

Jacques-Imo's Cafe

8324 Oak St. (Dante St.) Send to Phone
504-861-0886 | Menu
Jacques-Imo’s is the quintessential neighborhood Creole “joint.”

Dinner Mon.-Sat.

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Jacques-Imo's Cafe Restaurant Review

: Jacques-Imo’s is an unpretentious, old neighborhood joint that somehow manages to attract hordes of tourists, even though it is not located in a tourist-heavy area. The restaurant's walls are lined with framed posters and other artwork, and bright colors emanate from lighting, casting a lively glow. Chef-owner Jack Leonardi's cooking gives Jacques-Imo's menu a split personality: half of the dishes are authentic Creole while the others are creative takes on the cuisine. Flavors aren't often squeaky clean, but you won't find more ambitious food executed with such aplomb. Moist and spicy, the fried chicken and fried oysters are safe bets. A deep-fried roast beef po' boy is considered an appetizer, and culinary adrenalin junkies will try the quail, stuffed with bacon, shiitake mushrooms and foie gras, and the paneed rabbit with shrimp and tasso pasta. Elegant Cajun bouillabaisse should please more refined tastes. Do not ask for wine lists, fancy desserts or specials. Do be prepared for ambient chaos, uncomfortably close quarters and inconsistent service, but for some reason none of that will matter. Where else can you order alligator cheesecake with a straight face and end up really liking it?

