Tennessee Williams once said: “America has only 3 cities: NYC, San Fran, & New Orleans. Everywhere else is Cleveland.” I may be completely biased because I’ve lived here my entire life, but I have yet to find a city like Nola. Every time I go on vacation, after a few days I’m like it’s been fun, but I’m ready to go home now. New Orleans has this ability to put a spell on you. Once you’re hooked, it can rarely be undone. If you think I’m lying ask a New Orleans transplant why they moved here and the majority will say, I came here for vacation and didn’t go back. Sure, the city has its negatives just like any other. Crime, potholes, bipolar weather, unbearable humidity, potholes, mosquitoes, potholes, and termite swarms during May. But everything else this city has to offer enables you to tolerate all of that. Food, open container laws, parades for everything, our passion for football, resilience, care free attitude, and laid-back nature. The fact that it’s a city but doesn’t feel like a city. Rather, it’s like one giant neighborhood. Seriously, at best, this city will become your new favorite vacation spot you visit every year. And now, the best things to do in New Orleans…
Best Bars:
Barrel Proof – For the whiskey aficionado. This neighborhood bar & kitchen has 300+ whiskeys to try. The prices here aren’t crazy, and Barrel Proof sells most drinks as either 1 or 2 ounce pours, which gives you the option of trying a wider range of whiskies without having to buy heavy pours of each. And if you’re not an aficionado but looking for a new drink to try, don’t be afraid to ask the bartenders.
Bayou Beer Garden – One of my favorite bars to stop by after Bayou Boogaloo or to watch a game on their large outdoor patio while eating crawfish and drinking one of their 180 beers.
Bulldog Mid-city – Another one of my favorite bars that host trivia night on Tuesdays, pint night on Wednesdays, and is super dog friendly.
Cure – Cure reminds me of the bar that Steve Carell & Ryan Gosling pick up chicks at in Crazy Stupid Love. It’s a dimly lit stylish cocktail lounge that serves up some awesome creative drinks. Perfect for a first date or if you’re tired of the dives and want something a bit classier.
Cooter Brown’s – One of THE places to go in the city to catch a sporting event. Tucked away in the Uptown Riverbend, this sports bar has TVs all over, over 400 brands of beer, and some damn good oysters and pub grub.
Finn McCool’s – An Irish pub for the dedicated soccer fans that want to catch the 6am game on weekends. Start your morning off right with a Guinness & coffee.
Hot Tin – Hot Tin sits on top of The Pontchartrain Hotel and IMO, boasts the sweetest rooftop view of Nola. The name is a nod to Tennessee Williams, who is rumored to have lived in the hotel during the 1940’s while writing a Streetcar Named Desire.
French 75 – A James Beard award winner and named “One of the top 5 bars in the country” by Esquire, the bar’s mission is to handcraft the finest cocktails with locally sourced ingredients and home-made syrups. If you’re going to drink a French 75 in Nola, do it here.
Revel Café & Bar – Owned by Chris McMillian, one of the top mixologists in the country who has been written about by the New York Times and who doesn’t mind helping you pick the perfect drink. If you’re going to eat dinner here too try the crawfish grilled cheese or peanut butter burger.
Tchoup Yard – Perfect spot to end the day if you’re brewery hopping on Tchoupitoulas Street (Urban South, Port Orleans, & Nola Brewery). A laid back, outdoor bar that The Advocate described perfectly, “boozy combination of a beer garden, a beach bar and Celebration in the Oaks.” Serves some of the coldest beer I’ve ever had, bushwackers (official drink of the Gulf Coast), and its signature drink, the Zanzarita (frozen margarita with an upside down Corona and a shot of limoncello in the hollowed lime).
Wrong Iron – Opened in December of 2018 and already my favorite bar. Located steps off of the Lafitte Greenway, this bar has EVERYTHING. Cornhole, bocce ball, food trucks, fire pits, plenty of TVs, and blankets to keep you warm on a cold night.
Best Breweries:
Miel – Home of the Blue Raspberry Sour Punch Straw beer, this micro brew is around the corner from Nola Brewery and a must stop if brewery hopping down Tchoupitoulas Street.
Parleaux Beer Lab – A microbrew located in the heart of Bywater with a great selection of small batch beers and an industrial-chic patio. If you’re in the mood to bike to various breweries in the city, this one is a great place to start off.
Port Orleans – Founded by former Saint Zach Strief in 2017, it is already becoming a favorite. It is the creator of the Gleason IPA and boasts some other solid brews, like the Storyville IPA and Riverfront Lager. Its taproom is one of the best in the city and boasts some great bar food.
Second Line – This new Mid-City brewery doesn’t have a lot of different brews yet but the ones they make are fire. Their blond ale is the best I’ve ever had. And their Saison Named Desire (brewed with blood oranges) is one of my top 10 beers. And Mondays are pint and slice night. Free slice of pizza with a beer. Perfect cure for the Mondays.
Urban South – My favorite brewery, not just in the city but in the entire world. And it’s only been around since 2015! It usually does a new release every Friday (Can find out ahead of time on their Instagram) and some of its flagship beers are the Holy Roller IPA, Charming Wit, and Ca Phe, a Vietnamese coffee stout.
Bywater Brew Pub – The newest brewery on the list, this micro-brewery is quickly becoming a favorite of mine. Located in the heart of the Bywater neighborhood, Bywater Brew Pub brews up an amazing grapefruit IPA, Marzen, Bock, Hefeweizen, and many more. If you’re not into sours, this is the perfect brewery for you.
Best Bloody Marys:
- Apolline
- Atchafalaya (Build your own)
- Brennan’s (One of the spiciest in the city. Order a bloody bull to add beef broth to it to add much needed protein and electrolytes to combat that hangover)
- Daisy Dukes
- Erin Rose (Not so secret ingredient, Guinness Beer)
- Ruby Slipper
Broke-Traveler’s Favorite Restaurants:
Blue Giant – Opened just a couple of years ago, this Chinese restaurant has not only become a Broke-Traveler favorite, but a favorite of Nola as well judging by their long lines every time I visit. This isn’t your traditional Chinese restaurant, as evidenced by their penchant to use southern Louisiana ingredients in their dishes.
Blue Oak – Best BBQ in New Orleans and it’s not even close. I go there for lunch religiously almost every week. Follow their IG for daily specials, like Spicy Chicken Sandwich Tuesdays and Brisket Philly Thursdays.
Commander’s Palace – Not only one of the best regarded upscale restaurants in the city, but also the country as well. Won’t break the bank if you go for lunch. And they serve 25 cent martinis! (There is a dress code and reservations should be made at least a month in advance)
Fharmacy – Best burger in Nola. Try the Dr. Tan with an order of lemongrass chicken tacos.
Parkway Tavern & Bakery – If you only eat one poboy during your trip, this is the place to do it. Trust me and order the surf & turf poboy (roast beef & shrimp).
Pizza Domenica – Some of the best thin crust pizza outside of Brooklyn. Their Garlic Knots are one of the “Best foods to try before you die” and their half off pizza and drinks happy hour is unbeatable.
Pizza Delicious – The famous debate amongst Nola residents is which pizza is best, Pizza Domenica or Pizza Delicious? Imo, Pizza Delicious is 1b. Their slices are MASSIVE and what I like most about them is that they sell it by the slice and their menu is always evolving.
Ruby Slipper – One of the best brunch’s imo. Their Eggs Cochon is a game changer.
Union Ramen Bar – Another restaurant that has recently opened that has already won me over. Best ramen in Nola.
Ye Olde College Inn – A true farm to table restaurant that grows their produce next door on an urban farm. Also Drew Brees’ favorite Nola restaurant and now one of mine. Some of their award-winning dishes include the Fried Bread Pudding Poboy, Crawfish Delacroix, Beaux Thai Duck, and BBQ Shrimp. Go next door to Rock n Bowl and make it a fun date night.
Best Fancy Restaurants:
- Antoine’s
- Arnaud’s
- Brennan’s
- Clancy’s
- Commander’s Palace
- Dooky Chase
- Galatoire’s
- Jacques-Imo’s
- Pascal’s Manale
- The Court of Two Sisters
- Tujague’s
Best Food to Try Before You Die:
Here are the most legendary meals in Nola, in no particular order. I dare you to check off all on one trip.
Bananas foster at Emeril’s Delmonico
BBQ shrimp at Pascal Manale’s
Blue crab beignets at La Petite Grocery
Cannoli’s & gelato from Angelo Brocato’s
Chargrilled oysters from Drago’s
Fried chicken from Willie Mae’s
Garlic Knots from Pizza Domenica
Grilled cauliflower steak at Domenica
Praline bacon at Elizabeth’s
Shrimp and alligator sausage cheesecake at Jacques-Imo’s
Surf & Turf Poboy from Parkway Bakery & Tavern
Turtle Soup from Commander’s Palace
Bananas Foster Pancakes @ BearCat
Cheeseburger Fried Rice & Crawfish Rangoon @ Red’s Chinese
Crawfish meat pies @ Bywater Brew Pub
Best Desserts:
Bananas Foster @ Emeril’s Delmonico
Bread Pudding Soufflé @ Commander’s Palace
Dobites & Doberge Cake @ Bakery Bar
Donuts @ Blue Dot Donuts
Donuts @ Honey Whip Donuts (Located on the Westbank but worth the trek)
Ice cream @ Creole Creamery
Lemon Ice & Cannolis @ Angelo Brocato
Mile High Pie @ Jack Rose
Milk & Cookies @ Willa Jean (Get the chocolate chip cookies with a side of cookie dough)
Oreo Cookie Waffles @ Waffles on Maple
Pecan Pie @ Brigsten’s
Snow balls @ Hansens
Best Brunch Spots:
There is no shortage of brunch options in Nola. You could go to a different one every Saturday and Sunday (encouraged btw) for years of trips here and you couldn’t run out. Start by going to the best ones listed below:
Apolline – Bottomless Mimosas & Shrimp Bloody Marys. Do I need to say anymore? How about their pork enchiladas and cinnamon bacon.
Atchafalaya – Set in a little creole cottage in the Irish Channel, this brunch spot is known for its Bloody Mary bar and live music and was named “one of America’s top ten urban brunch spots in America” in 2015 by Fodor’s Travel Guide.
Brennan’s – A New Orleans staple that’s a little bit pricier than the other restaurants in this list but worth every penny.
Elizabeth’s – They put a Southern twist on their breakfast like their Praline Bacon, Duck Waffles, and Redneck Benedict (over fried green tomatoes).
Katie’s – A Mid-City neighborhood gem that’s been featured on Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins, & Dives. Their Sunday brunch is from 9am-3pm and you’re going to want to go back to bed and make it a Netflix Sunday after you eat their crawfish beignets and BBQ shrimp & grits.
Paladar 511 – This Marigny hotspot offers creative dishes such as the Korean Steak & Eggs and Farm Egg Pizza and a build-your-own-mimosa bar.
Red Dog Diner – A hidden gem on Magazine Street where you can get sweet potato pancakes, Crusted Crab & Eggs Sardou, and prime rib benedict.
Ruby Slipper – The best breakfast in New Orleans is worth the wait in line. If you’re indecisive like me, order The Peacemaker, you can choose any 2 eggs benedict.
Surrey’s Cafe and Juice Bar – My first New Orleans brunch experience was at Surrey’s. Scrambled eggs with Salmon and a freshly squeezed juice is one way to start the day.
The Court of Two Sisters – This legendary restaurant is known for their famous jazz buffet brunches in their courtyard.
Tujague’s – Claiming to be one of the first places in the world to serve brunch, Tujague’s is the second oldest restaurant in the city, founded in 1856, and serves some unique dishes such as their Abita Amber BBQ Shrimp & Grits and their famous brisket.
Best Coffee:
- Bearcat
- Cherry Espresso Bar
- Coffee Science
- French Truck Coffee (Broke-Traveler Favorite)
- HEY Coffee Co.
- Mammoth Espresso
- Mojo Coffee
- Revelator
- Spitfire Coffee
- The Station
Best Date Spots:
As someone that’s been on hundreds of Tinder, Bumble, & now Hinge dates (Unfortunately I’m not kidding), I know where to go for a first date. Dating can be difficult, but finding the right spot to get to know the right someone doesn’t have to be.
Bacchanal – Deemed “Nola’s backyard party”, Bacchanal is a tucked away wine store on the outskirts of Nola featuring legendary cheese plates & live music on their back patio 7 days a week. Buy a bottle (Retail price) and bring it outside into the courtyard.
Bayou Wine Garden – A great date spot that doesn’t involve high priced meals and fancy attire. Bayou Wine Garden is a laid-back wine bar where you can enjoy a beer or a frozen rosé in their courtyard.
Cure – Hidden on Freret Street (Seriously there’s no sign), Cure serves craft cocktails in a sexy, dimly lit atmosphere. Full disclosure, I’ve taken my first dates here the most.
Delachaise – Casual wine bar on St. Charles Ave that features $5 glasses of wine daily, over 350 wines, fries that were voted the best in Louisiana for 5+ years, and a patio that looks out onto the St. Charles streetcar line.
Hot Tin – Cocktails on a rooftop bar with the best view of the city. Romantic af.
Lilette – Known for having the sexiest dining room in New Orleans, Lilette is great for a first date or an anniversary.
Tandem kayak on Bayou St. John
WINO / Barcadia – Play air hockey and share a fried PB&J @ Barcadia and then walk across the street to WINO, a self-service wine bar that features 120 wines.
Best Off the Beaten Path Places:
Every neighborhood in Nola has hidden gems that are waiting to be discovered by non-locals. Maybe they like being off the beaten path but I feel like it is my duty to share these with you.
Carrolton Market – Intimate, slightly upscale restaurant located in the Riverbend neighborhood that puts an innovative spin on Southern classics. Every meal there should start with the Oysters Goodenough.
Country Club – Located in a historic cottage in the Bywater, it’s literally nothing like a country club and is a New Orleans secret. Known for its $15 bottomless mimosas at brunch, Saturday drag brunches, customers of all kinds, and saltwater pool, which used to be clothing optional.
Jacques-Imo’s – If this list was actually ranked this quirky restaurant (You’ll see when you get there) would be ranked near the top. Their sign doesn’t lie about serving “Real N’awlins Food.” Shrimp & alligator cheesecake, Crab-zilla (entire fried softshell crab), deep fried roast beef poboy, and crabmeat stuffed shrimp. Oh me oh my. (During peak dining hours there almost always will be a wait)
Mais Arepas – An underrated Colombian restaurant tucked away in the Faubourg neighborhood Uptown that serves amazing sangria and Arepas (Order the Mechada). (Reservations required)
N7 – A secluded French restaurant and wine bar that’s set off the street in a previous tire shop. This place is the epitome of the Bywater neighborhood. Fun fact, N7’s name is derived from Nationale 7 (N7), which is a highway that used to run from Paris to the border of Italy. This highway was also known as the “Route des Vacances” because Parisians would travel this road for vacation.
Red’s Chinese – This Chinese/Southern fusion restaurant doesn’t even have a sign, it’s that much off the beaten path. But it’s not like it needs the advertising. Everyone in Nola knows about Red’s. If you want something truly different, come to Red’s for their cheeseburger fried rice and crawfish Rangoon.
Rosalita’s Backyard Tacos– Previously a taco stand in a Bywater alley way that recently upgraded to a restaurant, this hidden gem serves the best tacos in the city.
Small Mart – You can find the best bagels in Nola here, and possibly second only to ones in NYC.
Turkey and the Wolf – This place is different. But good different. It’s a lunch spot that puts quirky spins on sandwiches like the Collard Green Melt and Fried Bologna Sandwich.
Vessel – A charming church that’s been restored to a bar/restaurant. Other than the small sign on the outside, you’d walk in expecting communion, not cocktails. Atmosphere here is definitely A+. Great spot for brunch, grabbing a drink at happy hour, or small bites.
Willie Mae’s – Truly a hidden gem located smack dab in the middle of Treme. Their melt in your mouth fried chicken was deemed the “Best fried chicken in the country” by Food Network and the Travel Channel.
Secret Birria – Authentic Mexican tacos > Tex Mex tacos. If ya know, ya know.
Best Historical Places:
Faulkner House Books – The previous home of William Faulkner and where he wrote his first novel that appropriately has been converted into a book shop. It’s been described as America’s most charming book store that sells rare editions.
Hotel Monteleone – This hotel and its Carousel Bar have hosted some great literary figures including William Faulkner, John Grisham, Ernest Hemingway, Anne Rice, and Tennessee Williams.
Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop – A national historic landmark that is reputed to be the oldest structure used as a bar in the United States. Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop was built by the privateer Jean Lafitte as a cover for his illegal privateer activities. The bar is rumored to be haunted by many residents who died in the French Quarter fires of 1788 and 1794 and Jean Lafitte himself.
Madame John’s Legacy – One of the oldest houses in the French Quarter that was built in the older French colonial style (as opposed to the Spanish colonial style of that time). It survived the 1794 fire that destroyed most of the city and is now a museum.
Old Ursuline Convent – This is the oldest building in the Mississippi River Valley, even older than the St. Louis Cathedral. Now a museum, it was erected in 1745 and occupied by Ursuline nuns, serving as a convent, orphanage, and school for girls.
St. Louis Cathedral – Built in 1794, it’s the oldest cathedral in the United States that is still in operation today. Stop by for a mass or just pop in to soak in the beauty and history.
The Old U.S. Mint – a branch mint of the United States Mint from 1838 to 1861 and from 1879 to 1909 that holds the distinct title of being the only mint to produce American and Confederate coinage. During its years of operation, it produced over 427 million gold and silver coins and now serves as a jazz museum that has daily tours.
WWII Museum – The National WWII Museum, also known as the D-Day Museum, is a military history museum located in the CBD (Central Business District). From the road to Berlin to Tokyo, it is the most in-depth WWII museum in the United States. If you nerd out on history like me, this is a must stop.
Best Music Venues:
From jazz to blues to funk to everything in between, Nola has you covered. Catch the best live music in town at the following venues:
Frenchmen Street (d.b.a., Blue Nile, The Maison, The Spotted Cat, The Three Muses, Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro)
Irvin Mayfield’s Jazz Playhouse
Maple Leaf Bar (Rebirth Brass Band on Tuesday nights)
Best Parks:
Audubon Park – Golf, Putt-putt, disc golf, biking, kayaking, picnics, and much more
Crescent Park – My favorite park located on the edge of the Mississippi River in the Bywater that has some of the best views of downtown Nola and Algiers.
Lafitte Greenway – A bike / running path that stretches from the French Quarter to City Park. Every Saturday I ride my bike through Crescent Park, then ride the short distance to the beginning of the Greenway and ride a few miles along the path to MidCity. Depending on my mood, I’ll stop off at Wrng Iron for a beer or French Truck for a coffee.
The Fly – A great spot for a picnic on a beautiful Nola day, with great views of the river.
