Off of St. Charles Avenue


Average Overall Rating:

(4 out of 5)

Average Coffee Refill Rating:

(3 out of 5)

(2 out of 5)

Review by: MrBreakfast.com Visitor on 10/27/2012

Overall Rating:

Coffee Refill Rating:

Expense Rating:

Our concierge from our hotel, Allan (Doubletree) suggested many things to do in New Orleans and the Camellia Grill was one! There were six of us and Michael was awesome in every way! He read each person's order to the cook once and it all arrived in a few minutes...no errors and delicious food. The diner was attractive and very retro!! a perfect place for newbies to the city taking the trolley for the first time through some gorgeous neighborhoods and taking in the charm of the Camellia Grill! Best eggs ever! The Troutman's -- Ohio

Review #23715Review by: MrBreakfast.com Visitor on 1/16/2011

Overall Rating:

Coffee Refill Rating:

Expense Rating:

Gotta say, our first morning in New Orleans on vacation and we searched for a good 'dive' breakfast joint. Something affordable, fast and tasty. This place looked good, and had a small line building outside it, so we went for it.

All in all, it was a terrible experience. The wait was only about 5-10 mins, so I'm not complaining about that. What I am complaining about is the Matthew McConaughey-sounding waiter we had that spent about 75% of his time flirting with a group of about four 16 year old girls at the end of the counter area we were also seated at. He basically ignored my girlfriend and I, as well as an old couple sitting to our right. The group of teens got all his attention, and every time he'd finish attending them, he'd walk by us so quickly that even if I called out for him politely, he was already nearing the kitchen and didn't hear me. This happened about three times.

To make matters worse, he neglected to give us and the couple next to us any silverware and only did so after we finally got his attention after our food had already been served and we had to stare at it for a few mins, while it slowly went from hot to warm. Yes, no silverware till about 3-5 mins after the food was served. I'm not exaggerating. He then also didn't give any of us napkins. And we had to try to get his attention to get those too.

We never did and I had to call across to a different waiter on the other side of the counter to get some for us. The napkins he gave us were actually used, and had wet sauce stains on them. I was going to complain, but by then I obviously wanted out of there. But no, I wasn't getting off that easy. You see, the waters we were all given were in tiny cups, that you only got about 5 sips out of before you finished them. To make matters worse, they were loaded to the brim with ice. To make matters even worse than that, our waiter didn't refill them for us. I was nearly done with my Manhattan Omelet (which wasn't bad, but the eggs were overly fluffy) when I finally got his attention and just asked him for two large waters please.

At this point, the old man and his wife next to me were getting very upset with the guy's lack of service. They were having the same issues we were. The old man tried three times to get his attention to get a coffee refill. But most of the time, the waiter was doing his, "Hey, pretty ladies" thing to the four 16 year olds on the other end, and he would actually lean his elbows down on the counter and just chat them up for a few mins, while we waited for him to show us some... hell, any attention. The old man finally had to almost yell to get his attention to get a coffee refill. I don't think the old man cared that he had to pay for it, he just wanted to be even asked for it.

I know you're all saying that they have to move customers out to make room for the others, but the irony here is that, if this waiter just did his job, we all would have finished earlier and gotten out of there faster. As it were, this was a terrible experience and the place failed to impress because of it.

Award Nomination: Worst Service

Review #21826Review by: MrBreakfast.com Visitor on 7/12/2009

Overall Rating:

Coffee Refill Rating:

Expense Rating:

Amazing and absolutely worth the wait!!! This is the perfect place to eat after a long night on Bourbon Street. The waiters are entertaining, especially Marvin! I had the Camellia Special and chili cheese fries and still can't stop raving about this place. They also lets us go behind the counter and take a photo with all the staff!

Award Nomination: Best Bargin Breakfast

Review #17441Review by: MrBreakfast.com Visitor on 6/2/2009

Overall Rating:

Coffee Refill Rating:

Doesn't Apply

Expense Rating:

Excellent food. Can be a long wait in line but we always manage to get in. The staff is not only friendly but quite entertaining. A must have everytime we come to New orleans.

Award Nomination: Best Service

Review #17111Review by: MrBreakfast.com Visitor on 2/16/2009

Overall Rating:

Coffee Refill Rating:

Expense Rating:

"Anybody who has something bad to say about Camellia grill is most likely hating because it is a well diverse organization ran by African Americans!" That is just a crazy thing to say. Maybe they just dont like it. Come on!!


Review #16270Review by: MrBreakfast.com Visitor on 7/17/2008

Overall Rating:

Coffee Refill Rating:

Doesn't Apply

Expense Rating:

Of course they charge for coffee refills...they only have 29 seats, and if they didn't, people would sit forever.

The food is outstanding! Real homestyle cooking at a very affordable price.

Award Nomination: Best Service

Review #14254Review by: dbohulano on 4/6/2008

Overall Rating:

Coffee Refill Rating:

Expense Rating:

Ugh. Ordinary, except for the sausage links. Really disappointed after being told it was good. The pecan waffle was tough, the Manhattan omelet was ok but nothing special. I wouldn't waste my money or gas on this one.

Award Nomination: Biggest Ripoff

Review #13275Review by: mrjeffreysir on 12/20/2007

Overall Rating:

Coffee Refill Rating:

Expense Rating:

I DO "get" New Orleans, but I will never understand Camellia Grill's popularity. The atmosphere is very uncomfortable - everyone is seated on a small uncomfortable stool at the counter with the waiting guests standing behind you staring hate-beams through your head waiting for you to hurry up and finish. Coffee refills are full price (!), they have no biscuits, just toast, the only potatoes they serve are french fries - no home fries, no hash browns. No comfy leisurely breakfast here. You can have it.

Award Nomination: Hugest Dump

Review #12218Review by: chapster3 on 5/28/2007

Overall Rating:

Coffee Refill Rating:

Expense Rating:

If you don't "get" the Camellia Grill, you don't "get" New Orleans.When it reopened, a big chunk of the N.O. experience was back in play. Check out a short video about it on YouTube and maybe you'll understand.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iVUCZAw4kWc

Award Nomination: Most Comfortable

Review #10479Review by: MrBreakfast.com Visitor on 4/24/2007

Overall Rating:

Coffee Refill Rating:

Doesn't Apply

Expense Rating:

If you are in a bad mood or a hurry, don't go. This place is so New Orleans. The staff make the place what it is - an icon of NOLA! Current waiters like Marvin, Melvin, Sleepy & Michael are the friendliest humans on earth. Marvin should have his own show on TV! I wish Donald would come back from Atlanta. Ronnie Jaegger, the manager, worked at Baskin Robins after the storm and kept an eye on the place, always saying it was going to re-open. If you want to have fun and fill up your belly too, this is the place. Club sandwich no tomatoes and a chocalate freeze, that's me. And a real napkin, to boot.

Award Nomination: Best Service

Review #10239Review by: pichoffm on 3/26/2006

Overall Rating:

Coffee Refill Rating:

Expense Rating:

Camellia Grill was once my Great grandmothers house. Many Years ago... My Great grandmother, Maime, sold the house in 1949. So, never-the-less I basically grew up eating there on Sunday mornings with my parents. I now go there with my new family. It is definitely "Naturally New Orleans"!!

Award Nomination: Best Breakfast Ever

Review #7114Review by: baddest09 on 1/22/2006

Overall Rating:

Coffee Refill Rating:

Doesn't Apply

Expense Rating:

Since I am from Houston, the best bet you are going to get for a real home cooked breakfast is either the Breakfast Klub downtown, or in your own kitchen. I am a college student here in New Orleans, and I have to say that Camellia Grill is teh absolute best. Some one said that 11 dollars was a lot for a meal, #1 Im in college with no job, and 11 dollars isnt anything! For what you get, and the welcoming experience the friendly waiters display, you cant complain. I am angry right now, because I am craving the pecan waffles, which are to die for. Anybody who has something bad to say about Camellia grill is most likely hating because it is a well diverse organization ran by African Americans!

Award Nomination: Best Breakfast Ever

Review #6642Review by: countedmund on 5/6/2005

Overall Rating:

Coffee Refill Rating:

Expense Rating:

I ate here a few times when I was living in NOLA for law school. This is another one of those restaurants where people get blinded by the tourist light and stand in line for food that is of sub-Waffle House quality. The food is just o.k. It would be better if they did not insist on throwing a ladle of melted butter over everything before they serve it. The kicker though is that they charge the full price of a new cup to refill your coffee. The first time I went there, I had two eggs, sausage, toast, and coffee. Not being aware of the refill policy, it cost me $11. If you want the best basic breakfast in NOLA, get back on the trollet and head to the Bluebird.

Award Nomination: Biggest Ripoff

Review #4954Review by: jedi_cornbread on 4/25/2005

Overall Rating:

Coffee Refill Rating:

Expense Rating:

It's just a basic breakfast. They do have good hangover cures though. I really don't understand that many people waiting in line for it. It has to have something to do with the location. It's about the easiest place in the world to find in all of Uptown New Orleans.

It's not bad though, but it's just plain old white Bunny Bread toast, nothing fancy.



Award Nomination: Best Bargin Breakfast

Review #4877Review by: mrpotatohead on 10/15/2004

Overall Rating:

Coffee Refill Rating:

Expense Rating:

After eating breakfast at the Camellia Grill, you might be tempted to say it was the Best Breakfast Ever. Do not yield to this temptation! Put it out of your mind for 24 hours. Then the revelation will hit you. A breakfast at the Camellia Grill is the Best Experience In Life. Last time I had an chili omelette and a chocolate freeze. I looked to the stool on my left and there was Elvis -- eating a cheeseburger. He put his index finger up to his lips and I was happy to oblige. Sometimes you just need to be alone with your comfort food, even in a crowded diner. Did I mention that the Camellia Grill offers the best food on earth?

Award Nomination: Best Breakfast Ever

Review #3980Review by: MrBreakfast.com Visitor on 1/28/2004

Overall Rating:

Coffee Refill Rating:

Expense Rating:

everything about camellia gril is fabulous! The staff friendly and fun. the food, to die for. i cant reccomend it enough, it is a must eat. if the line is long dont even think about bagging the idea and going to the "trolley stop cafe" next door.. WAIT IN LINE, i promise you will not regret it!!

Award Nomination: Best Breakfast Ever

Review #2887Review by: Starchguy on 5/13/2003

Overall Rating:

Coffee Refill Rating:

Expense Rating:

It is a typically warm, humid New Orleans morning, and we settle in at the Camellia Grill for a chili omelette and vanilla milkshake breakfast. Nuff said. Staff is dressed in old-fashioned white smocks and paper hats.

Review #1773Review by: alisep32 on 10/23/2002

Overall Rating:

Coffee Refill Rating:

Expense Rating:

The make the best eggs I have ever tasted in my life. The service is superb. The line can be long to get in but worth the wait.

Award Nomination: Best Breakfast Ever

Review #1048


Connect With Mr Breakfast:




Reviews submitted here are meant to pertain to breakfast only. While Mr Breakfast cannot vouch for the validity of each restaurant review, he feels pretty good vouching for the excellent character of the residents of New Orleans, Louisiana - who are primarily responsible for the review(s) you see above for Camellia Grill.