Jacques-Imo’s Cafe

Eating at this legendary Uptown spot is as much of a party as it is an actual meal. The waits are long and it’s only open for dinner, but Jacques-Imo’s is an essential experience that you should have at least once in your life. Hang at the bar while you wait to be seated—you’ll be good and buzzed and very ready to try out the alligator sausage cheesecake and some shrimp etouffee. If you’re only eating with one other person, ask for the table in the back of the pickup truck parked out front, because when else is that going to be an option?