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Just like Megan Fox for Angelina Jolie, this is another poor substitute for the real thing. This is the place for people who've been to New Orleans, or are maybe thinking about going, or have just experienced World Port Orleans at EPCOT and think that gives them a good feel for Cajun or Creole food. All that said, the food is not bad, but it doesn't occupy the same dimension as authentically New Orleans food. It's like BizarrOrleans, where it kinda/sorta looks right, if you tilt your head to the side, but it's a little off. The red beans are flavored with something that tastes vaguely like curry or a Middle Eastern spice. Decent consistency, but the sausage that accompanies it also doesn't quite seem right. I also ordered a fish sandwich that was breaded in what appeared to be bread crumbs, instead of a more authentic flour or cornmeal dusting.

I have never met such a personable owner (he's also really cute), as we literally must have spent over twenty minutes just chit-chatting about food, love, Abita beers and a whole variety of topics. But he spends time talking to everyone in the restaurant, and there was not a single moment when everyone there wasn't beaming. It is the apotheosis of pleasant, comfy, and especially, intimate. This is the best feature of the restaurant, which is unfair to the food, which is absolutely exquisite. It is great New Orleans cuisine, and he is very accommodating as to what meat and seafood he puts in the gumbo/jambalaya/creole, etc. And leaving without getting beignets would be the single greatest crime, as this is the owner's pride and joy, and his excitement in making and serving them pales in comparison to how unfairly tasty and decadent they are. The perfect end to a meal, along with some coffee. A truly unique and happy dining experience, I intend on frequenting there quite often.

When you enter the New Orleans Cafe, you don't even feel like you are on hectic 18th Street, NW, but a quiet place listening to good jazz and being received by the owner Bardia who is always graceful and always makes you feel welcome. Don't leave without getting the beignets for dessert. The food is above average but the service and atmosphere and the price more than make up for my number 4 versus 5 rating.

This is a very small restaurant in the middle of alot of other very small restaurants. We sat in the window so we could "people watch". The food was authentic Louisianna cajun . We totally enjoyed our experience and would recommend this to anyone who likes that atmosphere of "hole in the wall, mom and pop joints". Not fancy, no frills, just good food at a good price.

Bardia's is great. The food is tasty, the atmosphere is really very nice. It's a great date place. You will almost certainly meet the owner as he comes around to all tables, and if he doesn't know you he'll say hello, and sometimes comp you dessert. The only downside is that there is no air conditioning! It can get a little hot to go there for breakfast on the weekend in the summer.