Best French Bakery in Mid-City

"Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, Café du Monde is likely the single most popular food destination in all of New Orleans. There’s a reason why it’s one of NOLA’s most popular local establishments, as well. Their café au lait is excellent, as is their rare and exceedingly hard-to-find chicory coffee."

"The city’s most famous spot for beignets is, of course, Café du Monde. Its doors are open 24/7, so you can feasibly get a sobering plate of beignets and cup of coffee after the Quarter bars shut down, right before the sun rises. During the morning rush, brace yourself for long lines of tourists."

"Po-boys have always made great outside eats, and Parkway has embraced the alfresco push wholeheartedly by essentially creating an entire outdoor restaurant. Diners can set up at one of Parkway’s plethora of patio tables (tented for rainy days) to down one of the city’s best sandwiches. Hits are too many to count, from exquisitely fried shrimp (make it a surf and turf by adding roast beef and gravy) to hot sausage."

"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."

"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."

"Pastry chef Kelly Fields does complicated things with simple ingredients at her modern bakery and eatery. It’s part of the restaurant group overseen by local star chef John Besh, so it’s no surprise that it’s drawn nods from the..."

"I’ve only been to Cafe Du Monde, but that Willa Jean warm chocolate chip cookie looks right up my alley!. I would love to do a swamp tour and a cemetery tour!. This is a very well-done New Orleans guide!"

"Slightly toward the pricey side, Cafe Amelie serves up classic New Orleans cuisine in a romantic, elegant atmosphere. The food is said to be wonderful, as is the simple experience of eating in their courtyard on a pretty day."

"Pontchartrain Hotel, 2031 St. Charles Ave., (504) 323-1455; www.silverwhistlecafe.com. A pimiento cheese omelet is served with hash browns and hollandaise."

"Toast originated on Laurel Street, in the Uptown neighborhood, in 2014. Today, three locations all over town (on Gentilly near the racetrack, and on Decatur in the French Quarter) dish up savory and sweet breakfast delights. The spot is known for its aebleskivers, round Danish puffed pancakes that are smothered in voluptuous sauces, so make sure to have some."

"However, only the French Quarter location is called French Toast and this is the one we recommend. More than just a clever name, French Toast is a great breakfast option for those times when you want to start your day with more than beignets in the French Quarter. This restaurant’s combination of great food, friendly service and fair prices is a winner."

"The first Toast location was opened in 2014 by Cara and Evan Benson. Now with three locations (including one right near the Fair Grounds so you can get your fill before heading through the Jazz Fest gate) each serves as a neighborhood bakery and coffeehouse. A few things on the menu head north of $10 so it is easy to stay in a tight budget."

"Visitors seeking the best malls in Greater New Orleans must only venture slightly north of the city to find Lakeside Shopping Center. This expansive retail hub is one of the area's most popular malls with more than 120 well-known stores including M.A.C., Dillard's, Lane Bryant, Gap, Old Navy and Eddie Bauer, as well as boutiques such as Ann Taylor Loft and Talbot's. Lakeside Shopping Center offers seemingly endless shopping opportunities for men and women (and enough distractions for kids)."

"Doris Metropolitan is sort of new to the French Quarter—it opened in 2013. Quickly establishing itself as a steakhouse extraordinaire, it's been serving mostly meat ever since. The prices are rather high, but they certainly deliver a bang for your buck: Doris is now the place where locals go to splurge on a special night (a six-ounce Wagyu tenderloin goes for $155, for example) and tourists vie for reservations."

"You might think a steakhouse just off one of the city’s most tourist-heavy areas would be a predictable affair, but Doris Metropolitan is not. The menu confidently reflects the global outlook of the owners, and they put their beef front and center in a series of glass dry aging cabinets. There are nine variations of steak, and it’s arguably the best in the city."

"From the greeters to the servers to the incredibly talented chefs and cooks. The ambiance is unmatched in New Orleans."

"This casual sports bar in the French Quarter pairs pub grub and other hearty fare with draft beer, trivia nights and sports on multiple TVs. The menu features salads, sandwiches and burgers, plus small plates like the “crawfish dip dog.” The drinks include everything from beer, cocktails and frozen drinks. The bar also throws watch parties for events such as the Emmys, the Oscars, the Kentucky Derby and the Westminster Dog Show."

"The American Sports Saloon provides the perfect setting for any sports fan. Outdoor as well as indoor fans can grab their favorite cocktail as well as some delicious food while watching their favorite teams play on one of their multitude of televisions. This casual French Quarter bar is available for lunch stops, dinner plans, or late night parties for those New Orleans Saints fans."

"1200 Decatur St., (504) 300-1782; www.theamericansportssaloon.com. A Ragin’ Cajun burger is topped with lettuce, Tabasco onions and remoulade and served with fries. Reservations accepted for large parties."

"United Apparel Liquidators (U.A.L.) on Chartres is the local location of the original store founded in Hattiesburg, Mississippi back in 1980. Now in three states with multiple locations, including this one in the French Quarter U.A.L. is a great place to browse. The concept is simple: the store trades in overstock from designers, showrooms and retailers at deep discounts."

"Clearview Mall is in Metairie, a 20-minute drive from the French Quarter depending on traffic. A traditional mall that has undergone some major renovations, Clearview boasts an extra large Target (with cart escalator), Sears and Bed Bath & Beyond. The interior is always bustling, but the walkways are spacious enough to fit your entourage and bags of purchased goods."

"Anchored by Target and Bed, Bath & Beyond, this indoor shopping center features 19 shops and is conveniently located to New Orleans. Tired from a day of shopping, enjoy the AMC Dine-In Theater or two delicious local restaurants. The shopping center is currently undergoing a $100 million makeover featuring a new hotel, apartments and an outdoor event space."