A popular cafe in New Orleans known for its vibrant atmosphere and local cuisine, located on Oak Street.
Running chef
No specific running chef is mentioned in the provided information.
Insights
CafeItalianSteakhouseSeafoodSeafoodModerateDinnerCasualCocktail Bar
Last updated: 7/19/2026, 5:02:55 AM
Key Information
Jacques-Imo's Cafe is renowned for its 'real Nawlin' food' served in a unique, funky, and upbeat atmosphere in Uptown New Orleans. A distinctive feature is the option to walk through the kitchen, allowing guests to greet the culinary team.
Customer Perception
Customers consistently praise the delicious and phenomenal food, highlighting signature dishes like the Gator Cheesecake and Fried Green Tomatoes. The staff is frequently described as excellent, lively, and attentive, with specific mentions of outstanding service. The atmosphere is energetic and intimate, though some note the dining spaces can be tight.
Additional Details
Located on Oak Street, the restaurant is easily accessible via the St. Charles trolley, offering a scenic journey to and from the dining experience. A 'kitchen appreciation fee' may be included in the bill.
Limited vegetarian options (Google indicates not serving vegetarian food, but some sides might be available)No specific vegan or gluten-free accommodations are highlighted, and the menu is heavily meat and seafood-focused.
Best Times to Visit
The restaurant is open Wednesday-Friday from 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm and Saturday from 4:00 pm - 10:00 pm. Given its popularity, arriving early or making reservations is recommended, especially on weekends.
Of course the food is incredible, but might they also have the best staff in NOLA?
Here are some important tips:
1) sit in the back room so you can walk through the kitchen and get greeted by the team that will cook and serve your meal
2) ask for a table in Johnathon's section - this should probably be item 1 - possibly the best service we've ever had
3) take the trolley (green/St. Charles) - the gentle pace of the trolley and short walk to/from the restaurant are great accompaniment to the entire Jaques-Imo's experience and will get you in the mood for the watermelon mojito which is the perfect drink to start the dining experience
I can't say anything about the food that hasn't been said before. But I will...
Everything we've had there is at least very good. We've never had a unsatisfactory dish. The cornbread is a perfect start. We were not shy about asking for more. Snails in garlic are superb with the right balance of snail, pasta, cream and spices. The etouffee is fully flavored without unnecessary spicy heat. The ribeye (when available) is delicious and cooled to perfection. The special soft-shell crab dish was a big hit. Seafood with crab and fried green tomatoes! It is a full meal in and of itself.
Of course the gator cheesecake is a requirement!
Was lucky enough to try this place when I was in town for a conference last month and it is some of the best food I’ve ever put in my mouth! The Alligator Cheesecake, OMG, phenomenal, an absolute must try! The Grouper, delicious! Everything we had was outstanding. Highly recommend this place if you’re lucky enough to get a reservation. Oh, and Matt, our server, thanks for your recommendations & excellent service as well as the blue cheese mashed potatoes!
5
My first trip to New Orleans, and I couldn’t have picked a better place for dinner! Jacques-Imo’s has a very unique and upbeat atmosphere. Service was excellent, the team is so lively and enthusiastic. Drinks were top notch, and the menu is very robust with Cajun/creole and soul food options. I enjoyed a fried green tomatoes appetizer and Paneed Rabbit for my entree. Such a beautiful presentation and absolutely delicious! Can’t wait to go back!
5
Funky, Uptown Jacques-Imo's, well crafted Creole cuisine, uniquely presented, with great flavors. Jacques-Imo's has tables in the main house and another space right next door, served by the same kitchen. The dining spaces are 'intimate', but energetic. I first sat at the bar, but the bartender was responsible for the 12 seats at the bar and cocktails for the entire restaurant and I decided to wait until my friends arrived and put my name in for a table. Amelia was a gracious host and saw that we were well attended to. Our waiter, Doug (couldn't help but sing the the Doug song), was clear and attentive, helping us choose wisely. They provided a shrimp & crawfish cheesecake on-the-house, an app that many reviewers have rec'd. We also had Crawfish Etouffe, the Potato crusted gulf fish (Drum) and the Blackened Salmon with Shrimp special. All entrees come with 2 sides of your choice. Makes for a hearty and generous meal.
5
Interesting interior atmosphere. It's tight though. Very narrow walkways. Kitchen appreciation fee was already included in the bill so watch out for that.
Food was delicious though.
We got dark fried chicken, fried green tomatoes and a watermelon drink.
Everything was delicious and came hot!
My only complaint was that nobody came to fill up water 😔. Also, some servers are like ninjas. They were disappearing plates from our table when I actually wanted them for bones lol. I get it though, they were trying to keep the table not too crowded since it's not that big.
