Guidebook for New Orleans
Food Scene
Comfy little coffee spot 3 blocks away from the house. Wifi, the regular coffeeshop offerings plus some well-built bagel sandwiches and paninis.
90 locals recommend
The Bean Gallery
637 N Carrollton AveComfy little coffee spot 3 blocks away from the house. Wifi, the regular coffeeshop offerings plus some well-built bagel sandwiches and paninis.
Taqueria Guerrero Mexico Inc
208 N Carrollton AveKiller tacos simples.
Good pies. TUESDAY ALERT! If it's Tuesday, strongly consider going here - $1.50 on all draft beer, including local small-batch and premium pours. Special valid with purchase of pie or food.
56 locals recommend
Theo's Neighborhood Pizza, Mid-City
4024 Canal StGood pies. TUESDAY ALERT! If it's Tuesday, strongly consider going here - $1.50 on all draft beer, including local small-batch and premium pours. Special valid with purchase of pie or food.
A localized rendition of the burrito/taco shop. Pork n Slaw Tacos are on fire.
172 locals recommend
Juan's Flying Burrito - Mid-City
4724 S Carrollton AveA localized rendition of the burrito/taco shop. Pork n Slaw Tacos are on fire.
After a long, hearty night around town, consider having some beignets and chocolate milk at this European-style shop cozily ensconced in City Park. Open 24hrs, it's a 5min walk from my house.
221 locals recommend
Morning Call
56 Dreyfous DrAfter a long, hearty night around town, consider having some beignets and chocolate milk at this European-style shop cozily ensconced in City Park. Open 24hrs, it's a 5min walk from my house.
Featuring New Orleans' sandwich of lore, the poboy (actually a very simple sandwich) menu is laden with options. Arguably the best roast beef poboy in town, Obama likes the shrimp.
681 locals recommend
Parkway Bakery & Tavern
538 Hagan AveFeaturing New Orleans' sandwich of lore, the poboy (actually a very simple sandwich) menu is laden with options. Arguably the best roast beef poboy in town, Obama likes the shrimp.
A solid New Orleans menu featuring gumbo, jambalaya, muffuletta, Italian items, and beer in a huge frozen chalice. Try the fried pickle slices.
86 locals recommend
Liuzza's Restaurant & Bar
3636 Bienville StA solid New Orleans menu featuring gumbo, jambalaya, muffuletta, Italian items, and beer in a huge frozen chalice. Try the fried pickle slices.
While their lunch and dinner menu has fine offerings, Sunday brunch here is why I go. Bottomless mimosas and bloodies. Great neighborhood spot. Sundays, consider getting there early to avoid a wait.
294 locals recommend
Katie's
3701 Iberville StWhile their lunch and dinner menu has fine offerings, Sunday brunch here is why I go. Bottomless mimosas and bloodies. Great neighborhood spot. Sundays, consider getting there early to avoid a wait.
Great breakfast/brunch spot. 15 minutes on foot. Get there early if you want to avoid a wait.
226 locals recommend
Ruby Slipper Cafe
315 S Broad StGreat breakfast/brunch spot. 15 minutes on foot. Get there early if you want to avoid a wait.
Fresh juice menu is the best in Midcity. Conversely, tequila selection is robust. Pricey, well composed plates.
35 locals recommend
Canal Street Bistro
3903 Canal StFresh juice menu is the best in Midcity. Conversely, tequila selection is robust. Pricey, well composed plates.
A New Orleans mainstay, this place features a traditional New Orleans menu and the feeling that you may be sharing space with some Goodfellas. Moderate prices and supreme onion rings.
199 locals recommend
Mandina's Restaurant
3800 Canal StA New Orleans mainstay, this place features a traditional New Orleans menu and the feeling that you may be sharing space with some Goodfellas. Moderate prices and supreme onion rings.
An ice cream shop featuring homemade ice creams and gelattos, and other delicious confections. Pistachio!!!
256 locals recommend
Angelo Brocato
214 N Carrollton AveAn ice cream shop featuring homemade ice creams and gelattos, and other delicious confections. Pistachio!!!
They smoke and cure their meats and have a funky take on pizza pies. Cool al fresco dining.
10 locals recommend
Crescent Pie & Sausage Company
4400 Banks StreetThey smoke and cure their meats and have a funky take on pizza pies. Cool al fresco dining.
Seriously well built and presented cuisine. Concomitant prices. Make reservations.
46 locals recommend
Rue 127
127 North Carrollton AvenueSeriously well built and presented cuisine. Concomitant prices. Make reservations.
Young, imaginative chef has created inventive, fresh South Louisiana homestyle menu. Great service staff. Check the pickled plate app and the house cured meat board.
158 locals recommend
Toups Meatery
845 N Carrollton AveYoung, imaginative chef has created inventive, fresh South Louisiana homestyle menu. Great service staff. Check the pickled plate app and the house cured meat board.
Sweet little tapas spot an easy stroll from the house. Grilled calamari and seafood paella are off the chart. Yummy sangria and lovely staff too.
257 locals recommend
Lola's
3312 Esplanade AveSweet little tapas spot an easy stroll from the house. Grilled calamari and seafood paella are off the chart. Yummy sangria and lovely staff too.
Nonna Mia Cafe & Pizzeria
3125 Esplanade AvePies are good - quality cheese.
Well sourced and roasted coffees. Definitely serves as a nexus of alt in the area.
237 locals recommend
Fair Grinds Coffeehouse
3133 Ponce De Leon StWell sourced and roasted coffees. Definitely serves as a nexus of alt in the area.
This funky spot is HIP! The breakfast fare is great and, although I haven't yet tried it, I imagine the newly added dinner menu is also.
376 locals recommend
Satsuma Cafe
3218 Dauphine StThis funky spot is HIP! The breakfast fare is great and, although I haven't yet tried it, I imagine the newly added dinner menu is also.
Breakfast of high repute, dinner is good as well. Plan on waiting if you rise and arrive too late.
442 locals recommend
Elizabeth's
601 Gallier StBreakfast of high repute, dinner is good as well. Plan on waiting if you rise and arrive too late.
Pizza Delicious
617 Piety StThe name is completely apropos. Simple. Dynamite.
Well-assembled cross section of the world's street food, small plate style. Crafty cocktails. Prices are higher than you'd spend streetside.
83 locals recommend
Booty's Street Food
800 Louisa StreetWell-assembled cross section of the world's street food, small plate style. Crafty cocktails. Prices are higher than you'd spend streetside.
An old school NO seafood house. BYOW - Bring Your Own Wheelchair - to get out of there.
99 locals recommend
Jack Dempsey's Restaurant
738 Poland AveAn old school NO seafood house. BYOW - Bring Your Own Wheelchair - to get out of there.
This place, among many others in the rapidly shifting Bywater, is fairly young, but has built a solid clientele by serving well-built cuisine.
45 locals recommend
Maurepas Foods
3200 Burgundy StreetThis place, among many others in the rapidly shifting Bywater, is fairly young, but has built a solid clientele by serving well-built cuisine.
Supremely crafted fare, excellent service, lovely setting. Significant vegan offerings. Above average prices. Make reservations. Yum.
53 locals recommend
Cru by Chef Marlon Alexander at Feelings Cafe
535 Franklin AveSupremely crafted fare, excellent service, lovely setting. Significant vegan offerings. Above average prices. Make reservations. Yum.
Tasty, affordable specials and NO cuisine, but the real draw is the Inidian selections. Samosas are divine.
68 locals recommend
Silk Road Restaurant & Wine Bar
2483 Royal StTasty, affordable specials and NO cuisine, but the real draw is the Inidian selections. Samosas are divine.
Flora Gallery & Coffee Shop
2600 Royal StNice spot for a coffee in the Marigny.
Probably my favorite burger joint in town. There is tons of hype around Port of Call, but this is better with no silly wait. Do Not Be Afraid Of Ordering The Peanut Butter Bacon Burger.
23 locals recommend
Yo Mama's Bar and Grill
727 Saint PeterProbably my favorite burger joint in town. There is tons of hype around Port of Call, but this is better with no silly wait. Do Not Be Afraid Of Ordering The Peanut Butter Bacon Burger.
Although a wait here is common, this is commoner's food done well. Check out the rabbit gumbo or the lamb appetizer.
163 locals recommend
Coop's Place
1109 Decatur StAlthough a wait here is common, this is commoner's food done well. Check out the rabbit gumbo or the lamb appetizer.
If you're ready for a seriously sensuous meal, and don't mind paying a little bit more, check this place out - it warrants acclaim. Sweetbreads. Reservations.
60 locals recommend
Bayona
430 Dauphine StIf you're ready for a seriously sensuous meal, and don't mind paying a little bit more, check this place out - it warrants acclaim. Sweetbreads. Reservations.
Italian fare that deviates from the ubiquitous New Orleansization of the Italian palette. Reservations suggested.
114 locals recommend
Irene's
529 Bienville StItalian fare that deviates from the ubiquitous New Orleansization of the Italian palette. Reservations suggested.
This place carries a more recent legacy than others in town, but outshines in many areas. Try the pecan crusted puppy drum. Reservations suggested.
95 locals recommend
Muriel's Jackson Square
801 Chartres StThis place carries a more recent legacy than others in town, but outshines in many areas. Try the pecan crusted puppy drum. Reservations suggested.
Imagine you have an Italian grandmother that lives in a old, provincial home. (If you don't really have one) She's an alchemist in the kitchen. Or, just book a table at Adolfo's and imagine no more.
137 locals recommend
Adolfo's
611 Frenchmen StImagine you have an Italian grandmother that lives in a old, provincial home. (If you don't really have one) She's an alchemist in the kitchen. Or, just book a table at Adolfo's and imagine no more.
Everything Else
Every Thursday, 3-7PM, a handful (15-20) vendors set up a small market with a variety of local provisions, including fruits/veggies, meats/seafoods/eggs/cheeses, prepared foods, flowers, crafted goods
33 locals recommend
Crescent City Farmers Market
500 North Norman C Francis ParkwayEvery Thursday, 3-7PM, a handful (15-20) vendors set up a small market with a variety of local provisions, including fruits/veggies, meats/seafoods/eggs/cheeses, prepared foods, flowers, crafted goods
Liuzza's by the Track
1518 N Lopez StFantastic lunch menu. Easy walk from the house.
Waterway through which the first Europeans gained access to the "Isle of Orleans" via Lake Ponchartrain. Today, a lovely place to stroll or sit. Canoeing available: http://www.bayoukayaks.com/
238 locals recommend
Bayou St John
Waterway through which the first Europeans gained access to the "Isle of Orleans" via Lake Ponchartrain. Today, a lovely place to stroll or sit. Canoeing available: http://www.bayoukayaks.com/
If you're seeking a little reset from the rigors of travel and (perhaps) late night hedonism, Balance is a good studio in walking distance.
10 locals recommend
Balance Yoga and Wellness New Orleans
118 S Cortez StIf you're seeking a little reset from the rigors of travel and (perhaps) late night hedonism, Balance is a good studio in walking distance.
If you want a delicious sandwich on the way downtown , and have a minute to hop off of the streetcar, there is a little Vietnamese kitchen in this convenience store that hooks up a delicious Banh Mi.
2700 Canal St
2700 Canal StreetIf you want a delicious sandwich on the way downtown , and have a minute to hop off of the streetcar, there is a little Vietnamese kitchen in this convenience store that hooks up a delicious Banh Mi.
If the NO heat is becoming overwhelming and you want a swim, here's a spot where skinny dipping is welcome, there is always a fabulous gay man or two around, chilling, sipping excellent drinks.
451 locals recommend
The Country Club
634 Louisa StreetIf the NO heat is becoming overwhelming and you want a swim, here's a spot where skinny dipping is welcome, there is always a fabulous gay man or two around, chilling, sipping excellent drinks.
Drinks & Nightlife
A neighborhood joint with friendly staff and patrons. Nice, strong drinks and conversations. Usually they share some free, simple, hangover-salvaging bar food. Trivia on Thursdays
223 locals recommend
Pal's Lounge
949 N RendonA neighborhood joint with friendly staff and patrons. Nice, strong drinks and conversations. Usually they share some free, simple, hangover-salvaging bar food. Trivia on Thursdays
If you're looking for a drink in a low-key neighborhood joint, this spot is <5min walk from my front door.
21 locals recommend
Evangeline Lounge
4501 Toulouse StIf you're looking for a drink in a low-key neighborhood joint, this spot is <5min walk from my front door.
Awesome, creative fresh cocktails and a well-stocked jukebox. BBQ too.
143 locals recommend
Twelve Mile Limit
500 S Telemachus StAwesome, creative fresh cocktails and a well-stocked jukebox. BBQ too.
Great outdoor area in the back. Even on hot days - plenty of fans. Occasional live music. Walter Wolfman Washington if you're lucky.
356 locals recommend
Bayou Beer Garden
326 N Norman C Francis ParkwayGreat outdoor area in the back. Even on hot days - plenty of fans. Occasional live music. Walter Wolfman Washington if you're lucky.
Easy little neighborhood joint adjacent to a ball field that's home to kickball, ultimate frisbee, cricket, rugby, and other alt-sports that scream DRINK!!!!!
97 locals recommend
Mid City Yacht Club
440 S St Patrick StEasy little neighborhood joint adjacent to a ball field that's home to kickball, ultimate frisbee, cricket, rugby, and other alt-sports that scream DRINK!!!!!
One of a few MidCity bars that features live music of varying tastes and quality pretty much every night. Houses MidCity Pizza which serves a simple but spot-on NY-style pie.
68 locals recommend
Banks Street Bar & Grill
4401 Banks StOne of a few MidCity bars that features live music of varying tastes and quality pretty much every night. Houses MidCity Pizza which serves a simple but spot-on NY-style pie.
If you want a indigenous Treme experience, go see the Treme Brass Band on Wednesday night. Great spot. Ask about Uncle Lionel, RIP. Spirit doesn't die.
41 locals recommend
Candlelight Lounge
925 N Robertson StIf you want a indigenous Treme experience, go see the Treme Brass Band on Wednesday night. Great spot. Ask about Uncle Lionel, RIP. Spirit doesn't die.
Most Fridays at 6:00 a stellar ensemble, The Hot Club of New Orleans, plays jazz a la gypsy, and most Saturdays at 8:00 a likewise luminous vocalist, John Boutte does his thing.
387 locals recommend
d.b.a.
618 Frenchmen StMost Fridays at 6:00 a stellar ensemble, The Hot Club of New Orleans, plays jazz a la gypsy, and most Saturdays at 8:00 a likewise luminous vocalist, John Boutte does his thing.
Excellent wine selection with friendly, knowledgeable staff, good menu and live music most days/nights. A cozy back garden/patio.
839 locals recommend
Bacchanal Fine Wine & Spirits
600 Poland AveExcellent wine selection with friendly, knowledgeable staff, good menu and live music most days/nights. A cozy back garden/patio.
If you're traipsing around the Bywater and want to drop into a neighborhood bar for a random conversation, this is a popular spot. If you desire more bizarre and another layer of residue, go to BJ's.
392 locals recommend
Surrey's Café & Juice Bar
1418 Magazine StreetIf you're traipsing around the Bywater and want to drop into a neighborhood bar for a random conversation, this is a popular spot. If you desire more bizarre and another layer of residue, go to BJ's.
If Markey's is too clean for you.. Most Mondays this dim dive is usually lit up by King James and the Special Men, to cleanse the soul. Look out for a group called Bacon - they'll throw it all at you
151 locals recommend
B J's Lounge
4301 Burgundy StIf Markey's is too clean for you.. Most Mondays this dim dive is usually lit up by King James and the Special Men, to cleanse the soul. Look out for a group called Bacon - they'll throw it all at you
Easy little Bywater spot. Drinks are poured to lift the spirits.
221 locals recommend
Vaughan's Lounge
4229 Dauphine StEasy little Bywater spot. Drinks are poured to lift the spirits.
If you are doing the Bywater drinking tour, stop off here. Friendly folks who choose funny tunes from the jukebox, and usually a colorful conversation awaits.
57 locals recommend
J&J's Sports Lounge
800 France StIf you are doing the Bywater drinking tour, stop off here. Friendly folks who choose funny tunes from the jukebox, and usually a colorful conversation awaits.
Lost Love Lounge
2529 Dauphine StA funny local's bar with a good vietnamese kitchen in the back.
Watch out for what happens here when Karaoke goes down. Plenty of good live music as well. Weirdness encouraged.
264 locals recommend
Allways Lounge and Theater
2240 St Claude AveWatch out for what happens here when Karaoke goes down. Plenty of good live music as well. Weirdness encouraged.
Live music spot with plenty of scruff and sweet all mixed up. Usually bands that don't have much of an interest in playing House of Blues.(lightly put) Often very smoky.
238 locals recommend
Siberia Lounge
2227 St Claude AveLive music spot with plenty of scruff and sweet all mixed up. Usually bands that don't have much of an interest in playing House of Blues.(lightly put) Often very smoky.
Hi-Ho Lounge
2239 St Claude AveLive music of diverse flavors most nights.
New Orleans' character and blazing trumpet man, Kermit Ruffins' newly founded joint. Plenty of music choices.
9 locals recommend
Kermit Ruffin's Speakeasy
1535 Basin StreetNew Orleans' character and blazing trumpet man, Kermit Ruffins' newly founded joint. Plenty of music choices.
Exquisitely crafted cocktail that you will happily pay for. Small space so it can fill up on bust nights.
173 locals recommend
Bar Tonique
820 N Rampart StExquisitely crafted cocktail that you will happily pay for. Small space so it can fill up on bust nights.
With all the tourisma of the Old Quarter, Cosimo's is a welcoming bar more patronized by locals. No snobbery though, so check it out. Food menu as well.
84 locals recommend
Cosimo's Bar
1201 Burgundy StWith all the tourisma of the Old Quarter, Cosimo's is a welcoming bar more patronized by locals. No snobbery though, so check it out. Food menu as well.
Funny locals bar with the best Reuben in town. Live music almost daily/nightly.
191 locals recommend
Buffa's
1001 Esplanade AveFunny locals bar with the best Reuben in town. Live music almost daily/nightly.
Arts & Culture
A diverse collection of exhibitions, traditional and contemporary, this house is mere minutes from my house. Wednesdays are free to all!
782 locals recommend
New Orleans Museum of Art
1 Collins Diboll CirA diverse collection of exhibitions, traditional and contemporary, this house is mere minutes from my house. Wednesdays are free to all!
Directly adjacent to the N.O. Museum of Art is the lovely sculpture garden. Beset with grand live oaks and small creeks, the works stand in eloquent, contrasted harmony. Also minutes from the house
161 locals recommend
Sculpture Garden
1 Collins Diboll CirDirectly adjacent to the N.O. Museum of Art is the lovely sculpture garden. Beset with grand live oaks and small creeks, the works stand in eloquent, contrasted harmony. Also minutes from the house
A 2000-species collection of flora, local and non, set beside the glass-domed Conservatory of the Two Sisters. A lovely afternoon, doubtless.
1516 locals recommend
City Park
1 Palm DrA 2000-species collection of flora, local and non, set beside the glass-domed Conservatory of the Two Sisters. A lovely afternoon, doubtless.
Glass Studio in the neighborhood. Tours happily given if you call and set it up. Directly across from Rouse's.
YAYA
3322 Lasalle StGlass Studio in the neighborhood. Tours happily given if you call and set it up. Directly across from Rouse's.
If your Friday stellar jazz quota has not yet been reached after the Hot Club (d.b.a.), check the Cottonmouth Kings here at 10 most Fridays. Woah Nah! But you'd be pleased here any night.
521 locals recommend
The Spotted Cat Music Club
623 Frenchmen StIf your Friday stellar jazz quota has not yet been reached after the Hot Club (d.b.a.), check the Cottonmouth Kings here at 10 most Fridays. Woah Nah! But you'd be pleased here any night.
If you perhaps maybe want to see the likes of Hugh Masekela or Sonny Rollins, OR any of the countless denizens of the New Orleans jazz vanguard, check this place. Usually 2 nightly sets at 8 and 10.
273 locals recommend
Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro
626 Frenchmen StIf you perhaps maybe want to see the likes of Hugh Masekela or Sonny Rollins, OR any of the countless denizens of the New Orleans jazz vanguard, check this place. Usually 2 nightly sets at 8 and 10.
Featuring the finest of N.O.'s jazz legacy. They also do a Sunday jazz brunch that will take you higher.
39 locals recommend
Sweet Lorraine's Jazz Club
1931 St Claude AveFeaturing the finest of N.O.'s jazz legacy. They also do a Sunday jazz brunch that will take you higher.
Serious live music calendar. Mostly local. Almost always on fire. (not literally). Two rooms.
181 locals recommend
Blue Nile
532 Frenchmen StSerious live music calendar. Mostly local. Almost always on fire. (not literally). Two rooms.
A fresh, vibrant art space that includes literary arts. Free. They have viable community outreach and education components as well.
9 locals recommend
Antenna
3718 St Claude AveA fresh, vibrant art space that includes literary arts. Free. They have viable community outreach and education components as well.
A pioneer artist-run space that features a variety of exhibitions, all quite engaging. Open Sat/Sun 12-5.
4037 St Claude Ave
A pioneer artist-run space that features a variety of exhibitions, all quite engaging. Open Sat/Sun 12-5.
I haven't been to a show there that didn't speak strongly to me. A very well-curated gallery and overall inviting space.
6 locals recommend
Barrister's Gallery
2331 St Claude AveI haven't been to a show there that didn't speak strongly to me. A very well-curated gallery and overall inviting space.
Tapas, frequent good music, two bars. Late night. Or early night.
673 locals recommend
Mimi's In the Marigny
2600 Chartres StreetTapas, frequent good music, two bars. Late night. Or early night.
Entertainment & Activities
A small, carnival-style amusement park, with rides and games. (Parents: they also serve beer) Ferris-wheel, carousel, and cheesy little (cute) rollercoaster are a few of the rides.
56 locals recommend
Storyland
5 Victory AveA small, carnival-style amusement park, with rides and games. (Parents: they also serve beer) Ferris-wheel, carousel, and cheesy little (cute) rollercoaster are a few of the rides.
City Putt Miniature Golf Course
33 Dreyfous DrMini-golf for the family. Beer served too!
Essentials
Big ol' grocery store. Prices are a little higher than Winn-Dixie across the street, but a nicer store.
1002 locals recommend
Rouses Market
400 N Carrollton AveBig ol' grocery store. Prices are a little higher than Winn-Dixie across the street, but a nicer store.
Winn-Dixie
401 N Carrollton AveBig ol' grocery store.