Dannys No.2 is an independent fast food joint in New Orleans that I often patronize. Despite having a name that implies their food is some of the worst out there, I’m here to tell you that’s only true for part of their menu. I like to get the fried chicken, red beans and rice, and spicy boiled corn on the cob for under six bucks and only three minutes of my time. It’s a good value and tastes just fine for this kind of a place. But if I were you I’d stay away from the wings, the gumbo, and the meat pies (I haven’t tried their Korean tacos.) If you’ve never had a meat pie before, it’s like a Hostess/Hubig’s fruit pastry pie, except that it’s hot, not room temperature, and it’s filled with spicy ground meat instead of fruit-flavored sugar paste. I think they taste pretty good, but these don’t seem to agree with my, ah, system. In fact, after once eating one of their meat pies I was inspired to write this poem: “Dannys No.2, at Magazine and Valence, the other afternoon upset my stomach’s sense of balance.” I don’t eat the meat pies anymore.
That said, I am genuinely a fan of Dannys No.2. Go get some chicken, red beans, and corn! Don’t let the name scare you off!
UPDATE: Danny’s No.2 has recently taken corn and potatoes off the menu, OH GOD NO!
(originally posted on 10/25/2012)
UPDATE: It was a sad day for the neighborhood when Dannys No.2 closed up shop some time ago. There is really nothing else around here that compares to its sense of economy. I miss that place but fortunately it still stands there on the corner, abandoned, reminding me of what it once was every time I drive by. I suppose it is only a matter of time before the location is turned into an artisinal cupcake outlet, or perhaps a beard grooming center.
