Jacques-Imo's

Carrollton, Oak St, New Orleans · Cajun · $$

Jack Leonardi opened this Oak Street room in 1996 and put the entrance through the working kitchen, so every guest files past the fryers before sitting down. The alligator sausage cheesecake reads like a dare and eats like a savory custard; it has been on the menu since the first week and still outsells everything else. Parties under five cannot reserve, so leave your name, walk next door to the Maple Leaf, and come back when they call.