Stanley of New Orleans is a celebrated French Quarter eatery known for its unique take on New Orleans comfort food, especially its all-day breakfast and brunch offerings.
Unique Aspects
What makes Stanley unique is its blend of classic Southern/Creole dishes with inventive, upscale twists, all served in a casual diner setting. Its prime location facing Jackson Square and the St. Louis Cathedral offers an unparalleled atmosphere for people-watching and soaking up the French Quarter ambiance.
- All-Day Breakfast: Stanley serves its extensive breakfast and brunch menu all day, which is a major draw.
- Inventive Comfort Food: The menu features traditional dishes elevated with a unique New Orleans flair.
- Location: Its placement on the first floor of the historic Pontalba Building, across from Jackson Square, provides a beautiful and iconic backdrop.
- Homemade Ice Cream: The restaurant features an old-fashioned soda fountain serving house-made ice cream.
History
Stanley opened in 2008 by Chef Scott Boswell and his wife, Tanya Boswell. It was originally situated next door to their fine-dining restaurant, Stella!, on Chartres Street. After the devastation of Hurricane Katrina and the levee failures of 2005, the Boswells seized the opportunity to secure the highly desirable corner location on Jackson Square for Stanley, successfully outbidding a major coffee chain. The original sister restaurant, Stella!, closed in 2014, but Stanley has remained a popular fixture in the French Quarter.
Highlight Menu Items
Stanley is renowned for its decadent and creative dishes, often centered around egg preparations and local ingredients:
- Eggs Stanley: A Creole twist on Eggs Benedict, featuring cornmeal-crusted fried oysters, poached eggs, Canadian bacon, and Creole hollandaise on a toasted English muffin.
- Bananas Foster French Toast: A sweet and indulgent breakfast dish inspired by the classic New Orleans dessert.
- Po-Boys: Creative versions of the regional sandwich, such as the popular cornmeal-crusted oyster po’ boy or the Reuben made with Cajun corned beef pastrami.
- Gumbo: Often highlighted as one of the best in the area, featuring Gulf shrimp, oysters, chicken, and andouille sausage.
Customer Feedback
Customer reviews frequently praise the creative food, prime location, and the friendly staff. The “Eggs Stanley” and the variety of breakfast options are consistently mentioned as favorites. Guests also appreciate the atmosphere, which is described as lively yet relaxed, and the opportunity for excellent people-watching on Jackson Square. A common tip is to arrive early, particularly on weekends, to avoid long wait times.
Significant Events
While the restaurant itself is not tied to one single historic event, a significant period was during the COVID-19 pandemic. Owners Scott and Tanya Boswell were determined to keep the popular establishment open for the initial wave of visitors returning to the city. During this time, they creatively used their outdoor space to allow for al fresco dining on Jackson Square, providing a European-like experience and maintaining a vibrant presence for the surrounding artists and street performers. Chef Boswell also added new inventive items like French Fried Frog Legs to the “starters” section of the menu during this time.
Location and Contact Information
| Detail | Information |
| Address | 547 Saint Ann Street, New Orleans, LA 70116 (Located on Jackson Square) |
| Phone | +1 (504) 587-0093 |
| Website | https://stanleyrestaurant.com/ |
