Espe’s Kitchen

I feel awkward giving this place 3 stars. My experience doesn’t deserve that many, but I’d feel terrible skewing the rating so far on just one visit.
I came here for breakfast as I was only staying down the street. I’m guessing the waitress must have had an off day or was new. There were only a few other customers and it seemed like it took her a while to get to my table. Maybe she thought I couldn’t speak English, because when she did get to my table she dropped a menu in front of me and then just stood over me waiting for me to order without asking me anything. In a panic, I quickly skimmed the menu and ordered the 2 eggs and bacon plate, which if I read correctly came with grits, toast and hashbrowns.
The waitress brought out the 2 eggs and bacon and I figured the other things would come out on a second plate. It never came. Being a neurotic, I figured I must have just misread the menu and since the waitress hadn’t said one word to me yet, I felt weird saying anything to her. I finished the eggs and bacon and asked the waitress for the check. She walked off for a few minutes and then came back and said, «$ 6,» without handing me any kind of ticket or receipt. If there was no ticket, why did she have to walk away after I asked for the ticket? Anyhow, this was all a rather bizarre experience.

Awesome! I don’t know how she serves food this delicious at these prices!
Charming! Great story too about surviving Katrina
What a find!
Baked chicken, juicy and tasty, with corn bread and white beans and rice– $ 3.00. ???
My dinner companion, Greg, order red beans, rice, baked chicken, grits, boiled eggs, and a sausage poor boy… $ 10???
And it is so good!!!
A repeat visit is in the works
Espe, You Must Charge More!!!

Enjoyed a wonderful breakfast while being a tourist in New Orleans. Outstanding food and absolutely the best value in town. When we vacation here again, we’re coming back — no doubt.

I first read about Espe’s in a ‘write-​up’ in the Gambit for the Best of New Orleans.
What a quaint and wonderful surprise this little place is. What makes it really special is it’s dollar breakfast deal that really is one-​dollar. For a dollar you get grits, 1 egg, 1 sausage link or bacon, and a slice of buttered bread. And guess what else — coffee is just a dollar and the best coffee I’ve tasted in a long while. Espe told me it has chickory in it and it is wonderful, smooth without being bitter.
The décor is artsy with lively colored paintings hanging on the walls which adds to the ambience.
Breakfast was a few months ago. Recently I was there in the early evening, the week before ‘Super Bowl’ and I had what can be described as dinner which included a plate of rice and beans with 2 pieces of chicken with a huge glass of grape kool-​aid and it was a little over 5 dollars with taxes. The plate was over-​flowing, so much so, I couldn’t consume it all in one sitting. I had to take a doggy-​bag.
This is definitely the place to go if you’re low on cash and want your money’s worth — it’s where you’ll get that and then some.
If you need to take public transportation, the 94 Broad will take you there and it runs pretty late and regularly — provided it’s running on time.
Espe, the owner is a wonderful person, always greeting everyone with a smile and a tale or two if you have the time. If it’s slow she’ll take your order and make you feel like your an invited guest in her kitchen.

The breakfast was great! You walk in the place with full knowledge and understanding that cleanliness may not be the top priority. Two days later my full belly never complained. Good sign. Pay $ 5 for a huge breakfast and walk away fully satisfied.

Small lil gem on the corner of my street. I would pass it everyday and say to myself I need to go in there lol I sat down and right away I was greeted by Espe herself. I ordered a 2 egg and bacon breakfast. It came out fast and also had grits, toast and home fries. It was sooooo yummy. I can’t wait to try more. After I was finished eating I spoke with Espe about the place and she shared with me her story. She is so warm and inviting. I really felt like I was at home having breakfast.