I always say if I ran a restaurant it would be a breakfast and lunch only place. Mena's is that kind of place and it's a formula that must be working for them. They've been doing it for over 70 years. We went with one of the daily specials. It's a lot of food for a very reasonable price. Our choice was the red beans and rice with fried chicken. It's two pieces of chicken, either breast and wing or thigh and drumstick. It also includes a side salad. More food than we could finish. It's a tight room and they use every bit of it to fit customers in. They take credit cards but like a lot of places in NOLA, cash is a little cheaper. read more

Mena's Palace - Red Beans And Rice - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

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This place is INCREDIBLE for breakfast. The service was wonderful, cute interior, phenomenal food as would be expected in NOLA. I will be back. Highly recommended!! read more

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Just arrived in NOLA and was looking for a place close to the hotel we were staying at. Ordered chicken fried steak and hamburger streak and it was really good. Beignets were fresh, light and not too sweet which is perfect!! Our server Maira went above and beyond to make sure that my toddler got his food first. She offered him crackers while waiting for his grilled cheese which was really nice. It is definitely worth a visit!! read more

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Our group of 4 stopped here for lunch on a weekday because it seemed to be busy, which is a good sign. And we were SO happy that we did! Our table ordered the fried chicken, pork chops, chicken parmigiana po'boy, and catfish po'boy. Everything was good, but the pork chops weren't the table favorite. The service was friendly, fast, and definitely added to the charm of mena's! read more

Mena's Palace - Chicken parmigiana po'boy - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

Cozy, friendly diner vibe. As a vegetarian visiting Nola, the vegetarian muffuletta sandwich (veggieletta) on their menu was a must try. Service was fast. The bread on my sandwich was deliciously soft and pillowy with a crunchy crust. read more

Mena's Palace - Veggieletta - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

We were a party of 3 on a Sunday morning around 10am with no waiting. The service was good, the atmosphere was family oriented, and the food was very good. I suggest the loaded grits with their homemade Tasso meat. The older gentleman who is the owner cures and rubs it down himself. He is also the bar tender who made me a superb Bloody Mary! I also suggest getting the home potatoes bc they reminded me of my granny's smothered potatoes and onions back in the day. This is a nice little spot I know you will enjoy. read more

There is so many reasons to love Mena's as my family and I ate our way through the French Quarter in New Orleans. First, the warm and friendly staff! Every server knows the menu inside and out and they talk to their customers. And second, the full menu - pleases all and with a full bar on hand! The restaurant is casual and a nicely air conditioned space. Great menu options offering: breakfast till close (which is 3pm daily), sandwiches, soup and salads, as well as large entrees like pork chops and baked chicken with dirty rice. They serve many of the local staples - red beans and rice with smoked sausage, chicken fried steak, shrimp Creole and fried oysters to name a few. I had the best potato salad here and thoroughly enjoyed my muffeletta. It was served warm by request (cold is also an option). My family ordered the breakfast specialties: delicious poached eggs and ham (sliced thick), Cajun smoked pork tasso omelette - pork is rubbed and smoked with Mena's house made Tasso seasoning; comes with grits which you can order the classic style or fully loaded (Cajun style) with more pork and cheddar cheese. We did the fully loaded of course! It was so delicious. Best grits I've ever tried. This is a must try local stop. Just know they are open during the AM hours through 3pm. No dinner service. This is where the locals flock to, opened since the 1950's. Note: website looks dated but it's an updated space and menu when you're there. Located in the historic part of the French Quarter. read more

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We stopped in for a quick po boy and had an awesome experience! My husband absolutely loved the catfish po boy (his first po boy!) and I got the cheese fries. They have a handful of cheeses you can pick from so you don't have to get stuff with American! All of the staff were so kind and full of infectious joy!!! The kind of folks you want to hug and have a drink with. read more

Mena's Palace - Catfish po boy - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

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Always great red beans and fried chicken no matter what day of the week it is! Only reason I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 is that the salad served with it had wilted lettuce. read more

Mena's Palace - Red Beans And Rice and Fried Chicken Special - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

Being local and living close to the quarter, I don't know why we sometimes forget about this gem. I think maybe because it's a little bit off our personal beaten path, but still very easy to get to. We have never had bad service, it's always very welcoming and friendly. It's very casual and can get a bit loud and very busy with out of town visitors on the weekends, but it's still worth the visit. There is something special about their pionsetta I don't know if it's the brand of juice or the type of sparkling, but they are delicious! Bloody Mary's are good too. The omelettes are huge and full of cheese and stuffing, my favorite side is the potatoes that are grilled with onions- yum! Plates are large, so go hungry and enjoy. read more

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Location Just off Bourbon Street Parking It's New Orleans-we walked Atmosphere NOLA cafe Seating Small cafe tables Service Immediate and friendly Menu Brunch, lunch-we were there for beignets. The beignets here were so light and fluffy-very lightly dusted with 10x sugar and cinnamon- delish!! Iced tea was refreshing. The beignets base was croissanty fluffy. Summary What an AMAZING find-right on the cornet-huge menu-beignet's with cinnamon!! Loved it!! read more

Mena's Palace - Beignets - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

Very good breakfast and lunch. The lunch specials vary by the day, and all are good. I particularly enjoy their red beans and rice and their shrimp creole. Both are delicious and come in generous portions. I've had worse at much more expensive restaurants in New Orleans. The service is good. Sometimes they are a little show, but that's only because they are usually very busy. Despite that, they're generally upbeat and very nice. The location is another plus. It's just inside the French Quarter, and a short walk from many of the CBD hotels as well as anywhere in the Quarter. read more

Ate here as it was near the hotel where we were attending a convention. We chose an outside table as I was on a mobility scooter and I didn't see space for it inside. I had the shrimp remoulade on a salad and it was very good., although the freshly cooked shrimp wilted the greens. We also shared an order of beignets. Never made it to Cafe du Monde on this trip so I don't know how they compare, but I did enjoy them. Service was good. read more

Mena's was exactly what we were looking for! We wanted just a chill breakfast spot that wasn't a tourist trap trying to over charge us for simple food. There were locals dining here and I asked them about the spot. They said they dine here all the time. Great sign right there. The Cajun style andouille sausage and cheddar omelette was ridiculously tasty! We got it with potatoes and they were so savory and delicious. The brioche French toast was not spectacular to look at but was just simple and tasty. Basically what I'd make at home. Also... we overheard people talk about the fried chicken... we don't get it but it looked amazing on the table next to us. Probably worth trying too. This place was great. Thanks Mena's Palace! Highly recommended read more

Mena's Palace - We had the corner window table and this was the restaurant! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

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When the wait for the nearby Ruby Slipper was too long, my group of 5 decided to go to Mena's. It wasn't too busy so the staff allowed a partial group to be seated while we waited for two additional people to arrive. I ordered the veggie omelet with home fries which wasn't bad, but nothing mindblowing. My other friends also enjoyed their respective meals! read more

Mena's Palace - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

Food was good as was the service. I appreciate the location (1/2 block from our hotel). Ambiance was nice and seemed like a place locals as well as travelers, like us, enjoy. read more

It's tiny but mighty! This place serves up a delicious breakfast, with good hospitality. Whenever I'm in NOLA I eat breakfast here daily!

Best breakfast in New Orleans, we had the mushroom sausage and cheddar omelette. Even better than that, we had the Greek beignets, which were far better than DuMondes!! They are served with, honey, walnuts, and cinnamon. Our server, Jamyra, was outstanding also!! I highly recommend this Restaurant. read more

Overall adequate breakfast spot. Quick service and what you would expect from a French quarter dinette serving breakfast/brunch. However I was not enamored by the Tasso-flavored omelette finding it somewhat tasteless but satisfying given my hunger. Grits were standard and personally I could make better. Wouldn't necessarily take a pass here given charm and NOLA infused flavors, but don't go out of your way. read more

Mena's Palace - Cajun Tasso Omelette - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

Mena's Palace has been one of my favorites for breakfast since my last visit to New Orleans. However, my recent trip (10/18/24) there left a little to be desired. The staff was friendly as always and we were promptly seated despite there being a wait. The restaurant and bar was busy with activity and I saw a lot of good-looking plates. It was me and four of my family members and we all got breakfast despite it being about noon. Orders ranged from breakfast plates, French toast, pancakes, spiked coffee and mimosas. Now to the food. The grits were undercooked, my eggs were under, toast was dark and my nephew's pancakes were big, thick and burnt. He sent them back. The drinks were enjoyable. I was so upset as I raved about how good of a breakfast spot they were. Most of the food was edible, but pales in comparison to my last few visits to Mena's. I still got love for Mena's, but it'll probably be a while before I call on her again. read more

Mena's Palace - Grits with crumbled Tasso ham and cheddar cheese and fried eggs - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

I had breakfast here and really enjoyed it! The food was fresh and delicious, and the service was great from start to finish. Our server was super friendly and very accommodating -- they made sure everything was just how we wanted. The whole experience felt warm and welcoming. Definitely a place I'd come back to for another breakfast! read more

First off thank you Jade for being the best waitress in New Orleans! Brunch was amazing! I went traditional and has eggs, bacon and home fries. My best friend got the muffuletta and her sister got the shrimp remoulade salad. Our drinks were bomb! And the beignets were even better ... We will definitely be back before we go! read more

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We almost walked right past this place on a recent trip to New Orleans; I am so glad we didn't! Our waitress, Jamyra was so friendly and attentive, and she made excellent menu recommendations,too. I tried the Shrimp Creole omelette, my friend tried the French toast, and we shared an order of beignets. The French toast was so good that it didn't need syrup, the shrimp creole was savory, filling, and exceptionally satisfying, and the beignets were better than--dare I say?--Cafe Du Monde!! It was such an unexpectedly great meal that we actually came back again today and were equally impressed! Don't miss this restaurant next time you're in NOLA!!!! read more

Mena's Palace - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

Very good breakfast and the owner Leo was a great guy to talk with. Very welcoming place.

I'm strolling through the French Quarter with no plan in mind when I find Mena's Palace. It's cozy and pretty crowded on a Monday morning, so I wander inside. I pick a tiny table in the corner and begin perusing the menu. I'm not overly hungry, but French toast and grits sound too good too resist. I ordered both as sides and left no crumbs! Unbeknownst to me (I'm a tourist!), Mena's Palace does not take all credit cards. I only had one credit card with me, no cash. It happened to be one the restaurant did not take. However, the waitress kindly took my non-preferred credit card while I apologized profusely. I even offered to call my husband to come meet me. My bill was less than $15. I understand some credit card fees are higher than others, so I respect the restaurant's decision. I also appreciate so much its immediate accommodation for a free spirited tourist who wandered out with limited form of payment. Lesson learned and thank you for the food and hospitality, Mena's Palace! read more

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Quality of gumbo was tasteless. Oysters PoBoy was boring. Oysters were not fresh 6 small oysters. $18! Boring gumbo : $8.95 cup This place is an institutions. Have been here many time. The worst experience. I would not return read more

What a great little hole in the wall. Glad we got there "early" because it started to fill up quick around 9:30. The menu was a little sparse based on what my friends described it, but totally enough selections for me. The food tasted great and was plentiful. The staff was friendly and helpful. I'll definitely be going back. read more

Stopped in got a drink to go. Clean inside seemed like a relaxing place. Servers were all friendly read more

Mena's Palace - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

Oh Mena, how I miss thee. Definitely a must-go spot if you're in the Quarter, especially on days when you're trying to keep it chill. The perfect pre-flight meal, imo. My only knock is that the space if kinda tight but you get used to that in a bustling tourist area. Hands down the best grits I've ever had in my life. Literally perfect. Gumbo, fish, shrimp, salad, fried (red!) tomatoes... whatever you feel like, go ahead and order it. You will not be disappointed. Oh, and the service is warm, welcoming, and efficient. PS. The Irish coffee will get your day started in the best way! read more

Mena's Palace - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

Really enjoyed this little restaurant. Our server was fantastic. The chicken fried steak was delicious - perfectly crispy on the outside and no gristle in the steak itself. Lots of good options with breakfast being served the whole time. Would definitely go back. read more

First time trying Tasso and I really enjoyed it. Reminded me of corn beef hash. Really nice staff and we got seated quickly even though it was busy. Would definitely go back again! read more

Mena's Palace - Tasso Omelette - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

Amazing place. Warm, heartfelt food. We had the creole shrimp omelette and the chicken fried steak. Delicious!! The Rameloude sauce was amazing. Crab cakes were perfectly fried. Iced coffee delicious. The waitress Myra sweet as can be, fast and kind! This place is a staple, small but so heart warming! 10/10 recommend. read more

Phenomenal food, great service and the prices are fair. We hit it every time we are in Nola!

Greek owned, well kept, very friendly. Best Bloody Mary (house made mix), I had the shrimp remoulade on fried green tomatoes appetizer. Great, fresh and hot. So much flavor in the remoulade, I lived it. I also had a side of red beans and rice, so good I am sending daughter here to try them in 2 weeks! Great place to eat out of a sea of options!! read more

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Solid breakfast diner with good food, good service, and no glitz and glam. As you're walking down Chartres street, keep on walking past the polished diners with long lines out on the street. Minas had little to no wait. And the cheaper prices are a vetter value for really good diner food. We enjoyed their Cajun Tasso omelet (long smoked pork and cheddar), home fries with lots of lightly cooked onions, and a side of nice salty bacon. A hangover breakfast for sure. Top it off with some of the best coffee around and a mimosa, and we're ready to hit the street again. read more

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I've had so many omelettes in New Orleans, but this was by far the best. My husband really enjoyed his omelette as well. The breakfast potatoes and toast were delicious. We definitely skipped lunch after this meal. The seating is first come first serve and they won't let you sit down until your entire party has arrived. No reservations. The food came out fast and hot read more

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We discovered a hidden gem where the locals enjoy eating while walking toward the French Quarter, and it turned out to be a wonderful surprise! The place is cute and cozy. The home-fried potatoes were excellent, and the French toast was perfectly portioned--not too much and not too little. We would definitely eat here again. The prices were fantastic, not to mention the service; our waitress was very attentive, friendly, and went above and beyond. Overall, we would definitely return to this charming spot. read more

Great experience. A classic New Orleans twist on the beloved shrimp po boy. Fried with fresh shrimp off the New Orleans coast accompanied by an enriched creamy mayonnaise and crisp lettuce. Service was also fantastic server was pleasantly friendly and swift. Overall great experience and conveniently placed on Chartres St. read more

Mena's Palace - Shrimp poboy - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

Good solid food. Packed place actually. So much that for some it may make you feel a little claustrophobic. Our waitress worked very hard to handle her tables but service was a little slower than expected. Overall a great breakfast. read more

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Small corner restaurant that serves breakfast and lunch. Like all food spots in the French Quarter, it gets pretty busy. Went on a Saturday morning, but the wait wasn't so bad. There's a small bar on the side if you want some alcohol, but most of the restaurant is taken up by the open seating area. No booths and no outside seating, unfortunately. It was crowded, but the waitstaff still managed to be attentive at all times and kept a friendly, pleasant demeanor. The breakfast menu has your traditional items, with some of your NOLA favorites. Nothing too fancy like some of the other more popular spots within walking distance. Ordered the Cajun Tasso omelet. Basically eggs mixed in with pork that's seasoned with Tasso. The pork had a smokey taste to it and wasn't salty at all. Very flavorful and delicious dish. Came with a side of home fries and bread. Not a bad price point either. If you like a no nonsense, solid breakfast spot without too much fanfare, definitely come here. read more

Mena's Palace - Cajun Tasso omelet - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana