Top Best American Restaurants in Bayou Gauche

"Last on our list of the top 7 bars and restaurants in New Orleans: nestled in the Garden District, Commander’s Palace has been a New Orleans landmark since 1893, known for its award-winning food and its lively atmosphere. With some of the best Creole cuisine in New Orleans and whimsical Louisiana charm, Commander’s Palace is a quintessential New Orleans upscale dining experience. Not to mention they offer 25 cent martinis during lunch with a full entree (limit 3 per person)."

"Known for the award-winning quality of its food and its convivial atmosphere, the history of this famous restaurant offers a glimpse into New Orleans’ storied past and has been the go-to destination for Haute Creole cuisine and whimsical Louisiana charm."

"You can’t miss the grand turquoise Victorian restaurant Commander’s Palace when you’re strolling through the Garden District and it shouldn’t be skipped!. Enjoy a fine Creole dining experience that makes you feel like you’ve gone back in time."

"A block north of Dooky Chase's Restaurant is Willie Mae's Scotch House, which opened in 1957. It's been recognized at the national level by The Food Network and Travel Channel for serving "America's best fried chicken.". And in 2005, at the age of 89, Ms. Willie Mae Seaton won a James Beard Award for "America's Classic Restaurant for the Southern Region."

"If you've ever wanted to have food from a restaurant with prestigious world recognition and you just so happen to be in New Orleans, Willie Mae's Scotch House is the place to do it. It's not the booze that'll have you feeling good though – it's the fried chicken. Willie Mae's is family owned, begun in 1986 with Miss Willie Mae Seaton."

"Many say that the fried chicken at Willie Mae’s Scotch House is the best in the country. We agree as do the crowds who fill the restaurant’s two causal dining rooms for lunch each day. Willie Mae’s Scotch House is serving up the most famous fried chicken in New Orleans, if not the country."

"Next up is District Donuts Sliders Brew, situated at 2209 Magazine St. With 4.5 stars out of 1,488 reviews on Yelp, the Garden District spot to score coffee and tea, doughnuts and burgers has proven to be a local favorite. Get ready for coconut mango, chocolate glazed and carrot cake doughnuts plus an assortment of savory fare like pork belly breakfast tacos, spicy smoked sausage kolaches and a croque madame with ham, havarti cheese, bechamel and a sunny-side up egg on a griddled doughnut."

"Whether you crave a sugar rush or savory treat, this cool spot on Magazine Street has you covered. The dishes at this New Orleans cheap eats superstar include donuts, sliders, and beer. Locally sourced ingredients are the focus and the spirit is always fun and lively."

"Sylvain is a great French Quarter stop if you’re looking for a good high/low mix, with well-rendered elements of both at play here. The menu is steered expertly by chef Kyle Coppinger from Cochon with starters that cruise a line of artisanal ingredients—cheeses, veal sweetbreads, and duck confit all making an impact. There’s a hint of French bistro, a hint of workaday diner."

"Pan-fried pork shoulder is served with braised greens, Coosa Valley’s McEwen & Sons grits and mustard jus. Reservations recommended. Lunch Fri., dinner daily, late-night Fri.-Sat., brunch Sat.-Sun."

"In the words of Ernest Hemingway, Seed is a “clean, well-lighted place.” (Hemingway wasn’t talking about Seed, but his direct prose works for one of my favorite places to sit for breakfast). A vegan restaurant that attracts visitors from all around the city, Seed’s breakfast doesn’t leave you feeling anchored to your seat after you finish eating. And those pancakes will outkick your expectation."

"Seed is open for lunch and dinner too, but their brunch is top notch. They are New Orleans' only vegan, full service restaurant. They even serve vegan beignet."

"Specials abound at this no-frills Mid City institution, open for early morning breakfast and lunch, and geared toward regulars, not really tourists. This is where former mayor C Ray Nagin brought former president Bush in August 2009, but don’t hold that against the restaurant. A plate of eggs/bacon/grits/pancakes makes for a cheap meal, but don't overlook the myriad daily specials."

"At this Canal Street staple, try the buckwheat pancakes — they’re gluten free, yes, but the health quotient drops significantly (and thus the delicious quotient ascends) with the addition of bananas, pecans, whipped cream, and a whole lot of butter."

"Betsy's is a great breakfast spot for Mid-City denizens looking for the close-knit camaraderie of the romanticized golden age of neighborhood…"

"Morton's The Steakhouse Added Description: Let the good times roll at Morton's The Steakhouse in New Orleans. Located just steps from the beloved French Quarter and the city's finest gaming and nightlife. Dress code: CasualPhone: +1 504-566-0221"

"As of October, every Thursday at Bywater American Bistro is officially date night, with a three course pre-fixe dinner for two and welcome cocktail on offer for $70 (excluding tax and gratuity). Nina Compton’s newer restaurant, located on a quiet corner at the border of Bywater and Marigny, has added distanced sidewalk seating since reopening and also offers takeout. Date night menu changes weekly."

"Bywater American Bistro from Nina Compton of Compère Lapin fame, is an industrial space that bills itself as an American neighborhood restaurant. Sous chef Levi Raines is at the helm here, but Compton’s Caribbean influences are strong. The result is an eclectic menu with dishes like jerk chicken rice and crispy hogs head boudin."

"2900 Chartres St., (504) 605-3827; www.bywateramericanbistro.com. Pickled Gulf shrimp are served with avocado, radish, jalapeno, celery, herbs, chili oil and rye croutons. Reservations accepted."

"A Chamber sandwich includes roast beef, turkey, ham, Swiss and American cheeses, lettuce, tomato, onion, mayonnaise, mustard and Italian dressing."

"A premier destination in New Orleans, this upscale shopping mall's wide spectrum of boutiques, specialty shops and high-end brand chains offers something for everyone. Browse top-shelf retailers like Saks 5th Ave, Brooks Brothers, Tiffany and Ann Taylor. There are more than 30 retailers spread over three floors, national biggies along with local jewelry artist Mignon Faget and New Orleans Knots for hand-painted ties and scarves."

"Address: 333 Canal StreetNew Orleans, LA 70130Phone: (504) 522-9200Website. An upscale mall, decorated with exposed brick, plant walls, and neon signage, Canal Place is the place to shop for designer labels. You’ll find all your favorites here from J.Crew and Anthropologie to Michael Kors and Tory Burch."

"One of the largest shopping complexes in the city is located downtown at Canal Place. You’ll find three floors of premier shopping with brand-name clothing and accessories for home, health, and beauty."

"Voted one of the top 10 coziest spas in the country by Travel and Leisure, Belladonna is a charming, small scale day spa with lots of personal flair. Locally owned and operated, the spa offers a creative menu of services, from the Be Bamboozled zen body retreat bath, salt scrub, and full body massage to the New Orleans appropriate Be Detoxed seaweed purifying wrap and cleanse. The multi-service packages are well priced."

"Woodhouse Day Spa is New Orleans’ ultimate, full service, luxury day spa. Offers a tranquil, transformational environment that’s both memorable and healthful. From beginning to end, their dedicated spa team ensures that your visit enhances your well-being."

"Consistently voted Best of New Orleans, Belladonna Day Spa & Retail Therapy is located in the Garden District at 2900 Magazine Street."