This brightly-painted, 24-hour Metairie diner has long been known for a range of affordable, solid breakfasts under $10 or so, like biscuits and sausage gravy for around $5. There are also burgers, sandwiches, and a few classic diner plates, like a Cajun-smothered pork chop, if you’re looking for a meal other than breakfast. Bring a sense of humor, and check the ever-changing sign out front.

“Eat Pray Love” proclaims a sign outside of this neighborhood staple on busy Claiborne Avenue. As in “Eat at Melba’s, Pray before meals, and Love New Orleans.” If that’s not enough to get you in the door, consider the long list of frozen daiquiris, every possible kind of over-stuffed po’ boy, and the shrimp and grits, all perfect any time of day. There just happens to be a laundromat next door that offers free dryers after midnight, in case you need to do a few loads while you munch.

This cash-only, round-the-clock deli and convenience store really does have something for everybody. The menu goes on and on, beyond po-boys to grilled chicken salad and a handful of vegetarian items. Then there’s the meat and two sides, comfort fare including Grandma’s boarding house meatloaf and shrimp Creole. One can get breakfast whenever, best enjoyed standing at one of the tall tables that are sometimes by the door or on the stoop across the street, where stray picnickers always congregate.

So they make their burgers under a grease splattered hub cap and yes, they are good. The staff is a hoot, always talking some kind of smack, i.e. “We may not be pretty, but we think we are.” It doesn't get any more local than this. Great place for a snack after a night in the bars. Sit at the counter for best view of the shenanigans and order breakfast anytime at this old-school divey diner.

The Three Legged Dog Tavern is an under-the-radar locals dive in the heart of the Quarter, known for daily crawfish boils and piping hot bar food served into the wee hours. Yes, it is fairly grungy, but friendly staff and patrons balance it out.

Igor’s is the St. Charles Avenue barroom and pool lounge with a laundromat in the back, the oldest and possibly most iconic of the 24/7 watering holes founded by proprietor Igor Margan, who died a few years ago. A short menu sticks to what it’s always done best — burgers — and rounds it out with a fried chicken sandwich, hot sausage sandwich, and even a vegetarian sandwich option.