Brenda's French Soul Food

Brenda Buenviaje's Creole-inspired restaurant is twice the size it used to be, the decor as monochromatic and still as the old space was color-soused and cluttered. But the legendary brunch lines have not abated, nor has the reputation of Buenviaje's biscuits, chocolate-filled beignets, po-boys, and shrimp and grits. At dinner, the old favorites are tasting a little tired. The barbecued oysters, however, are alternately fiery and creamy, and the banana-bread pudding is so rich you'll have to devour it in microscopic spoonfuls. Always worth ordering: the wall specials, wich range from crawfish Monica to muffaletta.

• Cuisine(s): American, Cajun, Creole, Soul Food, Southern

  Hours: Sun-Tue 8am-3pm, Wed-Sat 8am-10pm

  Price: $, $$

• Payment Types: MasterCard, Visa, American Express, Discover, cash

  Features: Takeout, Private Party, Kid Friendly, Vegetarian Friendly

  Serving: Breakfast, Brunch, Dinner, Lunch

• Alcohol: None

  Reservations: Not Accepted

  Parking: Street