Country Inn & Suites By Carlson, New Orleans Airport, LA

METAIRIE. Located on the outskirts of the city, this casual joint serves some of the best Cajun in the area. Among the...

METAIRIE. Located on the outskirts of the city, this casual joint serves some of the best Cajun in the area. Among the most popular numbers are homemade concoctions like crawfish corn bisque, catfish stew and a signature gumbo. A word to the hungry: Their heaping servings of fried seafood exceed all expectations. Reservations are not accepted, so be prepared for a wait.

Hours: Mon-Thu 11am-9pm; Fri-Sat 11am-9:30pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

RIVERBEND. Try the stuffed grape leaves or the kabobs at Lebanon's Café and you will be transported to the Middle...

RIVERBEND. Try the stuffed grape leaves or the kabobs at Lebanon's Café and you will be transported to the Middle East! The falafel and hummus are also not to be missed. Visit Lebanon's on a nice day and you might be rewarded with a street-side table, where you can watch the pedestrians running to catch the trolley. If you are a hearty soul, indulge in the Turkish coffee after your meal.

Hours: Mon-Thu 11am-9:45pm; Fri-Sat 11am-10pm; Sun Noon-9:30pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

FRENCH QUARTER. Hungry for some real breakfast? Follow the locals to Betsy's, a tried and true pancake joint that opens...

FRENCH QUARTER. Hungry for some real breakfast? Follow the locals to Betsy's, a tried and true pancake joint that opens at 5:30am on weekdays to accomodate early risers with steaming cups of coffee and homestyle dishes. The blueberry and buckwheat cakes come highly recommended, and there's a good lunch menu as well. Closed on Saturdays.

Hours: Mon-Fri 5:30am-2pm; Sun 7am-2pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , Diner's Club

UPTOWN. A tiny room bustling with hungry diners, this neighborhood joint has been serving irresistible po-boys since the...

UPTOWN. A tiny room bustling with hungry diners, this neighborhood joint has been serving irresistible po-boys since the 1920s. A collection of vintage décor ranging from old Tabasco bottles filled with toothpicks, beer cans, newspapers and photos hints at the establishment's age. Nonetheless, few get tired of the tried and true menu, which offers scrumptious fillings such as pepper wiener and chili, fried shrimp, catfish, turkey, and sweet barbecue, all served on a hearty French bread, and hopefully, complemented by a cold beer.

Hours: Mon-Wed, Fri 10am-7pm; Sat 10:30am-7pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

UPTOWN. This unpretentious neighborhood restaurant is a classic. Casamento's best and favorite entrees are those that...

UPTOWN. This unpretentious neighborhood restaurant is a classic. Casamento's best and favorite entrees are those that center on anything oyster-related! In business for nearly 50 years, the food is good and the prices affordable. The restaurant also serves sandwiches and seafood entrees like crab and calamari. The decor features white tiles and mirrors and the staff is friendly. Open for dinner too.

Hours: Sep - May Tue-Wed 11am-2pm; Thu-Sat 11am-2pm, 5:30pm-9pm Hours May Vary Seasonally

Payment Methods: Cash Only

UPTOWN. Housed in a charming dark wood cottage, this casual dining room serves innovative fare that draws inspiration...

UPTOWN. Housed in a charming dark wood cottage, this casual dining room serves innovative fare that draws inspiration from Creole cuisine. An appetizer sampler of fried green tomatoes, shrimp and tasso cheesecake and corn fried oysters highlights the restaurant's offerings. Intriguing main courses include Mississippi quail with Marsala apple cider sauce, smoked mushroom bread pudding and mustard greens. Due to the popularity of the seasonally changing menu, there may be a wait, but a bar and patio offer plenty of seating.

Hours: Mon-Thu 5:30pm-10pm; Fri-Sat 5:30pm-10:30pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express

FRENCH QUARTER. This quaint little neighborhood spot perfectly exemplifies what makes the French Quarter so special...

FRENCH QUARTER. This quaint little neighborhood spot perfectly exemplifies what makes the French Quarter so special ­ even on its boundary streets, you're bound to find something that'll surprise. Though locals usually occupy the tables at Meauxbar each night, these snug yet easygoing quarters welcome all-comers. Framed photos, mirrors, checked floors and ceiling fans reinforce the bistro concept, and seating is available both at tables and at the bar. But of course, it's the cookery that truly sets the place apart, most notably such superbly-conceived numbers as salade Lyonnaise with egg and lardons, double-cut pork chop with au poivre sauce and trout Grenobloise. Weekend reservations are encouraged.

Hours: Tue-Sat 6pm-10pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , American Express , Diner's Club

FRENCH QUARTER. For over 60 years this coffee shop has been feeding revelers from the nearby clubs and bars. Breakfast...

FRENCH QUARTER. For over 60 years this coffee shop has been feeding revelers from the nearby clubs and bars. Breakfast is served round-the-clock in case you sleep through the more conventional serving hours. If you are more in the mood for dinner food, try a burger ­ Clover Grill grills them up great! Follow your meal with the lemon icebox pie.

Hours: Daily Open 24 Hours

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , American Express , Diner's Club

CBD. Mother's has been a New Orleans tradition since the 1940's and it is still creating happy customers today. If you...

CBD. Mother's has been a New Orleans tradition since the 1940's and it is still creating happy customers today. If you are looking for a hearty breakfast or a "meat and three" for supper and don't mind standing in line, this cafeteria-style eatery is sure to please. And do not miss the po' boys ­ natives claim Mother's sells the definitive version of the popular sandwich. Also a winner: the New Orleans style, chicory-flavored coffee.

Hours: Daily 7am-10pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

FRENCH QUARTER. If the muffuletta was the official sandwich of New Orleans, Central Grocery officially makes the best...

FRENCH QUARTER. If the muffuletta was the official sandwich of New Orleans, Central Grocery officially makes the best sandwiches in the city! For the uninitiated, a muffuletta is a loaf of bread layered with Italian meats and cheeses and crowned with a chopped olive mixture. Be warned that Central Grocery's sandwiches are huge ­ you might need to share with a friend. And if you want to sit down, get your sandwich to go ­ there is only a standing-room counter at the Grocery.

Hours: Tue-Sat 9am-5pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , American Express , Diner's Club