recommend — not just the tourist-trap chains that show up on every generic list. Each spot was mentioned in at least 3 separate threads by different users.
The range spans Creole fine dining institutions (Commander's Palace, Brennan's), neighborhood favorites (Atchafalaya, Elizabeth's, Bearcat), and everything in between. Most serve brunch on weekends; several are open daily. Reservations are essential at the upscale spots.
💰 $$$
📍 1403 Washington Ave, New Orleans, LA 70130
Garden District
📌 Google Maps →
🕐 Hours
Monday11:30 AM–1 PM, 6–9 PMTuesday11:30 AM–1 PM, 6–9 PMWednesday11:30 AM–1 PM, 6–9 PMThursday11:30 AM–1 PM, 6–9 PMFriday11:30 AM–1 PM, 6–9 PMSaturday10 AM–1:30 PM, 6–9 PMSunday10 AM–1:30 PM, 6–9 PM
What to order: Commander's Palace, a Creole fine dining institution, is known for its Jazz Brunch, though pricing details are unavailable. For the best experience, order the prix-fixe brunch package, including the Cochon de Lait Eggs Benedict, Turtle Soup, and Creole Bread Pudding Soufflé.
“Commander's Palace is a must. The jazz brunch is an institution.”— r/AskNOLA · 2024
“Commander's still has the vibe and the history. You can't beat it for the full experience.”— r/NOLA · 2025
tabiji verdict: The crown jewel of NOLA brunch. 130+ years of Creole excellence with live jazz. Reddit unanimously calls it unmissable.
🕐 Hours
Monday9 AM–2 PM, 6–10 PMTuesday9 AM–2 PM, 6–10 PMWednesday9 AM–2 PM, 6–10 PMThursday9 AM–2 PM, 6–10 PMFriday9 AM–2 PM, 6–10 PMSaturday8 AM–2 PM, 6–10 PMSunday8 AM–2 PM, 6–10 PM
What to order: Brennan's, a Creole fine dining establishment, is famous for inventing Bananas Foster in 1951, though pricing details are unavailable. The three-course brunch is legendary, and you should order the Bananas Foster, Eggs Hussarde, and Turtle Soup.
“Brennan's is so, so much better than Commander's Palace in every way.”— r/NOLA · 2025
“For a NOLA newbie, is Brennan's an essential stop? Yes. Do brunch.”— r/AskNOLA · 2024
tabiji verdict: Where Bananas Foster was born. Brennan's 80-year-old French Quarter breakfast is refined without being stuffy. Reddit regulars say it edges out Commander's for food quality.
💰 $$
📍 901 Louisiana Ave, New Orleans, LA 70115
Irish Channel
📌 Google Maps →
🕐 Hours
MondayClosedTuesday5:30–9 PMWednesday5:30–9 PMThursday5:30–9 PMFriday5:30–9 PMSaturday10 AM–2:30 PM, 5:30–9 PMSunday10 AM–2:30 PM
What to order: Atchafalaya, a Louisiana brunch spot, is a local favorite with a build-your-own Bloody Mary bar, though pricing details are unavailable. The Bloody Mary bar alone is worth the trip, but also order the Shrimp & Grits and Cochon de Lait Benedict.
“I've always preferred Atchafalaya for brunch.”— r/AskNOLA · 2024
“Top were definitely Cochon, Peche and Atchafalaya!”— r/AskNOLA · 2025
tabiji verdict: The locals' favorite. Highest-rated on this list at 4.7★. The build-your-own Bloody Mary bar is iconic, and the Creole-Louisiana brunch menu hits every note.
💰 $$
📍 1418 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70130
Lower Garden District
📌 Google Maps →
🕐 Hours
Monday8 AM–3 PMTuesday8 AM–3 PMWednesday8 AM–3 PMThursday8 AM–3 PMFriday8 AM–3 PMSaturday8 AM–3 PMSunday8 AM–3 PM
What to order: Surrey's Café & Juice Bar, a brunch café, is known for its made-from-scratch menu, though pricing details are unavailable. Order the Bananas Foster French Toast, Shrimp & Grits, and fresh-squeezed juices.
“Surrey's is great, too.”— r/NewOrleans · 2024
“Surrey's on Magazine Street is always a solid choice for brunch.”— r/AskNOLA · 2024
tabiji verdict: Colorful Magazine Street café that nails the casual-but-excellent brunch. Fresh juices, Latin-influenced dishes, and zero pretension.
🕐 Hours
Monday8 AM–2:30 PMTuesday8 AM–2:30 PMWednesday8 AM–2:30 PMThursday8 AM–2:30 PMFriday8 AM–2:30 PMSaturday8 AM–2:30 PMSunday8 AM–2:30 PM
What to order: Elizabeth's, a Southern brunch destination, is famous for its life-changing Praline Bacon, though pricing details are unavailable. Be sure to order the Praline Bacon, Bananas Foster French Toast, and Boudin Balls.
“Elizabeth's has amazing banana foster french toast.”— r/AskNOLA · 2024
“If you can face leaving the quarter, try Elizabeth's in the Bywater.”— r/AskNOLA · 2024
tabiji verdict: The Bywater institution that Reddit keeps recommending. Down-home Southern cooking with local art on the walls and praline bacon that should be illegal.
🕐 Hours
MondayClosedTuesday8 AM–3 PMWednesday8 AM–3 PMThursday8 AM–3 PMFriday8 AM–3 PMSaturday8 AM–3 PMSunday8 AM–3 PM
What to order: Bearcat Cafe, an eclectic brunch spot, offers artisanal coffee and a surprisingly excellent cocktail menu, though pricing details are unavailable. Try the Sweet Potato Pancakes, Fried Chicken Benedict, and explore the cocktail menu.
“Bearcat is exceptional.”— r/AskNOLA · 2024
“Paladar 511 is the best brunch in the city. Bearcat is also great.”— r/NewOrleans · 2024
tabiji verdict: The Uptown brunch darling that Reddit consistently names as a top pick. Eclectic comfort food, great cocktails, and a breezy patio.
💰 $$
📍 611 O'Keefe Ave, New Orleans, LA 70113
CBD / Warehouse District
📌 Google Maps →
🕐 Hours
Monday7 AM–3 PMTuesday7 AM–3 PMWednesday7 AM–3 PMThursday7 AM–3 PMFriday7 AM–3 PMSaturday7 AM–3 PMSunday7 AM–3 PM
What to order: Willa Jean, a Southern bakery-café, is a must-visit for its Warm Chocolate Chip Cookie Skillet, though pricing details are unavailable. Don't leave without trying the cookie, and also order the Buttermilk Biscuits and BBQ Shrimp & Grits.
“Willa Jean is fantastic for brunch. The cookie skillet is a must.”— r/AskNOLA · 2024
“If you're in the CBD area, Willa Jean is hard to beat.”— r/NewOrleans · 2023
tabiji verdict: Retro-chic bakery-café that's a brunch powerhouse. The baked goods alone are worth a visit. That warm cookie skillet is a religious experience.
🕐 Hours
MondayClosedTuesday5:30–10 PMWednesday5:30–10 PMThursday5:30–10 PMFriday5:30–10 PMSaturday10:30 AM–2 PM, 5:30–10 PMSunday10:30 AM–2 PM
What to order: Paladar 511, a Mediterranean brunch spot, offers a seasonally changing brunch menu featuring fresh ingredients, though pricing details are unavailable. Order the wood-fired pizzas, seasonal pasta, and shakshuka, trusting whatever's fresh.
“Paladar 511 is the best brunch in the city. As a bonus, they take reservations!”— r/NewOrleans · 2024
“We love Paladar 511 for weekend brunch. The courtyard is gorgeous.”— r/AskNOLA · 2024
tabiji verdict: The Marigny sleeper hit that Reddit calls 'the best brunch in the city.' Mediterranean-meets-New Orleans with seasonal wood-fired dishes.
🕐 Hours
Monday11 AM–3 PMTuesday11 AM–3 PMWednesday11 AM–3 PM, 5:30–9 PMThursday11 AM–3 PM, 5:30–9 PMFriday11 AM–3 PM, 5:30–9 PMSaturday11 AM–3 PM, 5:30–9 PMSunday11 AM–3 PM
What to order: Café Amelie, a courtyard brunch destination, elevates the dining experience with its atmosphere, though pricing details are unavailable. Order the Cochon de Lait Po'Boy, Roasted Beet Salad, and Bread Pudding.
“Cafe Amelie has a beautiful courtyard and great food.”— r/AskNOLA · 2024
“For a nice French Quarter brunch, Cafe Amelie is our go-to.”— r/NewOrleans · 2023
tabiji verdict: A romantic French Quarter courtyard with a fountain and wisteria — Café Amelie is where you take someone you want to impress.
🕐 Hours
Monday11 AM–2 PM, 3 PM–12 AMTuesday11 AM–2 PM, 3 PM–12 AMWednesday11 AM–2 PM, 3 PM–12 AMThursday11 AM–2 PM, 3 PM–12 AMFriday11 AM–2 PM, 3 PM–12 AMSaturday11 AM–2 PM, 3 PM–12 AMSunday11 AM–2 PM, 3 PM–12 AM
What to order: The Elysian Bar, a hotel bar brunch spot, is known for its outstanding House Spritz cocktail, though pricing details are unavailable. Order the Baked Eggs in Purgatory, French Rolled Omelette, and brunch cocktails.
“Out of all places I've visited, this is one of the best places I've had brunch, without a doubt.”— Yelp · 2024
“The biscuits, the cinnamon roll, eggs purgatory, and the grits — every single item was impeccable.”— Yelp · 2024
tabiji verdict: Brunch in a converted church at the Hotel Peter and Paul. Sophisticated Mediterranean-Creole brunch in one of the most beautiful rooms in New Orleans.
🕐 Hours
Monday11:30 AM–2 PM, 5:30–9 PMTuesday11:30 AM–2 PM, 5:30–9 PMWednesday11:30 AM–2 PM, 5:30–9 PMThursday11:30 AM–2 PM, 5:30–9 PMFriday11:30 AM–2 PM, 5:30–9 PMSaturday11:30 AM–2 PM, 5:30–9 PMSunday10:30 AM–2 PM, 5:30–9 PM
What to order: Mr. B's Bistro, a Creole bistro, is renowned for its signature BBQ Shrimp, though pricing details are unavailable. Order the BBQ Shrimp, Gumbo Ya Ya, and Bread Pudding with Irish Whiskey Sauce.
“For more brunch vibe, Mr B's and Broussard's.”— r/AskNOLA · 2024
“If you had to eliminate one, don't eliminate Mr. B's.”— r/AskNOLA · 2025
tabiji verdict: The Brennan family's more relaxed French Quarter bistro. Mr. B's BBQ Shrimp is one of the most famous dishes in New Orleans — buttery, peppery, and messy in the best way.
🕐 Hours
Monday7 AM–2 PMTuesday7 AM–2 PMWednesday7 AM–2 PMThursday7 AM–2 PMFriday7 AM–2 PMSaturday7 AM–3 PMSunday7 AM–3 PM
What to order: Ruby Slipper Café, a classic brunch spot, is known for its Eggs Cochon (debris topped with poached eggs and hollandaise), though pricing details are unavailable. Also order the BBQ Shrimp & Grits and Pain Perdu.
“I was considering Ruby Slipper. — It's fine for what it is. Solid, not life-changing.”— r/AskNOLA · 2023
“Bearcat is exceptional, Broussards is a classic, and Elizabeth's has amazing banana foster french toast.”— r/AskNOLA · 2024
tabiji verdict: The brunch chain that locals debate but tourists keep coming back to. Multiple locations, consistent quality, affordable, and open early — perfect for your first morning in NOLA.
