The North St. Mary’s area is known as a vibrant, proactive residential neighborhood filled with small, locally owned businesses and — of course — a popular live music district. And, if you’re a fan of brunch, there is an increasing number of options in the neighborhood.

Our new favorite? NOLA Brunch and Beignets, located in a converted home on Kings Court off North St. Mary’s. NOLA is the third culinary concept that chef Pieter Sypesteyn has brought to San Antonio. The New Orleans native first gave the Alamo City the Where Y’at food truck; after retiring the truck, Sypesteyn opened The Cookhouse, catty-corner from where NOLA now sits.

NOLA’s menu gives brunch a definitive New Orleans flair with touches of South Texas.

There are a couple of small plates for the single diner or for a couple on the run. An avocado tostada includes sautéed mushrooms, fried shallots, crema, and fried egg. For an extra $7, you could add blackened shrimp. The Cajun boudin enchiladas, which debuted during a Mardi Gras weekend block party, involve a luscious blend of guajillo gravy and preserved lemon cream.

The large plates portion of the menu features bread pudding French toast, buttermilk pancakes with salted whey caramel, and blue crab omelette. A NOLA Brunch Plate boasts fluffy scrambled eggs, grits, praline bacon, and slices of fried green tomato, while the Eggs Rockafella is one of a few NOLA dishes with brabant potatoes.

If you’re craving a muffaletta, you can get it on a full plate with brabant potatoes, house-made corned beef, Swiss cheese, and gardiniere vegetables on a seeded bun.

What about the beignets? Oh yes, the fried treats come in the classic style with powdered sugar. Or get some stuffed with lemon curd or coffee and chicory.

Beverages run the gamut from hot and iced coffee to juice, iced tea, and soda. While it is BYOB, NOLA does have setups for mimosas.

The space is light and playful, making for a cozy, casual dining experience. There is plenty of seating inside, but you can also dine on the front patio. If you’re lucky, you could catch a live jazz performance from the likes of the Jim Cullum Jazz Band.

NOLA Brunch and Beignets is open 8 am to 2 pm, Tuesday through Saturday. It definitely livens up brunch options in Midtown San Antonio.