See Nola

Parkway Bakery & Tavern

538 Hagan Ave. (Mid-City) 504-482-3047. Closed on Tuesday. Kitchen: 11am to 10pm. Bar: 11am to 10pm. In the 1970s there was a flood and when the cold water hit the hot ovens at Parkway Bakery they exploded and, following New Orleans tradition, were never fixed or lit again. Current owner Jay Nix a contractor with no prior restaurant experience, bought the building in 2000 and restored the dilapidated building to museum quality poboy shop and, following New Orleans tradition, kept "bakery" in the name even though no baking is conducted on the premises. Bright colors, historic photographs, old neighborhood signs and safety make this shop a favorite of the Jazz Fest crowd. The place swims in nostalgia, hearkening back to an older, gentler and impossible New Orleans. The bricks from the old ovens are now embedded in the floors of the bar and the rather large outdoor patio. The poboys are quality consistent, nothing to go crazy for, but good. Our favorite: the potato poboy (order it with gravy and cheese). Caprese poboy for the vegetarian. Long lines. 

9/19/09 Burgundy St. 2:40pm

Mickey's Playhouse

1939 Lapeyrouse St. (7th Ward) 504-941-7207. Hours unclear. Cash. Thursday nights at Mickey's Playhouse. That's when they serve the free oysters: grilled and raw with Louis Armstrong blasting on the jukebox. After a couple bites we stared at the ceiling, exhaled. (Miller rings in at $2.50 a bottle.) Drago's invented the New Orleans charbroiled oyster, and we haven't found anything as good as that butter-walloped gem ... till now, at a small neighborhood bar, cooked on an outdoor grill. We dreamed of eating them all night, but settled for 12 because they were free and the bar was packed and they were free. Not exactly like Drago's -- Drago's has more butter and bigger oysters, but Mickey's smaller charred version bursts with backyard BBQ smoke. And like Drago's, the oyster is complimented not overwhelmed by the cheese, butter and garlic. The oysters were also expertly shucked. Owner Mickey circles the room, greeting regulars and strangers alike. A multi-colored disco light provides a little glamor while bentwood chairs and a tile floor speak to New Orleans tradition. Our only complaint: an internet jukebox. Older neighborhood folks who like their music loud. Set-ups. For oyster night get there a little before 7pm. Oysters are served till they run out.  

9/3/09 Decatur St. (and Canal) 7:04pm

9/3/09 St. Peter St.  8:08pm