"Most of the places to eat near the Westbank parade route are fast food restaurants and chains. The exception is Wag's, a spot where you’ll find a menu of New Orleans soul food classics like red beans, stuffed peppers, and gumbo that change daily. Sure, your friend’s mom might be cooking up huge batches of these traditional dishes during Carnival season, but maybe you’re temporarily banned from her house because last year, you reached in front of her to catch a Zulu Fire Truck Krewe Hot Nut T-shirt. While that sucks for you (and we can’t relate), you can get similar dishes here, all served in overstuffed styrofoam containers. They have plenty of seating, and you can always smell the simmering trinity of bell peppers, onion, and celery when you walk in." - megan braden perry