Cheap Places to Eat in Mid-City

"Delicately prepared sashimi does not usually come to mind when discussing New Orleans cuisine, but this tiny Uptown restaurant has created buzz and received accolades since its 2018 opening. Chef Hao Gong worked for years at the popular Sake Cafe, and he’s translated his skills into an innovative pan-Asian menu that displays Japanese and Chinese influences. Raw dishes—salmon with Asian pear, soy and basil seeds; tuna with dragon fruit and spicy soy—are super fresh and innovative, while hot dishes—tofu with shiitakes, wood ear mushrooms and lily flower; Gong’s mother’s pork and ginger dumplings—are creative and satisfying."

"Located in a former donut shop in a small and colorful cottage in Uptown, LUVI features food from the chef's hometown of Shanghai and other Chinese and Japanese-inspired fare. While the menu changes often, expect staples like dumplings and dan-dan noodles and raw bar items like ceviche and sashimi. Try the dragon boat, with fresh seared tuna, black caviar, and smoked soy sauce, or one of several vegan-friendly dishes, like spicy stir-fry bean curd with jalapēno, red onion, and black bean chili."

"A former donut shop, LUVI is a small, lovely restaurant with bespoke woodwork and pops of bold colors and patterns. The pan-Asian menu, not common in NOLA, includes Japanese dishes, plus some favorites from the chef's hometown of Shanghai. Try the Lion’s Head, a savory crab-and-pork meatball in bone broth; the Mala Holla, spicy slices of beef; and Chef Hao’s Mama’s Dumplings (his actual Mama’s recipe)."

"Known for their craft cocktails and upscale scene, Cure is a popular Freret Street spot. The little courtyard outside has guests surrounded by lush greenery and candlelight. On a nice night, ending with a nightcap sazerac here will have you wanting to stick around New Orleans foreva-eva."

"You can’t go wrong with a date night at this swanky Freret Street spot with a critically-acclaimed bar program. Enjoy some good tunes and conversation by candlelight at Cure. Plus, if you get a little hungry, check the bar menu for light bites."

"BywaterWhat you’re getting: A pair of rollsUntil recently, there weren’t many decent places to get pizza by the slice in NOLA (and that Bourbon St slice is to be avoided at all costs). But not only does “The D” do a spot-on NYC foldable slice for under three bucks, for $5, you can get not one but TWO doughy pinwheels packed with cheese and pepperoni, broccoli, cauliflower, or spinach. That’s a damn steal."

"BywaterThis NYC-style pizzeria in the Bywater offers vegan cheese for all its pizzas, and always has margherita pies and at least one vegetarian/vegan special available every day. Vegetarians can also find pasta options and market salads for even more variety."

"In a city known for its fiery Cajun and Creole cuisines, tongue-tingling dishes abound, but the gumbo at this neighborhood stalwart really stands out by combining the two culinary traditions. The resulting dish is “the absolute hottest and most-delicious gumbo out there,” Geoffrey Zakarian declared on Top 5 Restaurants. For this distinctive stew, a spice-laden savory stock is combined with a robust Cajun-style roux, okra, chicken thighs and andouille sausage."

"In a city that's po'boy proud, Liuzza's at the Track stands out from the crowd, thanks to the house specialty, a buttery, Worcestershire-fueled gi-normous portion of gulf shrimp slathered between a hot and crusty roll. It's called barbecue shrimp, but there's really nothing barbecued about it. Save room for the gumbo."

"Slim Goodies Diner might be renowned for their hangover helpers called “Slammers,” which are made with scrambled eggs, hash browns, and bacon, but they also serve a fantastic breakfast for those looking for healthier options as well. All-day breakfast dishes include crawfish étouffée with potato latkes, vegan-friendly veggie chili with hash browns, eggs, and smoked tempeh, fluffy omelets with various fillings, egg scrambles with bacon, ham, and country fried steak, and griddle specials like French toast, Belgian waffles, and buttermilk pancakes with fresh fruit and sweet toppings. Slim Goodies Diner is open for breakfast and lunch seven days a week."

"This breakfast and lunch spot is a local favorite on Magazine Street. Slim Goodies serves classic comfort food with bold twists, all made with fresh ingredients (and lots of love). Everyone loves the slammers: hash browns slathered in something delicious – think crawfish étouffée or chili with bacon and cheddar cheese – but the sweet potato pancakes are not to be missed."

"In New Orleans, “lagniappe” (pronounced lan-yap) means “something extra,” and that’s what we’re giving you. Here are a few more places to eat for less, in and outside the Quarter: Remoulade (309 Bourbon St.) is the casual outpost for the more upscale Arnaud’s and a good place to sample Creole flavor; Ray’s On The Ave (2005 N. Broad St.), features authentic Southern comfort food, and New Orleans Cake Café and Bakery (2440 Chartres St.) in the nearby Marigny, offers delicious, inventive breakfast and lunch fare featuring house-made breads, bagels and signature cupcakes. Also in the Marigny, located on the music club-heavy Frenchmen Street, we recommend Mona’s Cafe (Middle Eastern specialties like excellent falafel and kebabs in a super casual setting) and Dat Dog."

"Don’t order sushi for lunch at Conola, only because it isn’t on the menu. But come dinnertime, and the sushi bar is rolling. It’s a bit of a disconnect, since this place is mostly a Creole/American restaurant, but co-chef/owners/spouses Will and Kinsey Varas make it happen."

"Place St. Charles, 201 St. Charles Ave., (504) 287-0877; www.terrazu.net. A Terrazu Scoop salad features chicken, tuna or shrimp salad over mixed greens, red onion, tomato and cucumber."

"833 Howard Ave., (504) 299-8792; G’s Kitchen Spot, Balcony Bar, 3201 Magazine St., (504) 894-8888; 4840 Bienville St., (504) 483-6464; www.gspizzas.com. A Bienville Supreme pie includes pepperoni, Italian sausage, ground beef, mushrooms, onion, bell pepper, black olives, mozzarella and tomato sauce."

"After exploring the Mid-City cemeteries, stop by G's Pizza to refuel. This funky little spot is tucked away on Bienville (there are two other NOLA locations, too), and they serve delicious pizza, pasta, salads, and sandwiches. I love their NOLA Green Roots Pizza!"

"1601 St. Charles Ave., (504) 302-9716; www.hoshunrestaurant.com. Kung pao chicken includes peanuts, chilies and celery in brown sauce. Reservations accepted for large parties."

"I was super excited about trying this restaurant it was BOMB. It's located on St.Charles Ave. Everything was perfect the chicken was c..."

"Often called the heart of New Orleans, Jackson Square is full of energy and activity. Facing the Mississippi River and directly across from the St. Louis Cathedral, the Square stands in the shadows of the Andrew Jackson statue, erected for his heroism during the Battle of New Orleans. Here you will find street artists painting during the day and jazz musicians by night, along with fortune-tellers and other kinds of street theater."

"Jackson Square is the center of all the history and action in New Orleans. The beautiful square lies in front of the beautiful St. Louis Cathedral with historic building on both sides, the famous Cafe du Monde and the Mississippi River to the south. It is definitely the most iconic photo spot in all of New Orleans."

"This nanobrewery has its brewhouse and fermentation tanks crammed in a space the size of a large bathroom but it’s pumping out beer after beer at stunning speed. From hop bombs to imperial saisons to porters to German styles, Robert Bostick and and his team at Brieux Carré have been keeping foot traffic in the Upper Quarter and Frenchmen Street happy. Get a beer to go and wander around, or find a place in the small bar or outside beer garden to enjoy."

"Roux Carre is a true community restaurant dedicating its entire restaurant to the preservation of Central City culture. Various food vendors within it help to represent the African American, Caribbean, and Latin American influences of the city. These community spots include Estralita’s Express, Johnny’s Jamaican Grill,The Pupusa Lady, Splendid Pig, and the Youth Empowerment Project‘s Trafigura Work and Learn Juice Box."

"A project of Good Work Network, Roux Carré is dedicated to preserving the culture of the Central City community by bringing vacant property in a low-income neighborhood back into commerce in a way that honors its culturally and historically rich location to serve those who have created and sustained it. The food vendors represent African American, Caribbean, and Latin American influences on New Orleans culture."

"A post shared by Gordon Biersch New Orleans (@gb_nola) on Nov 26, 2017 at 2:36pm PST. Chain hangout for house-brewed, German-style beer & a pub menu served in a casual setting. Located right across from Harrah’s Casino and within walking distance of the French Quarter."

"Dan Gordon and Dean Biersch’s dream came true when Gordon Biersch Brewing Company opened its doors. The brewery opened in Palo Alto, California, in July 1988. The duo worked together to bridge fresh, handcrafted beer and world class cuisine."

"Urban South Brewery on Tchoupitoulas Street combines the heritage of European beer making with the brashness of new American styles. The brewery and taproom opened in 2016, and, last February, the company opened a research and development brewery and taproom in Houston to focus on new beer releases. Popular brews in its lineup include Paradise Park American Lager, Holy Roller Hazy Juicy IPA and Who Dat Golden Ale."

"Urban South Brewery debuted in April 2016 with two flagship brews, Charming Wit and Holy Roller IPA. It didn’t take long for them to make a name for themselves thanks to the great IPAs they regularly brew. By far, this was the most recommended brewery in New Orleans and somehow I was lucky enough to book an Airbnb one block over. This is one of those New Orleans breweries we all need to be keeping our eyes on."