Cafe Reconcile
(504) 568-1157
1631 Oretha C Haley Blvd
New Orleans,
LA
70113
29.9403
-90.08
Neighborhoods: Central City, Central City - Garden
What People Are Saying About Cafe Reconcile
The Editor
Contributor
Citysearch
The Scene
This nonprofit, which provides at-risk teens with work experience, serves up great food in an appropriately informal setting. Well-lit and bustling from breakfast through lunch, this busy room is packed early with city workers and downtown executives. Teenage "waiters-in-training" receive guidance from more experienced servers, so be patient during peak hours.
The Food
Classic New Orleans dishes rotate though a consistent workweek schedule, with other simple lunch-counter fare (soups, salads, po'boys) filling out the bill. The chicken and sausage gumbo is a spicy comfort any time of year, especially when followed by a spicy slab of tomato-smothered meat loaf and real mashed potatoes (Monday) or creamy white beans and shrimp (a Thursday must). Crispy salads are big enough to split between two diners, as are the irresistible Brie and roasted pepper po'boys. All desserts come with a sizeable dollop of rich, sweetened whipped cream that borders on perfectly mousse-like.
User Reviews
bednbreakfast
August 03, 2008
Cafe Reconcile was founded under the leadership of a Jesuit priest, the late Harry Thompson, S.J., to provide training in the hospitality industry to at-risk youth from the economically distressed Central City neighborhood. Check out their website for more info. I first ate at Reconcile, because I was enthusiastic about the concept. I love to go back, because I am now equally enthusiastic about the food. Reconcile has a handful of entrees that they serve every day with a choice of two sides. The entrees and the sides are all delicious. The fried catfish is light and hands down the best I have ever eaten. The fried chicken is good, as are their daily specials. Now that I've tried the catfish, however, it's always a struggle to pass it up. The Bananas Foster bread pudding is great too, even if you--like me--are not crazy about bananas. The environment is loud, but friendly and fun.
read full review
lcecille
August 14, 2006
This spot is fills your tummy and your heart. Everyone who works here is so honest, friendly, and welcoming. It's a freshness that you cannot find in chain-restaurants or uptight establishments. At Reconcile they treat you like family (and feed you that way too). Lunch is served cafeteria style and everyone pays one price. Don't be surprised to see tables of business folk, clergy, and elected officials. No can beat the home-cooked taste of veggies, fried chicken, smothered chicken, or catfish, drink, dessert and bread for under $8-9 bucks. Worth the wait at the door. Go in and help out this excellent intitative.
read full reviewThe Details on Cafe Reconcile
When to Go:
From noon to 1pm, tables are packed with office folk. If you can fudge your schedule 20 minutes on either side of the traditional hour, you've got a better shot at quick seating.
Category:
Payment Methods:
American Express, Visa, MasterCard
Restaurant Special Features:
Local Favorite, Family-Friendly Dining, Lunch Spot, Cheap Eats, Hidden Find
Cuisine:
Smoking Permitted:
No
