A visit to Russell’s, Lakeview’s diner institution, isn’t complete without a warm hello to Al Williams (if he’s in) and one of his made-to-order bloody marys — he’s been a fixture here since 1986, a year after Russell Cuoco opened the restaurant. Try Williams’s favorite, the chicken and waffles, or one of the restaurant’s other staples, the Egg Saints #33 with a grilled biscuit, alligator sausage, grilled tomatoes, poached eggs, and homemade country gravy. Be sure to save room for a shake or the housemade pies, particularly the lemon ice box or apple, or go with a nectar soda with an ice cream floater, a sweet twist on the most classic of sno-ball flavors.

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.

This Jefferson Parish favorite has a bunch of locations, all of which seem to have that proto-diner essence down pat despite opening in the ’90s. While none of them are currently 24/7, they remain an important part of late-night dining, particularly the location right by Ochsner. The blue plate specials include a country-fried steak and a catfish plate topped with Crawfish Julie sauce, two specialties that help define this mini-chain.

If you’re looking for a diner with Creole flavor, Anita’s is the place. It’s a treasure in every sense, loved for so many things — savory, buttery grits topped with two slices of American cheese, calf liver and eggs, pork chops, and hot sausage po’ boys, to name a few. Expect a warm reception and friendly banter at the wraparound lunch counter at this enduring, decades-old fixture of Tulane Avenue.

S. Claiborne’s old-school greasy spoon opened in 1955, and today still retains kitschy icon status thanks in part to its huge root beer float-shaped sign. The menu features a slew of breakfast options, po’ boys, and lunch plate specials Monday through Friday, like red beans and rice on Monday, white beans with a choice of fried or grilled chicken, pork chop, or smoked sausage on Thursday, and crawfish etouffee with fried catfish on Friday. Still, the classic lunch order is a famous Lot-O Burger and a root beer float — Frostop brews its own root beer.

This well-worn greasy dive on St. Charles Avenue is known for their Greek specialties, including the Greek omelet, and otherwise hot lunch and breakfasts at cheap prices. Expect reliably good breakfasts that don’t break the bank, served all day. Note: Please-U is closed Sundays.

Irish Channel hangover-helper Slim Goodies has been serving up skillet breakfasts and Slammers for 20 years on Magazine Street. The quirky, always-packed diner is known for its Slammer options, huge portions made with hashbrowns and various scrambles (eggs, chili, tofu, etc.).