What is more New Orleans than an all you can eat New Orleans jazz brunch buffet? Good food and great music is at the heart of NOLA culture, and you can get both at this French Quarter brunch spot.
Why go to a jazz brunch?
New Orleans is largely considered the birthplace of jazz music, and it is ingrained in the history and culture of the city. Music is the heartbeat of New Orleans. You can see incredible musicians at just about any time on any day. From large music venues, to jazz halls, and the streets of the French Quarter. So, it’s only fitting that you have live jazz while you enjoy a meal as well.
What type of music can you expect at a typical New Orleans Jazz Brunch?
There is a huge variety of music, and especially jazz music throughout New Orleans. You are not going to have a full 8 person brass band performing the bold call and response songs. Instead, you will generally find a smaller 3-5 person band playing softer songs to enhance the dining mood.
Where to find the best New Orleans Jazz brunch?
I recommend visiting A Court of Two Sisters in the French Quarter. This historic New Orleans restaurant is named after the sisters, Emma and Bertha, who ran a shop of a similar name in the same location in the late 1800s. The restaurant has been open in this same location for over 50 years.
There are two special features to the restaurant, the entry gates and the courtyard. The wrought iron gates are known as the “Charm Gates”. Legend claims they were blessed by the Queen Isabella of Spain, and anyone who touches them will receive that charmed blessing.
The courtyard in which the brunch is held, is the largest courtyard in the French Quarter. The courtyard has a beautiful foundation and a wishing well known as the “Devil’s Wishing Well”. This is because voodoo legend Marie Laveau lived nearby and is said to have practiced her magic in the courtyard. Although the courtyard is large, it is mostly covered by a large trellis that blocks out much of the sun and heat. It is a tranquil and relaxing setting to enjoy your meal.
What is on the New Orleans Jazz brunch menu?
A Court of Two Sisters has one of the best jazz brunches in New Orleans because it is also a buffet. For $36 per adult or $14 for kids 5-12, you can eat all the local NOLA favorites.
Breakfast menu
For breakfast expect to find many classic standards like scrambled eggs, eggs benedict, hash browns, biscuits, grits and a create your own omelet station. Some of these however are only available until 1130am. So if you are looking for breakfast food, arrive early.
Lunch menu
This is where you’ll find many southern and Creole favorites. This includes: jambalaya, gumbo, etouffee, turtle soup, red beans & rice and fried catfish. You’ll also find plenty of sides like creamed spinach, mashed potatoes and sweet potatoes, shrimp, various salads, and breads.
There are also lunch only items (served after 1130am) like duck, ribeye and various pastas.
Dessert menu
You have to make sure to leave room for dessert! There are plenty of classic items like bread pudding, bananas foster and pecan pie, as well as cakes and ice cream.
Be sure to arrive on an empty stomach, because you will be leaving very full.
When is the jazz buffet open?
The live jazz brunch buffet at A Court of Two Sisters is open everyday which is what makes it one of the best places for brunch in New Orleans. You can enjoy this spot for a Sunday jazz brunch or even on a Tuesday. They are open daily from 9am to 3pm. As a best jazz brunch in New Orleans spot, for large parties or private events you will definitely need a reservation. For smaller groups, reservations are not required but recommended, especially during busy weekends.
The pros and cons of a jazz brunch in New Orleans
Pros
This restaurant has one of the friendliest wait staff in all of New Orleans, they will make you feel right at home.
Since this is a buffet, you can try a little bit of everything and see what you like.
This brunch in the French Quarter is located on Royal Street, which has so many shops and local artists you’ll have plenty to see and do before or after brunch.
Cons
Since it is a buffet, you are paying more for the “all you can eat” aspect. Do not eat before you arrive, or you won’t get your money’s worth. That said, don’t overdo it either, or you’ll be in a food coma for the rest of the day.
As with most buffets, some dishes are better than others, and in general may not be as good as you’ll find elsewhere. This is because they are making them in large quantities rather than made to order. We had some really good food, but if you know you only want one specific dish, then the buffet is probably not the best option for you.
The purchase price is for food and basic drinks only, like water, coffee and juice. If you want alcoholic beverages that is an added cost. So your $36 brunch could end up closer to $50.
My overall takeaway is this is a very fun New Orleans jazz brunch experience worth having. You can sample a lot of the foods that New Orleans has to offer and decide which ones you want to try (or not try) again later.
The setting is so serene, you have your soft jazz and light breeze in the courtyard. Plus you’re tucked away from some of the (fun) chaos of the surrounding streets.
Want more brunch suggestions? Check out
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