Finding the best breakfast in New Orleans means joining the devoted fans who call Ruby Slipper their favorite brunch place in the world.
This Central Business District gem at 200 Magazine Street earned a 4.3-star rating on Yelp with over 7,600 reviews, serving all-day brunch since opening.
Ruby Slipper brings unique New Orleans flavors to eye-opening cocktails and dishes prepared fresh from their scratch kitchen using local ingredients.
The restaurant operates from 7 AM to 2 PM weekdays and until 3 PM weekends, with an online waitlist system that moves efficiently despite constant crowds.
What Makes Ruby Slipper the Best Breakfast in New Orleans
The secret to earning the title of best breakfast in New Orleans lies in transforming classic brunch dishes with bold Louisiana flavors.
The Eggs Benedict Trifecta lets indecisive diners sample three specialty bennies at once: Cochon with tender pulled pork, Chicken St. Charles with fried chicken breast, and Bayou Shrimp with Gulf shrimp and fried green tomatoes.
One Detroit Elite reviewer called this “the best breakfast I’ve had in the last year,” highlighting how Ruby Slipper elevates familiar dishes through creative combinations.
The Ruby Slipper commitment to fresh, local ingredients shows in every bite, with food prepared to order from their scratch kitchen.
At reasonable prices for quality brunch in downtown New Orleans, diners get generous portions that justify 20-minute waits even on weekdays.
The Bananas Foster Pain Perdu takes the classic New Orleans dessert and transforms it into breakfast decadence with 519 Yelp reviews praising its execution.
Signature Dishes That Define Excellence
The Sweet Heat Chicken & French Toast Bites combine savory fried chicken with sweet French toast, creating the perfect sweet-and-savory balance.
One Georgia visitor declared this the best tasting breakfast during their entire 5-day New Orleans trip, praising how it was cooked to perfection.
The dish represents Ruby Slipper’s willingness to innovate while respecting Southern comfort food traditions.
The Chicken St. Charles features fried chicken breast over buttermilk biscuits topped with poached eggs and finished with pork tasso cream sauce.
Multiple reviewers struggle to pick favorites but consistently mention this dish as a “winner winner chicken breakfast.”
The pork tasso adds authentic New Orleans flavor that distinguishes this from standard chicken and waffles variations.
The Best Breakfast in New Orleans Story
Ruby Slipper opened with a mission to showcase New Orleans hospitality and unique flavors through all-day brunch service.
The founders built their concept around fresh, local ingredients prepared from scratch, ensuring quality control across every dish.
Their commitment to giving back to communities they serve added a social responsibility component that resonated with locals.
Building a Devoted Following
Over the years, Ruby Slipper expanded to multiple locations while maintaining consistency that keeps quality high across all restaurants.
Each location features different size, design, and decor, but service remains consistently excellent according to Elite reviewers who’ve visited multiple spots.
The Central Business District location on Magazine Street became the flagship, drawing tourists and locals who wait patiently for tables.
The Instagram presence showcases the visual appeal of dishes that photograph beautifully while tasting even better.
Bloody Marys and Bloody Marias become Instagram stars alongside photogenic French toast and colorful benedicts.
This social media success drives new visitors who discover Ruby Slipper through friends’ posts showing incredible-looking brunches.
Why Lines Form Daily
Ruby Slipper implemented an online waitlist system that lets guests add their names in advance, though they must check in face-to-face.
This smart system manages crowds while giving diners transparency about wait times, typically 15-20 minutes even during peak hours.
The efficiency keeps lines moving despite the restaurant running at capacity most mornings.
Staff members receive consistent praise for friendliness and efficiency, with bartenders doubling as servers who entertain while crafting cocktails.
The bustling atmosphere stays welcoming rather than overwhelming, with servers managing packed restaurants while maintaining genuine hospitality.
Complimentary beignets for birthday celebrations show the personal touches that transform good service into memorable experiences.
New Orleans’ Favorite Best Breakfast in New Orleans Menu Items
Food Highlights
- Bananas Foster Pain Perdu: This signature dish transforms classic New Orleans bananas foster into decadent French toast. Thick bread gets soaked in custard, griddled golden, then topped with caramelized bananas, brown sugar sauce, and rum. The flavors capture everything great about New Orleans dessert traditions for breakfast. With 519 Yelp reviews, this remains one of the most photographed and praised menu items. The portion satisfies without overwhelming, though sharing is difficult once you taste it. 🍌
- Eggs Benedict Trifecta: Three different specialty benedicts arrive on one plate for the indecisive brunch lover. Cochon features tender pulled pork over buttermilk biscuits with poached eggs and hollandaise. Chicken St. Charles tops fried chicken breast with poached eggs and pork tasso cream sauce. Bayou Shrimp brings Gulf shrimp sautéed with pork tasso and Creole tomato sauce over fried green tomatoes. One reviewer called the fried green tomato base “a brilliant idea.” This represents Ruby Slipper’s creative approach to benedicts. 🍳
- Sweet Heat Chicken & French Toast Bites: Crispy fried chicken meets sweet French toast bites with spicy honey drizzle creating perfect balance. The combination of textures and flavors delivers on both savory and sweet cravings simultaneously. One visitor declared this the best breakfast during their entire New Orleans trip. The portion arrives generous enough to satisfy hearty appetites. This dish showcases Southern comfort food innovation that made Ruby Slipper famous. 🍗
- Chicken St. Charles: Fried chicken breast sits atop buttermilk biscuits, topped with poached egg and finished with rich pork tasso cream sauce. The pork tasso adds authentic New Orleans flavor that elevates this beyond standard chicken and waffles. Multiple reviewers specifically call this out as their favorite dish. The chicken stays crispy while the sauce provides creamy richness. This represents Louisiana comfort food done at the highest level. 🐔
- Eggs Cochon: Tender pulled pork gets piled over buttermilk biscuits, topped with poached eggs and finished with hollandaise sauce. The pork arrives incredibly tender after slow cooking, practically melting against the fluffy biscuits. This bennie variation showcases Ruby Slipper’s commitment to New Orleans flavors. The combination works perfectly for those wanting something heartier than traditional eggs benedict. One of the most ordered benedicts on the menu. 🥓
- Berry Chantilly French Toast: Thick French toast gets topped with berry compote and house-made chantilly cream for a lighter sweet option. The berries provide tartness that balances the rich custard-soaked bread. One reviewer praised that it wasn’t too sweet, allowing the quality ingredients to shine. The chantilly cream adds luxurious texture without overwhelming. This represents the breakfast sweets category done with restraint and quality. 🫐
Drinks That Complete the Experience
- Bloody Mary/Bloody Maria: These morning cocktails arrive fully loaded with garnishes that make them Instagram-worthy. The Bloody Maria uses tequila instead of vodka for a different flavor profile. Multiple reviewers specifically mention enjoying these at 11 AM without judgment. The spice level balances perfectly with brunch dishes. These represent New Orleans’ day-drinking culture done right. 🍅
- Bottomless Mimosas: Classic brunch cocktails flow freely for those wanting to extend their meal into celebration. The value proposition makes special occasions more festive. Ruby Slipper’s version uses quality champagne that doesn’t cause headaches. Perfect for groups celebrating birthdays or bachelorettes. 🥂
- Vanilla Spice Latte: House-made coffee drinks provide options for non-drinkers or those starting slow. The vanilla spice combination adds warmth without overwhelming the espresso. One reviewer specifically photographed and praised this coffee choice. These specialty lattes show Ruby Slipper’s attention to all beverage categories. ☕
Atmosphere
The restaurant occupies a prime Central Business District location at 200 Magazine Street, walking distance from major hotels.
Inside, the casual atmosphere features bright decor that creates welcoming energy despite the constant crowds.
Loud noise levels come from happy diners enjoying brunch, creating buzzing excitement rather than annoying chaos.
The patio provides outdoor seating for nice weather days, though reviewers recommend sitting near the entrance rather than far end near trash cans.
Bar seating offers an alternative to table waiting, with bartenders providing entertainment while mixing drinks.
The space works equally well for solo diners, couples, and large groups celebrating special occasions.
Family-friendly and LGBTQ-welcoming policies create inclusive atmosphere where everyone feels comfortable.
Dogs are allowed on the patio, making this a destination for pet owners wanting to include their furry friends.
The casual dress code means guests can arrive straight from hotels in comfortable clothing.
Service moves quickly despite crowds, with staff efficiently managing packed restaurants during peak brunch hours.
Complimentary birthday beignets and other personal touches show genuine hospitality that defines New Orleans service.
Even when closing time approaches, staff welcomes late arrivals rather than rushing people out, showing commitment to customer experience.
Bottom Line
Visit Ruby Slipper for the best breakfast in New Orleans featuring creative benedicts with Louisiana flavors, scratch kitchen using fresh local ingredients, eye-opening cocktails perfect for day drinking, and genuine hospitality that makes every guest feel like family.
Over 7,600 five-star reviews prove this Central Business District brunch spot delivers consistently excellent experiences worth the wait. 🌟
Address: Ruby Slipper
200 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70130
📞 (504) 525-9355
🕔 Mon-Fri: 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM | Sat-Sun: 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM