Home » Special Features » The World’s Best » Best Power Lunches New Orleans
The days of the three-martini lunch may be gone, but some restaurants still buzz with the sound of wheels and deals in motion. Discreet alcoves hide the quiet rendezvous, suitably imposing menus impress VIP clients, and exquisite waterfront views set the scene for a celebratory toast. These power playgrounds attract all breeds of movers and shakers—from high-profile politicians and finance execs to media moguls and entertainment royalty.
Best Power Lunches in....
Best Power Lunches
New Orleans
Bon Ton Café 401 Magazine St., Central Business District, 504-524-3386 thebontoncafe.com
The Draw: Lawyers, both young and old, in bow ties and seersucker suits, take a break from billing clients at this Cajun cafe. The Scene: The tables are set with red and white checkered tablecloths. Prints of Audubon’s birds hang on the exposed brick walls. The Bon Ton introduced the rural fare of Cajun country to New Orleans, and for 50 years the city’s professionals have downed cocktails and leisurely lunched on crabmeat au gratin or crawfish étouffée here. Many big deals have been done over lunch at the Bon Ton. Mon–Fri 11am–2pm and 4–9pm. $$$ Hot Tip: Save room for the brick of bread pudding buried under high-octane whiskey sauce.
Galatoire’s 209 Bourbon St., French Quarter, 504-525-2021 galatoires.com
The Draw: The city’s elite power brokers get dressed up to eat, drink, and misbehave at this James Beard Award–winning Creole restaurant. The Scene: On a Friday lunch, Galatoire’s is awash in air-kissing, table-hopping, and choruses of “Happy Birthday.” After a few rounds, the regulars are positively overjoyed to welcome out-of-towners. Skip the menu: Experienced Galatoire’s diners trust their waiter to guide them toward the best dishes of the day. Tue–Sat 11am–10pm, Sun 11:30am–10pm. $$ Hot Tip: Galatoire’s accepts reservations for the upstairs room, but only tourists dine there. Locals stand in line for a downstairs table.
Rib Room 621 St. Louis St., French Quarter, 504-529-7045 omnihotels.com
The Draw: The Rib Room’s staff, many of whom have worked at the restaurant for decades, take care of regulars with a relaxed New Orleans attitude. The Scene: The establishment dines at the Rib Room. Originally opened to satisfy the carnivorous taste of men tired of seafood, the Rib Room retains a masculine charm even in the modern era. Longtime regulars have private, locked wine cabinets. Keys labeled with their names hang in the basement. Daily 6:30–10:30am, 11:30am–2pm, and 6–9pm. $$$ Hot Tip: Ask the maitre d’ about reserving one of the wine cellar’s private dining rooms for a special occasion.
