New Orleans Spotlight: Li’l Dizzy’s Cafe

Li’l Dizzy’s Cafe is a renowned Creole soul food institution located in the heart of the historic Tremé neighborhood in New Orleans, Louisiana.¹

What Makes It Unique

The cafe’s distinctiveness stems from its deep-rooted family legacy and its authentic “Creole-Soul” flavor profile:²

• Baquet Family Legacy: Li’l Dizzy’s is the latest chapter in one of New Orleans’ longest-running Black business legacies in the restaurant industry, dating back to the 1940s.³ It represents a third-generation continuation of the Baquet family’s culinary tradition, which began with the Paul Gross Chicken Coop and continued with the legendary Eddie’s restaurant.⁴

   

• Creole-Soul Cuisine: The food is defined as Creole soul, emphasizing flavor and the “holy trinity” (onions, bell peppers, and green onion) over the spice often found in Cajun food.⁵ Dishes are made from cherished family recipes, some compiled in The Baquet Family Cookbook.⁶

   

• Community Hub: Situated in the oldest African-American neighborhood in the U.S., the cafe is seen as a genuine, welcoming neighborhood spot where all are treated like family.⁷ Its decor often includes family photos and memorabilia, reinforcing the sense of community and history.

   

• The Name: The cafe is named after Wayne Baquet Sr.’s grandson, Zachary Baquet, who earned the nickname “Li’l Dizzy” because his cheeks swelled like Dizzy Gillespie’s when he played the trumpet.⁸

   

History

The Baquet family’s restaurant history is long and rich:

• 1940s: The first family restaurant, the Paul Gross Chicken Coop, opened by Ada Baquet Gross.⁹

   

• 1966: Edward “Eddie” Baquet Sr. opened Eddie’s, which became famous for its Creole food in the 7th Ward.¹⁰

   

• 2005: Wayne Baquet Sr. opened Li’l Dizzy’s Cafe on Esplanade Avenue, shortly before Hurricane Katrina hit the city.¹¹ The restaurant gained national attention as one of the first places to reopen after the storm.

   

• 2021: Wayne Baquet Sr. retired and the cafe was temporarily closed.¹² His son and daughter-in-law, Wayne Baquet Jr. and Arkesha Baquet, took the reins, ensuring the family legacy continued.¹³ They reopened the restaurant, shifting from the famous lunch buffet to tableside service and takeout, while maintaining the iconic menu. The younger Baquets plan for their children to represent the fourth generation in the business.

   

Highlight Menu Items

Li’l Dizzy’s is famous for its timeless New Orleans classics, based on generations of family recipes:¹⁴

• Gumbo: Especially the Creole Filé Gumbo, which is one of their most popular items daily.¹⁵

   

• Fried Chicken: Known for being well-seasoned and crispy on the outside, but juicy on the inside.¹⁶

   

• Red Beans and Rice: Traditionally served on Mondays, often made with their in-house hot sausage.¹⁷

   

• White Beans (Creole White Beans):¹⁸ Served on Tuesdays, often accompanied by fried chicken.¹⁹

   

• Catfish Jourdain: Named after Wayne Sr.’s wife, Janet Baquet, this Friday special is a fried catfish fillet topped with shrimp and crab meat in a lemon butter sauce.
• Smothered Okra: A popular Thursday special, a red gravy stew with shrimp, sausage, ham, and hot sausage.²⁰

   

• Po’boys: Classic New Orleans sandwiches.²¹

   

Significant Events

• Post-Hurricane Katrina Reopening (2005): The cafe was one of the first in the city to reopen after the storm, earning them the title of “comeback kids” in the media.²²

   

• High-Profile Visitors: The restaurant has hosted numerous famous figures, including Presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush.²³

   

• New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival: The Baquet family’s restaurants, including Li’l Dizzy’s, have been a long-time food vendor at this major festival.²⁴

   

• Legacy Continuation (2021): The transition of ownership to the next generation (Wayne Baquet Jr. and Arkesha Baquet) solidified the family’s multi-generational commitment to New Orleans cuisine.²⁵

   

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