Best Bakery and Cake Shops in Gretna

"This Mid-City po'boy purveyor has been a favorite for decades, featuring affordable drinks and some of the best po'boys around town. Proudly local and full of characters, the eatery was made extra-famous by a visit from then President Obama, and has been featured on a variety of TV shows. While waiting for your sandwich, peruse the memorabilia and pictures that adorn the walls."

"This family-owned, casual neighborhood joint is a top choice for classic, overstuffed po-boys. It has grown in popularity but the friendly staff still takes care of the locals, welcoming tourists like they’re family as well. Shrimps are fried to perfection, roast beef is sufficiently messy and the Barq's (and beer) is served icy cold."

"Parkway has been around for over a century, since 1911 to be exact. Legend has it that the name poor boy, also referred to as po’ boy, comes from the Great Depression era when a sandwich was created to be given free of charge to transit strikers. Folks have been clamoring for Parkway’s poor boys ever since."

"The brainchild of Besh Restaurant Group pastry chef Kelly Fields and baker Lisa White, this bakery serves a variety of loaves of bread, sweet and savory pastries, and treats like salted chocolate chip cookies and Rice Krispie bars. Willa Jean also offers a full sit-down menu for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner, but the front case of goodies is a sight to behold."

"Central Business District's Willa Jean, located at 611 O'Keefe Ave., is another top choice, with Yelpers giving the bakery, breakfast and brunch and Southern spot 4.5 stars out of 1,353 reviews."

"Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account. View this post on Instagram. A post shared by Willa Jean (@willajeanneworleans) on May 2, 2019 at 8:48am PDT"

"The fact that Gracious now has three locations plus a cafe in NOCHI, the fancy new culinary school, speaks for itself. Word of this upbeat, modern, and light-filled breakfast and lunch spot from pastry chef Megan Forman quickly spread and with good reason: Gracious serves up satisfying sandwiches on homemade bread that won’t leave one in a food coma. The chicken tarragon and meatloaf options are good bets."

"While many at-home cooks have turned to stress baking, there’s no reason not to let the pros take over every once in a while. Get your breakfast taken care of with takeout or delivery from Gracious’ Prytania Street location. The quiches change daily, but a recent addition featuring parmesan, bacon, and roasted pepper makes us think you can’t go wrong."

"The pastry cases at Gracious never disappoint, and neither do their donuts. When you make a stop here, pick from options like blueberry glazed, mango cream-filled with coconut or honey cornmeal—then grab a couple of baguettes to make sandwiches for later."

"Soul food and tasty king cakes are just two of the mouthwatering options you can indulge in at The Buttermilk Drop. While their breakfast and lunch food is truly superb, they serve some of the best donuts in New Orleans, too. Their speciality is, of course, the buttermilk drop."

"The addictive, crisp on the outside, tender on the inside buttermilk drops are the draw here, and you should have a couple, but you would be a fool to pass on the breakfast platter with fried catfish for $5.50."

"What you're getting: The Do’sant You have to give it to Manhattanjack for being the first in town to mimic the Cronut (™) with its “Do’sant,” which is likely just as good as the one your cousin is waiting four hours in line for in New York. You also have to give it up for its excellent coffee and breakfast sandwiches."

"On picturesque Prytania Street, this bakery specializes in their own confections, cookies, and other baked goods — but their donuts are delivered fresh every morning by way of Tastee Donuts. Choose from regular glazed, chocolate iced, blueberry, and chocolate cake donuts, along with their famous buttermilk balls."

"Highway 190, Suite 5, Covington, (985) 893-1488; 22022 Marshall Road, Mandeville, (985) 898-2444; www.nonnaskingcakes.com. A verdura cotta panino includes grilled zucchini, squash, eggplant, mushrooms, red pepper, crumbled feta and salsa on baked bread."

"No shortage of Uptown huff has surrounded this longtime Magazine street bakery since Donald Link and partner Stephen Stryjewski took over from the previous (French) owners in 2015. What is undeniable: La Boulangerie’s impressive selection of hearty breads, among them the splurge-worthy olive fougasse, the blue cheese, and rosemary with sea salt loaves. Sandwiches served all day, including Boulangerie’s uptake on the egg McMuffin."

"This French bakery and café from Link Restaurant Group is routinely packed with folks from the neighborhood and beyond seeking flaky croissants, crusty loaves, savory quiche and house made ice creams. Last fall, La Boulangerie unveiled a charming rear patio that allows customers to enjoy a cappuccino – and some of the city’s best avocado toast – away from the indoor crowd. 4600 Magazine St., 269-3777, Laboulangerienola.com"

"4600 Magazine St., (504) 269-3777; www.laboulangerienola.com. A L’Atlantique sandwich includes smoked salmon, avocado, arugula and lemon mayonnaise on toasted olive bread."

"A Jack Dempsey platter for two features gumbo, shrimp, catfish, crab balls, crawfish pies and two sides. Reservations accepted for large parties. Lunch Tue.-Sat., dinner Wed.-Sat."

"This 200 year-old French Quarter landmark was once the home of a New Orleans mayor who offered the spot to Napoleon as a refuge during his exile (but the little guy never made it). Today, Napoleon House is the essential spot in town for a Pimm's Cup, and it's now run by the Ralph Brennan restaurant group, so the food is also on point. The muffalettas here come controversially pressed, but give it a try."

"Though it was named after him and offered to him as a place of refuge after his exile from France, Napoleon never made it here. Still, this 200-plus-year-old landmark carries on with his name, serving thousands of Pimm’s Cups and muffulettas to locals and tourists alike. Grab a seat in the courtyard and keep an eye out for the ghosts that are said to haunt the place."

"Named for the famous Frenchman intended to live there after his exile from France, Napoleon House is a 200+ year old historical landmark. The speakers play classical music and there’s a lovely courtyard. Order a Pimm’s Cup and a muffuletta, served warm."

"Monkey Board is the right place to experience New Orleans in a single visit. The rooftop bar is located on the 17th floor of the Troubadour Hotel in the Central Business District, only a short walking distance from the French Quarter and the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Here, you can enjoy the festive vibe of the city’s nightlife and local live music, while enjoying expertly-crafted, Instagram-worthy cocktails, accompanied by Southern-inspired comfort food - all in one package with a spectacular view of New Orleans’ cityscape!"

"Arguably the best rooftop bar in the city, the Monkey Board is on top of the Troubador Hotel, featuring artist Gabe Flores’ bright, graffiti-style artwork and expansive views of the city from the 17th floor. Fresh bar bites like ceviche, crab cakes, and carne asada tacos are on the menu along with a couple of fun frozen drinks and tropical cocktails, with happy hour specials for house wine and classic cocktails running daily from 4 to 6 p.m. Monkey Board is open Sunday through Thursday from 4 to 11 p.m."

"3524 Severn Ave., Metairie, (504) 455-2266; www.riccobonospeppermill.com. Sauteed veal Josephine is topped with lump crabmeat and shrimp and served with brabant potatoes. Reservations accepted."