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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

Restaurants: Where Locals Eat: 

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

Restaurants: Where Locals Eat: 

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

Restaurants: 

Ruth's Chris Steak House is a chain of high-end steakhouse restaurants that has locations all around the world.

Chris Steak House was founded on February 27, 1927 by New Orleans entrepreneur Chris Matulich. It was located at 1100 North Broad St. After several sales and buybacks by Matulich over the years, Ruth Fertel acquired the restaurant in 1965.

A fire in 1976 forced a relocation of the restaurant to a few blocks away at 711 North Broad. Due to contractual obligations, Fertel was precluded from using the original name at any other address, so she named the new restaurant Ruth's Chris Steak House. That year Fertel also began exploring franchising opportunities, and by 1999, the chain had grown to 66 U.S. and overseas locations.

The restaurant is known for its high-quality beef, which is aged for at least 28 days to enhance its flavor and tenderness. Ruth's Chris also has a unique cooking method, which involves searing the steaks at a high temperature and finishing them in a 500-degree oven, resulting in a perfectly cooked and juicy steak.

One of its locations is in Metairie, a suburb of New Orleans. As do all of its franchised locations, Ruth's Chris Steak House in Metairie offers diners an elegant and sophisticated atmosphere, with a menu that features a selection of prime steaks, as well as seafood, salads, and other classic steakhouse sides.

In addition to their steaks, the restaurant offers a variety of other menu items, such as lamb chops, shrimp, lobster, and salmon. They also have an extensive wine list featuring both domestic and international selections.

Ruth's Chris Steak House in Metairie offers a luxurious dining experience with a focus on high-quality ingredients and expertly cooked steaks.

Ruth's Chris Steak House: Steak, 3633 Veterans Blvd, Metairie (Metairie Above Causeway) map - 888-3600

Ruth's Chris Steak House: Steak, 228 Poydras St(in Harrah's Hotel), New Orleans (CBD) map - 587-7099

Restaurants: Where Locals Eat: 

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.

Its origins lay in a small pizzeria established in the late 1950s on Franklin Avenue in New Orleans called Artista Pizza Kitchen. That tiny outlet spawned three other locations, including this one, originally known as Dino's. The son of Artista's founder runs Tower to this day.

In addition to pizza, Tower of Pizza offers both Italian toss, and lettuce 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 throwback dark paneling, dim lighting and red-checked vinyl tablecloths. The kitchen's large windows give diners a view of their pizza being hand made, just as they could at Artista back in the day. Those dining at Tower who remember Artista will recognize that, other than today's prices, the menu is virtually identical. If it ain't broke...

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. An allowance of thirty minutes average is usually necessary, as all pizzas are made to order.

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

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