After waiting at the crowded bar and following the hostess through the hot kitchen to the dining room (with its mismatched plates and flatware), you may wonder just what you've gotten yourself into. But relax and enjoy as you laissez les bon temps rouler at this unbelievable Uptown hot spot. Every meal at Jacques-Imo's begins with corn bread drizzled with melted butter. Then the spinach salad – simple enough, with a vinaigrette dressing and topped with two fried oysters. That alligator cheesecake as an appetizer? Rich and delightful. And the blackened red fish and fried chicken have both developed cult-like followings. Don't be surprised if Jacques himself (outfitted in his signature Bermuda shorts and white chef's jacket) hops over to your table to see how you're doing. Full bar. Serving dinner Mon–Sat. Closed Sun.
Where the Locals Eat Rating
Top 100 Restaurant, New Orleans
"Jacques-Imo's embraces and interprets the New Orleans funky psyche in a way that is fetching to both tourists and locals alike. Not your typical New Orleans restaurant -- Jacques-Imo's Cafe has become one of the hottest food tickets in town, known for its eclectic mix of Creole and Cajun specialties, at reasonable prices -- its irrepressible owner/chef, Jacques Leonardi, who holds court each night dressed in a white chef's jacket, shorts and Birkenstock clogs."
–Jacques-Imo's Café
"If food was ever made principally to encourage people to party heartily, this is it. And it seems to work."
–Brett Anderson, The Times-Picayune
"With its boisterous barroom, exposed kitchen and clutter of murals and folk art, Jacques Imo's lets it all hang out, while the menu is full of bold flavors and over-the-top combinations."
–Gambit Weekly
"Jacques-Imo's is the type of funky, colorful neighborhood joint that the natives love."
–Frommer's
"Dishes like fried chicken with beans, rice, and tangy wilted greens or, for the more daring, fried eggplant smothered in a rich oyster-mushroom sauce dispel any fears of scene eclipsing cuisine."
–Epicurious.com
"[An] artist in the Creole-soul food realm is Jacques Leonardi."
–Julia Reed, Food & Wine
How Others Rate Jacques-Imo's Cafe
Zagat 2009
27 Food Quality (extraordinary to perfection)
Where Y'At
Best Creole Restaurant, 2009 readers' poll
The Times-Picayne
Top 100 Restaurant, 2008
Gambit Weekly
Best Creole Restaurant, Readers' Survey 2008