The Best Cheap and Easy Eats in the French Quarter

Where to grab a good meal on the fly

by Allison Alsup Jul 2, 2019, 11:16am CDT

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Longway Tavern

| Katherine Kimball/Eater NOLA

by Allison Alsup Jul 2, 2019, 11:16am CDT

It seems like a conundrum: how can it be so darn tricky to find a casual spot with decent grub in a pedestrian neighborhood packed with places to eat? The reality is that even for locals who don’t live in the Quarter, grabbing a simple meal on the fly isn’t as self evident as one might assume. The sheer amount of storefronts and crowded streets tends to overwhelm; add to this the amount of pricey, restaurants requiring reservations and fancy threads and it’s no wonder that those of us in sneaks and comfort sandals looking to fill our bellies can quickly descend into a existential food crisis. Never fear. Here are some of our tried and true, on the go grub spots that won’t break the bank.

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Erin Rose

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Just steps off Bourbon’s sturm und drang, slim and discreet Erin Rose exudes all the flavor and coziness of a favorite neighborhood bar. Head the back (all ten feet) and you’ll find the Killer PoBoys counter. Note: Killer offers a larger menu at their other FQ location at 219 Dauphine.

811 Conti St, New Orleans, LA 70112

(504) 522-3573

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Longway Tavern

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A good bet when you’ve reached your limit for the battered and fried. Hip and fresh, and generally less crowded than its older sister restaurant Sylvain, Longway’s midrange, internationally-inspired options include inventive sandwiches and salads. From 4 p.m Monday-Thursday; 11:30 weekends. Classic drink specials on offer during happy hour, 4-7 daily.

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719 Toulouse St, New Orleans, LA 70130

(504) 962-9696

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Cafe Cour

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For fans of patio dining, this recent addition to the Historic New Orleans Collection complex on Royal Street serves up late breakfast and lunch fare, including vegetarian and pescatarian bocadillos, Sicilian “muffulettus”, salads and baked goods. 10% discount for THNOC members. Thumbs up: we love Cafe Cour’s commitment to environmentally kind sourcing and packaging. Closed Mondays.

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520 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70130

(504) 356-8905

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Felipe's Mexican Taqueria

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This causal cantina may not win any awards for traditional Mexican food but a piled plate of Felipe’s nachos sure fills the belly. Tables available or pull up a stool at the bar. Note: those suddenly finding themselves in need of umbrella drinks should head upstairs to the perennially cool and dimly lit Tiki Tolteca.

301 N Peters St, New Orleans, LA 70130

(504) 288-8226

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Croissant D'Or Patisserie

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Located on a quiet stretch of Ursulines, this tiled, vintage cafe offers a rare calm and cool respite from Quarter’s bustle. Simple, French-inspired breakfast and lunch options include sandwiches, quiches and pastries. Until 3 p.m.; closed Tuesday.

617 Ursulines Ave, New Orleans, LA 70116

(504) 524-4663

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Pastries at Croissant D'or — Pastries at Croissant D’or

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Verti Marte

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24/7 means that eventually every snockered and starved New Orleanian ends up at Verti Mart, and given Verti’s tasty, filling fare, some make it a regular stop. Don’t come expecting tables, kind service or spic and span surfaces at this longtime corner store deli and hot food counter; do come with an appetite, a card for the ATM, and the ability to carry your meal away. A surprisingly extensive menu includes breakfast items, hefty sandwiches, Italian style entrees and salads. Cash only. Delivery available.

1201 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70116

(504) 525-4767

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Coop's Place

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Consider leaving your diet at the door when entering this beloved dark and divey Decatur bar and down home eatery. Local favorites include the rabbit and sausage jambalaya, fried chicken, and marinated lamb ribs. And yes, there is a salad on the menu though we recommend dispensing with the platitudes and ordering the green goddess dressing.

1109 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70116

(504) 525-9053

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Cane and Table

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Step inside this Decatur Street haven and you’ll be rewarded with a pared and airy space that feels like what Old Havana may have once been. Arched windows, a classic long bar, bench seating, and back patio, Cane and Table draws its inspiration from the Caribbean — and in the afternoons, it’s a tranquil spot for chatting or solo drinking. It’s also recently stepped up its food game; and you can try the array of Caribbean snacks for $6 each during happy hour, as well as a perfect daiquiri and other tiki-inspired drinks.

1113 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70116

(504) 581-1112

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