Rum House (#143, 2/15/2011)
I like this place a lot! I would say it’s the best place in town for tacos. This “Caribbean Taqueria” has a ton of different ones and some good specials on multiples, such as the Two Dat, the Taco Trifecta and the Mr. Bigg (four tacos). Just about every taco I’ve had has been good, love the calypso, the chili-glazed shrimp and the brisket. also has excellent margaritas. And always get plantains!
Cowbell* (#142, 9/1/2010) – 95
Cowbell is quite possibly the best neighborhood restaurant out there. It may help that it is MY neighborhood and like 100 yards from my house. The people there are awesome and fun; it’s a very casual, relaxed place with fun drinks and great specials.
I think this ranks as my top burger in the city (add a fried egg to it for a good mess), but I also love the fish tacos. You can go for more of a meal as well; if so, I recommend the midnight skirt steak with plantains (of course, I recommend plantains with anything). The macaroni and cheese side is also awesome. If you drop in on Friday, you can have the best fish burger in town – Lawrence Fishburger (fun names are good too). I haven’t had anything bad there yet, but I do recommend checking out the specials – they often have some very good adult grilled cheeses, which have all variety of things mixed in. Oh, and the fires! Great french fries, I recommend dipping in the agogo sauce (anything can be dipped in that amazing stuff) and their homemade ketchup. Just solid all-around. As far as food, I’m giving Cowbell a 48 out of 50.
The fun people working and the casual atmosphere are awesome. They don’t take reservations so you may have a wait, but you can sit inside or outside on picnic-table-style tables (sometimes you may have to share a table, so if that’s not for you, might be a problem). I’m only docking it a couple of points because of the limited seating and there are also parking challenges at times. Atmosphere is 27 out of 30.
Service is awesome! Again, the friendly and fun people make it worthwhile. They all seem to really care that they have customers and they are actually there to help you out, and not just to get their paycheck. I’m giving them a 20 out of 20 for service.
Final score = 95.
Dominique’s* (#141, 8/10/2010)
This place was located down on Magazine near Le Bon Temps. I only ate there once, but remember it being good. The chef left to go to Tamarind, which is also now closed. Dominique’s was replaced by Appolline, which I haven’t tried yet.
This gayot website has a great listing of closed restaurants, so check here for Dominique’s
River’s Edge* (#137, 6/15/2010)
This was located on Decatur Street, right on the edge of Jackson Square (facing the square, it was to the right on the corner). It was okay, but never overly impressive.