In September 1995, Danny and Aline Cross threw open the doors to Crows Nest’s first snow-ball shop. The set up was basic but the business thrived. A number of months later, they bought a coffee machine and overnight, New Orleans Old Fashioned Snowballs became ‘New Orleans Cafe’!
Serving a very basic menu – with the kitchen comprising one microwave oven for reheating – most of the food was cooked off premises in Aline’s home kitchen! The food and hospitality often proved so popular that eventually, they couldn’t keep up with demand!
At this stage, the actual space consisted of a narrow shop, with only a front entrance and barely any dining space. It continued to grow and that’s when expansion began! Bit-by-bit the New Orleans Cafe grew and today occupies not only the original space, but taken over the entire corner as well!
Our location is perfect, in a bustling trendy village, on a magic corner. Our atmosphere is totally unique in Sydney. The only thing modern or slick about the place is the technology we use to serve our guests! The aesthetic appeal is a rustic, rambling jazz feeling based around New Orleans memorabilia. It’s full of life and atmosphere and allows people to feel right at home! With our timber finishes, concertina doors and alfresco dining, we aim to emulate the feel of the French Quarter of New Orleans
What the New Orleans cafe cooks on the menu, it does right. There are always some great Creole-Cajun dishes available, as well as classics such as burgers, ribs, soups and salads. The Cafe also does brilliant cocktails, mixed drinks, and makes one damn fine cup of coffee. We’ve got over 20 beers on the menu, and an ever changing wine list
The service we offer is professional yet informal, fast and efficient yet attentive, unpretentious, and friendly. It is obvious that they enjoy the vibe of the joint, and use that energy to fuel the high-speed service they provide. You will most likely hear lots of patrons greeted by name, as the New Orleans is a regular haunt of a great many locals.
We aim to emulate the feel of New Orleans – which even if you haven’t been there, ain’t too difficult to understand. It is an absolute party, with all of life’s bare essentials! We are the Heart and soul of Crows Nest, and plan to liven up all those who come past!
