Lakeview Day-to-Night
WHEN I FIRST DISCOVERED LAKEVIEW in the 1990s, Harrison Avenue was central to this neighborhood — but a lot quieter than it is now. There was a Landry’s (not the chain), a great place to get plate lunches, Charlie’s Deli, and Coffee & Company. John Jay was where women got their hair cut, and Lakeview Fine Foods kept everyone making groceries.
Lakeview was hard hit by Hurricane Katrina in 2005 when the area had extensive flooding and damage due to the collapse of the 17th Street Canal. Fortunately, this great area was rebuilt and, in the past ten years or so, has blossomed — with Harrison Avenue once again its hub.
Before a day-to-night trip through Lakeview, the area’s boundaries must be defined, and the City Planning Commission is the place to do so. Thus, according to the CPC, Lakeview boundaries are Allen Toussaint Boulevard to the North, Pontchartrain Boulevard to the West, Orleans Avenue to the East, and Florida Boulevard/Canal Boulevard. These boundaries do, however, exclude some beloved restaurants and stores.
GOOD MORNING LAKEVIEW!
There are several homegrown businesses in Lakeview, so let’s start the day at NOLA Beans, a coffee shop that is an A.M. hub for those who need to wake up and also start the day with breakfast or lunch.
Another great place to start one’s day is Another Broken Egg Cafe. Serving a hearty morning and brunch fare, they also have an amazing array of specialty Bloody Marys.
A little later, working some of those calories off is easy — and convenient — at The Barre Code, combining cardio and strength training for an efficient workout.
It’s about time to go shopping, and if there is one place that offers everything in one spot, it is Little Miss Muffin. This store is another old-school Lakeview establishment. Founded in 1970 across the street from where it is currently, the store was originally a Hallmark/Russell Stover Candy store. It expanded through the years and briefly stopped on Metairie Road before returning to its Lakeview roots. Monique Duclaux, the granddaughter of the original owner, has created a shopping oasis that sells gifts, baby and children’s clothing, women’s clothing and shoes, men’s polo shirts (take a look at the ones by Whearable Art!), Bonfolk socks, jewelry, stationary from Alexa Pulitzer as well as the works of local artists. You would be hard-pressed not to find what you want at Little Miss Muffin!
IT’S TIME FOR LUNCH!
Lakeview has no shortage of places to dine or snack, including Francesca, from the folks at Katie’s, so expect the same food quality. The menu includes hearty deli-style sandwiches and New Orleans favorites, such as muffulettas, po-boys, burgers, salads, pizzas, and daily specials. You may even get a chance to visit with friends and watch a baseball game on TV!
Junior’s on Harrison calls itself a “strangely familiar neighborhood joint,” and it lives up to its name. Dishes get intriguing twists, such as Gail’s spicy chicken sandwich with American cheese, pickles, spicy mayonnaise, and served with French fries. Junior’s also has daily specials and Sunday brunch.
If you need groceries, it is time to make some groceries at Lakeview Grocery, where you can stock up on essentials, or if you have to head back home or the office, it offers quite a nice salad/food bar for a quick bite. Next door is Harrison Cove, offering a casual place to sit down for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Post-lunch afternoons call for relaxation and rejuvenation. A unique newcomer to the area is The Gallery Salon & Spa, which opened in 2017.
“We wanted a place of wellness and creativity that supports local artists and helps the community, plus, it was a dream of mine to have my own art gallery,” says Renee Gautreaux, who is also the owner of Acadiana Custom Photography.
The salon and spa provide massages, facials, pedicures, manicures, full body waxing with wax made for sensitive skin, hair care, waves, color, and event styling, including bridal.
“My staff is amazing at what they do! The master stylists (especially Justine, stylist from Nottingham, England) really know their craft,” says Gautreaux.
And Into The Night
No conversation can be held about Lakeview unless grand dame or Granddaddy, whichever you prefer, is mentioned: The
Steak Knife. Open for at least 40 years, it is a hub, hotspot, you name it. This iconic Lakeview eatery wouldn’t have remained here for so long if it wasn’t for the food. Its famed steaks: filet mignon, prime ribeye, and prime New York strip are delicious. Couple one of their hearty steaks with the traditional fixings, and you will not be disappointed. The Steak Knife also features seafood gumbo and smoked salmon for those who want to surf rather than turf.
Emerging as an alternative hotspot is the Velvet Cactus, where the Margarita and Mexican food reign. The people behind this spot just opened Outpost 45, which offers interesting variations on traditional favorites, such as their Muffuletta egg rolls and fried ribs. The large bar offers craft cocktails such as Twerk the French and Strawberry Fields Forever, among other aperitifs, so it is perfect for cocktail hour.
It’s time to head home, but there is one last stop just off Harrison: The Creole Creamery. A scoop of café au lait ice cream is the perfect way to end your day and night in Lakeview.
Lakeview Source Guide
Another Broken Egg Cafe, 607 Harrison Ave. anotherbrokenegg.com/location/ new-orleans-la-harrison-avenue
Creole Creamery, 6260 Vicksburg St. creolecreamery.com
Francesca, 515 Harrison Ave. francescadeli.com
The Gallery Salon & Spa, 6312 Argonne Blvd. thegallerynola.com
Juniors on Harrison, 789 Harrison Ave. juniorsonharrison.com
Lakeview Grocery & Harrison Cove, 801 Harrison Ave. lakeviewgrocery.com
Little Miss Muffin, 766 Harrison Ave. shoplittlemissmuffin.com
NOLA Beans, 762 Harrison Ave. nolabeans.com
Outpost 45, 900 Harrison Ave. outpost-45.com
The Barre Code, 787 Harrison Ave. thebarrecode.com/la-new-orleans-nola
The Steak Knife, 888 Harrison Ave. steakkniferestaurant.com
Velvet Cactus, 6300 Argonne Blvd. thevelvetcactus.com