When many residents go to eat, they have to eat cheap. Some offer nightly specials bringing the price down even more. Country Flame, a bustling, unassuming cantina at 620 Iberville Street, a block from Canal Street in the French Quarter. Don't be put off by the weather-beaten exterior or an atmosphere that's often, like Mardi Gras, controlled chaos.
All orders come with chips and homemade salsa.
Best of all, the food is not only cheap but good. Quarter Scene, a caf with history at 900 Dumaine Street at Dauphine in the French Quarter. Quarter Scene oozes New Orleans ambience with high ceilings, overhead fans, latticework, and splashy murals of the Vieux Carr . Both come with bread and savory homemade soup or salad. Coop's Place at 1109 Decatur Street, a no-nonsense eatery across from the French Market.