Ready to go back to simpler times? Then you need to make your way over to this amazing little diner that's hiding in plain sight. Located in New Iberia, this 50s-themed restaurant has it all: a unique atmosphere, great service, and phenomenal food. Let's check it out.
Duffy’s Diner has been around since 1984, but when you step inside, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported back through time.
This funky, retro diner perfectly captures the charm of the 50s. You’ll want to throw on your poodle skirt and leather jacket, for sure.
advertisement
From the checkered floor to the vinyl seats, Duffy’s Diner is just the ticket when you’re looking for good food in a fun, unique atmosphere.
And the food is incredible. It’s not uncommon to find the place packed during peak hours.
The menu features everything from classic diner food to Cajun cuisine. For a seamless blend of both, try the crawfish burger. You’ll fall in love after just one bite.
advertisement
And, of course, what trip to a 50s-themed diner would be complete without a milkshake? Duffy’s old-fashioned shakes and floats are the perfect accompaniment to your meal.
You can find Duffy's Diner at 1106 Center St., New Iberia, LA 70560.
Duffy’s Diner is open Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and on Friday & Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Duffy’s is closed on Sundays. For more information, visit the diner's website here and follow along on its Facebook page here.
Have you ever eaten at Duffy's Diner? Share your favorite dish in the comments below!
If you're in the Greater New Orleans area, check out this retro diner some time, you're going to love it.
New Orleans is known for many things, and its restaurant scene is just the tip of the iceberg. There are countless restaurants in the French Quarter and surrounding areas that have become culinary pillars for the Crescent City. While we may not have those sky-high eateries with majestic overlooks, there are still plenty of sea-level (or just under it) restaurants where you can catch a beautiful view alongside a delicious meal.
advertisement
If you’ve got a sweet tooth, then add Cafe Du Monde to your list. This iconic restaurant in the French Quarter was established in 1862 in the New Orleans French Market.
It’s a popular pitstop for folks touring the French Quarter. After all, it’s been around for over 150 years! Anytime I find myself in the Quarter I make sure to swing by and grab an iced coffee.
Fun fact: iced coffee was added to the menu in 1988.
New Orleans’ most famous coffee shop has a simple menu consisting of dark roasted coffee and chicory, white and chocolate milk, and beignets. It’s a cash-only joint, with an ATM nearby.
The dining area is a huge open space that’s perfect for people-watching. Grab a table near the edge and sip on your coffee while you watch life pass you by. People-watching in New Orleans is on a completely different level, especially in the French Quarter.
You can always count on a nearby street musician to score your experience with their talents. That’s one thing I love most about sitting down at this historic restaurant in the French Quarter. From bucket drummers to brass bands, the music is always on point.
It’s hard to swing by Cafe Du Monde and not get a bag of beignets—it is what they’re known for! Beignets come in orders of three, and they cost less than $4. These French doughnuts pair perfectly with their signature Cafe Au Lait, and you can snag both for under $10.
One word of advice: hold your breath when you take a bite of a beignet. Oh, and don’t aim your beignet at anyone whilst taking a bite. Or do, if you’re a prankster.
Eat them quickly! Beignets are best when they are served fresh out of the fryer. It doesn’t take long for them to become rock-solid, so don’t plan on taking these to-go to eat later in the day.
After your iconic New Orleans treat, wander through Jackson Square! Or sit by the river and watch the ships pass—that’s my favorite thing to do in the French Quarter. Or you may want to enjoy an evening on the Steamboat Natchez!
Brunch is always a good idea. Did you know that the tradition that we know today began in 1854? Back then, butchers would rise early in the morning to get their work done and would be finished by 11 a.m. Typically fueled by nothing more than some bread and coffee.
advertisement
When German immigrant Elizabeth Dutrey Begue noticed her brother and all of his butcher friends were going hungry, she decided to serve a hearty, seven-course meal for the butchers every morning in her tiny, 30-seat restaurant. The menu changed daily based on what was available at the French Market, but things like eggs and chicory-laced coffee were always staples.
The butcher’s breakfast became a popular tradition for many years with folks arriving by train and lining up outside to experience the new craze. Eventually, Tujague’s moved into the location and continued the butcher’s breakfast tradition.
Fast forward to today, and brunch is easily one of the most popular menus in New Orleans. From bottomless mimosas to eggs Benedict, just about every restaurant in the city has a weekend brunch that’s packed to the max.
Of course, there’s brunch and then there’s Jazz brunch. If you’ve never experienced a Jazz brunch, go ahead and move it to the top of your to-do list.
Commander’s Palace is one of the best places to enjoy a Jazz brunch.
The famous New Orleans restaurant has been a culinary pillar for the Crescent City since opening its doors back in 1893. The restaurant sits in the heart of the Garden District, flanked by ancient oak trees, grandiose mansions, and a historic cemetery. There is plenty of street parking at Commander’s Palace, and complimentary valet parking is also available. I’d recommend taking the St. Charles Streetcar and enjoying the scenic walk.
Jazz brunch is served at Commander’s Palace every Saturday (11 a.m. - 2 p.m.) and Sunday (10 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.). Reservations can be made online.
Before you leave the house, please remember the dress code for Commander’s Palace (it’s highly enforced):
advertisement
Business attire
Jackets are preferred for gentlemen
Collard shirts and closed-toed shoes are required for gentlemen
Jeans are discouraged. Ripped jeans are not allowed
No shorts, flip-flops, t-shirts, sweatshirts, or sweatpants
Chef Meg Bickford has expertly crafted a special menu for Jazz brunch. The restaurant’s iconic dishes like turtle soup make an appearance on the special menu, but you’ll also find a wide range of delicious dishes here. Cochon de lait eggs Benedict, pecan-crusted gulf fish, and peach-glazed duck are just a few of the menu items you’ll be tempted with.
Commander’s Palace prides itself on a 100-mile radius rule—90% of the ingredients come from within 100 miles of their back door. Expect some of the freshest flavors you’ve ever tasted.
While you savor the flavors of Creole cuisine at its finest, you’ll be treated to sensational live New Orleans Jazz by the Joe Simon’s Jazz Trio. Don’t be surprised if the band comes up to your table to request a song! They might even start a Second Line in your dining room. Go ahead, join in! It’s all part of the experience.
Jazz brunch at Commander’s Palace is more than a meal—it’s an experience. If you’ve ever enjoyed a Jazz brunch at Commander’s Palace, share your experience with us in the comments.
Once you’ve experienced a Jazz brunch, keep the ball rolling with an evening Jazz cruise aboard the historic Steamboat Natchez.