Coop’s Place is the right answer: local, with a vibe to match, some of the best food in town and a staff that is casual yet proud of the place.  When asked what the special is, Steve, our bartender, said Yes, I recommend the food here, all of it.  When pressed, red beans and rice with fried chicken came out. Java welcomed the dog friendly atmosphere and the picture of Coop’s dog above the fireplace, so we stayed a good while into our first night in the Big Easy.