Review The Camellia Grill - New Orleans

This is a great American spot. You get a diner like atmosphere and very delicious food. The portions are just enough which is perfect. Definitely a community centered place. I visited from Massachusetts and I had a splendid time. Thank you for having AMAZING customer service and for providing everything in a respectful and timely manner. Highly recommend dropping by here if you're in the mood for breakfast or brunch. Also, they serve turkey bacon for my non-pork people.

We are visiting from the Dallas area and my nephew took us to this diner for breakfast. The service was great and the food was fantastic. The best omelet I've eaten! Then I helped my nephew eat his pancakes - yum! I will definitely be back.

Nice American food. The place is a bit messy. The flavor of the food is quite nice but nothing out of this world. I ordered a grilled cheese sandwich with bacon and it was lacking of cheese. The omelets looked super nice and fluffy. Prices are average around 17usd per person. It is a place with lots of history.

Food was delicious and great atmosphere. My only complaint if I had any was that I ordered grits and I didn’t get them. Everything else was super.

Best breakfast in New Orleans ! The fluffy omelettes are the best omelettes i’ve ever had. Every bite was worth the 15 minute line wait. Hash browns were so delicious as well. Food was served quickly, fresh and hot. This place is a must if you are in New Orleans.

This spot had all the makings of a classic diner experience! The omelettes were delicious and the food was served fast. I highly recommend this for breakfast!

Eggs, ham, grits, toast, chicken n waffles, burger, Mac and cheese. All amazing. You need to go here for breakfast/lunch if you're in New Orleans. It's busy, so you might have to wait in line outside to get a spot. But so worth it. Great service as well. And whatever you do, don't forget to get the buttered and grilled chocolate pecan pie!!

Delicious lunch at The Camellia Grill. Rode the street car almost the whole length of the line just to have lunch here, so enjoyed seeing the beautiful antebellum mansions on the way. Food was delicious, we got shrimp po’boy and their take on a cheeseburger sandwich. The homemade coleslaw was delicious. Service was excellent with a novel set up of the server stationed behind a u-shaped bar serving those around them. Would definitely recommend checking this place out, po’boy was amazing

Old school sit-in diner with great food. Have to leave room for the pecan pie with ice cream 🤌

Nice place for breakfast brunch. They have inside and outside seats. Food was great. Service not so great as the waiter seams to had a bad day, rushing people and saying common bro I'm really busy here..... aren't we the clients you supposed to serve. Also the door guy was sending people to the table without cleaning it first so you find a dirty place in front of you. Food recommended

Not worth the hype. But if you’re wanting a ride on the trolley or to explore the garden district, it’s worth going to just to say you did. Good breakfast, but just average quality.

This used to be one of the absolute best places to eat breakfast, brunch, lunch and late night snacks after the club. Now they close early. It's always dirty and the food doesn't taste like it used to. Ranset pecans in the waffles and messy plates have changed my perspective on a restaurant I've gone to since I was a child. Now it's mediocre at best and the ambiance and lightness that once existed here is loss. With some of its long time employees perishing, Camilla's no longer feels the same. It's sad what selling a local restaurant can do to its reputation.

Camellia Grill breakfast is more than a meal, it is an experience that brings back the positive memories of growing up in New Orleans. From the moment you are greeted by the professional host that politely and orderly coordinates the waiting crowd. Even the waiting crowd is gentile and polite , all with the same goal of tasting New Orleans. The wait staff was top notch well trained masters of serving food. The breakfast itself was astonishing from the preparation to the delivery to table. Grew up in New Orleans and this was my first visit here so I leave here wondering how much I missed out for all those years.

Diner food done perfectly. Amazing service, delicious food. We are beyond grateful we decided to stop by for dinner. I had a reuben sandwich and mac and cheese. My wife had a cheeseburger and fries. We were both mesmerized watching the cooks. We are both avid home cooks and the amount of skill and ability to multi-task was beyond impressive. Stop here if you're in town. You won't regret it!

Very good diner food, cooked and served by some very sweet people. There may be a line when you arrive. Do not freak out. Line up peaceably. The line moves quickly. The St Charles streetcar stops right in front.

What a great dining experience with fantastic tasting food to match. Simple counter and stool service where they get you in, cook your food fresh to order, then get you out so the next customers can enjoy their meal.

I’ve been coming here for 30 years whenever we vacation to New Orleans and it’s dependable and consistent. They retain staff over long periods of time and the staff are extremely friendly. I liked the counter service experience as a kid and I liked sharing the experience with my kids. It can be a bit pricey or I should say we spend more than we expect when eating there.

Little dinner outside the French Quarter. Must go, the food is excellent and the service is top notch. If your looking for a southern flavor this is the place especially for breakfast.

Love the servers, the cooks and the food is so dang good. We B-line it to this place every time we are visiting New Orleans. Highly recommend.

I have been eating at camellia grill since I was a child. I know many of the employees and the manager from having friendly conversations with the nice people who truly love working at the historic landmark. The food is amazing, and always comes out quickly. The staff has been trained by former staff, some of whom were legendary fixtures of the place, working entire careers there and taking a lot of pride in it. The majority of the staff is African American, management positions included, as it has been for a hundred years. And the manager is certainly not racist, as his life choices have made one hundred percent clear. I hate when people who get the slightest bit offended try to smear a restaurant, shop, store, or any other small business with the race card. It is completely unjustified and absolutely ridiculous in this case specifically. This is a hundred year old family friendly icon, and I'm calling bs. That is all.

Good Food Great Spot Awesome Experience Happy Customer

I came here while visiting New Orleans in 1999. I had an omelette and a coffee and it was the greatest I've ever had. To this very day I order the same omelette every time. Turkey and Swiss with hash browns and a side of sausage. The staff are incredibly friendly and cool and the atmosphere is just right. Now that I live in New Orleans, Anytime I have Friends coming to visit I make sure I take them here! Thank you Leon, Will, Michael and all the rest. And continue to Rest In Peace, dear Marvin. WORD!

The fact that you have a blatant racist threatening patrons verbally& physically at your establishment ... And do nothing to diffuse the situation is absolutely ridiculous... Won't be eating there ever again.

Ridiculously inadequate response to racism and assault. Do better.

I will not ever again spend money here You , allowed a paying customer ( a young African American lady -alone )to be verbally assaulted and given the finger in front of your other customers by a WHITE MALE . You DID NOTHING AS A BUSINESS AND ALLOWED HIM TO STAY TIL HE FINISHED EATING .SHAME ON YOU FOR PERPETUATING RACISM. No one should eat there .#shame on you

grew up going to the grill so did my kids. amazing how an institution like camellia grill can be so good and so dirty at the same time. maybe that is what makes the place special. filthy good i guess you would say. chilli cheese omelet on the soft side with french fries add Tabasco and ketchup

Great food! Good diner experience. Wish more sauce options, but still pretty good. Very close to Tulane, so great for students! Highly recommend.

AWWWWWWWSOMENESS I LOVE THE POBOY BACON CHEESEBURGER WITH CHILLI CHEESE FRIES OMGGG! MY FIRST TIME VISITING WAS YESTERDAY AND I HAVE LIVED IN N.O (4) YRS AND HAVE PASSED BY SEVERAL TIMES WELL SOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHHHHH HAPPYYYYYY THAT I FINALLY STOPPED....Ms. Yvette (DECARLO) PALMER NORTON-WILLIAMS....

Old school diner style. Great for late night breakfast. The hangover hamburger is pretty good. Service is good! I can get crowded at times. Not to much more to add, want a good breakfast come here.

Good food prepared right there in front of you. Kind of an old school feel to the place. I like how they sometimes shout orders at each other, they not angry, just having fun while they cook.

I had several people tell me that this was a place I needed to visit. However, I was not entirely sold on the decor, the place was rather small, and I wasn't entirely satisfied with my omelette. The service was excellent. The waiter was rather attentive and he was entertaining and friendly. The burgers were AMAZING! My kid got a grilled cheese with bacon. The fries were delicious, not home made, but cut uniformly and fried properly. I ordered a potato and onion omelette. I got eggs, cheese, french fries, and loads of onions. Honestly, not until I was writing this review did I understand why I had french fries in my omelette. So sad. I was looking for hash-browned potatoes and onions mixed into my eggs with cheese. I ended up eating my kids cheeseburger which was amazing. I would go back and eat some desert. The apple pie at this establishment looked amazing.

Next in my series of 18 Eats, I head uptown to Camellia Grill for a quick bite at its famed counter. If you ever find yourself nursing a hangover in New Orleans or you up late working on one for the next morning? Keep Camellia Grill in mind. It’s the Garden District go-to for giant omelets, particularly moreish pecan pie, stout coffee and all sorts of other delicacies designed to you help cope with post celebratory suffering and start feeling like a champ again.

Pictured: A delicious highlight of my trip to New Orleans: pecan pie and chocolate freeze from Camellia Grill. Ended up here later in the evening having missed the street car I was going to take and had a lot of time until the next one, so I popped into to the nearest diner I could find for dessert. Thank God I did. Their pecan pie heated up on the grill is the ultimate comfort food with a big scoop of ice cream.

Hands down best hangover diner food ever. Great atmosphere. Very affordable and it's great that it's not cash only. FYI no alcohol and directly on the St Charles streetcar line.

People were friendly and fun. Breakfast was good but no salt or pepper was added by the cook. Would try again but another meal besides bfast

Un lugar sencillo y tradicional. Su especialidad son las omelettes y hamburguesas. <br/>El sabor de las hamburguesas es perfecto, el tocino crujiente y las papas fritas exquisitas. Yo pedi la bacon burguer con queso y mis amigos omelette de tocino y otra de chili , con salsa de carne. <br/>Probamos un freeze de naranja, refrescante y super suave, tipo milkshake. La atencion siempre es muy amable y rapida. Un lugar para repetirse

Been here countless times. Every time we go it's an experience. Food is excellent, staff is always fun. Good breakfast and lunch. Good shakes

The lines' usually out of the door and for a reason...this is classic New Orleans right here. The employees are 9/10 in a fantastic mood and are quick, funny, and energetic. The food is great and so is the slice of ANY pie you get. The burger is also underrated. try it...see for yourself.

Late night dining options (excluding all fast food establishments and supermarkets) outside of the French Quarter are few and far between in New Orleans, particularly if you are trying to grab a bite to eat on the way to Metairie. After witnessing a fantastic performance by Rush at the Smoothie King Center, with some of the worst acoustics of any concert I have attended to date, my date and I were looking to scarf down a few bites before crashing at a relative’s house for the night. I wasn’t looking for fine dining or a four-course meal. All I needed was some edible chow to ‘top off’ a stomach already suffused with the fervor, passion, and eternal youth, of a Canadian-flavored rock and roll display. <br/><br/>After a failed visit at Twelve Mile Limit, an establishment which advertises nocturnal eats and supposedly great barbecue but offers no visible menu or ordering assistance, I quickly reviewed my other options. As I cruised down South Carrollton, it donned on me that perhaps now would be as good a time as any to pay a visit to a nearly 70-year-old casual dining fixture with an unmistakable cream-colored anterior: Camellia Grill.<br/><br/>Located near the tail-end of South Carrollton and along the St. Charles Street Car Line, Camellia Grill has been in operation since 1946 and somehow has managed to maintain its vintage spirit. And with a portico comprised of large, rounded columns more suitable for a lavish residence in the Garden District than a casual diner, only the occasionally malfunctioning, pink neon letters above hint at Camellia Grill’s mellow style of operation. While inside, the pink-painted walls inside are a distinct contrast to the white, winding countertops, which are the only available seating for those wishing to dine in. <br/><br/>The establishment is well-respected and adored by college students, blue collar workers, professionals, and everyone in between. Even at 11 P.M. on a Friday night in June, Camellia Grill is still jam-packed. We actually had to wait several minutes before a pair of stools were available for seating. Though I would be willing to guess that more than half of the diners present were between the ages of 16 and 25 (the demographic you would expect to eat at such a late hour), the place clearly attracts people of all ages. <br/><br/>My date and I scanned the simple but extensive menu. There appeared to be little distinction between breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and thus nearly every menu item was still eligible for ordering. My minor hunger had now escalated to near appetence after seeing fellow diners delight in the satisfaction of their meal. I decided to order a cheese omelette and a vanilla freeze. My date countered with an order of fries and a chocolate freeze. <br/><br/>The four or five-man crew is an entertaining bunch. Most of the cooks are pretty comical and seem to enjoy their work. Their grill-adjacent enterprise is one well-oiled machine. Every member hastily undertakes his responsibilities necessary to complete each respective order, all while being confined to a relatively limited kitchen space which is observable to all patrons. If you care to watch closely enough, you can see each and every ingredient utilized as part of your order. For those of us who are part of the more ‘health-oriented’ crowd, this aspect can be a little unnerving unless you remind yourself that it’s only one meal. <br/><br/>Our freezes were made in no time whatsoever. I really enjoyed the sweet, creamy taste of the vanilla, but my date’s chocolate version was clearly the superior option. The richness of the chocolate milk and the soupçon of syrup was just perfect. However, I had no idea how much the decadent quality of the two freezes would impact my capacity for any future sacchariferous comestibles.<br/><br/>The omelette and fries were brought to us as we were in the midst of enjoying our freezes. The omelette was good, nothing remarkable, and the fries were better than I expected. <br/><br/>Despite the fact that I had already indulged in a pretty decent amount of rich food, I foolishly pressed my luck by ordering a slice of the house-made pecan pie. I requested to have the pie heated up on the grill. As the cook placed the mouthwatering slice on the grill, I squirmed in my seat after witnessing him douse the pie in butter. Mmmm…LDL-cholesterol.<br/><br/>While the pie was delicious, it proved to be far too much for me to handle. I might have entered Camellia Grill on my own power, but I limped out of the building while leaning on my poor date as though I were an intoxicated dipsomaniac on Bourbon Street. <br/><br/>As far as diner fare goes, this is about what you would expect. It’s not the best I have had, but it’s still a hell of a late night option if you are near Carrollton and Audubon. The service is great and the prices are affordable. Our waiter was wearing some New York Jets gear and it took every ounce of restraint for me not to harass him about his dilapidated franchise’ recent woes. <br/><br/>The freezes are worth a taste, as our most of the menu items. If you stop by on a weekend morning, you might be hard-pressed to grab a spot at the bar unless you are willing to be patient. However, the service appears quick enough to prevent the formation of any obnoxious wait times. <br/><br/>For those of you from Baton Rouge, this is about as close of an equivalent to Louie’s Café as you will find in New Orleans. It might not be open 24 hours or directly off of Tulane’s campus, but it’s great nonetheless. These timeless establishments are as great now as they were during the mid-20th century (Admit it you youngings…that time period association almost makes it sound antiquated, doesn’t it?). <br/><br/>Camellia Grill is as deserving of a bucket list entry as any fine dining option in the city. Go for nostalgia. Go for good food. Go for laughs. And go with your family and friends. <br/><br/>Taste 7/10 <br/><br/>Cost: 9/10<br/><br/>Dining Area/Décor: 6/10<br/><br/>Customer Service: 8/10<br/><br/>Location: 9/10

Classic breakfast place in Uptown. The service is lively and impeccable for a diner. It's the total experience that is definitely worth the wait.

I really didn't like the food here. The staff were very  fun though. They usually have really long lines at time..... They are open till 12am.

Interesting lunch counter cafe, rough food.. Wait in line to eat on sat morning...maybe better on weekdays. Food as ordinary as it gets. Hopefully clean plates...not sure. Stupid place for restrooms in back of kitchen. Advice...go next door.

Save your money. As a chef I appreciate when an institution can deliver for years, even fast food chains. But this place is past prime. Burger was tasteless, fries were tasteless and staff was throwing the plastic dishes in the bucket so loud it scared me everytime, I almost left because of it but said something to waiter and they threw less. Now this place was just written up in Where New Orleans magazine, shame on them recommending this place.

Changed for the worse. Went recently. Literally no one cooking/ and no manager.<br/>We left.<br/>It is not what it used to be.<br/>No more starched uniforms with hats/Now, waiters look like they been wearing the same uniform for days.<br/>The place was dirty and devoid of management.<br/>Who is responsible for this downturn?

What a disappointment.... I used to go to Camellia Grill often from around 1965-1983. I went a couple months ago (late fall of 2014) and it was just awful. The restaurant and grill was extra dirty, counter service was ok but the cashier was not friendly, and the food was borderline. I am so sorry I went back.

LGaudiano. Looking for a Camellia Grill NO Teashirt

Breakfast at The Camellia Grill. If you find yourself in this part of the city at breakfast, do yourself a favor and hit up the Camellia Grill. It is worth the wait.

Fun Experience & Good Food. Loved the staff - they were all so friendly! The place was spotless (but a bit crowded - seating is very limited) and the service was quick. My hamburger steak and mashed potatoes were perfectly seasoned, and the husband's burger was exactly what I expect - and love - from tiny diners and grills. Nothing was overly greasy. The chili on the fries wasn't from a can, as I saw one reviewer state (I had Hormel chili the night before on a hot dog - that wasn't it). I do wish the seating were a bit more comfortable. Regardless, I'm looking forward to bringing a few family members with me next time!

Excellent. Ate here twice on vacation. I went to both locations uptown & french quarter, the service was excellent at both places in addition to the food. Love the environment there. Had western omelette one day & chef's special omelette the other. Outstanding food & service!

Stopped in after riding trolley thru garden district . Very good . Got a chocolate shake, hamburger , and fries. The o<br/>Let's looked great. Would certainly recommend. Great hamburger short order joint

If you are a tourist looking for a place to have breakfast and an experience, this is the place to go. It's not all about the food, it's mostly about the experience with the waitrons singing and making jokes, but if you are going there for good food, they have great pies, great orange ices, which are made from fresh oranges and ice made in a blender. But overall they have great breakfast, lunch, and dinner. And it is not a tourist trap. Us locals go there very often too. This is 1 must go to place I. New Orleans.

Amazing. If you are looking for a great time, great food and reasonable prices. Then this is the place to go.

Throwback. Eating at Camellia takes you back to 1946. I'm never sure whether I should order a shake or slice of pecan pie, but the cheeseburger is a must. I love sitting at the long counter, and service is always excellent. The lines can be long, but Camellia's been around for more than 50 years for a reason... Your patience will pay off.

At the Riverbend and Cheeseburger heaven!. Again, one of those line places at times and then I get back on the road to less crowded climes BUT last time in we did sit down for some beefy heaven on a bun in the form of a cheeseburger plate.<br/><br/>Nice mix of folks and college kids in the joint and the wait staff is a veteran bunch who play to the masses with some personality.<br/><br/>Nice area for walking as well and hitting some other spots like Cooter Browns and others.<br/><br/>Used to be at the end of the trolley but construction had it a bus ride away on our last trip in. Hope that is resolved soon so the whole experience can be completed.<br/><br/>Long trolley ride to this burger is worth it in history and scenery. Grab a daiquiri before you hit the streetcar and relax.

Food orders. We live several blocks from this place.. we have tried it on several occations and while the food is good, we cannot get our order as we placed it at anytime.. I actually think I get someone else's completely. really good food, getting an order correct would be priceless.. i'm going to GB Grill a block away.. ..

So good! Really great drunk late night food. My friend lives really close and it was an easy walk. The staff was really friendly and my to go order was ready really quick.

Simple diner good, with the flair for the eclectic. The interior of this place simply doesn't match the exterior. The exterior is appears to be a turn of the century plantation style building, and interior, it feels like one of those 1950's era diners. It's bar service only from fixed no-back bar stools. <br/><br/>The staff has a flair for the showmanship, but the food is just normal food. Burgers ,fries, patty melts, etc. This isn't high cuisine and don't expect some new twist with some form of foie gras aoli. Nope, just meat, cheese, toppings and bread. Onion rings are pre-breaded and frozen. <br/><br/>it's good for diner food. The wait is long, and the prices are very reasonable.

I saw good reviews on urbanspoon and good prices so we decided to try it. It did not disappoint! Food was great! Had cheeseburger, chicken tenders and cheesy fries. Best burger ever! And the staff is very friendly

Don't miss it!. We love this place, yes the wait can be long sometimes, but it is well worth it. Everything is great! We have had the burgers, the Po-boys, chili, club sandwich. We stop here every time we are in NO wouldn't miss it for nothing!

An excellent diner experience for some touring Aussies. After reading the reviews on urbanspoon we decided to give it a go. Fried Catfish was excellent ( and considerably cheaper and more plentiful) than the feed we had in Natchez last night. The corn maque choux is a standout as a side. Two young ladies were also suitably impressed by the chicken strips. Service was exemplary and we enjoyed the atmosphere.<br/>Recommended as a great family diner

Crowded and Greasy. My mom raved about this place for YEARS and said we had to go on our next trip. So we went, and we waited for a spot at the counter. I ordered a grilled chicken sandwich, my mom went for the burger. Neither of us enjoyed our meal. The chicken was dry and the burger greasy. It's cute and I guess it's a nod to nostalgia but it's not a place I would dine again.

Must visit. One of the best burgers in the Americas. If you're in the area I highly recommend it if you have the means. Great service with an old timey feel.

Cute place but...... I couldn't believe when the Camellia Grill showed up as one of the cheapest places to eat in New Orleans. I mean, it's not as spending as the tie and jacket establishments but Camellia Grill is by no means cheap. They are also pretty mediocre to downright bad as far as food goes. My husband ordered a bowl of chili and I swear it came straight out of a Hormel can. Honest. It is a cute establishment but no, I won't be going back.

Wait your turn. The staff is a hoot. Good American diner food--no novelle cuisine, no organic mealy mouth fulls of brown stuff. <br/><br/>Are you from out-of-town? I mean way out, say Moscow or North Korea? Someplace that needs a passport. Then this is the taste of America with a Southern twist you are looking for. One bite of the burger and it's God Bless America for you!

Great time. Kids had a blast. Food was good and the service is even better. Only a few other customers in so the staff was having a good time with everyone.

Fun. Sit at the bar and talk to the staff.

Oustanding Po Boys and a cool old world atmosphere.

Grease for those who like it.. No health food nuts, please. This is an old-school diner. Grease, Chili, Cheese. Stick to those and you wont be disappointed.

Always Good. Food is always good. Be sure to leave room for the grilled pecan pie. With ice cream of course!

Childhood Favorite!. I will always have a place in my heart for Camellia Grill! You cannot find a diner like this anywhere else in the country! The people are so happy and it is so much fun to people watch as it is a very busy New Orleans favorite. I recommend the chocolate freeze with a warm chocolate pecan pie! The hamburgers are delicious as well and always hit the spot! YUMMM

Fantastic grits!

Mediocre. Food is nothing special. Healthy portions tho, but the limited seating and feeling like "your sitting on top of the person next to you," makes me pass this place up.

Gumbo is best I've had in NOLA. (totally not expecting) Choc. Freezes homemade but taste even better. BLT is very good, super generous with the B. Their breakfast is above avg. eggs and toast are just that. Their grits are generous and creamy... And good place to determine if you like them. I'm a southern girl and LOVE grits anyhow :) but for the inexperienced- good place to try. I really liked our one waiter(Jerry seinfeld look alike) but Ricky wasn't that pleasant-

Fun place to go. Camellia's is always a great atmosphere and experience. I love bringing out of town guests here. Food is good too, but the overall experience is what keeps bringing me back.

Waffle House w personality. Fries - yuck. Burgers - yum. Waiters - yeah. Hostess - boo. Milkshake - wow. Lots of college age patrons. Loud. Not clean. "it is what it is". Watch the pricing. It will sneak up on you.

Omelets / burgers. Best omelets if you are looking for breakfast and best burger if you are looking for that juicy diner style hamburger. i love this place

Great breakfast!

Dirty. I've been a fan for a long time. But of late I've found the restaurant to be really dirty and the food is not as good. My b.l.t. was terrible. The bread was stale before they toasted it and the bacon had absolutely no flavor. They skimped on the tomato and the lettuce. French fries were just okay. The waiters are still fun and the chocolate freeze was great but my food was just average at best. Kind of a bummer. Please give the place a thorough cleaning!

You've never had a waffle until you've experienced camellias waffle w/real cane syrup (kept below the counter so remember to ask for it). Love the old fashioned diner friendliness.

Perfect drunk food.. We stumbled in here after a couple stiff drinks and got ourselves a chili cheese omelet and a Mexican (chicken and cheese) omelet, both of which were super. The coffee was strong but not bitter. The ambience at 11pm was quiet, relaxing, polished-white open-air counters, a real 50's diner sorta vibe. Cheap, tasty, well-made food that absorbed the alcohol quite nicely without filling us up too much. Definitely come here for an omelet if you need a pick-me-up before your next hand grenade.

Not bad but not good. I went here to get your typical diner food some pancakes eggs and sausage;Let's just say i was disappointed. It took forever to get served and then when i got my food although it was hot but the pancakes tasted like they had mixed up the cornbread batter and the pancake batter, the sausage was burnt and well the eggs were oily. I have yet to try their burgers but those in my group who ordered them were pleased with their choice.

Fun Mardi Gras Breakfast. You wouldn't pick Camellia Grill if you want a fine dining experience, but it's good for what it iis, a neighborhood diner steeped in tradition. Went there with friends for breakfast Mardi Gras day. Everything about it was an experience, from the group sitting next to us nursing hangovers with chili cheese fries to the cook who was engaging the customers in something like a sing-a-long. Our waiter, who was a character, was very attentive. It was lots of fun and the food was good for diner food.

Needs the Crowds. When I last lived in New Orleans, this was one of my semi-regular places. The food was good, even very good, the prices were low, the service was like entertainment, and the atmosphere was convivial: with all those people sitting together on lunch-counter stools, it was easy to strike up conversations and make new acquaintances, which would now and then ripen into friendships. Made me a big, big fan of the place.<br/><br/>Went there Monday night, when everything else we were interested in was closed. We were the only people there, and though the food was good (reuben sandwiches for two, red beans & rice with a hamburger patty for one) and the prices still reasonable, and the staff pleasant, without the crowd the place just seemed, well, like a lunch counter. Definitely a place for high-traffic times.

Cute Diner. This is my go to place to take out of town guests for breakfast. It is a tourist stop as it is located at the end of the trolley line. They get to ride the trolley see the garden district then at the end of the line you get off and have a short walk across the street to the diner. The line to get in can have you coming for breakfast and feel like waiting till lunch. When it is not so busy you get more interaction with the friendly servers and a more memorable visit for your guests. They are famous for the eggs and the burgers. Fun to watch the food being made. The wait is worth the expierience.

It was good. We like what we ordered, not fancy but like an old timey diner. The waiters joked around with us. Mom loved her omelet and I had the catfish sandwich. Had a milkshake later. Just like days gone by.

Amazing atmosphere and well worth the wait if there is a line! If you are not sure what you want let the server help you decide.....you can't go wrong

I like it, but it just a diner. Don't expect real cuisine.

Always a treat. You go for the service and the food is pretty good too. I always get a bacon cheese burger with two patties.

*shrug*. I've been to camellia about three times now (with different people each time), so i'm convinced that everything they serve is...fine. the energy and atmosphere of the place surpass the food by far, so i'm assuming that *these* are the what the fuss is about. the food itself is merely passable and is, in my opinion, overpriced. go there once to sit at the counter, fist bump your waiter, and be able to say that you've been.

Best omelettes in town. Atmosphere is unique. I like it

Ain't 'dere no more. If you been around for any length of time, you know the "show" ain't what it used to be. The once-legendary waiters did a shuck-and-jive routine way beyond the straw presentation -- but I guess that antebellum relic just seems too "TOM" these days. I am not disagreeing -- only commenting that the main reason to go ain't 'dere no more (credits to B. Grunch) . <br/><br/>This place has history, nothing special food, crowded seating, often long waits, semi-lively service, and you ought to go once. <br/><br/>Lots of local old timers swear by the "Vanilla Freeze" but to me it seems like a watered down milk shake.

A++. It's not a place where I'd dine in, due to the fact that I don't like elbowing my neighbors while eating. Getting food to-go solves that problem; it's fast and relatively cheap. <br/><br/>Speaking of the food, it's wonderful! The cheeseburgers are juicy and the freezes are yummy. The only draw back? No delivery.

Great burgers & onion rings. Open late.. Cheeseburger and onion rings were so good, 5 of us enjoyed our meal before our uncomplaining friend received his half-cooked omelet. Our quiet friend asked for his omelet a bit more cooked, with a little more ham. The cook held his gaze, dumped his plate, and started all over without one word. <br/>Our local friends were apologetic, we were surprised (he never complained while watching the rest of us eat).<br/><br/>Moral of the story: get what your friends order if you want to eat with them. <br/>We recommend the cheeseburger and onion rings.<br/><br/>Tip: open late.

Limited Seating but Worth the Wait. Luckily we circled the block and spotted a small line so we decided to join the que. Already knew it was worth waiting for from a previous visit and their vaunted local reputation. When I was a kid I heard they served "cannibal sandwiches" there (raw burgers) so it took me a few years to check it out. I had a fine waffle and an egg over hard on the side. The waitstaff here star as much as the food, though. They get the order right every time without even writing it down!

Backslide. I'm a local. Last week had a terrible experience and surly service. Cheese NOT melted on cheese fries, made them inedible.<br/><br/>Lots of better burger options in town.

Greasy Delicious Diner!!. One of my all time fav places in the city...always get the double bacon cheese burger... i hear the omlets and pies are great and an absolute must have is a chocolate freeze!!! perfect end to an awesome meal!!

Likes, but with reservations.... I, once upon a time, would have voted "don't like it" for the Camellia. I've since changed my mind....a bit.<br/><br/>I certainly would never ever wait to get it. It's not worth it. <br/>It's also overpriced and the fries are lame.<br/>The sandwiches and burgers, however, are good decent diner fare, and the experience is nice.

Food was great, prices were some of the most reasonable in the city, and the service was very entertaining, don't worry about the wait, they get you in quickly. I got the Chefs Special Omelette, best eggs I've had in a while!

Everyone was happy!. Wife, kids, grand kids! Burgers and fries were delicious! Pecan pie is a must!!

Doc Brinkers Special. Order a Doc Brinker's Special (double meat cheeseburger with melted American & Swiss cheese, grilled onions on toasted Rye with Cole Slaw and Chili) and a chocolate-cherry freeze (or orange) and make your soul feel GOOD.

Great family place. Good eats, love the milkshakes and Chili Cheese fries!!

FUNKY PLACE. THE BEST BURGER i HAVE EVER EATEN...

Worth the wait. Limited seating makes Camellia Grill a challenge, but let me tell you, it's worth the wait. Those waiters are amazing with their recall, not even writing down your order, but they get it right every time. Super place for breakfast anytime. The omelets are terrific!

Pretty good. Solid diner food in a pretty cool setting.

Always a treat. Just can't beat this old favorite. Usually a 30 minute wait but you won't know it. Lots of good conversation with the people in line. Just plain good chow. Doesn't matter what you order on the menu, you will be happy. Price is right, service is friendly. Introduce yourself to your neighbors and the staff. You will return.

Eat here!. This place makes the dining experience fun. We had a wonderful waiter, Bruno, who made the dining experience more like an adventure. The food is great, the quality of service is phenomenal, and there are plenty items on the menu. In addition, I believe it is open 24/7. so stop by hungover, for some drunk-munchies, or just for a nice lunch. You will not be disappointed.

Fantastic. I have never had a bad meal here. Great burgers, shakes, omelets. They just put a new location in the French Quarter as well. You may have to wait some days, but it is worth it.

Good food, long wait..... I wouldn't dare wait in a long line to eat at the Camellia Grill. The food is good, but its not that good.<br/><br/>The omletes are highlights for me. That New Yorker omelet is a killer. Their burgers are pretty good too.<br/><br/>Like I said, I think the food is pretty good. It's not worth standing in line for for an hour. If you go at an off-peak time (which I usually do when I go here), then its worth it.<br/><br/>The building itself had a huge renovation post-Katrina. I love the feel of the place. Honestly, I don't think the service is that great. They try to be funny, but they are soooooo busy that they forget stuff a lot. This may put some people off and is, in fact, the sole reason why my fiancee doesn't like to go here.

Pros and Cons. Here is the thing about Camellia Grill: if you're craving greasy-spoon type food, this place has some of the best in the city. It's a legit diner, with the only seating at a long bar only a few feet away from the griddles and grills. Their double bacon cheeseburger is flavorful, fatty, and worthwhile; their chili is heavenly. I personally prefer the Chef's Special Omelet, which has (I think) bacon, turkey, french fries, onions, and cheese folded in fluffy eggs and topped with chili, served with MORE cheese. It's excellent if it's what you're craving. <br/><br/>HOWEVER. Here is the issue with Camellia Grill: service. The guys who work at this place put on a little bit of a show, presenting you with straws and napkins in a fun way. But nearly every time I've been to this place, I've sworn off ever going again because the waiter or one of the cooks says something inestimably rude. The waiters will often forget your drinks or one of the items in your order until the very end of the meal, so you are required to ask; this gets you a very gruff treatment. Often if you try to ask for an order modification, let's say no onions in your omelet, the waiter will write it down but not call it out to the cook. I once asked for no onions in my omelet very clearly, hear the waiter call it wrong to the cook, mentioned it to the waiter, and the waiter and the cook actually stood in front of me with their backs turned and grumbled about me!<br/><br/>I was raised to be extremely polite, so I always just deal with their sour attitude but it always cheapens the experience for me. I walk in expecting to tip 20% but I usually end up giving less than that out of sheer annoyance. I've been meaning to write this review for some time but our monthly visit was last night and my ire is fresh in my mind. I wonder if anyone else feels this way about CG?

The food was great and the service good, I still don't think I would stand in that long line in Sunday morning.

Remarkably unremarkable. Have you ever seen a completely average guy who is of completely average intelligence and completely average looks and completely average humor, yet smells a little funky, get the really popular, pretty girl? That's Camellia Grill. <br/><br/>Sitting on a streetcar full of tourists you can hear them clamoring about Camellia Grill. "Oh, I can't wait to try it. They have the BEST hamburgers." As I eavesdrop I can't but help to shake my head in astonishment, the type of astonishment that comes with years of being annoyed by trends and hype. How Camellia Grill ever built its reputation on great burgers is one of the seven wonders of New Orleans dining lore. The first part of astonishment comes with peoples' irrational love for hamburgers. Even the best burger I've eaten isn't that much better than a quality fast food burger. It's cheap meat, the stuff not good enough to grill. The second package of astonishment hits me when people rave about Camellia Grill's burger because it's not even that good. It tastes like a greasy Wendy's burger. Granted, not one from the 99 cent menu, but the one that's 3.99. <br/><br/>My only guess as to the wild popularity of Camellia Grill is they have black waiters who pretend to treat white customers like they were brothers and sisters in the hood. They give you daps and talk slang to you - that's part of the experience people say. I guess this makes wealthy tourists and residents alike feel apart of something they only know about in movies and music. It's the exotic adventure where you see new things and get to know in the real sense the natives. <br/><br/>For me, I find it an inauthentic reproduction of cross socio-economic-cultural boundaries that exists only for the benefit of the customers deep sense of guilt about the uneven economic distribution of wealth. If a customer feels he has made peace with someone making much less money although that person works just as hard, the experience has been worth it and he can then rave to others about it. Similar to how an American eats at a taco stand in a border town and gives the worker a larger than normal tip and feels good about it. I think it is a bit exploitative, like Hooters.<br/><br/>I've tried to give my best explanation for the popularity of this place because I've tried and tried to like the food, but it's so utterly unremarkable I can find no gastronomic reason for people flocking to Camellia Grill. If you do go, I believe the omelettes are better than the burgers.

A Classic. It gets crowded, but the crowds are a testament to the awesome food and waiters and I hope they never change. It is better to come for a late night meal rather than early in the morning when you will wait up to an hour to sit down.

OMG! Thee best hang over meal possible! Even when not drunk! Have you ever woken up and just wanted to eat? Have you ever wanted to go out and grab a bite but not know what you want? Have you ever wanted diner food that could exceed your expectations? This is the place! The staff were so great to my children. An added bonus!

Line me up. Never thought I would ever last long enough in the wait line. Luckily this time it was not busy. I had no idea it is diner style with an open kitchen. Orders were yelled to the cooks. Melted slice of cheese on fries were satisfying. The server was a showman and presented straws in a dramatic manner. The veggie omelette was fluffy good. Though I had the thinnest slice of cheesecake ever but it was dense and flavourful. However, the moist coconut cream pie took the cake. I noticed that the apple pie was warmed on the same hot plate used to prepare the other savoury items. Coffee was good but water in the tiniest glass ever.<br/><br/>Returnability rating : 4 boomerangs

Try a "freeze". Passable burger, good fries, excellent onion rings and a chocolate-cherry freeze (pretty much like a milkshake) that was fabulous. Cheap, noisy, good friendly service. Open late on weekends.

Delicious!!. There was a line but once we got inside the service and food was really fast. The grits were amazing, no need to add a single thing to them. I got the western omelete, the veggies were fresh and the eggs were nice and fluffy. The servers were interesting and entertaining. Perfect place to get a delicious breakfast at a good price. Loved the diner atmosphere.

Out late, grab a burger from Camellia Grill!. Camellia Grill is a great place to satisfy your late night hunger on the weekends. The staff is nice and the burgers are delicious.

The best.. Highly recommend the Chef's Special Omlette, it's just fantastic. Marvin the waiter is basically the most awesome person in the entire world.

Great Hangover Food. The omelets are great - they prepare the eggs in a blender, which makes them extra fluffy and light. The service is usually fast and nice, although you may have to wait a little while for a spot at the counter. Be prepared to split up your party for faster seating if you come with a bunch of people.

Best burger ever. Where else are you going to get a semi-raw double burger with bacon and a fried egg over the top? I'm tearing up just remembering it.

The omlette I had was outstanding (potato, onion & cheese). The chili one looked awesome too. Ricky was great with the boys ( kids). Must do!

Great Place!. I love the Camellia Grill! I am so glad my friend brought me here to eat on my first visit to New Orleans. I have been back only one other time and managed to find my way to the Camellia Grill to eat again. I love the atmosphere of this place! It's a small, quaint place to have a good meal. I can't wait to go back and eat there again, this time with my family!

Best without a wait. Great when we want a cheap date, but we don't like the lines during peak hours. The best are the omelets. They are fluffy and gigantic. Watch for straw delivery! Every waiter has a different method. Part of the experience is the conversations among the cooks and waiters. Burgers are pretty good, but greasy. The "freezes" are fantastic. <br/><br/>Brings me back to another time everytime.

Love it love it love it!. This is the best thing that has ever happened to NOLA - a trip down memory lane to a day where your server was a delight every time and your cheeseburger was the best thing you ever ate. I go here EVERY time I am in town and I am never sorry to leave a BIG tip for the awesome service and excellent nostalgic food. LOVE this place!

Best meal in town. This place has fantastic food, a great attitude and is by far the best meal I had in New Orleans. My wife and I were in town for a long weekend, and tried many of the standard New Orleans recommendations. We passed the Camellia Grill while on the street car, and then checked here for a review. <br/><br/>The eggs were perfect. They whip them and grill them to perfection, and the coffee was top notch. I can't say enough about how the meals stands out. Nothing fancy, but something special.

Waited less time here for a meal than at the drive thru at most fast food places in New Orleans. Service was friendly and very quick! Food was excellent. Glad my new home is only a few blocks from here. I will frequent Camellia Grill!

Wait for it.... Always a wait for lunch, but once you are sitting down, the wait service at the counter is fast and friendly. You are always able to meet new friends here, ranging from locals to tourists just off the street car. Definitely an entertaining diner meal. I chose the wrong thing with a chicken sandwich, which was bland, but the meals around me looked great. Great prices for good sized portions.. no refills on soda or coffee though. 24 hours a day make it a good stop for all day, anytime, breakfast. I'm surely going back, but need to try some other options on the menu.

Hang Over Special Place. This is the perfect spot to get some greasy comfort food !

Great food & great ppl! Love this place.

Cool place. Best burger in town by far!!!!!!!!!!! Large portions and a fun waitstaff.cant wait to go back!!!!!

CG is where you should be. The Camellia Grill is an old favorite that still has its shine. The food is great, staff very entertaining, and they get you in and out in no time. It is worth the wait, which won't end up being as long as it looks. Locals swear by the omelets so be sure to try one.

Great. The food hits on so many levels.

Just as good as before. I was hesitant in going back to Camellia Grill when it reopened after Katrina. It was always my favorite breakfast spot in high school and grade school (bacon and cheese omelette could be the best in the world). But I kept hearing about how the new owner was messing things up and that not many of the old staff was still there, like Doc. But I finally broke down and went -- and it was still really good. It looks almost exactly the same as I remember it. They even saved the old Mickey Mouse clock, which was always one of my favorite aspects of the bar area. The omelette was still great, but my date didn't think her burger was anything special. She's dumb anyway.

The perfect dive. Great food, great staff, great price. Why did I wait so long to eat here?

Quintessential New Orleans. It doesn't get any more down home than this. Worth it just for the trolley ride from downtown, but the food is also very good diner food.

Plan to wait a bit. The food is so good there is usually a line, especially weekend breakfast times. I go a lot and take friends from out of town when we just want a burger or some good breakfast.

Late Night hit-the-spot place. Staff is prompt and efficient. Food is inexpensive and has been there for me late at night after other restaurants are closed. I think they're open till 1 a.m. (?)

Classic. This is a classic, greasy-spoon location. Serves good burgers and even better shakes ("Freezes"). There are no tables- diners sit at a long marble bar. First come, first served! Take time out of your trip to visit this classic establishment!

We just went for the second time, and it is nothing short of amazing. Great food only enhanced by the great service!

Wait on Sat. night at 6pm was short. Inside is LOUD! Staff is friendly. Food is good for diner food.

Disappointed. I always heard what a great place Camellia was to eat. The chicken sandwich was ok, I guess... boring… but ok. Brown fries. I just don't see how people can mess up French Fries. But they managed. I hate brown, over cooked fries. What is the point of being an affordable meal if it's inedible? We will probably order there again with work. I will try something else, give them another chance, but I am staying far away from their fries.

Chocolate cherry freeze, cheese fries and a judges chicken

Waffle house used to be my favorite late night spot until I was introduced to Camellia Grill! I love the waffles, the bacon cheeseburger, and let's not forget the best part...that heavenly cheesecake. The service is great too...Mr. Mike and Mr. Marvin always make my night!

Cool environment, good diner fare. Housed in an imposing Georgian-style building, Camellia Grill is a surprise as soon as you enter, with a strong Deco/50's vibe, completed with chromed counter kickplates and stools. The food is not the healthiest, but it is definitely delicious. Who knew French toast and a milkshake was a good combination? The servers were friendly, the ambiance was genial, and the meal was very pleasant.

Not much not to like. This place takes a lot of short cuts--frozen french fries and onion rings (sacrilege for diner staples), doesn't give free coffee refills, and frequently has negligent service. But I still go there frequently because it's overall quite good, has large portions, is quick, and pretty inexpensive. The burgers are excellent, as are the omelets (gigantic). If ever there's a 10 min + wait for a table (every weekend), go elsewhere. Also, the local feel of the place is quite nice.

The saving grace of Camellia Grill is the late night hours, otherwise I'd never eat here. Ladles of liquid butter slosh over the most basic and plain diner food as it sizzles on the griddle a few feet away from the counter seating. What would be so bad about adding a few veggie options to the menu? I had a sorry ass grilled cheese on white bread (the cheese was still cold inthe middle) and a bland plate of fries made from frozen. If it weren't for the late night hours I would give this place a thumbs down. Too bad, because it's a classic, picturesque diner, and they could do much better for folks with a little pride in their food.

Loved the up close counter service. Great breakfast and lunch options. And don't forget your chocolate freeze or pecan pie. And after your done, hope on a trolly car for a ride through a beautiful neighborhood.

Tradition. This restaurant is steep in tradition.<br/><br/>from the old school nature of it to the fact that the cities residents love this place.<br/><br/>If the saints are playing a home game then you need to show up early at this place. There will be a line around the block.<br/><br/>After the hurricane people were lining up to come and partake in the fun that happens here.<br/><br/>With servers who have been there for years this place is nostalgic and timeless.<br/><br/>You're sure to be given a great show and lots of talking when you come.<br/><br/>Not to mention, the food is good too.

Love it.... Eggs, burgers, milkshakes all wonderful and all worth the wait.

Greasy. This is greasy hangover food at best. Although I have enjoyed the greasy food at times, I always regret it a few hours later.

Grease spoon. Good breakfast after a night of drunken stupor. Add a notch towards a heart attack after a meal here.

Yum!. We heard this place got pretty packed for breakfast, so decided to go a little after lunch. No line, but still packed. The burger and onion rings were great! But the best was the Pecan Pie for dessert. They actually heat it up on the grill. It melts in your mouth.

Orgasmic Omelets. You MUST have one of their fabulous three egg omelets, whipped up in a milkshake blender and cooked on their ancient griddle. If you have room after that try the pecan pie. "Word!"

Killer Hamburgers. Be sure to get the "freeze".

A great diner with good food and atmosphere. The staff was excellent, with a lot of interaction and joking with the customers. Simple menu with plenty of comfort food.

Great diner. Katrina shuttering Camellia Grill was a wound in the heart of the city. After the Storm, people wrote with markers all over the white pillars out front of the restaurant, begging the restaurant to reopen. It was bought and reopened in 2007 by an owner who is aggressively buying up many NOLA eateries -- also Gumbo Shop, Byblos and part of Emeril’s NOLA. <br/> At the terminus of the St. Charles streetcar line, tourists are often waiting in line here for hours. But locals also love it, especially late nights when it is not as crowded. <br/> It’s colorful waitstaff set this place apart as much as the food and traditions. My family and I have been here many times and never disappointed: Great reubens, burger, omelets, fries, etc.

A must see for any resident or tourist! The only place where going to the bathroom is a fun experience. Definately order a brownie a la mode.

Camellia Grill review. Talk about a place that had its ups and downs, one of the great eating instutions in New Orleans, it was taken over by new management in 2004 and run into the ground, poor service, bad food, it actually made it onto the "Famous but Overrated" section of my personal list. Katrina closed the place and it looked like the end. It reopened in 2007 under new management who vowed to reclaim its past glory and its on its way to doing just that. Marvin is back and the food and service staff is working hard to improve. I like breakfast there and in particular the pecan waffles, but its also well known for supper fluffy omelets and late night burgers. Now as cheap as you might think.

It’s rare that in a city home to such a unique and revered cuisine, people would seek out a classic greasy-spoon diner, yet the Camellia Grill has been a treasured New Orleans eatery since 1946. There are no tables, but rather one large counter that snakes its way through the whole restaurant. Because of this unusual seating arrang

These miraculous grill masters somehow manage to make a slightly crispy crust on a medium rare burger. Not too pink on the inside, and never burnt on the outside. It’s truly an art form that they have perfected. Between the crunch of the bacon, the chewiness of the bun, and the diverse texture of the burger, your mouth will be wondering how all burgers don’t have such a wonderfully complex physical structure.

This place is an awesome 24/7 diner on Carrollton Ave. Everybody gets the sitting at the counter experience. So the food here is alright for what you pay for. Last time I was here, a friend made the mistake of ordering the Belgium waffles

The Camellia Grill is a classic comfort food institution in these parts, known for its crowded snaking single counter, fast friendly service and fluffy whipped egg omelets. The room was bustling and loud, filled with laughter and clanking plates.

Walking inside feels like a step back into the 1950s. A long counter snakes its way across the entire room as waitstaff in crisp white coats and black bow ties tend to your every need with a smile.

Camellia Grill is as old school as they come - a twisty formica counter in front of an open kitchen slinging excellent diner standards. On the evening of our whirlwind New Orleans food Odyssey, our kids were getting a little tired of unfamiliar foods, and

It looks like a big - even fancy - restaurant from the outside - but when you get in - its just 22 swivel stools around a curved marble counter - Instantly you sense a vibe - half a dozen waiters in white coats with clip on black ties - hang in front of t

Walk along Dauphine to Canal, hop on St. Charles St. streetcar. Fare $1.25, and don't call it a trolley. That's San Francisco. This is Nawlins, and it's a Streetcar, baby. Ride past Garden District mansions, Loyola & Tulane campuses, Audubon park, all the