The Daily Specials at Li’l Dizzy’s Are a Reason to Line Up | Eater New Orleans

"A family-owned staple of New Orleans’ Treme neighborhood since 2005, this cafe has become an icon for the food the city is known for: generously stuffed po’ boys, fried seafood, dirty rice, and more. Daily specials are the move here—Mondays bring red beans and rice; Thursday is jambalaya day (one of the best versions in town)—and you should add fried chicken to any special: go for one piece of white and one piece of dark; both are well-brined and juicy, with shatteringly crisp skin and a hint of spice. Start your meal with a cup of the dark-as-midnight gumbo. Show up just as the restaurant opens to find knowing locals waiting at the outdoor picnic tables, many there to place carryout orders, and hear “Welcome to Dizzy’s!” chirped by an engaging hostess who oozes a combo of friendliness and efficiency as she explains the drill: she’ll assign a table or bar seat, but you’ll order and pay at the counter. Appealing food, much of it on steam trays, beckons at the front, while diners sit surrounded by painted portraits and photos of the owners and community members. Featured on several episodes of Treme as a hangout for local cops, lawyers, and politicians, it feels apt that the crowd ranges from neighborhood regulars and local contractors discussing business to solo diners at the counter and a couple of tourists looking slightly out of place." - Missy Frederick