In New Orleans, brunch isn’t just a meal; it’s practically a sport, and these spots know exactly how to do it right.
Brennan’s
Since opening on Royal Street in 1946, Brennan’s has been a New Orleans dining icon, blending Creole flavors with French and Spanish influence. Breakfast favorites include Eggs Sardou, poached eggs with crispy artichokes, creamed spinach and choron sauce, or blueberry ricotta pancakes with cheddar grits. Go all in with the $80 Traditional Breakfast tasting featuring Brandy Milk Punch, turtle soup, eggs with hollandaise, and the restaurant’s legendary bananas foster.
Ruby Slipper
At Ruby Slipper, brunch is a full-on celebration of sweet, savory and syrupy goodness. The biscuits are famous for a reason, with more than 40,000 served every week, especially irresistible with cane syrup butter. Kick things off with French toast bites or candied bacon before diving into bayou shrimp eggs Benedict. Pair it with an award-winning Bloody Mary made with 100 percent agave tequila. If you’re craving something lighter, order the avocado toast or Tex-Mex egg white scramble.
Crack’D Brunch
Uptown’s Crack’D Brunch pairs stylish vibes with classic New Orleans flavor. Inside, gold, green and blue hues set a lively tone for a laid-back morning meal. The seafood omelet is a standout, loaded with crab, shrimp, mushrooms, herbs and rich gruyere fondue. Sweet tooth? The lemon ricotta pancakes topped with raspberry amaretto jam deliver a bright burst of flavor. Add a pull-apart monkey bread for the table or dig into comforting shrimp and grits for a true taste of Louisiana tradition.
Birdy’s Behind the Bower
Tucked behind the Framework building, Birdy’s Behind the Bower offers a breezy brunch escape with a charming courtyard perfect for lingering mornings. The menu focuses on Southern-inspired American fare made with locally sourced ingredients, including produce from Sugar Roots Farm. Whether you settle in for coffee and a pastry or a full meal, options range from crawfish cake elote to classic eggs benedict and a hearty ribeye and egg bagel. Reservations are recommended.
Fleur De Lis
Right in the historic French Quarter, Cafe Fleur De Lis keeps Southern breakfast traditions alive with comforting classics and plenty of brunch cocktails. Start with coffee, espresso, mimosas or bellinis before diving into banana pecan pancakes paired with candied bacon. Local favorites like shrimp and grits and pillowy beignets make frequent appearances, while the seafood benedict stacks biscuits with crab and crawfish cakes. For a sweet-and-savory twist, the chicken and waffles deliver.
Willa Jean
In the Central Business District, Willa Jean blends Southern comfort with a fresh, modern spin. This beloved bakery and restaurant highlights local ingredients while adding creative flair to regional favorites. Guests flock here for breakfast classics like bacon, egg and pimento cheese biscuits, sweet potato waffles and avocado toast topped with chipotle aioli.
Mother’s Restaurant
Serving authentic New Orleans home-style cooking since 1938, Mother’s Restaurant is a local institution where comfort food takes center stage. Known for favorites like Jerry’s Jambalaya and the famous Ferdi Special roast beef sandwich, the menu is packed with classics from crawfish étouffée to fried seafood. Breakfast is served all day, featuring cheese grits, simple egg plates and fresh muffins. Pair it all with a spicy Bloody Mary and finish with bread pudding for a true taste of N’Awlins.
Two Chicks Cafe
Created by two friends who share a love for great food and New Orleans culture, Two Chicks Cafe is the kind of brunch spot that fuels a full day of exploring. The menu is packed with hearty options like fluffy omelets loaded with meats, cheeses and veggies, plus pancakes piled high with fresh fruit. Buttery breakfast croissants are another favorite. Feeling lighter? Fruit bowls topped with chia pudding hit the spot, especially alongside a classic Bloody Mary.
Coterie NOLA
Run by locals with a passion for tradition, Coterie NOLA serves authentic New Orleans flavors rooted in recipes passed down through generations. Ease into brunch with an Irish coffee or peach bellini before tackling hearty dishes like crab cake benedict or breakfast skillets stacked with boudin, bacon or blackened shrimp. The sweet side shines too with Quarter Cakes, fluffy New Orleans-style pancakes topped with powdered sugar, fresh fruit and maple syrup for an indulgent start to the day.
Surrey’s Cafe & Juice Bar
On historic Magazine Street in the Lower Garden District, Surrey’s Cafe and Juice Bar brings funky charm and vibrant flavors to the brunch scene. Known as the city’s oldest organic juice bar, it’s the perfect place to pair fresh mango, grapefruit, orange or carrot juice with a flavorful meal. The menu mixes local ingredients with Latin influence, featuring breakfast burritos, huevos rancheros and corned beef hash. Don’t miss the Costa Rican breakfast or the vegan-friendly tofu breakfast bowl.
Daisy Dukes
In the heart of the French Quarter, Daisy Dukes dishes out genuine Cajun and Southern cooking in a relaxed setting that’s perfect for any time of day. Their all-day breakfast menu means pancakes, omelets and country fried steak with eggs are always on the table. Belgian waffles topped with whipped cream and powdered sugar are a favorite, while crawfish egg rolls add a Louisiana twist. Need something quick? Grab a breakfast sandwich stacked on a buttery biscuit and head back out exploring.
