Smoothies N Things Café

This is one of the only nearby lunch options for LSUHSC students, and it’s a great one! They make the most delicious smoothies of any place I’ve tried in the city, that actually taste like fresh tropical fruit. The sandwiches and wraps are tasty too, and the prices for combos are really reasonable. It’s refreshing to for a place in New Orleans to not have gut-​busting portions, but my only complaint is that I wish they would stuff their sandwiches and wraps with more veggies. As for the service, the counter people are always friendly, a refreshing break from the moody workers at some establishments.
Also, if I’m not mistaken, this place is also black-​owned, which is all too rare in this city.

I was surprised the first time I stopped at this small café and how many items were on their menu. On my first visit I got a smoothie and it was tasty and fresh.
On my next visit I got the veggie panini deal which added a bag of chips and instead of a bottled soft drink, I chose a fresh brewed tea (sweet & unsweet available).
Service is pretty quick and there are a few tables to dine in, although I brought mine selection back to work. Yes the parking lot is kind of odd; the whole lot is a weird shape, but since I walk over from work it’s not an issue.
Good alternative to the chain sandwich place next door.

The smoothies are amazing and the southwest chicken panini is my absolute favorite. I’m a HUGE fan.

Are you a student at the LSU Health Science Center, Tulane Med or Charity? Are you looking for Superdome parking? Are you taking Instagram photos of the abandoned New Orleans Tuberculosis Hospital? (Yes, buildings in «Hospital Heights» will withstand the wrecking ball for generations). Are you volunteering at the homeless shelter on Gravier? Are you picking up your car under the interstate after you ignored the freight zone signs in the Quarter and got yourself towed?
I’m sure I can think of a few other reasons why anyone in their right mind would be anywhere near this little strip of businesses located sketchily under the overpass… But this Smoothies N Things is crazy good! Delicious, satisfying piping-​hot grilled paninis. Cold, refreshingly sweet smoothies. Crisp, salty bags of chips. Affordable combos of all of the above $ 10 and under. It is really tough to find a good lunch in this area, and the «Hospital Heights» crowd has their finger on the pulse of this place (because that’s what we do for a living). Expect long lines at the lunch hour for that reason, and possibly a wait for your food too. Most people pick up their food and roll out, but there is plenty of tables inside this small restaurant to enjoy your food and take 5 from the heat.
On a side note, keep your eye on this area over the next year or so. We have a 2 brand new hospitals opening down the street, and they are looking gorgeous. I think this whole area is about to blow up for the better, with tons of new little lunch places.

You could never tell from the outside as this place is nondescript and next to a freeway but the food and smoothies here are legit.
For under $ 10 I got a chicken pesto panini passion fruit smoothie and bag of chips (the combo). The bread on the panini was crisp and soft at the same time the chicken was tender and juicy and the pesto sauce was perfect. The passion fruit smoothie (pink and white Hawaiian guava and Ecuadorian passion fruit) was the best I’ve had in forever.
Skip the Subway next door and the Jamba down the street and get yourself over here. Although It’s dangerous being so close to where I live.

$ 8.95 OR LESS COMBO MEALS include an 8″ panini or wrap, 16 oz smoothie, and a bag of chips. That’s cheaper than Subway. On Travis W’s rec I had the delicious Southwest Chicken & chipotle mayonnaise along with the healthy, 130 calorie, four berry «Tiger Pride». Great choice!
CALORIE COUNT is listed online next to every menu item.
CRAZY LOCATION: it’s the last building on S Claiborne under the elevated before the flyover. But once you get there, the 25 seat space is bustling with an interesting mix of Med Center employees and blue collar workers.
OTHER «UNDER THE CL-​10» GEMS: Manchu Food Store, Wing Snack, Cajun Seafood, Eleven 79, Circle Foods, the Mercedes-​Benz Superdome…

Stumbled on this place while in route to subway! Man am I happy that this happened! I got the southwest panini (chicken, red onion tomato and the special chipotle sauce) all of that for $ 6.50! It a good size panini enough for lunch that’s for sure! The other person in the party got the pesto chicken panini (chicken, pesto tomato, armed onion and lettuce) some of the best pesto she has had to date. I recommend it if your in the area!
There is plenty of room to sit down inside so bring your crew!