The Parish spoke and the St. Bernard Tourism Department listened! Residents voted on their favorite places to eat in da parish. The list was compiled,  and here are your top 5 restaurants! See upcoming issues of The St. Bernard Voice for the rest of the parish’s top 20 favorites!

Rocky  & Carlos

1. Known for their big portions of Sicilian dishes and signature Mac & Cheese, Rocky & Carlos claims the number 1 spot on the Top 20 Local Favorites and was named “Business of the Month” by the St. Bernard Parish Council. The St. Bernard Highway eatery has become an institution since it’s opening in 1965, something General Manager Tommy Tomasseo credits to the feeling of family among the staff and the customers. “Our customers are our friends, and our friends are our customers!,” Tommaseo said with a smile. The beloved eatery is located at 613 W. St. Bernard Hwy. in Chalmette, and will be officially re-opened May 29.

PAR 3

2.“I always tell the girls to treat our customers like a guest in your home,” explained Deena Colna, Floor manager at Par 3 on E. Judge Perez Hwy. Colna said that in addition to the extensive menu selection, it’s Par 3’s personalized touch on service that keeps guests coming in. Colna said she and her staff were “honored and humbled” to  be voted by St. Bernard locals as one of the best in the parish. Colna’s personal favorite menu item is the thick-cut pork chop, and says that the steaks are hand-cut which ensures ultimate flavor and freshness. Par 3 Restaurant is located at 1530 E. Judge Perez Dr. in Chalmette and is open 24 hours.

MeMe’s Bar & Grille

3. Open for a mere five months, MeMe’s Bar & Grille has quickly won over the hearts and stomachs of locals as it claims the number 3 spot on St. Bernard’s Top 20 Eats list. Co-owner Raeanne Williams and Executive Chef Lincoln Owens say they are honored the upscale eatery has made the list. “Whether you live in St. Bernard or are coming back to visit, we love that this has become a place where people can get together with family and run into old friends,” said Williams. Chef Owens says the key to quality is in the freshness of the ingredients, which is why Meme’s uses local seafood and produce. “Everything we use is a day or less old,” said Owens. MeMe’s Bar & Grille is located at 712 W. Judge Perez Dr. in Chalmette.

Plantation Bar & Grill

4. “My customers mean the world to me, and to know that they voted for us out of all the restaurants in the parish is incredible,” said Plantation Bar & Grill Manager Eddie Cook. “We’re ecstatic. We know that without our customer’s we’re nothing.” Plantation’s hefty menu has all of the Southern favorites locals love— the fried chicken and catfish are two of Cook’s personal favorites. But the family-style dining establishment has something for every palate including items like Tuna Steak Apple Walnut Salad and White Chocolate Macadamia Bread Pudding. Plantation Bar & Grill is located at 3201 E. Judge Perez Dr. in Meraux.

Armond’s

5. Owner Cindy Lund says one of the key ingredients in their recipe for success lies in Armond’s dedicated customers, who she says have been loyal even in the bleakest times. After the storefront was destroyed by a tornado during Katrina, she and her family set up a trailer in the parking lot two months

later, selling fresh hot food to the neighborhood. The restaurant was started by her late husband, and she now runs it with her son Joe Lund. “My husband’s heart and soul was this restaurant, so my dedication comes from that,” said Lund. Armond’s menu has a little of everything, ranging from authentic eggplant parmesan to bountiful seafood platters served in fiberglass pirogues. Armond’s is located at 808 E. Judge Perez Dr. in Chalmette.