Little New Orleans — Restaurant in Houston

Little New Orleans, located in the Binz Building at 1001 Texas Ave, but on the Main Street side, between Texas Ave. and Prairie St., happens to be a Cajun Restaurant, serving up a great variety of Po'Boys and Cajun Entrees. Being my first time there, I needed to sit down and look over their large menu. While I was reviewing their menu, the restaurant was quite busy with various delivery drivers waiting on their orders. Evidently, there was confusion as to, who's order is who's. On top of that, there seemed to be an issue on people receiving wrong orders as they were making the delivery drivers check their customers orders. This should have raised Red Flags to me. So I approached the counter and began to place my order. I decided on: 1 x Pepper Jack Boudin Eggrolls (3 pc) $5.99 1 x Bourbon Street Pasta ~ consisting of Chicken, Shrimp, Sausage, Crawfish, and Penne Pasta, served with Garlic Bread. $13.99 1 x Smothered Cabbage $3.99 1 x Peach Cobbler $5.99 2 x 16 oz Bottles of Soda (2 X $2.50 ea.) $5.00 Now then, I did have trouble listening to the cashier repeating my order. Again, all the noise from the confusion on those delivery orders. Their payment system is that, you pay after you order. It's one of those systems that also asked up front for a tip. I went ahead and applied a 20% tip. I did have to ask for a receipt. I was then asked if I wanted my Sodas now or with my order. I decided to take them now because, I wasn't sure how long it would take to prepare my order. While I was waiting, there was some confusion as to my order. I was asked what appetizer I had ordered. I told them, the Pepper Jack Boudin Eggrolls. The gentleman behind the counter said that, that is what he had heard me tell the cashier. Finally, my food arrived, but I was told that they were still preparing my appetizer. Now then, the Bourbon Street Pasta, the sauce was delicious and creamy. The Shrimp was tough, the Chicken and Sausage were dry and the Crawfish, chewy. As for my side item, the Smothered Cabbage, when I was ordering it, I asked; what's it smothered with? All my years living in Louisiana, smothered always meant covered in some type of Gravy. Here though, I was told that it was Seasonings cooked down till the Cabbage browns. Basically, boiled seasoned Cabbage, cooked down to the point of reducing the water, leaving just some juice. Overall, not bad, as far as boiled Cabbage goes. As I finished my Cabbage, my Pepper Jack Boudin Eggrolls arrived. Upon opening the container, I noticed that it came with a sauce. The sauce turned out to be the same sauce as what was mixed in my pasta dish. After I bit into the Eggroll, I noticed something pink, as well as it tasting off. I decided to peel the Wanton Wrapper off, only to realize that they still messed up my order on the appetizer. Instead of the Pepper Jack Boudin Eggroll, I received the Crawfish Boudin Eggrolls. Not what I ordered, and nor did I care for it. I had my mouth set for that Pepper Jack Cheese mixed in the Boudin. I was very disappointed. As for the Peach Cobbler, that at least was good. Basic, but good. As a Cajun Restaurant, it's nothing special. As for service, I couldn't even provide a single star. Between messing up my order, those delivery drivers orders and the cashier not paying any attention to her ordering. Not to mention, her being more focused on getting off and what she planned on doing, and what game was on, etc. I can understand why everything was in total chaos. Atmosphere? Really... Tight, Cramp, and Crazy. As for the restrooms, you have to go out the back door and into the Binz Building lobby to use their restroom. Final Note: my order (subtotal) was $38.96. As I thought about it, I was wondering why my grand total was $50.60? Two reasons... 1) That appetizer I ordered, the Pepper Jack Boudin Eggroll for $5.99, I was actually charged for the Hot Chitto Boudin Ball for $9.99. and 2) the 20% tip , instead of being added to the Subtotal of $38.96, it was added against the grand total (with Tax) of $42.17. So needless to say, I was overcharged...

This lil spot is actually pretty decent. Marked down on atmosphere, because it's too crowded and has to much in it. In my 4 day visit I came here twice. It was around the corner from my hotel so it was close and convenient to Club Quarters hotel, JW Marriott and AC hotel amongst others. The Northline I think it's recline passes it. It is downtown so you won't be able to park nearby. Food is fattening so you need to walk anyways. So, first day I had the oxtail. Great flavor. But they were sliced thin not whole bones. Like thin as in the whole plate would make 1 big bone. I guess at 19.99 that make sense. But disappointing. Mac and cheese was really great and the greens appeared to be fresh from the garden. But not sure if they tasted fresh. They weren't bad, but still not amazing. Salt level was average. As always could tone down a bit. The second visit I had the shrimp and catfish plate. Again, they do things to accomplish their task, but may upset customers. They say 3 pieces, but the sizes are all different. Stop being deceptive. The shrimp were all a nice size. Everything was perfectly seasoned and not too salty. Coleslaw was hot and disgusting. Not sure why they put cold Coleslaw in a hot plate. Fries were nice. Of course out of a bag. Hush puppies were nice too. If you're not going to make it fresh don't sell it. Perhaps slim down your menu. That will allow you to focus on making great fresh food vs having to do things just because it's on the menu. The hypnotiq daiquiri was nice and strong. Not too sweet. The peach cobbler was stellar. Crust not cake. Just the right amount peaches to crust. They could have allowed it to brown a little bit. Stop carrying the chocolate cake. It doesn't taste like anything. Like someone added chocolate powder to a recipe without adding the coffee that brings out the...

I stumbled on this spot while walking around downtown looking for something good to eat. It’s a little hole-in-the-wall, easy to miss—but man, I’m glad I took a chance on it, especially on a Tuesday.

That’s when they serve this spaghetti made with sausage and boudin that has just the right amount of kick. It comes with hot wings and a piece of garlic butter toast that’s basically soaking in butter and flavor—in the best way. Seriously, the bread melts in your mouth. The spaghetti was loaded with flavor, and now it’s something I look forward to every Tuesday. I’m not even kidding.

The wings? Crispy on the outside, juicy inside, and just the right heat. Honestly, it’s one of those combos where you can’t decide what’s better—the wings or the spaghetti—so you just get both.

They’ve got a ton of variety too. Daily specials, desserts, all kinds of good stuff on rotation. But real talk: you will wait a bit. They make everything fresh, and it’s always busy. So give yourself at least 15 minutes—but it’s worth every second.

They’ve got about seven tables inside, usually packed, but there’s some outdoor seating if you don’t mind a little humidity. I didn’t check for a restroom (wasn’t really looking), and parking out front is basically non-existent. I walk there from my building, so not sure about the back.

What really makes this place stand out though—besides the food—is the people. The folks behind the counter are friendly and work their tails off. You can tell they care.

If you’re in the area, do yourself a favor and give this spot a shot. These small places with big flavors? They’re the ones worth supporting

Deliciously...