Mother's has New Orleans foods. They had mostly sandwiches. I had a catfish poughboy. It was good, but it wasn't worth the $5 for half a sandwich. My friend's debris was interesting. It was basically scraps from the kitchen thrown together in rice. The dining area wasn't particularly clean, but it wasn't in danger of a health code violation either. The place is/was in walking distance of the Superdome.

You may stand in line at Mother's to get in. Be patient because the wait is definitely worth it. We both got the breakfast special which includes two eggs any style, grits, biscuits or toast, and choice of meat. I also ordered a side of "debris" or their homemade gravy (they are famous for it). My friend also got red beans and rice.

It is best to keep moving once you are at the counter placing your order--they are busy and don't hesitate to tell you to speed it up. Know what you want beforehand.

The ordering process is strange, but there's a man at the door to explain it to you. This was the first place I ate in New Orleans, and it was a good introduction to both the pace of dining in New Orleans and the food. The food is good. The pace is almost uniformly not fast. Dining in New Orleans isn't about fast food, even at a fast-food place. It's about the eating. Don't eat fast. Don't think you're going to eat fast. Eat to enjoy it and the company. Oh, I recommend the ham.

DO NOT LET THE LINES OUTSIDE KEEP YOU AWAY FROM THIS WONDERFUL HOMESTYLE DINING EXPERIENCE!!

You will frequently see lines outside the restaurant but this is just to control the serving line inside. They allow approximately 10 people at a time "inside." With a walk through ordering system, you will have ample time to see the food being prepared for other guests as you decide what to order. Once you've ordered and paid for your meal, you help yourself to a table where a server will greet you and bring your meal when it's ready. Tipping is not permitted.

The menu offers everything you'd hope for while dining in New Orleans. Jambalaya, seafood gumbo, crawfish etouffee, red beans/rice and baked ham are some of their specialties. Fried foods such as shrimp, calamari and chicken are also offered. They are "world famous" for their Po-Boys (that's sub type sandwiches for us northerners).

Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner I enjoyed dining here several times during my week's stay in New Orleans. It is within walking distance of many of the CBD hotels and Harrah's Casino. Breakfast featured cooked to order eggs and omeletes, a variety of meats, as well as wonderful homemade biscuits.

Breakfast is very ordinary, but don't miss the black ham on a biscuit--wow. Go on a weekday for smaller crowds, but you'll still have to stand in line. Efficient, impersonal service, but it works.