The Ruby Slipper Cafe

There is a particular kind of quiet that settles over a good brunch room — the gentle clatter of cutlery, the hiss of the espresso machine, the soft pop of a champagne cork.

Set in New Orleans, LA, The Ruby Slipper Cafe has carved out a corner of the city's weekend brunch scene with a personality of its own. The room comfortably seats a mix of solo diners working through a coffee and a newspaper, couples splitting a stack of pancakes, and friend groups settling in for a slow, three-hour Saturday.

The hash deserves attention: crisp-edged potatoes, caramelized onions, peppers, and a runny egg on top, with hot sauce on every table.

Menu highlights

Here is a snapshot of the kinds of brunch dishes you can expect to find on the menu at The Ruby Slipper Cafe. Specials rotate weekly with what's in season — check the chalkboard at the host stand when you arrive.

• Acai bowl with granola, banana, coconut, and honey drizzle
• House bloody mary with bacon, olives, and pickled vegetables
• Buttermilk pancakes with whipped butter and warm maple syrup
• Avocado toast on grilled sourdough with chili crisp and a soft egg
• Chicken and waffles with hot honey and pickled jalapeño
• Steel-cut oats with brown sugar, toasted nuts, and stewed fruit
• Huevos rancheros with corn tortillas, refried beans, and salsa verde
• Croque madame with béchamel, gruyère, and a fried egg

There's a small patio out back that fills up the moment the weather turns, and a wait list that moves faster than it looks.

The eggs Benedict here is a study in restraint: a properly toasted English muffin, paper-thin Canadian bacon, and a hollandaise that's lemony enough to cut through the richness.

Vegetarians and vegans are well taken care of — at least three plant-forward mains anchor the menu, not just an afterthought side of fruit.

Like a lot of the best brunch spots in New Orleans, The Ruby Slipper Cafe is at its most magical on weekend mornings, when the kitchen is firing on all burners and the room slowly fills with the kind of low, happy hum that only good food and unhurried company can produce. Whether you're a tourist with one weekend in town or a local with a Sunday ritual, this is a place that earns its reputation plate by plate.

Tips from the regulars

• Vegetarian and gluten-free diners have real options, not just sad fruit cups.
• Tip generously — the brunch shift is the toughest in any restaurant, and the staff here keeps it warm even at peak rush.
• Save room: the pastry case at the front is part of the experience.
• Best time to go: arrive before 9:30 a.m. on weekends to skip the worst of the wait at The Ruby Slipper Cafe.
• Best for: groups of 2 to 4 — larger parties may want to call ahead.

Hours

Frequently asked questions

What time does The Ruby Slipper Cafe open for brunch?

Posted hours are: Mo-Fr 07:00-14:00;Sa-Su 07:00-15:00;Dec 25 off;Nov Mo[2] off;easter-41 days off. Hours can change on holidays — call ahead if you're traveling.

Does The Ruby Slipper Cafe take reservations?

Most brunch spots in New Orleans are walk-in friendly, with a wait list during peak hours. Larger parties (5+) should call ahead to ask about a reservation.

Is The Ruby Slipper Cafe kid-friendly?

Yes — The Ruby Slipper Cafe welcomes families. Most brunch menus include simple kid-friendly options like pancakes, scrambled eggs, and fresh fruit. Highchairs are usually available.

What kind of cuisine does The Ruby Slipper Cafe serve?

It's classified under american — broadly an American-style brunch experience with regional touches you'd expect in New Orleans.

Is there outdoor seating at The Ruby Slipper Cafe?

Outdoor seating is not always confirmed. We recommend calling ahead during nice weather.

Location

Located at 200 Magazine Street. Coordinates: 29.9510, -90.0674. Use the address above with your preferred maps application for turn-by-turn directions.