You’re walking down Royal Street, dodging the street performers and the occasional mule-drawn carriage, when you see those massive wrought-iron gates. They’re famous. Not just "Instagram famous" for the tourists, but legitimately historic. The Court of Two Sisters New Orleans LA is one of those places that feels like a cliché until you actually step inside the courtyard. Then, the smell of wisteria and chicory coffee hits you. It’s real.
Most people come for the Jazz Brunch. Honestly, it’s basically a rite of passage if you’re spending more than forty-eight hours in the French Quarter. But there’s a lot more to the story than just an all-you-can-eat buffet and a brass trio. The history of the building at 613 Royal Street stretches back to the late 1700s, long before the "two sisters" even entered the picture.
The Real Story Behind the Name
The name isn't just a marketing gimmick. It refers to Emma and Bertha Camors. These two sisters belonged to a prominent Creole family and opened a "rabais," or fancy notions shop, on this site in 1886. They sold everything from fine linens to Parisian perfumes and imported laces. They were the queens of Royal Street for decades. Even after the shop closed, the name stuck. It’s a testament to how much they meant to the neighborhood.
The building itself survived the Great New Orleans Fire of 1788, which is kind of a miracle when you think about how much of the city burned to the ground. Today, the Fein family owns it. They’ve run the place since the mid-1960s, keeping the legacy of the Camors sisters alive while turning it into a global culinary landmark.
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What to Expect at the Daily Jazz Brunch
Don’t expect a quiet, hushed dining room. This is New Orleans. It’s loud, it’s vibrant, and there’s almost always a live jazz band wandering around or tucked into a corner of the courtyard. The buffet is massive. You’ve got the staples like turtle soup, which—for the uninitiated—is a thick, savory, almost gravy-like soup usually finished with a splash of sherry. If you haven't tried it, do it. It’s a flavor profile you won't find anywhere else.
Then there’s the shrimp etouffee. It’s rich. It’s buttery. It’s exactly what you want when you’re leaning into the indulgence of a NOLA vacation. You’ll also find jambalaya, duck l'orange, and a cold seafood bar that usually features crawfish when they’re in season.
The courtyard is the soul of the experience. It’s the largest outdoor dining courtyard in the French Quarter. Sitting under the canopy of vines while the band plays "Do You Know What It Means to Miss New Orleans" is a vibe that’s hard to replicate. It feels old-world. It feels like the city used to be before the neon lights of Bourbon Street took over.
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Beyond the Buffet: Dinner and the "Charm Gates"
While the brunch gets all the glory, dinner at the Court of Two Sisters New Orleans LA is a different beast entirely. It’s more formal. The lights are lower. The menu leans heavily into classic Creole cuisine. You're looking at dishes like Veal Oscar or Trout Meunière.
If you’re entering from Royal Street, take a second to look at the gates. They were forged in Spain specifically for this property. Legend has it that they were "blessed" by a queen, and touching them is supposed to bring you good luck or ensure you’ll return to the city. Whether you believe in the "Charm Gates" or not, they’re a masterpiece of ironwork.
Dealing With the Tourist Factor
Let’s be real for a second. Is it touristy? Yes. Absolutely. You will see people in fanny packs and college kids with massive tropical drinks. But here’s the thing: locals still go there for celebrations. Grandparents take their grandkids for graduation brunches. It’s one of the few places in the Quarter that manages to bridge the gap between "tourist trap" and "cultural institution."
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The service is usually what you’d expect from a high-volume French Quarter spot—professional, brisk, and slightly theatrical. Because they handle so many people, the kitchen is a well-oiled machine. You aren't going to get some experimental, avant-garde fusion meal here. You’re getting the hits. It’s the "Greatest Hits" of Creole cooking, played on repeat, and they play them well.
Key Practicalities for Your Visit
- Reservations are non-negotiable. Especially for the Jazz Brunch on weekends. You can try to walk in, but you’ll likely spend an hour roasting on the sidewalk.
- Dress code is "casual elegance." You don't need a tuxedo, but maybe leave the "I’m with Stupid" t-shirt at the hotel. Most people wear sundresses or nice button-downs.
- The weather matters. If it’s 95 degrees with 90% humidity, that courtyard is going to be spicy. They have fans and misters, but New Orleans heat is no joke. If you can’t handle the humidity, ask for a table in one of the indoor dining rooms. They’re beautiful, though you lose a bit of that garden atmosphere.
Actionable Steps for the Best Experience
- Book the earliest brunch slot. If you get there when they open (usually around 9:00 AM), the food is at its absolute freshest, the courtyard is cooler, and the crowd is much thinner. You can actually hear the birds in the vines before the band starts up.
- Try the Bananas Foster. It’s a New Orleans staple. It’s basically bananas, brown sugar, butter, and rum, usually flamed tableside. It’s pure sugar and theater.
- Walk the courtyard after you eat. Don't just rush out. There are little nooks and historical plaques throughout the property that explain the architecture and the different eras the building has seen.
- Pair it with a walk through Pirate’s Alley. The restaurant has an entrance on Royal and one that leads toward the Cathedral area. Use the exit to wander into the quieter, more atmospheric parts of the Quarter.
Visiting the Court of Two Sisters New Orleans LA isn't about finding a hidden, secret spot. It’s about participating in a tradition that has survived fires, hurricanes, and the changing tides of the city's history. It’s a piece of the French Quarter’s soul served with a side of grits and a jazz solo.
For your next trip, check their official website for seasonal menu changes, as the buffet offerings often shift slightly based on what’s fresh in the Gulf. If you are traveling with a large group, call ahead to the events coordinator; they have private rooms upstairs that offer some of the best views of Royal Street's balcony life without the crowd noise.