Where to Eat at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY)

Louis Armstrong International Airport sucks. It sucks hard, but maybe a little less hard than before the Superbowl. For years, the concessions there have been the playthings of thieves and cronies, and visitors hardly even get an indication they're actually in New Orleans. But hey, it is a little better due to the newer addition of Dooky Chase and Ye Olde College Inn at least.

To mark the beginning of the summer travel season, sites across the Eater universe are re-running our Airport Dining Guides. But here's the thing: we have never fully endorsed eating at MSY because it's always been rather sucky. What you really should do is change your plans, get your ass into Orleans Parish, find a hotel room, catch some live music and eat at any of our fantastic restaurants. Of course, not everyone can do that, so if you can't, here are some best bets at MSY, plus a handful of selections nearby. (MSY is small enough that the security lines are pretty short; getting in and out is not much of a problem.)

Best Bets Inside Louis Armstrong International

1) Dooky Chase: : There was a lot of hoopla surrounding this airport addition,and for good reason. Dooky Chase not only brings a reputable name to MSY, but is an actual is a step above the other dining offerings in the airport. With a menu that ranges from classic New Orleans favorites like gumbo to breakfast omelets, and decent fried chicken, this is definitely worth a shot. [Just outside Concourse C] [Photo: Josh Brasted]

2) L.P. Bistro/PJ's Coffee: This cafe features wraps, pastries, salads, and healthier fare including to-go cereals and actual fruit. A competent staff makes pretty decent iced coffee, which is better for quelling the near heat stroke you'll get waiting in line to enter the terminal rather than throwing that hissy fit trying to get your shoes back on. There's a decent amount of seating, quasi cute lighting (they're trying!) and trendy Mighty Leaf teas. [Concourse B] [Photo: ENOLA]

3) Zatarain's Kitchen: This was the first new restaurant to open when Delaware North was contracted for their Super Bowl building bonanza. Jambalaya, red beans, gumbo and other New Orleans' classics line the menu, hoping to offer visitors a more authentic sense of place. [Located in Concourse B] [Photo: SunBeltFoodService]

4) Café Beignet: Yeah, it doesn't have the visual appeal (or even the tastiness) of Café du Monde, but if you've got a couple hours to kill, this outpost of the other French Quarter beignet shop can fill any desire for fried dough covered in sugar. [West Terminal near the Jet Blue counter.]
Image of Royal St. location. [Photo: Cafe Beignet]

5) Lucky Dog: This is drunk food at its finest, something we do pretty well here (see number 5). The dogs are not great, and they're not exactly cheap, but the cart is an iconic piece of New Orleans life, even if locals rarely a Lucky Dog except on a night of debauchery in the Quarter. [Concourses B, C]
[Photo: yelp / shinobu k.]

6) PJ's Coffee: It's just coffee, but it's pretty okay coffee. The pastries aren't the freshest, but again, they're pretty okay in a pinch. Founded in New Orleans, PJ's is still a favorite for many (though of course not all), despite its kind of generic corporate-ness. [Terminal, before security for Concourse C]
[Photo: yelp / Dee M.]

7) Praline Connection: It's almost painful (and feels like a cruel joke) recommending this airport-counter version of the Frenchmen Street soul food restaurant, but hey, their pralines are actually pretty good. It's unfortunately not home style soul food like the main location, but it'll do in a pinch. [Concourse B]
[Photo: Praline Connection]

8) Any concourse bar: Concourse B has Live Oak Bar and Cruzan's Bar. Concourse C has the Creole Carvery. And Concourse D has Jester's Grille. They're basically all the same, with expensive drinks and an ambiance that makes you feel, well, like you're in an airport. But have a beer, it doesn't matter how early your flight is. That's how we do it in the City of New Orleans. [Concourses B, C, D.]
[Photo: A Good Beer Blog]

9) Ye Olde College Inn: The reviews from Yelpers have been nothing but, erm, fair to poor for this iconic New Orleans staple to open in the airport around Superbowl time. Unfortunately, claims of mediocre breakfast and lunch leave much to be desired at the home of airport erster loaf. [Concourse D] [Photo: Yelp/Jon G.]

Best Bets Outside Louis Armstrong International Airport

(You'll need at least three hours to get there, eat, and get back.)

1) Harbor Seafood & Oyster Bar: Avoid the crappy version of Acme Oyster House inside the airport. Get on a cab and go to Harbor Seafood and get to this dive-y oyster bar for some raw oysters and blackened alligator. Then you can brag to your friends that you went to New Orleans and had both oysters and gator. [3203 Williams Blvd., 8 minutes from the airport. (504) 443-6454.]
[Photo: yelp / Amy L.]

2) Crabby Jack's: Owned by Jacques of Jacques-Imo's, a popular Creole restaurant in uptown New Orleans, this Jefferson eatery specializes in the typical casual New Orleans dishes. Many people swear by their po' boys. Crabby Jack's is only open for lunch, though, so call to make sure they're open. [428 Jefferson Hwy, 12 minutes from the airport. (504) 833-2722.]
[Photo: yelp / Scott W.]

3) Spudly's Super Spuds: There is nothing glamorous nor tasteful about this place, where just about anything you can think of is piled high on a baked potato and covered in cheese. It's comfort food at its finest (and most caloric). [2609 Harvard Ave., 12 minutes from the airport. (504) 455-3250.]
[Photo: Spudly's]

4) Pho NOLA: Don't forget that New Orleans has a large Vietnamese population and a healthy number of pho restaurants. Pho NOLA is arguably the best of the handful that are near the airport. For best results go with the banh mi. [3320 Transcontinental Drive, 14 minutes from the airport. (504) 455-3250.]
[Photo: Facebook]

5) Taqueria Corona: No, New Orleans isn't a town known for its authentic Mexican food. That's for good reason?we don't really have much good Mexican. But Taqueria Corona, basically just down the street from the airport, is one of the best in the area. Again, like everywhere on this list, it's nothing fancy. But it's good. [1927 Hickory Ave., 6 minutes from the airport. (504) 738-6722.]
[Photo: yelp / David M.]

· All Airport Dining Coverage [-ENOLA-]