April 2022
Hair of the Dog: Boozy Brunch Spots
Hair of the Dog: Boozy Brunch Spots
Hair of the Dog: Boozy Brunch Spots
There’s no need to jump through hoops to find a bad-to-the-bone boozy brunch spot to enjoy with spot. Pup & Purr has sniffed out some of the most wag-worthy brunches around, so grab your pooch and head out for some dog-gone creative cuisine and eye-opening libations that are sure to raise the woof!
Abita Roasting Co. – abitaroasting.com
Looking to dig into brunch anytime of the day? Abita Roasting Company, with Northshore locations in Covington and Madisonville, dishes out eggcellent breakfast and brunch every day, all day. Co-owners Brent Belsom, who has a one-year-old English Bulldog named Brutus and Kyle Ross, who has two Golden Doodles named Sandi and Koda, adore dogs and welcome four-legged guests. Both café locations have outdoor seating where your pooch will be given a water bowl and either a tasty puppuccino or dog biscuit. Fido will even get a goodie when you visit the drive-thru for your caffeine fix. While their coffee may have put Abita Roasting on the map—since 2006 they have been hand roasting small batch coffee beans in St. Tammany Parish sourced from historic areas all over the world—the food and cocktails are also best in show. Kick things off with Sweet Potato Halos: heavenly beignets with butter pecan icing, or French Toast Dippers with cinnamon sugar crust and maple syrup. The imaginative benedicts, from the Acadiana-fried Louisiana catfish and gulf shrimp over toasted French bread topped with poached eggs and hollandaise, to the Green Tomato Sardou with creamed spinach, artichokes, poached eggs, hollandaise and crumbled bacon, will have you begging for more! There’s also delectable omelets like the fiery Flambeau featuring hot sausage, Andouille, banana peppers, hot peppers, onions and pepper jack cheese, and the Wild Western with sage sausage, hickory ham, tomatoes, jalapenos, bell peppers, onions, pepper jack cheese, salsa and sour cream. Be sure to sniff out one of their premium mimosa or a signature brunchin’ cocktails such as the Abita Sunrise (gold tequila, orange-passion-guava juice and grenadine), or the outrageous Shrimp and Bacon Bloody (house infused vodka, spicy beans, olives, celery, blackened shrimp and applewood-smoked bacon with a Creole seasoning rim). If you had a ruff night and need a little hair of the dog pick-me-up, opt for a caffeine-centric coffee cocktail like the Black velvet (cold-pressed artisan coffee, RumChata cream liqueur and vanilla over ice), or the Kailua Caramela (black & tan roast, caramel, coffee liqueur and steamed milk topped with whipped cream). They also offer a swanky dinner menu called “Abita After Dark” and a catering menu.
Café Navarre – cafenavarre.com
This unassuming, local eatery is owned and operated by Heather Riccobono, a fourth-generation restaurateur who grew up in the restaurant business spending her high school and college days working in family restaurants and learning every aspect, from the ground up. So, when the old Weaver’s Po-boys in Lakeview came up for sale, it was Heather’s opportunity to become the top dog of her own place. Since 2007, Café Navarre has been tempting diners with their howl-o-licious, casual eats from the thin-crust artisan pizzas and family-recipe sandwiches to the yummy salads. The cozy, outdoor covered patio was added a few years later, so cuddly canines can tag along while you dig into breakfast, lunch, brunch or dinner. If you have an itch for eggs that needs to be scratched, then this is your place! Fetch one of their signature eggs Benedict options like Eggs Cochon with slow roasted pulled pork, or Creamed Spinach and Artichoke served with creamy hollandaise and poached eggs. As for omelets, the Texmex, a savory combo of chicken, onions, bell peppers, tomatoes, avocado, cheddar and salsa, or The Shroom featuring mushrooms, feta, spinach, onions, tomatoes and mozzarella are sure to please your pack. Wet your whiskers with one of the refreshing top-shelf frozen concoctions such as a Watermelon Frosé, Wildberry Mojito, Skinny Pina Colada, Bellini or Negroni. Other libations sure to get your tail wagging include the Juno (cucumber vodka, muddled mint, simple syrup, fresh lime, splash of OJ and soda), and the Elderflower Royale (elderflower liquor, sparkling wine, soda and lemon squeeze). Check out happy hour Tuesday through Friday from 3 until 6 p.m. for drink and appetizer specials. Café Navarre’s super friendly staff will show Fido some love, too with dog bowls filled with fresh water and maybe even a treat or two.
Faubourg Brewing Co. – faubourgbrewery.com
If you prefer your brunch bubbles in the form of beer then we have a spot that you’re sure to go mutts over! Leash up Fido and head to Faubourg Brewing Co., the city’s oldest operating brewery, every Saturday and Sunday to enjoy some totally pawsome food and top-notch brews. Tasty brunch grub like the Trash Grits (a heaping bowl of cheese grits layered with smoked gouda, grilled onions and pulled pork topped with sriracha sauce and a fried egg), or Chicken and Waffle (a fluffy Belgian-style waffle served with fried boneless chicken, whipped honey butter and Steen’s bourbon cane syrup) will not disappoint. Other tempting treats include Boudin Egg Rolls stuffed with pepper jack cheese, 1907 Lager Fish Tacos (catfish battered with Faubourg 1907 Lager, fried to perfection and served with jalapeno tartar sauce and citrus slaw) and The Original Crawfish Poutine (crispy seasoned fries slathered with buttery crawfish étouffée and pepper jack cheese). Looking for the ultimutt brunch beer to complement all that goodness? Try the 2021 U.S. Open Beer Championship Gold Medal-winning Golden Cypress Wheat Ale. It’s zesty, sweet aromas with a hint of coriander and bright, orange citrus flavors are sure to rival any mimosa. From 11 a.m. until 3 p.m., fetch a $17 pitcher of one of Faubourg’s flagship beers including Faubourg Lager, Westwego West Coast Style IPA, Dat’Suma IPA, Blackened Voodoo Dark Lager and Golden Cypress Wheat Ale. The goodies aren’t just for humans—here’s water bowls for your pupper and all doggie guests are given free treats. Take a brewery tour with Fido to see first paw how their magic brew is made, plus discover the tale of Faubourg Brewing from its beginnings in 1907 when it was known as Dixie Brewing. Additionally, Faubourg partners with local rescue groups to host pet adoption events called Paws on the Lawn. If you’re looking for a new fur pal, check their website for upcoming dates.
La Petite Grocery – lapetitegrocery.com
For more than 15 years, locals and visitors have flocked to this beloved bistro to dig into Chef/Owner Justin Devillier’s award-winning, French-inspired fare. Justin, who received a James Beard Award for Best Chef South in 2016, honed his culinary skills in NOLA working at top restaurants including Bacco, Stella and Peristyle before joining the La Petite Grocery pack in 2004. Today, he and wife Mia (who are proud parents to three precious fur babies: Goldendoodle Rambeaux, Roxy a black Labrador Retriever and a long-haired kitty named Pepper) own and operate La Petite Grocery, as well as Justine, which the couple opened in 2019. Fetch a sidewalk table on Magazine Street with your pooch for great people watching, creative cocktails and Chef Justin’s sophisticated take on traditional New Orleans cuisine. Most of the staff here are pet parents themselves, so they love serving four-legged guests as well as their human companions. Begin your dining experience with a mouthwatering appetizer like Ricotta Dumplings with roasted mushrooms and Grana Padano, or Yellowfin Tuna Tartare with marinated olives, lemon aioli, cucumbers and cured egg yolk. As for mains, the legendary LPG Cheeseburger with onion marmalade, house pickles, gruyere, aioli, whole grain mustard and arugula served with hand-cut fries will have you licking your chops! You can’t go wrong with the succulent Gulf Shrimp and Grits with charred corn, shiitake mushrooms and Tasso, or the Brioche Pain Perdu accented by macerated berries, mascarpone, preserved lemon and mint. Be sure to toss in a side of Duck Fat Hash with lemon aioli, pimento cheese and chives. Indulge in a tail-wagging Big Red Hammer (house-made bloody Mary mix with Tito’s Vodka), poached shrimp and house-pickled vegetables served in a mason jar, or a frothy Pisco Sour made with pisco, sugar, egg whites, orange, lemon and lime served neat with a Luxardo cherry. Bone Appetite!
Ruby Slipper – therubyslippercafe.net
All-day brunch and eye-opening cocktails? Yes, please! In 2008, husband and wife team Jennifer and Erich Weishaupt opened the first Ruby Slipper Café to help draw people back to their beloved Mid-City neighborhood in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. Since then, the award-winning restaurant group has expanded to 11 locations across the Gulf South region and launched Ruby Sunshine, the company’s first foray outside of Louisiana with locations across the South. Boasting an expansive menu bursting with brunch fare, it’s easy to see why this local hot spot is popping up all over town. Your furry friend is welcomed to accompany you at several area locations that offer outdoor seating including the Marigny, Metairie Road, Mid-City (which has a nice grassy space for pups and giant games for human kids to play) and Magazine Street among others. Begin with the pawsitively addictive Pig Candy Bacon Bites with candied glaze, or the Fried Green Tomatoes topped with remoulade and bacon onion jam. Woof-worthy entrees such as the Three Little Pigs Omelet (stuffed with applewood-smoked bacon, ham, sausage and Swiss cheese), the Hot-Smoked Salmon Omelet (with goat cheese, hollandaise, red onions and flash-fried capers), and the perfectly balanced Sweet Heat Chicken (fried chicken and fresh strawberries tossed in hot honey glaze over French toast bites) are sure to make your pup envious. Benedict lovers will squeal with delight over the Crawfish & Grits (a giant fried grit cake topped with poached eggs, Louisiana crawfish cream sauce and chives), or the house-made Corned Beef hash served over a buttermilk biscuit, topped with poached eggs, horseradish cream and hollandaise. Satisfy your sweet tooth with Bananas Foster Pain Perdu with rum-flambéed bananas and raisins, or the White Chocolate Bread Pudding with white chocolate whiskey sauce. You’re sure to dig their sparkling cocktails like the Ruby Mimosa with orange and pomegranate juices, or a Bellini with house-made peach puree and peach schnapps. Jump start your day with their award-winning Bloody Mary (a savory blend of spicy house-made mix paired with your choice of bacon-infused vodka or tequila blanco), or a Boozy Iced Coffee with vodka, milk, cream, vanilla syrup and whipped cream that’s sure perk up not only your ears!
Abita Roasting Co. – abitaroasting.com
Looking to dig into brunch anytime of the day? Abita Roasting Company, with Northshore locations in Covington and Madisonville, dishes out eggcellent breakfast and brunch every day, all day. Co-owners Brent Belsom, who has a one-year-old English Bulldog named Brutus and Kyle Ross, who has two Golden Doodles named Sandi and Koda, adore dogs and welcome four-legged guests. Both café locations have outdoor seating where your pooch will be given a water bowl and either a tasty puppuccino or dog biscuit. Fido will even get a goodie when you visit the drive-thru for your caffeine fix. While their coffee may have put Abita Roasting on the map—since 2006 they have been hand roasting small batch coffee beans in St. Tammany Parish sourced from historic areas all over the world—the food and cocktails are also best in show. Kick things off with Sweet Potato Halos: heavenly beignets with butter pecan icing, or French Toast Dippers with cinnamon sugar crust and maple syrup. The imaginative benedicts, from the Acadiana-fried Louisiana catfish and gulf shrimp over toasted French bread topped with poached eggs and hollandaise, to the Green Tomato Sardou with creamed spinach, artichokes, poached eggs, hollandaise and crumbled bacon, will have you begging for more! There’s also delectable omelets like the fiery Flambeau featuring hot sausage, Andouille, banana peppers, hot peppers, onions and pepper jack cheese, and the Wild Western with sage sausage, hickory ham, tomatoes, jalapenos, bell peppers, onions, pepper jack cheese, salsa and sour cream. Be sure to sniff out one of their premium mimosa or a signature brunchin’ cocktails such as the Abita Sunrise (gold tequila, orange-passion-guava juice and grenadine), or the outrageous Shrimp and Bacon Bloody (house infused vodka, spicy beans, olives, celery, blackened shrimp and applewood-smoked bacon with a Creole seasoning rim). If you had a ruff night and need a little hair of the dog pick-me-up, opt for a caffeine-centric coffee cocktail like the Black velvet (cold-pressed artisan coffee, RumChata cream liqueur and vanilla over ice), or the Kailua Caramela (black & tan roast, caramel, coffee liqueur and steamed milk topped with whipped cream). They also offer a swanky dinner menu called “Abita After Dark” and a catering menu.
Café Navarre – cafenavarre.com
This unassuming, local eatery is owned and operated by Heather Riccobono, a fourth-generation restaurateur who grew up in the restaurant business spending her high school and college days working in family restaurants and learning every aspect, from the ground up. So, when the old Weaver’s Po-boys in Lakeview came up for sale, it was Heather’s opportunity to become the top dog of her own place. Since 2007, Café Navarre has been tempting diners with their howl-o-licious, casual eats from the thin-crust artisan pizzas and family-recipe sandwiches to the yummy salads. The cozy, outdoor covered patio was added a few years later, so cuddly canines can tag along while you dig into breakfast, lunch, brunch or dinner. If you have an itch for eggs that needs to be scratched, then this is your place! Fetch one of their signature eggs Benedict options like Eggs Cochon with slow roasted pulled pork, or Creamed Spinach and Artichoke served with creamy hollandaise and poached eggs. As for omelets, the Texmex, a savory combo of chicken, onions, bell peppers, tomatoes, avocado, cheddar and salsa, or The Shroom featuring mushrooms, feta, spinach, onions, tomatoes and mozzarella are sure to please your pack. Wet your whiskers with one of the refreshing top-shelf frozen concoctions such as a Watermelon Frosé, Wildberry Mojito, Skinny Pina Colada, Bellini or Negroni. Other libations sure to get your tail wagging include the Juno (cucumber vodka, muddled mint, simple syrup, fresh lime, splash of OJ and soda), and the Elderflower Royale (elderflower liquor, sparkling wine, soda and lemon squeeze). Check out happy hour Tuesday through Friday from 3 until 6 p.m. for drink and appetizer specials. Café Navarre’s super friendly staff will show Fido some love, too with dog bowls filled with fresh water and maybe even a treat or two.
Faubourg Brewing Co. – faubourgbrewery.com
If you prefer your brunch bubbles in the form of beer then we have a spot that you’re sure to go mutts over! Leash up Fido and head to Faubourg Brewing Co., the city’s oldest operating brewery, every Saturday and Sunday to enjoy some totally pawsome food and top-notch brews. Tasty brunch grub like the Trash Grits (a heaping bowl of cheese grits layered with smoked gouda, grilled onions and pulled pork topped with sriracha sauce and a fried egg), or Chicken and Waffle (a fluffy Belgian-style waffle served with fried boneless chicken, whipped honey butter and Steen’s bourbon cane syrup) will not disappoint. Other tempting treats include Boudin Egg Rolls stuffed with pepper jack cheese, 1907 Lager Fish Tacos (catfish battered with Faubourg 1907 Lager, fried to perfection and served with jalapeno tartar sauce and citrus slaw) and The Original Crawfish Poutine (crispy seasoned fries slathered with buttery crawfish étouffée and pepper jack cheese). Looking for the ultimutt brunch beer to complement all that goodness? Try the 2021 U.S. Open Beer Championship Gold Medal-winning Golden Cypress Wheat Ale. It’s zesty, sweet aromas with a hint of coriander and bright, orange citrus flavors are sure to rival any mimosa. From 11 a.m. until 3 p.m., fetch a $17 pitcher of one of Faubourg’s flagship beers including Faubourg Lager, Westwego West Coast Style IPA, Dat’Suma IPA, Blackened Voodoo Dark Lager and Golden Cypress Wheat Ale. The goodies aren’t just for humans—here’s water bowls for your pupper and all doggie guests are given free treats. Take a brewery tour with Fido to see first paw how their magic brew is made, plus discover the tale of Faubourg Brewing from its beginnings in 1907 when it was known as Dixie Brewing. Additionally, Faubourg partners with local rescue groups to host pet adoption events called Paws on the Lawn. If you’re looking for a new fur pal, check their website for upcoming dates.
La Petite Grocery – lapetitegrocery.com
For more than 15 years, locals and visitors have flocked to this beloved bistro to dig into Chef/Owner Justin Devillier’s award-winning, French-inspired fare. Justin, who received a James Beard Award for Best Chef South in 2016, honed his culinary skills in NOLA working at top restaurants including Bacco, Stella and Peristyle before joining the La Petite Grocery pack in 2004. Today, he and wife Mia (who are proud parents to three precious fur babies: Goldendoodle Rambeaux, Roxy a black Labrador Retriever and a long-haired kitty named Pepper) own and operate La Petite Grocery, as well as Justine, which the couple opened in 2019. Fetch a sidewalk table on Magazine Street with your pooch for great people watching, creative cocktails and Chef Justin’s sophisticated take on traditional New Orleans cuisine. Most of the staff here are pet parents themselves, so they love serving four-legged guests as well as their human companions. Begin your dining experience with a mouthwatering appetizer like Ricotta Dumplings with roasted mushrooms and Grana Padano, or Yellowfin Tuna Tartare with marinated olives, lemon aioli, cucumbers and cured egg yolk. As for mains, the legendary LPG Cheeseburger with onion marmalade, house pickles, gruyere, aioli, whole grain mustard and arugula served with hand-cut fries will have you licking your chops! You can’t go wrong with the succulent Gulf Shrimp and Grits with charred corn, shiitake mushrooms and Tasso, or the Brioche Pain Perdu accented by macerated berries, mascarpone, preserved lemon and mint. Be sure to toss in a side of Duck Fat Hash with lemon aioli, pimento cheese and chives. Indulge in a tail-wagging Big Red Hammer (house-made bloody Mary mix with Tito’s Vodka), poached shrimp and house-pickled vegetables served in a mason jar, or a frothy Pisco Sour made with pisco, sugar, egg whites, orange, lemon and lime served neat with a Luxardo cherry. Bone Appetite!
Ruby Slipper – therubyslippercafe.net
All-day brunch and eye-opening cocktails? Yes, please! In 2008, husband and wife team Jennifer and Erich Weishaupt opened the first Ruby Slipper Café to help draw people back to their beloved Mid-City neighborhood in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. Since then, the award-winning restaurant group has expanded to 11 locations across the Gulf South region and launched Ruby Sunshine, the company’s first foray outside of Louisiana with locations across the South. Boasting an expansive menu bursting with brunch fare, it’s easy to see why this local hot spot is popping up all over town. Your furry friend is welcomed to accompany you at several area locations that offer outdoor seating including the Marigny, Metairie Road, Mid-City (which has a nice grassy space for pups and giant games for human kids to play) and Magazine Street among others. Begin with the pawsitively addictive Pig Candy Bacon Bites with candied glaze, or the Fried Green Tomatoes topped with remoulade and bacon onion jam. Woof-worthy entrees such as the Three Little Pigs Omelet (stuffed with applewood-smoked bacon, ham, sausage and Swiss cheese), the Hot-Smoked Salmon Omelet (with goat cheese, hollandaise, red onions and flash-fried capers), and the perfectly balanced Sweet Heat Chicken (fried chicken and fresh strawberries tossed in hot honey glaze over French toast bites) are sure to make your pup envious. Benedict lovers will squeal with delight over the Crawfish & Grits (a giant fried grit cake topped with poached eggs, Louisiana crawfish cream sauce and chives), or the house-made Corned Beef hash served over a buttermilk biscuit, topped with poached eggs, horseradish cream and hollandaise. Satisfy your sweet tooth with Bananas Foster Pain Perdu with rum-flambéed bananas and raisins, or the White Chocolate Bread Pudding with white chocolate whiskey sauce. You’re sure to dig their sparkling cocktails like the Ruby Mimosa with orange and pomegranate juices, or a Bellini with house-made peach puree and peach schnapps. Jump start your day with their award-winning Bloody Mary (a savory blend of spicy house-made mix paired with your choice of bacon-infused vodka or tequila blanco), or a Boozy Iced Coffee with vodka, milk, cream, vanilla syrup and whipped cream that’s sure perk up not only your ears!
Tagged in Places and Spaces in our Spring 2022 issue