Janie Brown’s Restaurant

Have eaten here a few times over the past few months, food was excellent sides ok not a big fan of cold hard asparagus. Have had the Trout Meunière was excellent tasted fresh and delicate, have also had the filet mignon comes with a light brown gravy which I wasn’t expecting but it was excellent and you could cut the filet with your fork, it was one of the better filets I’ve eaten in a long time. Going back tonight to try something else on their menu. Bön appétit !!!
Ate here again last night the filet and baked potato loaded, food was excellent service was better for the most part, we had a large number of people eating with us and everyone enjoyed the food. Good job Janie Browns !!

Sorry to disagree with several other reviews. We’ve been chipping away at our list of non-​franchise type restaurants in the area. It was such a beautiful evening that a drive to Lacombe to try Janie Brown’s Restaurant seemed like a good idea. Wrong. The drive was great. The room was pleasant. We liked the eclectic chandeliers and table chairs. Unfortunately we can’t eat either. Our appetizers were fine but our entrees lacked any imagination, were flat, bland and pasty. We each only ate about half our meal. We didn’t either bother taking the leftovers. I’m sorry to say that we won’t be returning to Janie Brown’s Restaurant any time soon.

Janie Browns is a hidden gem on the Northshore! People travel to Lacombe for La Provance and Sal & Judy’s, both excellent choices. But if you’re looking for expertly prepared food, lower prices AND some of the best renditions of New Orleans favorites that you’ve ever eaten, Janie’s is where you should be heading. Seriously, I rate the trout meuniere in the best I’ve ever eaten (and I’ve eaten a lot!). It reminds me of the wondrous dishes from back in the day, when places like Mandich’s and Mandina’s crafted perfect grilled trout.
And as I’ve said before — you will never know pure sensory delight as a Muffaletta lover until you have tried Janie’s version. My mouth waters thinking about it!
The only negative I can say about this place is the wait. If you’re in a hurry, go elsewhere or order ahead. But to enjoy a leisurely meal of the highest quality — visit Janie’s.

The food is SO fantastic you won’t mind the painfully-​slow service! The best food I’ve had on the Northshore since moving here almost a decade ago. Quite possibly some of the best food I’ve ever had anywhere. Even chicken – yes, plain, bland, old chicken – was eye-​poppingly awesome. All fish dishes really spectacular. Bisque is spicy and although I have difficulty (as a throat cancer survivor,) with spicy foods, I found a way to get this down. Mmmmmm! Go there! Eat it! Partake in the culinary heaven that is Janie Brown’s!
(Seriously slow service though… Seriously.)

Great food and I believe Janie does the cooking — have never met her. Is reasonably priced. Seven of us ate there at 4 PM on Saturday and the bill was $ 163 before the tip. Four of us had the large soft shell crab special with a delicious crayfish sauce, one huge meatball and pasta dinner, one chicken and pasta dinner and one large bowl of soup. All came with a salad and asparagus or French fries and toasted, buttered French bread. Included if price were four glasses of wine, one soft drink, two ice teas, and five cheese cake desserts. A good deal I would say! Open Tuesday thru Saturday for lunch and Dinner. On Saturday she is open from 1:30 till 9 PM. Doesn’t take reservations, so can be a last minute planner like us.

Janie Browns was just average. Actually the ambiance was more than what I desired yet the food fell short of what was expected by the previous reviews. I’m not a fan of tomato based gumbo and it was. The crackers served are good though. Nothing I had made me want to experience it again.

Across lake Pontchartrain, down the road from Mandeville in a sleepy town called Lacombe resides a true mainstay of New Orleans cuisine. Janie Brown has been serving up world class Po Boys for as long as I can remember and you would be hard pressed to find a better example of how to do Gumbo this side of the lake. Janie makes all the food herself and only uses the freshest ingredients. The bread is delivered fresh, every morning and if you get the soft shell Po Boy, which I recommend, expect it to be busting at the seams. Janie Brown’s is a casual sit down restaurant and bar. The décor is clean and simple. All the energy goes into making each meal the best it can be which sometimes means waiting a little longer than you would expect but it’s worth it. Lacombe has some great wildlife preserves and Mandeville has a beautiful lake front drive. Go and explore what these small towns have to offer and when you get hungry head over to Janie’s. She’ll always treat you right.