The Story of Slim Goodies Diner
"Here to stay, come HELL or HIGH WATER.."
Mission Statement
Rooted in New Orleans, inspired by its resilience, we honor tradition while evolving with creativity, integrity, and love. • We aim to preserve the soul of a classic neighborhood diner while boldly growing, adapting, and serving our community for generations to come. • We offer food with heart, welcome with intention, and show up every day for our community—loudly, lovingly, and authentically. • Feed people well, treat people right, and create a space where everyone belongs.
A lil' history...
Slim Goodies Diner was opened early in 2003 by locals. In fact, the artful pictures in the main dining room are their family photos along with hundreds and hundreds of Polaroids of guests who have been here over the years. In 2003, there was not a breakfast-style "diner" in NOLA. Slim Goodies Diner strives to bring the American-Creole breakfast “Diner” concept to the Irish Channel/Uptown neighborhoods.
"Eggs with Wings"
Marked by its zany staff, great food, award-winning Bloody Marys, and classic music, Slim Goodies Diner started as a morning retreat for the locals looking for a quick, delicious hot breakfast and a cup of Joe to start the day. Word caught on quickly about the unique blend of southern culture and breakfast foods. As with any hot spot, New Orleans’ artsy and funksters soon discovered Slim Goodies Diner. The word spread, and by January 2003, the eggs were "flying out of here" as the logo implies.
'Come Hell or High Water"
After three years of great success, Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans. We decided, “We’re here to stay, come Hell or high water,” and opened our doors about two weeks after the storm hit. We had no power, but we had gas and people, and if you were here, we did whatever we could to repair the devastating circumstances our city, family, and friends encountered.
Keeping the dream alive...
We still maintain the same type of operations and serve our community with dedication. We are proud to still be standing and serving all these years later. Despite the challenges we’ve faced, Slim Goodies Diner remains a cherished part of the community, continuing to offer the same warm and lively atmosphere that people fell in love with in 2003. Our commitment to our customers and our city has never wavered, and we look forward to serving for many more years to come.
Who is Slim?
People will ask! According to the legendary story, years before Slim Goodies was opened or even an idea, the original founders were walking down Iberville Street in the French Quarter. A gentleman dressed in a head-to-toe, purple polyester suit, smoking a long skinny cigarette with a purple Fedora hat, called out to them from a doorway, “Hey Slim Goodies, come on ova’ here!”
The Voodoo of it all....
A long conversation ensued about who had the better Cadillac or Lincoln. When it came time to name the Diner, they were reminded about the Slim Goodies story and the “Slim Goodies” name just stuck. As quickly as you can say Bloody Mary, you should be able to answer that question. According to legend, lore, and few select individuals, the name Slim Goodie is the closest American translation of the New Orleans Voodoo God of all things breakfast. That’s our story, and we’re stickin’ to it!
Our Atmosphere
At Slim Goodies Diner we take great pride in the atmosphere created by our staff and our funky digs. The restaurant is designed to be colorful and casual while provoking a feeling of music, great food, funky art and the sport of eating great food. We take great pride in what we do.
"Diner style..."
We are proud of our roots, and we want to help promote American/Creole cuisine. While we truly believe that even a bad day at Slim’s beats a good day at the office, we know the reality of working to make a living because we have found today's pensions to be a less than sufficient means of income.
