Category: Where Locals Eat

Byblos Market, on Veterans Blvd. between Bonnabel and Causeway in Metairie, is the second of four iterations of the local Byblos franchise. The Market has been open continuously since 1999. The first is a white tablecloth version not far away on Metairie Road. The third, located on Magazine St in New Orleans, closed in 2012. The fourth, a more modern and trendier casual eatery opened on the periphery of Elmwood Shopping Center in 2020.

In addition to popular gyro and shawarma plates and wraps, more ambitious offerings at the Market include kafta and chicken kabob, beef (filet) kabob, and, when available, grilled shrimp or salmon cooked to order. The chicken kabob is a must-try (ask for some "toum" garlic sauce to go with).

All plates are served with hummus, pita, rice pilaf and salad. Wraps include hummus, pita and salad.

A variety of sides including mujadrah (lentil stew), mousaka (eggplant stew), baba ganouj, kibbeh, falafel, roasted cauliflower and brussells sprouts, spanikopita and many more are offered individually or as a choice-of-four plate.

A wide selection of bottled and canned soft drinks, as well as fresh brewed iced tea are available.

Of the three current Byblos outposts, the Market is the most casual, offering counter service and meals served on disposable dinnerware. The Market is a popular lunch spot. Take out and delivery (via Uber Eats) are available. Orders for gyro and shawarma plates are ready for pick up in fairly short order. The prepared-to-order dishes like salmon, shrimp and kabobs take a little bit longer.

The market portion fills roughly 40 percent of the space, and features imported Middle Eastern staple grocery items, seasonings, beverages and confections. Dairy and perishable items are available from the refrigerated section on the back wall. A selection of wines is also available, as are (oddly, or maybe not) hookah water pipes and smoking accessories.

All is overseen by long-time manager Mason (an Americanization of his actual first name) who has been keeping things running smoothly since the beginning.

Byblos Market: Middle Eastern, 2020 Veterans Blvd, Metairie (Metairie Below Causeway) map - 837-9777

Moe's is a barbecue chain, with 50+ locations in 13 states. Although we don't usually cover chain restaurants here, we make an exception for Moe's. Self-described as Alabama style barbecue, Moe's offers something for every barbecue lover, including pulled pork, spare ribs, smoked chicken and turkey, smoked sausage and fried catfish. Brisket is available Tuesdays and Saturdays.

A wide variety of scratch-made sides includes the traditional baked beans, potato salad, cole slaw and mac & cheese. A smoke-infused stewed cabbage and a hash brown casserole are regularly served. Additionally, other sides are offered on a rotating basis, including black beans and Brunswick stew.

Platters are served with a meat, two sides and a generous chunk of seasoned and grilled cornbread. Most meat entrees can also be had on a sandwich, served with sides.

Alabama style barbecue also means you can order the smoked chicken and enjoy it with tangy Alabama white sauce.

Opened in 2015, Moe's original New Orleans area location on Calhoun St. closed in 2021, but the Metairie outlet, opened on Causeway in the old Cafe Roma spot in 2019, keeps smoking away. Although a chain store, the Metairie Moe's has the look and feel of a local neighborhood barbecue joint, backed up by a quality product.

Moe’s Original Bar B Que: Barbecue, 1101 N Causeway Blvd, Metairie (Metairie Below Causeway) map - 407-3533

Koz's Restaurant has been operating in Harahan since 2005, and is primarily known for its po-boy sandwiches and other casual neighborhood diner fare. Menu staples include red beans and rice, country fried steak, and meatballs and spaghetti. Grilled and fried seafoods, fried chicken, salads, soups and wraps round out the offerings, all reasonably priced. Whole loaf po-boys are available in addition to traditional smaller sizes. Most sandwiches are available on bun or sandwich bread.

Koz's Restaurant's roots are in a Gentilly institution called the Bakery, aka "Po-boy Bakery", which operated on Franklin Avenue from the early 1960s, and where Gary "Koz" Gruenig worked ever since the day in 1965 when owner Jerry Seely gave then-12-year-old Gary an after-school job there. A regular at the Bakery likened the youngster's wild zooming around on his bicycle to "a kamikaze pilot without the plane." Kamikaze was shortened to just "Koz".

The nickname stuck, as did Koz, who worked at the Bakery for the next 40 years, until levee failures after Hurricane Katrina destroyed the building and Seely moved away to Eunice, LA. A regular patron of the Bakery offered a lease on restaurant space just off Hickory Ave. in Harahan, and Koz took the leap. Koz's Restaurant opened its doors just three months after Katrina. A few years later, in 2009, a second Koz's was opened in Lakeview by Gary's son, Max, in the old Charlie's Deli location on Harrison Avenue, but it has since closed in 2018. A third location existed briefly in 2015, in what was formerly Caffe Fresca on West Metairie Ave.

Koz's is a quintessential neighborhood eatery, sustained by and popular for lunch with the working class crowd from the nearby Elmwood industrial park, as well as patrons who remember the iconic Po-boy Bakery. Koz is the type of guy who never met a stranger, and his gregarious nature makes first time diners feel like they've been eating there for years.

Koz's: Sandwiches/Deli, 6215 Wilson, Harahan (Harahan) map - 737-3933

Come Back Inn has been serving up delicious food in Metairie since 1966. Along with New Orleans neighborhood diner staples like red beans and rice, pasta dishes, po-boys and pizza, Come Back features fried seafood including shrimp, catfish and oysters. Another specialty is their cooked-to-order fried chicken.

Come Back Inn does a brisk dine-in lunch and dinner business as well as take-out. The daily specials and house-made soups are popular.

Seafood platters include generous portions and a mountain of french fries. Dinner entrees include vegetable, bread and salad. Beverages include bottled beer, fountain and bottled soft drinks, and iced tea.

Be sure to try the house-made onion rings; the small order is big enough for two.

Come Back Inn: Sandwiches/Deli, 8016 West Metairie Ave, Metairie (Metairie Above Causeway) map - 467-9316

Mano's is a popular restaurant located in Metairie. The restaurant is known for serving traditional New Orleans-style po'boy sandwiches, as well as other classic Louisiana and Italian dishes.

The menu at Mano's features a variety of po'boy options, including roast beef, shrimp, oyster, catfish, and hot sausage. All of the sandwiches are served on fresh French bread and come dressed with lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise. The restaurant also offers a range of side dishes, such as French fries and onion rings

In addition to their po'boys, Mano's features daily lunch specials, and also serves a selection of classic New Orleans dishes, such as red beans and rice. They also have a variety of seafood dishes, including grilled or fried shrimp plates. Country fried steak and spaghetti with veal parmesan are other popular offerings. A full service bar is also available.

Mano's has a casual and laid-back atmosphere, and the staff is known for being friendly and welcoming. The restaurant is popular with locals for its consistency and generous portions, and it's a great place to stop for a quick and delicious meal.

Mano's Po-Boys: Sandwiches/Deli, 6943 Saints Dr, Metairie (Metairie Above Causeway) map - 734-0922

Ye Olde College Inn is a historic New Orleans restaurant that has been serving customers since 1933. It is located in the Carrollton neighborhood, a stone's throw from Tulane and Loyola Universities. The restaurant is known for its classic Creole cuisine, featuring dishes such as turkey and andouille gumbo, BBQ shrimp, and fried green tomatoes.

The atmosphere at Ye Olde College Inn is cozy and comfortable, with a bar area that has a vintage feel. The menu features a variety of options, including seafood, meat, and vegetarian dishes, as well as classic New Orleans cocktails.

In addition to its restaurant business, Ye Olde College Inn is also known for its catering services. The restaurant has provided catering for events such as weddings, corporate functions, and private parties.

Ye Olde College Inn is a beloved institution in New Orleans, offering delicious food, friendly service, and a unique atmosphere.

Ye Olde College Inn: Diner/Neighborhood Cafe, 3000 S Carrollton Ave, New Orleans (Carrollton) map - 866-3683

Smitty's Seafood is a local seafood restaurant located in Kenner, Louisiana. It has been in operation since 1992 and is known for its fried seafood dishes, and boiled seafood including crawfish, shrimp, and crab. The restaurant has a casual atmosphere with table and booth seating options. Some popular dishes at Smitty's Seafood include the crawfish étouffée, seafood gumbo, fried catfish, and oysters.

In addition to its regular menu, Smitty's Seafood also offers daily specials and a wide selection of appetizers. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner and also offers catering services for events.

Smitty's Seafood is a popular local spot for seafood lovers in the Kenner and Metairie area, and its reputation for fresh seafood and friendly service has made it a staple in the community.

Smitty's Seafood: Seafood, 2000 West Esplanade, Kenner (Kenner Above I-10) map - 468-1647

Short Stop Po-Boys is a restaurant located in Metairie, that is known for its delicious and authentic po-boy sandwiches. The restaurant has been in operation since 1966 and has become a staple in the local community.

The menu at Short Stop Po-Boys features a wide variety of po-boy sandwiches, including classic options like roast beef, ham, fried shrimp, and fried oyster, as well as a selection of sausages. The sandwiches are served on fresh, crispy French bread and can be dressed with lettuce, tomato, mayo, pickles, and several different sliced cheeses.

In addition to po-boys, Short Stop also serves other classic New Orleans dishes like gumbo and jambalaya. The restaurant is also known for its friendly and welcoming atmosphere, as well as its reasonable prices.

The Short Stop operation is a model of efficiency. Patrons form a single line and wait for one of several sandwich makers to call them to the kitchen's wide pass window to place their order. While waiting, they can choose chips, bottled drinks or other items from nearby racks and coolers. Sandwich makers hand the butcher paper-wrapped sandwiches back through the window to be taken to the cashier. Short codes written on each let the cashier know what to charge. Fountain drinks are also available from the cashier. Refills are 25 cents, but can be paid for in advance-- the cashier will mark your cup. Seating is in multiple long rows of fixed, cafeteria-style booths.

If you're in Metairie and looking for an authentic po-boy experience, Short Stop is definitely worth a visit.

Short Stop Po-Boys: Sandwiches/Deli, 119 Transcontinental Dr, Metairie (Metairie Above Causeway) map - 885-4572

Tower of Pizza is a popular restaurant located in Metairie, Louisiana, known for its delicious hand-thrown thin crust style pizza. The restaurant has been in business for over 50 years and has become a local favorite.

In addition to pizza, Tower of Pizza offers Italian toss and artichoke salads bathed in a garlicky vinaigrette. Also popular is the spaghetti with house-made meatballs.

The atmosphere at Tower of Pizza is casual and relaxed, making it a great spot for a family dinner or a casual night out with friends. The restaurant decor is dark paneling, dim lighting and red-checked vinyl tablecloths. The kitchen's large windows give diners a view of their pizza being hand made.

In addition to its dining room, Tower of Pizza also offers takeout service, making it a convenient option for those who prefer to enjoy their meal at home.

Tower of Pizza is a must-visit restaurant for anyone in the Metairie area who is looking for authentic hand-tossed pizza in a casual and welcoming atmosphere.

Tower of Pizza: Pizza, 2104 Veterans Blvd, Metairie (Metairie Below Causeway) map - 833-9373

R&O Restaurant is a popular eatery located in the Bucktown section of Metairie. It has been a fixture in the city's dining scene since 1980 and is known for its authentic Italian and Creole cuisine.

One of the restaurant's most famous dishes is their signature roast beef po-boy sandwich, which features slow-cooked roast beef served on crispy French bread and dressed with lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise. Other popular menu items include seafood gumbo, fried shrimp, pizza and Italian dishes.

The restaurant's casual and lively atmosphere, coupled with its extensive menu and generous portions, have made it a popular spot among locals and tourists alike.

R&O Restaurant is a beloved establishment in New Orleans that continues to serve up delicious food and welcoming hospitality to its patrons.

R&O Restaurant: Seafood, 216 Metairie Hammond Hwy, Metairie (Bucktown) map - 831-1248