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Bloody Mary

What: While certainly not unique to New Orleans, the peppery, vodka-y, tomato-y Bloody Mary is done especially well here—usually served with pickled okra or green beans and a generous dusting of Cajun spices.

Where: You’ll find this nearly everywhere. We loved the Bloodies at Coop’s Place (504-525-9053; 1109 Decatur St., map) in the French Quarter best: thick, spicy, unpretentiously served in a plastic cup (pictured). Second place for us went to Mr. B’s Bistro (201 Royal St., map), also in the Quarter, for the simple fact that the Bloody Marys are just $1.50 during lunch, Monday through Friday (it’s well vodka, but still tasty)—the same weekday lunch deal goes for most of the Brennan family restaurants (Brennan’s, Ralph’s on the Park, Commander’s Palace, etc.). Third goes to Commander’s Palace (1403 Washington Ave., map) in the Garden District, where the staff tops off your Bloody with iced vodka at the table.