Mother's
American · Breakfast · New Orleans, LA
About
The line moves fast, but don't hold it up. You'll see longshoremen in boots rubbing elbows with visitors, veterans, and politicians. Mother's has been serving authentic New Orleans home-style cooking since 1938. The menu is huge: jambalaya, shrimp Creole, red beans and rice, and the famous Ferdi Special po-boy packed with debris. Jerry Amato, the current owner, doubled the menu size but kept the working-class spirit. Nobody gets treated better or worse here. You order at the counter, no substitutions. Stick to the menu and you'll eat well.
The 20 photos show a no-frills dining room. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served daily from 7am to 10pm. The seafood gumbo is a top pick, and the bread pudding is a must. If you want a taste of authentic New Orleans, this is it. Just order right and you won't get yelled at.
Mother's is located in the Financial District near Tchoupitoulas St, a short walk from the French Quarter and the riverfront.
Features
- ✓Order the Ferdi Special with debris
- ✓Sample platter for first-timers
- ✓Seafood gumbo and red beans with rice
- ✓Cash-only counter service
- ✓No substitutions on menu items
Cuisine
Good for
Practical
What people say
Rated from 6,614 reviews. 20 community ratings. View this venue on Yelp
From the community
“Ehh”
You can get much better food at a gas station or corner store for half the price and less waiting. Long lines don't mean good food, just tourists who don't know any better.
A visitor · Over a year ago
“Excellent food”
My partner and I had never visited New Orleans before and wanted authentic local cuisine. We were recommended Mother's and liked it so much that we returned three times over five days. Try the sample platter and the seafood gumbo.
A guest · Over a year ago
“BEST”
Some of the best food you'll eat in New Orleans.
A recent visitor · Over a year ago
“Another tradition while in NOLA”
This place isn't fancy, no table service. You stand in line, walk up, and order. Just stick to what's on the menu, no special requests. The red beans and rice, gumbo, and bread pudding are delicious. When are you going back? Take me with you.
A local visitor · Over a year ago
“Service, not really...”
The food is excellent. It's a real hole-in-the-wall, but one you should experience when you're in New Orleans. Great Southern food at a good price, but make sure you order correctly or you might get yelled at. Don't skip Mother's when you're in New Orleans.
A visitor · Over a year ago
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Mother's take reservations? +
No, it's a counter-service restaurant. You wait in line and order at the counter.
What are the most popular dishes? +
The Ferdi Special po-boy, debris po-boy, jambalaya, seafood gumbo, and bread pudding are fan favorites.
What are the hours? +
Open daily from 7am to 10pm.
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