Ye Olde College Inn, New Orleans, LA

Ye Olde College Bake Shoppe

Officially, it's called just plain old Ye Olde Bake Shoppe, but everybody calls it Ye Old College Bake Shoppe.  It's owned by the same people as Ye Olde College Inn, which, interestingly enough, does not append a silent E to Inn.  Ye Olde is old-timey enough for that place and not just because it's old school.

It's a classic New Orleans neighborhood restaurant that we like to think has raised the bar, not higher, but over to the side.  It's no better than Liuzza's or Mandina's; those joints are the best and this one is just as good.  Ye Old College Inn is different in a good way that sets it apart from the other two, and they're not the same either.  If you've been to all three, you know what I'm talking about.  

Don't eat at all three of them if you're only in New Orleans for two nights.  You'll be stuffed for a week after you get home... and then you'll have missed Jack Dempsey's.

New Ye Olde College Inn sign

The ambient humidity was screwing up my phone as I walked from Ye Olde College Bakery to Ye Olde College Inn.  The photo above doesn't do the new sign they've installed any justice.  It was a beautiful day, as it usually is in New Orleans.  

When the new sign went up, I remember noticing that the restaurant had acquired a new mascot.  

Mr. Ye Olde College Inn

I don't know the official name for the man on the new Ye Olde College Inn sign, but I've heard some people refer to him as Mr. Dinkle.  For instance: "You remember Larry who we saw at Chickie Wah Wah, two weeks ago?  That guy who looks like Mr. Dinkle?"  Of course I remember Larry.  He looks like the guy on the new Ye Olde College Inn sign.

Don't worry, they've preserved the old sign.  They just moved it to the uptown side of the building.  

Old Ye Olde College Inn sign

In the old days, they didn't anthropomorphize their mascot.  That role was played by an oyster loaf, and a half.  That small print between the loaves reads, "almost actual size."  They still make 'em.

It's a little out of the way, but we like to recommend Ye Olde College Inn.  It's right next to the Rock 'n' Bowl and it's owned by the same people.  They also own the little farm next door.

Mid-City Lanes sign

Its official name is Mid-City Lanes, Home of the Rock 'n' Bowl, but everybody just calls it the Rock 'n' Bowl.  They have Zydeco Night every Thursday.  

A votre santé,

La Belle Esplanade bed and breakfast.