I recently took a weekend trip to New Orleans to escape the NY cold. I haven’t visited this vibrant city since 2 years after Katrina. I was quickly reminded why this is one of the best cities in America.
If you are looking for places to eat and things to do besides drinking hand grenades on Bourbon Street (you have to at least once in your life) you are in the right place. See below for some of my favorites stops in NOLA by neighborhood. Be ready for amazing food, jazz, art and pure culture.
Cafe du Monde
Garden District/Uptown ($5-6 Uber)
This is a very typical southern neighborhood. Laid back with big beautiful homes. It has plenty of places to eat and is a great place to just stroll around.
Eat:
Slim goodies diner
Red dog diner
Dat Dog – try the Alligator Dog
Atchafalaya – Chicken and Biscuits, Creole food good for brunch
Do:
Walk along Magazine Street
The Pontchartrain Hotel – Bar/Restaurant famous for their mile high cake and Ashley Longshore's portrait of Lil’ Wayne
Downtown/Marigny
Walkable from the french quarters.
Explore:
Frenchman street A MUST. Walk up and down this street at night for live music, brass bands, people watching and the unique night art market
Faubourg Marigny neighborhood - if you go right before Mardi Gras you will catch the festive decor on the homes
Walk down Esplanade Street for off the beaten path restaurants, coffee shops, bars
Eat/Drink:
Dat Dog - yes, again!
The Orange Couch coffee shop
Port of Call – historic spot with good burgers
Mid City ($5-10 Uber)
Where the true locals hang out. More city like.
Eat:
Parkway tavern
The Big Cheesy - best grilled cheeses in life!
Willie Mae – apparently has the best fried chicken in NOLA
Morning Call – 24 Hour beignets
Biscuits and Buns on Banks
Warehouse District
Hip, trendy area reminds me of the Brooklyn of NOLA.
Stay:
I stayed at The Old No. 77 Hotel & Chandlery. This super cute industrial boutique hotel with reasonable room prices. It houses Compere Lapin Restaurant and Tout La Coffee bar. It is pretty centrally located, within walking distance to the French Quarters and no more than a $5-10 Uber everywhere else.
Eat:
Willa Jean - you have to get the milk and cookies you will not regret it!
Little Bird – pop up fried chicken joint, open late night
Dragos – Charbroiled Oysters
Cochon - high end twist on traditional New Orleans cuisine
Tchoupitoulas Street for more coffee shops bars restaurants
Willa Jean
A Drip Affogato Bar
Bywater ($10-15 Uber)
Less touristy, hipster locals.
See:
Studio Be - get your whole life, become inspired and stay woke! Make sure to check the hours before you go. It was closed on my visit, but I will be back for SURE!
Eat:
Press street Station – try the king cake latte, so good.
Blind Pelican - great oyster happy hour specials
Melba’s – hole in the wall po boys and Creole food
Drink:
Bacchanal Fine Wine & Spirits
Bar redux – near “the end of the world”
French Quarters
Shop:
Krewe – Locally trendy sunglasses store with super cool story and décor
See:
St. Charles Cathedral of course
Bourbon street - I mean you have to
Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop Bar - oldest bar in the US
Eat/Drink:
Carousel Bar in the Monteleone Hotel
Café du Monde – because its NOLA and beignets
The grill - classic NOLA diner
The Grill
Transportation:
Rent a car - but parking may be tough
Uber/Lyft
Ride the local Trolley - catch a lift on the green one for a historic feel of the city
Camera bag sponsored by: Lo and Sons
Let me know if you try any of these places or have more to add to the list. Comment below with questions/suggestions! If you found this helpful please pin the image below :)
Enjoy!
xoxo - Jakiya The Traveling Fro
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