I’ll be going to New Orleans next week for 3 nights, for no reason other than I got a good airfare and I like New Orleans. What better reason is there?
I’ve been there about 3 or 4 times – twice to run the New Orleans Marathon. Won’t Run has never been there.
I have the basic plans set – i.e., hotel and airfare, but don’t have anything else planned. Not that New Orleans needs to be planned, but still….
Basics: we’ll be staying at an upscale hotel in the French Quarter. Breakfast will be included. Yes, I know that the weather will be hot. The hotel has a pool. Yay!
1. Restaurants: I assume we’ll want to go to a REALLY nice restaurant for dinner one night, and otherwise to just really good, but not too expensive restaurants. Suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Places for lunch or snacks would be appreciated too.
2. Drinks. Of course there’s Pat O’Briens and Bourbon Street. What else do you suggest?
3. Tours. I’m not big on tours – maybe a walking tour. As for the French Quarter, I’m happy just to walk and walk. I’ve never been to the Garden District (except running through it in a marathon and it looked very nice). What do you recommend?
4. Music. Won’t Run is a musician and is looking forward to hearing some good music. He likes blues and just about everything else, and I’m sure he’ll love the music in New Orleans. Any suggestions?
Thanks!!!
A New York frequent flyer who elegantly combines her passions for worldwide travel, running a gazillion marathons all over the globe and staying fit ... without sacrificing her fancy for good wine and food.
NOLA is fantastic for dinner. Really good food and reasonable prices.
During the day you can’t go wrong with Riverwalk, grab a bite from one of the places nearby and a few beignets from Café Du Monde.
And you should try to check out Cafe Fleur-De-Lis on Chartres Street for some good “sort of comfort” food for lunch.
I’d skip The Court of Two Sisters myself. It was recommended to me once but I didn’t really enjoy it. The ambiance is nice but the food and service were mediocre.
Grand Isle on Lafayette and Convention Center Blvd is a must if you enjoy southern style seafood.
oh now I’m getting so hungry! thanks.
Definitely eat at Emeril’s on Tchoupitoulas Street in the Warehouse District. You just can’t beat it. And for a little lower scale, but delicious eating, try Acme Oyster House on Iberville Street. No matter wherever you eat for dinner, find a good place to get a po’boy…mmmm. Also, one of the things we did the last time we were there was rent a scooter. We used a rental place right down the street from Cafe duMonde. It was reasonably priced and allowed us to drive out to the Saint Louis Cemetary and have a wander around. We then scooted all through the Garden District. It made for a really great day! Have fun in NOLA!
Thanks Susan,
I did eat at NOLA when it first reopened about 6 months after Katrina. I’ve been to some of these restaurants, but I just don’t remember the names. btw – I love fried oysters!
Here is the link to my post about enjoying food and jazz in New Orleans. http://first2board.com/frugaltravellawyer/2013/03/23/new-orleans-for-the-foodie-and-jazz-lover/
I second the Jacque Imo’s recommendation in FTL’s post. It’s out of the way and a great experience. On the way there from the French Quarter, you can take the streetcar there from the FQ and stroll around Audubon Park on your way there.
Mr. B’s bar-b-que shrimp and the Segway city tour!
You have to eat at Acme Oyster House! There is a Westin and a Sheraton right by the French Quarter, but not in it. You will appreciate that when you actually want to sleep and there is stuff going on outside. My wife and I have taken just about all the Haunted History Tours, they are informative as well as fun. There is always the aquarium and bugs museums, tickets are cheaper if you get 2×1.
Cochon or Cochon Butcher! Great, eclectic food w/o a high price tag. If you want a very nice resto with real New Orleans flair, try something from John Besh! I like August the best.
For food, I’m a big fan of Cochon.
http://www.yelp.com/biz/cochon-new-orleans
For music, make sure you send him down to Frenchman Street. So many good bars and clubs he won’t have any problems finding something suited to his taste.
Take the streetcar uptown on St Charles – great way to see all the beautiful homes. When it stops in Carrollton, head over to to the Camellia Grill for lunch.
It may sound counterintuitive (considering all the great seafood) but try a roast beef po’boy, my favorite in close proximity to the Quarter is Mother’s (easy walk to the CBD). If you’re feeling adventurous and want to get off the beaten path, don’t miss The Joint bbq restaurant, my favorite spot to grab comfort food in NOLA.
If you do end up taking the streetcar uptown, walk (or run) over to Magazine St for a quick stroll and shopping.
** I used to live in NOLA before Katrina rolled through and still make it back a few times a year, best city if the USA 🙂
so many amazing suggestions. I’m so psyched. thanks everyone!
I second Erik’s suggestion to go to the joint. My favorite BBQ place in Nola although not too accessible without a car. It recently moved locations and they have great backyard seating. There is also a jazz bar walking distance although now sure of the name off hand.