Carlton G.
Yelp
I came to Flora Cafe for the first time 14 years ago, in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, when the streets of the city were nearly abandoned, except for the national guardsmen navigating the narrow streets in their Humvees, and the real hardcore residents who either stayed through the storm or returned shortly after to recover their beloved city. Bless those folks!!
Well, at that time Flora was staffed by a couple old men (owners?) who served up a nice coffee, a bean bowl, or a pastry. I remember the place being grimy and full of art, a piano, classic board games, playing cards, books, eccentric knicknacks, and god knows what else.
Returning a decade and a half later, I found the place itself unchanged. The biggest difference I noticed was that it seems to have become a favorite spot for who I refer to as 'The Sepia Krewe' for their dirty grimy appearance. These are street punks who seem to revel in filth, and are always accompanied by a few mutt dogs. None the less, I found a place to drink my coffee, and observe the requisite shenanigans for a while before moving along. The coffee was good, I didn't try the Pemesto Bagel, but from the looks of it they are a favorite. As I sat, I heard at least 4 folks order it, and even anticipate its deliciosity! I'll definitely come back to Flora next time I come to the city, if only to try that bagel!! This place is a real place, being itself and nothing else. Oh, one more thing: if the weather is decent, the sidewalk outside is a relaxing place to study, work, or just chill thanks to the lush container garden surrounding the place. Stop in and get a feel for that crescent city charm, talkin' bout Flora-style!