AJ’s started as a Creole food truck under the Claiborne bridge, and it was always busy then, and it’s always busy now in the Treme. The best thing about AJ’s, apart from the friendly service and consistency, is that everything tastes like it was made at a barbecue—slightly smoky, and just spicy enough to be exciting. Get the Hawaiian ribeye plate with mashed baked potatoes and parmesan broccoli, with a side of blackened salmon, a cup of Jazzy Punch, and one of the cute little sweet potato pies made by the chef’s mom. The place is pretty casual overall—they have just a few tables and TVs, and they do a big delivery/takeout business—but you’ll probably have a better meal here than at lots of fancier restaurants around town.