The Most Important Meal of the Vacay- BRUNCH!

When traveling, a finding brunch spot is a great way to vibe with the locals, get a little day buzzed and maybe see a show. It's everything a weekend morning should be- a sprawling, decadent meal that lets you unwind, exist in the moment and enjoy the company you keep. Conversation lingers over the third cocktail, an array of dishes inevitably become shared plates and laughter ricochets through the dining room - it's what the indulgence of dining out is meant to be.

My biggest brunch hack: if there's a wait, you can drink in the streets in New Orleans, so grab a mimosa or Bloody Mary to pass the time faster. You can also try to go on a weekday or Saturdays, which is usually a little less crowded than Sundays. Listed below are some of my favorites along with recommendations by friends, because I can only have so many lazy weekends that turn into afternoons!

I helped your search for the perfect brunch by linking straight to the brunch menus:

Toups Meatery (Mid-City)

Chef Isaac Toups' unpretentious, but inventive, Cajun menu that celebrates all things local includes a fried Redfish Benedict, Crispy Turkey Necks, Venison Hash and of course Shrimp & Heirloom Grits. They're known for their meats, so be sure to charcuterie.

Atchafalaya (Garden District)

This place is only about 4 blocks from my house and it's one of my favorite neighborhood secrets-I always get the shrimp and grits and a green (yep) Bloody Mary. Breakfast risotto, Duck Hash and Tuscan Eggs are also good bets for brunch, the weekends have live music (usually a jazz trio) and it's in a great little cozy space with excellent servers. FYI- the happy hour is a knock-out deal for cocktail-lovers and the brunch is also served Monday, Thursday and Friday so you can beat the weekend rush.

Jack-Rose

If you are looking to get dressed up, mimosa tipsy turvey and take pretty photos in a beautiful dining room, this is your spot. In the Pontchartrain Hotel, away from the throngs of French Quarter tourists brunching at the Court of Two Sisters buffet, is the Uptown chic brunch spot with upsacle but approachable dishes like Fried Catfish Sardou and Pork Cheeks in Polenta with Creole Meuniere and sexy atmosphere.

Katie's (Mid-City)

Crowd pleasers with a twist- Breakfast Pizza, Breakfast Po-Boy and a Seafood Omelette, alongside standards like Chicken & Waffles, promises to make everyone happy and the $25 bottomless Mimosas, Bloody Marys or Sangria will make sure of it.

Country Club (Bywater)

The name suggests a stuffy, sweater set crowd however this queer-leaning Bywater brunch staple is anything but. Funky interior design in a beautiful Creole mansion, excellent food and a drag show at 10am and 1pm on both Saturday and Sunday (reservations a must), need I say more. Oh, to seal the deal? There's a pool. Just $20, the best swim deal in town gives you full day access to the lovely backyard pool & hot tub.

Elizabeth's (Bywater)

Speaking of staples, I think besides Ruby Slipper (which is okay), everyone knows Elizabeth's. But here's the secret- their breakfast menu is served EVERY DAY 8am - 2:30pm! So skip the line-standing with the crowds and brunch on a Thursday- their praline bacon and callas are to die for & if you wrap them together (pro-tip alert), it's the elusive Perfect Bite. What's a Calla? Glad you asked:

Palm & Pine (French Quarter)

This James Beard winning Latin fusion spot on the edge of the French Quarter is the perfect spot to share lots of seasonal bites with a group while you sip top tier cocktails. I've caught shows by burlesque fave Bella Blue but call to check if there's any brunch performances coming up or follow them on Instagram for some seriously sexy food photos.

Tacos del Cartel (CBD)

Full transparancy- this is the next place I do brunch. Oodles of people recommend it and say they had a great meals and a great time (paramount to the food at brunch is a great time). One look at the menu and I know I have to go with a group, the kind of friends that will split everything on the Los Tradicionales menu. Plus, brunch Margaritas and Palomas just hit different than mimosas.

Origen Bistro (Bywater)

OK, well now I'm on a Latin kick- but this place is unique in NOLA. Venezuelan traditional dishes are not a common thing here, and the Cachapa (a sweet corn-meal pancake, here topped with with savory items) is Origen's love letter for getting us to Caracas. The arepas and rotating empanadas are another brunch hit, all served 7 days a week.