The Worst of the Big Easy

New Orleans is chock full of rich history, amazing food, and top tier nightlife. Unfortunately, as a city that is fueled by tourism, New Orleans is also filled with tourist traps and underwhelming eats. There are tons of restaurants that seemingly have good reviews, but in reality, they are nowhere close to what New Orleans really has to offer. From restaurant nightmares, to depressing dinners, there is too much food to be had in the Big Easy to waste your time on mediocrity. Lucky for you, we were unfortunate enough to experience the worst food in a city known for the best food, so you don't have to!

Here is the definitive list highlighting the absolute worst New Orleans restaurants. Don’t say we didn’t warn you!

1. Oceana Grill

   New Orleans' award winning restaurants are a hallmark of the city's robust culinary history. Oceana Grill is no exception. As a champion of Chef Gordon Ramsay's Kitchen Nightmares, Oceana Grill has made it to the very top of our list. Many Yelp reviews by drunken tourists sing Oceana's praises, but locals consider this one of the absolute worst restaurants in New Orleans! Sort the Yelp reviews by 1-Star if you want the real scoop, we suspect that many of their reviews were purchased. It is common for them to serve cold food, of lackluster quality, to unsuspecting travelers on Bourbon Street. Avoid eating raw oysters here, unless your itinerary consists of food poisoning and lighting money on fire. Ramsay found rotting seafood, causing him to puke, and overall the restaurant was absolutely filthy. The staff is so disorganized, you may find yourself waiting eons to get seated or served.

   Don't take our word for it, watch the train wreck with your own eyes on Kitchen Nightmares. Oceana even sued Gordon Ramsay, claiming defamation and that the show was "largely fabricated in the first place." However, the mystery remains as to why they decided to seek Gordon Ramsay's help in the first place if "The restaurant is sustaining, thriving and actually expanding," as their legal counsel claims.

   Alternatives: Breakaway's R&B, High Hat Cafe, L'il Dizzy's Cafe

   Oceana Grill - 739 Conti St., New Orleans, LA 70130

2. Mother’s Restaurant

   Almost everyday for lunch, Mother's has a line that spans over a block, but don't be fooled by the crowd. While Mother's won't leave you with potential food poisoning like Oceana, it is largely considered over hyped by New Orleans locals. Mother's Restaurant wins number two on our list, based on the long wait times, and an array of complaints regarding dry ham and roast beef due to sitting too long under heat lamps.

   A phrase to describe Mother's in a nutshell would be "cafeteria quality." With so many great dining options New Orleans' CBD has to offer, Mother's is over-hyped and not worth the wait.

   Alternatives: Domilise's Poboys, Hobnobber's, Majoria's Commerce Restaurant

   Mother's Restaurant - 401 Poydras St New Orleans, LA 70130

3. Port Of Call

   Port of Call is known for their giant burgers and strong tiki drinks. Swarms of people fight for tables outside of this hole-in-the-wall burger joint. Their only redeeming quality is that they make their drinks with a massive amount of alcohol and the food portions are huge - which is a driving force for the love that Port of Call receives. The drinks are made with sickeningly-sweet mixes and cheap juice concentrates. We do have to say,  their meat is high quality; they grind their burgers daily at their sister restaurant/music venue Snug Harbor, blocks away on Frenchman Street. However, they use the lowest quality ingredients possible for everything else. They do not salt their burgers before grilling, and it's a mystery as to why they ask patrons how they want their burgers cooked. It seems as though your real choices are either raw or hockey puck. Bacon burgers and baked potatoes are adorned with bright red dyed, soy based "fakeon bits," which pushes the experience even further into the abyss of dullness. It is also worth mentioning that the restaurant itself is filthy. It is very obvious that the kitschy nautical themed restaurant has not been refreshed (or thoroughly cleaned) since its inception in 1963.

   Riding the coattails of their previous success, Port of Call will leave you wondering if the glory of New Orleans food is actually a well devised scheme to deceive tourists into spending money. Locals are split as to whether or not Port of Call deserves the title of "best burger in New Orleans," but dealing with the long wait times, unsanitary facilities, and less than polite staff, lands Port of Call in the number three spot on our list. We expect more from a $15 burger.

   Alternatives: Slap Burger at Marie's Bar, Bayou Bar, District Doughnuts

   Port of Call - 838 Esplanade Ave, New Orleans, LA 70116

4. Rib Room

   The Rib Room is located on an opulent corridor in the French Quarter, situated on St. Louis Street, between Royal Street and Chartres, in the Omni Royal Orleans Hotel. The space itself is beautiful, the dining room is inviting with its plush chairs and luxurious details. Once considered a top tier steakhouse, the Rib Room is now a shell of its former self. Expect cold soups, haphazardly made cocktails, and unacceptably long wait times after ordering. Upon our last visit, we were served a dish missing half of the components listed on the menu, and couldn't flag down the waitstaff for a solid 20 minutes! The meals aren't cheap either, as you would expect at a high end steakhouse.

   On a positive note, the French onion soup is incredible, but the rest of the fare is iffy, at best. For the high price point, there are much better options available.

   Alternatives: Houston's Restaurant, Doris Metropolitian, Chophouse

   Rib Room - 621 St Louis St, New Orleans, LA 70130

5. Antoine’s Restaurant

   Antoine's is actually worth visiting at least once. They have an impressive collection of Mardi Gras costumes and relics adorning their dining rooms, as well as a mammoth wine cellar. Established in 1840, it ranks as the oldest restaurant in New Orleans, and one of the oldest restaurants in the United States. Sadly, over the years they have allowed their food quality to GREATLY decline. The service is also atrocious, which is disappointing, because it was once known for having a top-notch floor staff.

   Understandably, people want to see the inside of such a historic building. We won't lie, the building itself is very impressive! We recommend stopping in for the souffle potatoes (one of their signature dishes), getting a tour, and leaving as fast as possible. There are other equally historic restaurants in New Orleans that are actually worth the money and calories.

   Alternatives: Arnoud's, Galatoire's, Brigtsen's Restaurant 

   Antoine's Restaurant - 713 Saint Louis Street, New Orleans, LA 70130

What was the worst establishment you encountered in New Orleans? Let us know in the comments!