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Restaurants: 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

Restaurants: Where Locals Eat: 

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

Restaurants: Where Locals Eat: 

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.

The house-made mac and cheese uses bucatini, and is offered smothered with optional roast beef gravy.

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

Restaurants: Where Locals Eat: 

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

Restaurants: Where Locals Eat: 

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

Restaurants: Where Locals Eat: 

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

Restaurants: 

Willie Mae's Scotch House is a historic restaurant located in New Orleans' Mid-City, that is famous for its fried chicken. The restaurant was founded in 1957 by Willie Mae Seaton, who started serving her signature dish of fried chicken out of her home before opening a restaurant in the Treme neighborhood.

Over the years, Willie Mae's Scotch House has become a beloved institution in New Orleans and has won numerous awards and accolades for its food, including being named America's Best Fried Chicken by the Food Network in 2005. The restaurant has also been featured in various media outlets, including the New York Times, Southern Living, and Travel + Leisure.

The menu at Willie Mae's Scotch House includes classic Southern dishes such as fried chicken, red beans and rice, and macaroni and cheese, as well as seafood options like shrimp and catfish. The restaurant also serves a variety of sides and desserts, including collard greens, cornbread, and sweet potato pie.

In addition to its delicious food, Willie Mae's Scotch House is also known for its welcoming atmosphere and friendly service. The restaurant has been family-owned and operated since it was founded, and it continues to be a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.

Willie Mae's Scotch House: Diner/Neighborhood Cafe, 2401 St Ann, New Orleans (Mid-City) map - 822-9503

Restaurants: 

Tic Toc Cafe is a popular diner located in Metairie. It has been serving customers since 1991 and is known for its classic Southern cuisine and casual, family-friendly atmosphere.

The restaurant is particularly famous for its breakfast menu, which features a range of dishes such as omelets, pancakes, waffles, and breakfast sandwiches. Some of their most popular dishes include biscuits and gravy, and the Tic Toc Trio, which is a breakfast platter with eggs, bacon, sausage, and grits.

In addition to breakfast, Tic Toc Cafe also serves lunch and dinner. Their menu includes a range of classic Southern dishes, such as chicken fried steak, po' boys, and burgers. They also offer daily specials, including seafood dishes and homemade desserts.

The restaurant has a casual, diner-like atmosphere, with booths and counter seating available. The staff is friendly and welcoming, and the prices are reasonable, making it a popular spot for both locals and tourists.

Tic Toc Cafe is a great choice for anyone looking for classic Southern comfort food in a casual, friendly environment.

Tic Toc Cafe: Diner/Neighborhood Cafe, 3205 36th(I-10 Svc Rd South at Causeway Blvd), Metairie (Metairie Above Causeway) map - 834-6272

Restaurants: 

Tan Dinh is a popular Vietnamese restaurant located in Gretna, across the Mississippi River from New Orleans. The restaurant has been serving authentic Vietnamese cuisine since 1982 and is a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

The menu at Tan Dinh features a wide range of Vietnamese dishes, including pho (the traditional Vietnamese soup), vermicelli bowls, banh mi sandwiches, spring rolls, and a variety of stir-fried dishes. The restaurant is also known for its crispy fried fish, which is a must-try for seafood lovers.

One of the standout dishes at Tan Dinh is the bun bo hue, a spicy beef noodle soup that is a specialty of central Vietnam. Another popular dish is the banh xeo, a crispy Vietnamese-style crepe filled with pork, shrimp, and bean sprouts.

The atmosphere at Tan Dinh is casual and relaxed, with traditional Vietnamese decorations and comfortable seating. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner seven days a week, and it's a popular spot for both dine-in and takeout.

Tan Dinh is a great choice for anyone looking to experience authentic Vietnamese cuisine in New Orleans. With its extensive menu and friendly atmosphere, it's no surprise that this restaurant has been a favorite among locals for over 40 years.

Tan Dinh: Vietnamese, 2004 Belle Chasse Hwy, Gretna (Westbank) map - 361-8008

Restaurants: 

Snug Harbor is a restaurant and jazz club located in the Faubourg Marigny neighborhood, just outside the French Quarter. The restaurant has been a fixture in the city's dining and entertainment scene since it first opened its doors in 1983.

The menu at Snug Harbor features a variety of classic New Orleans dishes, such as gumbo, jambalaya, and red beans and rice. In addition to the main dining room, there is also a bar area where patrons can enjoy cocktails and small plates.

However, what sets Snug Harbor apart is its live jazz music. The restaurant's Jazz Bistro features nightly performances by some of the city's top jazz musicians, including local legends like Ellis Marsalis and Charmaine Neville. The intimate setting and top-notch music make it a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike.

If you're looking for a great meal and some fantastic live jazz in New Orleans, Snug Harbor is definitely worth a visit.

Snug Harbor: Burgers, 626 Frenchmen, New Orleans (Marigny) map - 949-0696