Cosimo’s (#222, 8/15/2012)
This is a place I probably never would have gone if not for my Groupon addiction. But it’s not too bad. It’s in a shady neighborhood on Burgundy Street (pronounced bur-GUN-dee). I guess it’s a dive, though not as much of a dive as many places in town. It had good music playing (but no juke box, as far as I could tell); it also has a Ms. Pacman machine, some decent pool tables and a good selection of tv’s (I think if you’ve upgraded to flat screens, you’re no longer a dive bar, right?). The food is basically bar food; I went for a cheeseburger with some pot stickers, but also considered the spring rolls – trying new things with my ban on French fries. There was quite a long wait, but overall a decent meal. They also serve food very late, so if you’re wondering the back alleys of the deep Quarter in the late hours, then this isn’t a bad stop for a burger and a beer. In other words, I’ll probably be back.
Guy’s Po-Boys (#221, 8/4/12)
Quite a blow when you have a shrimp po-boy from Crabby Jack’s on your mind, then you find out they’re closed for vacation. Damn. I decided I was getting a shrimp po-boy no matter what. The wait at Mahony’s was close to an hour, so Urban Spoon suggested Guy’s on Magazine. I gave it a run; they told me 15 minutes on the phone. I ended up waiting about 45 minutes anyway; I can’t figure it out. It was packed at 2 p.m. on a Saturday, and I think they served everybody, including people who came after me, before finally giving me my sandwich, assuring me the wait would be worth it. I just brought it home to eat and it was pretty good. If Crabby Jack’s is the 10 of shrimp po-boys, then this was probably about a 5.
Flaming Torch* (#220, 7/25/12)
I’ve always heard the Flaming Torch is a big-time restaurant, but have never been wowed by the menu so it took me a while to get there. It was actually very good; I went simple with the filet after opening with some crawfish beignets. Our waiter was very good, so that always improves things. Seems like a good place for a date-night, if you’re so inclined.
Tamarind* (#219, 7/25/2012)
Made my first visit to Tamarind (in the Hotel Modern on Lee Circle) and just dropped in for lunch. Hopefully they’re not relying on the lunch crowd for making money, because there were two of us there until almost one, when a couple more tables were taken. The food was decent, vietnamese-french fusion, I guess. Egg rolls and the like. Not memorable, doubt I’ll be going back; and doubt it will be there much longer.
Edit: This ended up closing in December of 2012.
Magasin* (#217, 6/12/2012)
The word on the street is that Magasin has outstanding Vietnamese food. One issue is that I don’t really like Vietnamese all that much – or maybe just haven’t explored it enough to come up with the things that I would like. I checked out this place anyway; lots of soups and unique sandwiches. I don’t really like hot liquid, so soup was out for me. Prices are very reasonable, so if you like Vietnamese, go and check it out.
Bouligny Tavern (#216, 6/8/2012)
An outstanding stop for happy hour or for a good range of appetizers. We had a couple of beers at Le Bon Temps and decided to drop in here for food and ended up ordering a wide-range of appetizers, shrimp, calamari, fries (great), tempura green beans (also awesome), beignets stuffed with something (not sure what it was, but it sure tasted gouda), sliced meat, cheese, even burgers. They also have a range of specialty drinks and a good beer selection. Solid all-around.
Ruby Red’s* (#215, 6/4/2012)
Dropped in at this place in an old O’Henry’s building in the CBD. It was fascinatingly okay. In other words, the food was okay, service was okay, the décor was okay, atmosphere was okay. If you find yourself walking by and you’re starving, drop in and have a chicken sandwich or a burger, but no need for a special trip here.
Domelisa’s (#214, 5/30/2012)
Many say this is the best shrimp po-boy in town, but sorry, it doesn’t come close to Crabby Jack’s. I actually had a half shrimp, half oyster po-boy, which was good, but not sensational. The place is a divy counter-top restaurant with a couple of beer taps and some tables. Nothing fancy. Also quite expensive. It was $17 (!!!) for my po-boy.