Acorn

Just because Acorn is located in the fabulous newly opened Louisiana Children's Museum in City Park doesn't mean this restaurant is just for kids. The new Dickie Brennan & Co. Cafe, which is open from 7 am to 5 pm Tuesday through Sunday - is a welcoming and delicious space for all ages and appetites. Geordie Brower, a chef with Dickie Brennan & Co. oversees the gleaming open kitchen, serving an approachable and (mostly) healthful menu of items like kale Caesar, crispy Brussels with crystal honey, avocado and ancient grain bowls and shrimp rolls with citrus aioli. There are burgers and dogs too, along with a fried chicken sandwich and three kinds of pizza. But even the kid's menu is designed with nutrition in mind - chicken tenders can be grilled, the hot dog is nitrate-free and the tots are made with sweet potatoes. Early birds will appreciate the full breakfast menu too - and the French Truck coffee bar - with options like morning burritos, chia pudding, yogurt and waffles. If you don't want to share your space with noisy kiddos - hey this is a children's museum after all - come before the museum opens, two-and a half hours earlier Tue-Sat, four hours earlier on Sunday. But anytime, you'll want to grab a seat on the covered deck outside of Acorn and drink in the view. Overlooking the park's Little Lake, the scenery is amazing, with herons wandering through the reeds, turtles bobbing to the surface and live oaks stretching their branches along the horizon. Museum admission is not required to visit the restaurant.