A live jazz trio plays through every single brunch service here, and Thanksgiving gets the same soundtrack. The buffet carries more than 60 items, so the holiday table basically sets itself.
Turtle soup sits near bananas foster. Shrimp etouffee shares the spotlight with made-to-order omelets and pecan pie.
I like how this Louisiana tradition swaps the stressful home kitchen for a courtyard draped in wisteria. Fountains bubble nearby while somebody else handles the dishes, and I can’t imagine a better holiday trade.
The building has its own story too, tied to two Creole sisters who once sold lace and perfume here. I believe their name still carries real weight on this famous block. So how does a turkey day turn into a jazz party?
A Jazz Trio Keeps The Whole Meal Swinging
Most brunch spots offer background playlists. Here, a live jazz trio performs continuously during brunch service, which makes the meal feel like a small concert with food.
The Court of Two Sisters calls itself home to the only daily live jazz brunch buffet in New Orleans. That’s a bold title in a city famous for its music.
Daily means daily, not just weekends or special occasions. So the Thanksgiving crowd gets the same lively sound that regular Tuesday diners enjoy.
Jazz and brunch make a natural pair in this town. The rhythm keeps conversations light, and nobody minds a second trip to the buffet during a good tune.
Kids often love live music more than adults expect. A trio playing nearby can turn a long holiday meal into something fun instead of a sit-still challenge.
One tip helps a lot here. Arrive with time to linger, because rushing through a jazz brunch is like skipping the chorus of your favorite song.
Let the music set the pace. Your plate, your stories, and your holiday mood will follow right along.
Royal Street Hides The Courtyard
The Court of Two Sisters sits at 613 Royal Street in New Orleans, Louisiana, right in the middle of the French Quarter. Royal Street is the final approach, with the restaurant tucked among the historic buildings between the busier tourist corridors around Bourbon and Chartres.
The last clue is the old French Quarter façade rather than a giant modern sign. Step through the Royal Street entrance and the space suddenly opens into the restaurant’s lush interior courtyard, which feels almost hidden from the street.
Parking is easiest in one of the public garages or paid lots around the French Quarter, then finishing the trip on foot. Once you reach 613 Royal Street, head straight through the main entrance and into the restaurant rather than looking for a separate courtyard entrance.
Sixty-Plus Dishes Make Choosing The Hardest Job
More than 60 items line up on this brunch buffet. That number alone turns a normal plate into a careful planning project.
The spread leans hard into Creole and Southern favorites. Look for turtle soup au sherry, shrimp etouffee, fried catfish, jambalaya, and red beans and rice.
Breakfast fans aren’t left out either. Made-to-order omelets and Eggs Benedict give early eaters a classic start before the bigger flavors arrive.
A simple game plan works best with so many options. Take small portions on the first round, then return for the dishes that truly won you over.
During brunch, the all-you-can-eat Jazz Brunch Buffet is the only option served. There’s no separate menu to order from, so everyone at the table shares the same adventure.
That setup works nicely for big families on Thanksgiving. Picky eaters and bold eaters both find something, and nobody waits on a kitchen order.
Creole cooking blends French, African, Spanish, and Caribbean influences. Each spoonful carries a bit of that mix, which makes this buffet a tasty lesson in Louisiana food history.
Save Room, Because Dessert Shows Up Strong
Pecan pie on Thanksgiving feels like a rule. Thankfully, the dessert station here follows it, then adds a few New Orleans favorites to the lineup.
Bananas foster appears on the brunch buffet. It’s a classic dish with deep roots in this city, and it pairs naturally with a holiday mood.
Bread pudding with whiskey sauce joins the party too. Soft, warm desserts like this feel made for a cool November morning in the French Quarter.
Here’s the tricky part about a big buffet. The savory dishes come first and tempt you into overdoing it before the sweets even get a chance.
A smart strategy keeps your sweet tooth happy. Pace your plates, skip a third helping of jambalaya, and leave space for at least two desserts.
Pecan pie gives traditional families their expected holiday finish. Meanwhile, bananas foster and bread pudding give curious eaters a fun local twist on the usual ending.
Sharing makes sense here as well. Split small portions of each with your table, and everybody gets a taste without needing a nap on Royal Street.
You Will Want A Table Under That Wisteria Canopy
Size matters in the French Quarter, where space is rare. The Court of Two Sisters is known for having the largest historical dining courtyard in the neighborhood.
Flowering plants, flowing fountains, and lush greenery fill the space. A wisteria canopy stretches overhead and gives the whole courtyard a garden-party feel.
Eating outdoors on Thanksgiving sounds unusual in many states. In Louisiana, though, an open-air holiday brunch can feel like a natural choice.
Fountains add a soft sound that mixes with the jazz. Together they create a calm setting, even when the buffet line stays busy.
If you have your heart set on the courtyard, mention it when you reserve. Weather can change plans, so it’s wise to stay flexible on the day itself.
Photos come out great in this setting too. Greenery and old brick walls make a lovely backdrop for that yearly family picture everyone pretends to dislike.
Think of it as a holiday centerpiece you didn’t have to arrange. Mother Nature and some very patient gardeners already took care of the decorating.
Grandma Who Hates The Heat Gets A Cozy Option
Not every guest wants outdoor seating. Some relatives prefer steady temperatures, comfy chairs, and no surprise breeze knocking over the napkins.
Good news for them. The restaurant features several indoor dining rooms, including a climate-controlled Terrace dining room that overlooks the courtyard.
That Terrace room offers a nice middle ground. You still get views of the greenery and fountains without stepping fully into the open air.
Indoor rooms help big family groups too. Mixed crowds with toddlers, teens, and older relatives often do best with a little extra comfort.
The multiple rooms also explain why this spot hosts private events. The venue offers spaces for celebrations and corporate gatherings using its rooms and the large courtyard.
So if your family reunion outgrew the dining table years ago, take note. A holiday party here could fit everyone without borrowing folding chairs from the neighbors.
Ask about room options when booking your Thanksgiving table. A quick question up front can make the day smoother for every generation at your table, from the youngest fan of pie to the oldest storyteller.
Two Creole Sisters Gave This Place Its Name
Emma and Bertha Camors ran a refined notions shop at this address in the late 1800s. Their store sold garments, lace, and imported perfumes to fashionable shoppers.
The restaurant honors those two Creole sisters with its name. The Fein family even restored their shared tomb in St. Louis Cemetery No. 3 in 1990.
The site’s story reaches back even further. In the early 1700s, it served as the residence of Sieur Etienne de Perier, a colonial governor of Louisiana.
Later, in 1832, a three-story building rose here for Jean Baptiste Zenon Cavelier. He served as president of the Bank of New Orleans.
The 600 block of Royal Street was once called Governor’s Row. That’s a pretty fancy nickname for a stretch where people now line up for jambalaya.
Joe Fein Jr. bought the building in 1963 and began preserving it. The restaurant has served Creole food and Southern hospitality since 1973.
Keep an eye out for the Devil’s Wishing Well in the courtyard. History here comes with a playful wink.
Look For The Charm Gates On Royal Street
Finding the entrance feels a bit like a treasure hunt. Guests come in through the Charm Gates on Royal Street, a fitting welcome for such an old building.
The full address is 613 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70130. It sits right in the heart of the French Quarter, which makes it easy to pair with a holiday stroll.
The Royal Street facade dates to 1832. Look up for arched carriageway entrances, thick stuccoed brick walls, and upper galleries trimmed with decorative ironwork.
Plan your timing with care. Brunch runs 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekdays and starts at 8:30 a.m. on weekends, with the last brunch reservation at 2 p.m.
Thanksgiving falls on a Thursday, so expect the weekday schedule unless the restaurant shares holiday changes. Confirming your time ahead keeps surprises off the menu.
Walking off your meal nearby is part of the fun. The surrounding blocks offer old balconies, street life, and plenty of Louisiana character.
Just don’t wander too far before dessert. Those gates are charming, but you’ll still want a clear path back to the pie.
Prefer Candlelight? Dinner Brings A Different Mood
Brunch steals the spotlight, yet evenings offer their own magic. An a la carte Creole dinner runs nightly from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Evening lighting gives the space a more intimate feel. It suits couples, small groups, or anyone who wants a slower Thanksgiving night.
The dinner menu changes the game from buffet to ordering. Options include panko-crusted boudin balls, crab cakes, and chicken and andouille gumbo.
Main plates feature crawfish and shrimp pasta, blackened Gulf fish, and shrimp and grits. Tableside preparations add a little showmanship to the meal as well.
Desserts at dinner include creme brulee and bananas foster. Watching a dessert come together at your table makes a fine finale for any holiday.
Thanksgiving dinner reservations are available alongside brunch. So families who love sleeping in can still enjoy a festive meal at The Court of Two Sisters.
Brunch or dinner, both paths lead to a memorable Louisiana holiday. Pick the mood that fits your crew, book early, and let somebody else worry about the gravy this year.