During the holiday season, many locals like to visit the French Quarter for a measure of nostalgia. Not enough of them think of the Court of Two Sisters, which beckons the locals with, among other appeals, a very good Reveillon menu during most of December.
It's a mistake to consign this finest of all patio-dining restaurants to the tourists. When you're in the mood for some Tennessee Williams-style New Orleans atmosphere, few restaurants are more appealing. And you probably haven't been there in a long time. The service staff is accommodating, but make sure they know you’re a local both when you make the reservation and meet the waiter.
Despite romantic impressions to the contrary, the French Quarter has few restaurants offering courtyard dining. Of them the most beautiful and famous is the Court of Two Sisters. Except when the weather is unbearable, they serve in the lushly-planted, expansive, brick-surrounded courtyard year round. The distinctly French Quarter environment and Creole food provide a unique taste of the city, and the service staff is welcoming and entertaining.
The building dates to the early 1830s. The story of the historic Two Sisters (there's a brochure) is charming. The restaurant as we know it opened in the 1960s. The current owners are now into their third generation.
Unless the weather is intolerable, service takes place in a large, brick-floored, wisteria-covered courtyard. It is a lovely place, day or night. A trio of jazz musicians plays every day during brunch. The interior rooms are less appealing but pleasant enough. Most have large windows opening into the courtyard. Old photos show diners in jacket and tie, but these days casual. (As in shorts and T-shirts in summer.)
The daily brunch buffet ($30) beckons, and so does the $45 three-course dinner, but better food comes from the a la carte menu at dinner. Have a Sazerac at the bar before going to the table; it's the city's best.
| Attitude | 1 |
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| Environment | 2 |
| Hipness | 0 |
| Local Color | 3 |
| Service | 1 |
| Value | 1 |
| Wine | 1 |
