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Surrey's Café & Juice BarA-Worth Trying

Name: Surrey's Café & Juice Bar
Address: 1418 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70130, New Orleans, United States
Rating: 4.7

1418 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70130 · American restaurant, Breakfast restaurant · 4.7/5 Google (2582 reviews)

Takeout

Creative New Orleans brunch with standout shrimp and grits and fresh juices; small, buzzy space with lines and occasional host/queue frustrations; cash-only at times.

Why it gets an A- for overall quality

Surrey's Café & Juice Bar delivers solid A-grade brunch through exceptional food quality anchored by signature shrimp and grits and fresh-squeezed juices that justify repeat visits. Warm, attentive service keeps the kitchen moving efficiently, though tight quarters and crowded aisles during peak hours limit the overall experience. Strong execution on core brunch staples and generous portions make this a competitive neighborhood favorite, though operational constraints prevent grade A territory.

Restaurant Summary

The room feels funky and homey with local art on the walls, a buzzy brunch crowd, and servers who keep things moving once you sit. Expect a line at peak hours and a tight aisle that can feel crowded. One diner put it simply: "Those grits were unforgettable," while another praised the staff as warm and quick even during the rush. The cooking skews Southern brunch with playful twists: shrimp and grits that regulars swear by, a bananas foster French toast that leans decadent, and fun pairings like pepper jelly with chicken and French toast. Fresh-squeezed juices are a real highlight. Portions are generous and pricing reads fair for the quality, though a few sweets and omelettes can vary from excellent to just fine. For families, this spot works well thanks to kid-pleasing plates like pancakes and bananas foster French toast, plus straightforward eggs, biscuits with gravy, and burritos. The small room and waitlist can test little ones, so off-peak timing helps. No kids menu was noted, but the core brunch items are approachable for most children.

At a Glance

Signature shrimp and grits consistently praised by repeat visitors
Fresh-squeezed juices stand out as a must-order
Small space with long waits and tight aisles during peak
Host stand/queue management can feel disorganized at busy times
Cash-only days reported; bring backup payment

What Sets It Apart

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What People Love

Emotional comfort of creamy grits done right
Decadent bananas foster French toast
Fresh, vibrant juices to start the meal
Friendly servers who keep things moving

Points of Concern

Long waits and cramped aisles are common at peak hours; lines form outside
Host/queue handling draws complaints about order and tone during rush
Occasional cash-only days and card issues frustrate some diners
Isolated reports of billing confusion and inconsistent sweets/omelettes

Service & Dining Experience

Service StyleTable Service Average Cost$28-$42 per person ReservationsNot required

What to Order

Based on reviews, anchor your meal with shrimp and grits and add a fresh juice; share a sweet plate to finish.

Perfect For

Weekend brunch cravings
Casual catch-ups after a Magazine Street stroll
Families seeking approachable Southern plates
Visitors wanting a local-feeling cafe

Location Insights

Area: Leafy, historic neighborhood with boutiques and galleries; attracts locals and visitors exploring Magazine Street.

Safety: Generally safe, lively daytime foot traffic; typical urban awareness advised.

Nearby: Near Magazine Street shops, galleries, and residential blocks; popular for weekend strolling and brunch.

Central CityCentral City offers a dynamic dining environment with a variety of eateries ranging from casual cafes to innovative restaurants. The area is known for its community-oriented atmosphere and a growing number of locally owned businesses, making it a popular spot for both locals and visitors seeking authentic New Orleans experiences.

Magazine StreetMagazine Street is a well-known commercial corridor famous for its eclectic mix of boutiques, antique shops, bars, and diverse dining options. It attracts a lively crowd looking for unique shopping and dining experiences in a walkable, vibrant setting.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Monday08:00–15:00 Tuesday Wednesday Thursday08:00–15:00 Friday08:00–15:00 Saturday08:00–15:00 Sunday08:00–15:00

Available: Takeout

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