Cafe Reconcile
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Tied for the best meal I had while in New Orleans. Visited on a weekday and saw that there were already several groups waiting outside 10 minutes before opening. I had made reservations just to be safe. What I got: sesame chili glazed turkey necks (10/5) -- fall off the bone tender. more sesame and brown sugar than chili flavor. only advice is they garnish these with cilantro leaf, but should try using stems if they want more flavor Blackened catfish (10/5) -- first time having blackened anything, which might be bad because this set the bar HIGH. the edges of the catfish were super crispy and the inside was cooked perfectly (See photos). well seasoned and a huge portion Collard greens (10/5) -- smoky, savory, tender, a little sweet and not overly salty Crab rice (5/5) -- this was a daily special and I subbed this as one of the sides for the catfish plate. Seems like a fried rice with the holy trinity and typical cajun seasoning. Flavorful although the crab itself didn't come through This is a must visit eatery with stellar service, food, and vibes.
Wow I would give six stars if I could. It has been years since I've been to Cafe Reconcile, and my first time seeing the new renovations. I loved everything about the new space it felt open, bright and warm. I also love how they showcased all the students in the program on the walls. During my visit it was a busy lunch hour but our server was sweet. There was a bit of a wait but it was understandable because it was super busy and I understand the students are training. But the food was immaculate. I ordered the crispy turkey necks for my appetizer, and the Rose Shirley Temple. I had never had a fried turkey neck, but they changed the game with that one. The necks were full of meat and I loved the glaze they were tossed in. For my entree I ordered the blackened catfish with Cafe Reconcile Sauce with a side of greens and sweet potato crumble. Delicious!! I'm still thinking about the food and I look forward to eating there again.
I have always had a wonderful experience visiting Cafe Reconcile. You have to make a reservation when you're planning to visit, that is how good it is! This is a restaurant that I can always try a new item and be happy with the selection. The serving portions are always great! The food is fresh and well seasoned. The servers are always in good spirits and that is a great sign that management is taking care of them!
Everything we ordered was delicious, perfectly seasoned, and beautifully plated. The fried turkey necks, delish. The crab cakes were moist inside and crunchy outside. I could happily eat endless bowls of the sweet potato crumble. The greens, red beans and rice, and the half fried chicken were perfectly seasoned and the perfect portion siza. And the sweet chili-glazed salmon plus serving of mac 'n' cheese - perfect sweetness and hint of hit on the salmon and creamy mac-n-cheese. The tables are set with ample room in between in this brightly lit, beautifully decorated dining area that includes a view into the kitchen, large windows, and professional head shots of the students.
Came here for lunch on a Wednesday with coworkers. It was so good we came back the next Wednesday. We didn't have reservations either time, but we were seated right away. For both visits, I had the blackened catfish plate. It comes with two sides. The first visit I had the collard greens and the sweet potato crumble. The second visit I had the collards again and mac and cheese. The catfish is seasoned well and cooked to perfection. I'm not really a greens fanatic, but I eat them every now and then. These were great! They had a good flavor and weren't tough. The sweet potato crumble tastes like Thanksgiving *drools* and the mac and cheese was delicious too! I'm sure we'll be back!
What can I say? This is one of our favorite places to eat! Not only is the food delicious with super reasonable prices, but you're supporting a great program that directly helps our community! It's really hard to beat that. The fried catfish with crawfish cream sauce is my favorite and their Mac n cheese is always so creamy and delicious. The turkey necks have become my go to appetizer. To think I had never had them before! It's only open for lunch Tuesday to Friday so plan accordingly!
I like the concept of training young people in the culinary arts and so I decided to patronize this restaurant. I will say everyone was lovely. I loved the catfish. The rest of the was just okay. My only issue is the time it takes to receive your order is quite long. You definitely can't go there starving.
I had the opportunity to visit Café Reconcile with coworkers who work for a nonprofit dedicated to creating workforce opportunities and providing healthy, positive alternatives for youth. Because of the work we do, we especially appreciated Café Reconcile's mission of equipping young adults with job skills, mentorship, and real-world restaurant experience. Seeing that mission in action made the visit even more meaningful. What impressed me most was the professionalism of the young people working throughout the restaurant and the patience, encouragement, and care shown by the staff who mentor and train them. It was clear that this is much more than a restaurant--it's a place where lives are being transformed through opportunity. And then there was the food. Everything we had was delicious! As a pescatarian, I've been contemplating adding poultry back into my diet. My coworker insisted I try the fried turkey necks, and after hearing so many rave reviews, I gave them a chance. They absolutely lived up to the hype! I can honestly say I don't want to eat turkey any other way. Café Reconcile has completely spoiled me--I am officially hooked. It's rare to find a place where an outstanding meal and a meaningful mission come together so seamlessly. Whenever I'm back in New Orleans, Café Reconcile will be one of my first stops.
We were looking for great catfish and gumbo and Reconcile didn't disappoint. This was best gumbo we had in New Orleans and the catfish was amazing.
Very tasty! Supports a good cause and is yummy food. Not fast food, expect to hang around a bit.
This was my first visit here & I can't believe I have been missing out all of these years. When we walked in we were seated immediately, but it took maybe about 6 mins before someone came to our table for drink orders. After placing drink order, it took a while for them to bring the drinks out. Then, after placing food order & seeing multiple other orders being brought out, the server came to say that there was some kind of mishap with our order & the food should be out shortly, After about 15 more mins the food was on the table. Now, let me start with those crispy sweet glazed turkey necks, they are a must have!!! They were so big and tender & that sweet chili sauce was delicious. Next time I know to get 3 orders lol. The catfish was huge and fried to perfection. Ask of the sides are . The Mac & cheese reminded me of Thanksgiving and the jalapeño cornbread paired perfectly. For my drink I had an iced tea & the electric watermelon lemonade. Both were very good. Can't wait to come again!
I always want to stop and patronize places that offer skills and a chance at rehabilitation to those who need a fresh start in life. Knowing institutions like this one exist helps renew my faith in humanity. That being said, it's a restaurant and food still matters. Thankfully, their offerings are better than average. They could be a little more generous with seasoning for most things, but the po boy was delicious and they actually have an interesting cocktail assortment. If you find yourself out that way, stop by, you might not be blown away by the meal, but you also won't be disappointed.
What a treasure! From start to finish, I can't rave about Cafe Reconcile enough. Local friends suggested it for lunch, and wow, it was just so great. I had the fried green tomato sandwich and gumbo...the portion was huge! I like the mission of this place, giving people skills and training; it's really positive and the food is just so darned good. If I lived in New Orleans, I'd be a regular. My friends who suggested it...so lucky to have this in their backyard!
The food is amazing. Sorry about no pictures becus it was a picture perfect plate. Catfish fried crispy and well seasoned. Cheesey baked macaroni and smothered cabbage. I added crystal sauce to cabbage and that sauce woke it up Juan was amazing in assisting the young waiter who served us. Love Cafe Reconcile read more
We enjoyed our experience at Cafe Reconcile. During a recent staycation, we included Cafe Reconcile in our line up because of its commitment to the community + high yelp reviews. When we arrived it was easy to access and we were immediately sat after being greeted by a host. (Host stand for seating is further into the restaurant not by the front door. The stand by the front door is for to-go orders only). We were also promptly greeted by our server. Our order included: Lemonade mocktails - tasty but served in regular cups so they didn't have that "mocktail" vibe Appetizers - Crab cakes and fried turkey wings - both were delicious!! Entrees - My husband ordered Smothered chicken. He felt that the chicken and gravy lacked salt but the serving was a generous portion. I ordered salmon with macaroni & sweet potato fries. I did feel that the salmon could have used more salt, but the sauce was great and it was cooked perfectly. The macaroni was good and the sweet potato fries were tasty! One of my students works here and was able to come greet us and later on during lunch, one of the managers greeted us as well. Our check-out experience was smooth and there were no surprises on our bill. Overall we recommend Cafe Reconcile to tourists and visitors. Make sure you start your meal with the fried turkey necks or crab cake! read more
Ugh I'm upset at how good this spot was b/c I don't live here! First off, what a wonderful welcoming place, every employee was lovely. I used to be a high school teacher and love that they work with young people w/ culinary ambitions! I got the gumbo and blackened catfish w/ Mac & cheese and sweet potato crumble and it was all soooo goood! So well flavored and yummy and homey and warming and delicious. Truly devastated I have to leave and can't come here regularly. read more
5 months ago
Tied for the best meal I had while in New Orleans. Visited on a weekday and saw that there were already several groups waiting outside 10 minutes before opening. I had made reservations just to be safe. What I got: sesame chili glazed turkey necks (10/5) -- fall off the bone tender. more sesame and brown sugar than chili flavor. only advice is they garnish these with cilantro leaf, but should try using stems if they want more flavor Blackened catfish (10/5) -- first time having blackened anything, which might be bad because this set the bar HIGH. the edges of the catfish were super crispy and the inside was cooked perfectly (See photos). well seasoned and a huge portion Collard greens (10/5) -- smoky, savory, tender, a little sweet and not overly salty Crab rice (5/5) -- this was a daily special and I subbed this as one of the sides for the catfish plate. Seems like a fried rice with the holy trinity and typical cajun seasoning. Flavorful although the crab itself didn't come through This is a must visit eatery with stellar service, food, and vibes. read more
Wow I would give six stars if I could. It has been years since I've been to Cafe Reconcile, and my first time seeing the new renovations. I loved everything about the new space it felt open, bright and warm. I also love how they showcased all the students in the program on the walls. During my visit it was a busy lunch hour but our server was sweet. There was a bit of a wait but it was understandable because it was super busy and I understand the students are training. But the food was immaculate. I ordered the crispy turkey necks for my appetizer, and the Rose Shirley Temple. I had never had a fried turkey neck, but they changed the game with that one. The necks were full of meat and I loved the glaze they were tossed in. For my entree I ordered the blackened catfish with Cafe Reconcile Sauce with a side of greens and sweet potato crumble. Delicious!! I'm still thinking about the food and I look forward to eating there again. read more
I have always had a wonderful experience visiting Cafe Reconcile. You have to make a reservation when you're planning to visit, that is how good it is! This is a restaurant that I can always try a new item and be happy with the selection. The serving portions are always great! The food is fresh and well seasoned. The servers are always in good spirits and that is a great sign that management is taking care of them! read more
2 months ago
3 months ago
Everything we ordered was delicious, perfectly seasoned, and beautifully plated. The fried turkey necks, delish. The crab cakes were moist inside and crunchy outside. I could happily eat endless bowls of the sweet potato crumble. The greens, red beans and rice, and the half fried chicken were perfectly seasoned and the perfect portion siza. And the sweet chili-glazed salmon plus serving of mac 'n' cheese - perfect sweetness and hint of hit on the salmon and creamy mac-n-cheese. The tables are set with ample room in between in this brightly lit, beautifully decorated dining area that includes a view into the kitchen, large windows, and professional head shots of the students. read more
Came here for lunch on a Wednesday with coworkers. It was so good we came back the next Wednesday. We didn't have reservations either time, but we were seated right away. For both visits, I had the blackened catfish plate. It comes with two sides. The first visit I had the collard greens and the sweet potato crumble. The second visit I had the collards again and mac and cheese. The catfish is seasoned well and cooked to perfection. I'm not really a greens fanatic, but I eat them every now and then. These were great! They had a good flavor and weren't tough. The sweet potato crumble tastes like Thanksgiving *drools* and the mac and cheese was delicious too! I'm sure we'll be back! read more
10 months ago
What can I say? This is one of our favorite places to eat! Not only is the food delicious with super reasonable prices, but you're supporting a great program that directly helps our community! It's really hard to beat that. The fried catfish with crawfish cream sauce is my favorite and their Mac n cheese is always so creamy and delicious. The turkey necks have become my go to appetizer. To think I had never had them before! It's only open for lunch Tuesday to Friday so plan accordingly! read more
10 months ago
I like the concept of training young people in the culinary arts and so I decided to patronize this restaurant. I will say everyone was lovely. I loved the catfish. The rest of the was just okay. My only issue is the time it takes to receive your order is quite long. You definitely can't go there starving. read more
5 months ago
3 months ago
I had the opportunity to visit Café Reconcile with coworkers who work for a nonprofit dedicated to creating workforce opportunities and providing healthy, positive alternatives for youth. Because of the work we do, we especially appreciated Café Reconcile's mission of equipping young adults with job skills, mentorship, and real-world restaurant experience. Seeing that mission in action made the visit even more meaningful. What impressed me most was the professionalism of the young people working throughout the restaurant and the patience, encouragement, and care shown by the staff who mentor and train them. It was clear that this is much more than a restaurant--it's a place where lives are being transformed through opportunity. And then there was the food. Everything we had was delicious! As a pescatarian, I've been contemplating adding poultry back into my diet. My coworker insisted I try the fried turkey necks, and after hearing so many rave reviews, I gave them a chance. They absolutely lived up to the hype! I can honestly say I don't want to eat turkey any other way. Café Reconcile has completely spoiled me--I am officially hooked. It's rare to find a place where an outstanding meal and a meaningful mission come together so seamlessly. Whenever I'm back in New Orleans, Café Reconcile will be one of my first stops. read more
7 months ago
We were looking for great catfish and gumbo and Reconcile didn't disappoint. This was best gumbo we had in New Orleans and the catfish was amazing. read more
2 months ago
8 months ago
Very tasty! Supports a good cause and is yummy food. Not fast food, expect to hang around a bit. read more
1 year ago
This was my first visit here & I can't believe I have been missing out all of these years. When we walked in we were seated immediately, but it took maybe about 6 mins before someone came to our table for drink orders. After placing drink order, it took a while for them to bring the drinks out. Then, after placing food order & seeing multiple other orders being brought out, the server came to say that there was some kind of mishap with our order & the food should be out shortly, After about 15 more mins the food was on the table. Now, let me start with those crispy sweet glazed turkey necks, they are a must have!!! They were so big and tender & that sweet chili sauce was delicious. Next time I know to get 3 orders lol. The catfish was huge and fried to perfection. Ask of the sides are . The Mac & cheese reminded me of Thanksgiving and the jalapeño cornbread paired perfectly. For my drink I had an iced tea & the electric watermelon lemonade. Both were very good. Can't wait to come again! read more
I always want to stop and patronize places that offer skills and a chance at rehabilitation to those who need a fresh start in life. Knowing institutions like this one exist helps renew my faith in humanity. That being said, it's a restaurant and food still matters. Thankfully, their offerings are better than average. They could be a little more generous with seasoning for most things, but the po boy was delicious and they actually have an interesting cocktail assortment. If you find yourself out that way, stop by, you might not be blown away by the meal, but you also won't be disappointed. read more
8 months ago
What a treasure! From start to finish, I can't rave about Cafe Reconcile enough. Local friends suggested it for lunch, and wow, it was just so great. I had the fried green tomato sandwich and gumbo...the portion was huge! I like the mission of this place, giving people skills and training; it's really positive and the food is just so darned good. If I lived in New Orleans, I'd be a regular. My friends who suggested it...so lucky to have this in their backyard! read more
9 months ago
Amazing food and service for an authentic NOLA experience. The young people working at the Cafe are inspiring. The fried green tomato sandwich and catfish poboy were delicious. The bread pudding was THE BEST we had in NOLA. read more
5 months ago
Amazing food, amazing service and I absolutely love what they're doing with their training program and paying their employees a livable wage. The bananas foster bread pudding might have been one of the best desserts I've ever had. Could not recommend more read more
10 months ago
Came here recently and I love their mission. We arrived about 45 minutes before they closed and the place was almost full. Our server was friendly. I decided to get the hot shrimp and my partner got the catfish plate. Both tasted great, but the catfish was much larger and still cheaper, so I probably wish I would've ordered that. After we finished our entrees they rushed us a bit since it seemed like they wanted to set up a private event. They asked if we minded having our desserts to-go, which was a bit less than ideal. The peach cobbler was very tasty, but the strawberry shortcake was a bit too bland and not sweet. read more
6 months ago
tldr; amazing and flavorful food, generous portion sizes, reasonable prices! highly recommend recs: fried catfish (pay $3 extra for the crawfish sauce, it's so good) With Cafe Reconcile being my first meal in New Orleans, it's already set a really high bar for the rest of my trip. - Fried Catfish: This dish had a well-seasoned breading, was soft and moist, and paired so well with the crawfish sauce. Entree dishes also come with two sides. For $14-$17, this is a great and filling deal. - Potato Salad (side): Creamy, slightly vinegary -- pairs really well with the creamy and slightly sweet crawfish sauce - Sweet Potato Crumble (side): Like a sweet, cinnamon-flavored dessert. The slightly baked layer of sugar on top was a really nice textural contrast with the rest of the soft sweet potato. Service was super attentive and kind. The restaurant itself is beautifully decorated, spacious, and clearly well-maintained by all the staff. The dining experience here was so pleasant, and I'm glad we had the chance to try this impressive establishment. :) read more
1 year ago
1 year ago
6 months ago
1 year ago
Very friendly staff, so kind! The food was delicious! Great meal and lovely staff. Fried catfish was wonderful! read more
1 year ago
3 years ago
2 years ago
Cafe Reconcile is a very cool space with an awesome mission helping fulfill the dreams of the future culinary wizards of New Orleans. The service and food were good. I had the white beans with shrimp and my friend had the fried catfish. The beans were seasoned perfectly and the buttered french bread was a great touch. The catfish was fried perfectly not too hard or soft. The potato salad had a hint of seafood boil and the greens had a hint of sweetness. The prices were great too. Both meals were $13. I definitely recommend checking this spot out read more
2 years ago
My supervisor brought a colleague & myself here for lunch. The service was great & the food was delicious! It was a Friday & I had the fried catfish with crawfish sauce along with collard greens & Mac&cheese. I'm a NOLA native & their food beat a lot of the upscale restaurants that have become so pretentious. The place is only opened for lunch. That is my only gripe, but I'm happy to know that they cater for events. I will definitely visit here again. I don't eat corn bread but I loved their jalapeño corn muffins. read more
2 years ago
1 year ago
4 years ago
Absolutely loved it. The place is very nice and clean. The wait staff are very attentive and friendly. Now the food is amazing. I ordered the catfish, French fries and greens - it was all very tasty and fresh. My boyfriend ordered their fried chicken. It was very good. I kept digging in his plate LOL. They also have fried Turkey necks there - GET THEM. I never thought I'd enjoy it as much as we did. Will be back! read more
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More info about Cafe Reconcile
1631 Oretha C Haley Blvd
New Orleans, LA 70113
Central City
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(504) 568-1157
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https://www.cafereconcile.org
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