Jacques-Imo's Cafe

We stumbled across this restaurant not long after we moved to New Orleans, and it became an instant favorite. Jacques-Imo's Cafe is to me the epitome of an Uptown neighborhood restaurant. Located on artsy Oak Street in the Riverbend area, Jacques-Imo's will not disappoint any of your senses. The atmosphere is funky and vibrant from the eclectic decor, bright tablecloths and unique artwork to the waitstaff that literally come to work as they please. There is no uniform worn by this team of friendly and helpful servers, instead the street clad bunch work as a group to cater to your every need. The wait can be long and reservations are only taken for groups larger than five, but believe me, Jacques-Imo's does not disappoint. While you wait, enjoy drinks from the fully stocked bar and spill out from the modest waiting area onto Oak Street where local artist, music and a nearby bar can provide distraction. Once seated, you are greeted with warm cornbread muffins to munch on while you peruse the extensive menu. Jacques-Imo's menu is one of the best I have ever seen. The choices seem endless and range from traditional ettouffe to country fried venison. Other highlights include paneed rabbit, quail and some of the best fried chicken in town. Jacques-Imo's truly offers unique and intriguing entrees. The staff will advise you that entrees can take 45 minutes to be delivered, so they recommend getting an appetizer. I do as well; the alligator and crawfish cheese cake is amazing! Along with your entree, you choose 2 sides from another generous list. The entire meal is preceded by a spinach salad served with a fried oyster on top. If this sounds like a lot of food, that's because it is; I always leave with left overs! A modest dessert menu and after dinner drinks provide a nice finish to your meal, if you still have room. We have eaten at Jacques-Imo's several times and have tried multiple entrees; we have never been disappointed, in fact, we enjoy it more each time we go. Jacques-Imo's is not the least expensive joint in town nor is it the most, and for the amount of food you get, I feel their prices are more than fair. The restaurant has plenty of high chairs and the staff is extremely friendly towards children, but there is not kid's menu. We have found that the sides are good for our daughter, and she is obsessed with the cornbread muffins! I am forced to say that Jacques-Imo's is my favorite restaurant in town, not only for it's delicious and unique food but also for the vibrant and fun atmosphere. My husband loves this restaurant and is always begging me to go back. I give Jacques-Imo's 4 and a half stars.

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