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FOOD & DRINK
Oh, and don't forget to eat and drink! This is a good town for that...
Food
New Orleans is known for its unique culinary experience. There are too many wonderful restaurants to list in one page, but we have mentioned some of our favorites below to get you started. We've included a wide range of price points, so please consult menus beforehand wherever possible (links to restaurants in green). Reservations are strongly recommended for dinner. Avoid random restaurants in the French Quarter, especially if there is a man outside on the sidewalk trying to lure you in.
Restaurants Within the French Quarter
Acme Oyster House (724 Iberville Street) - Open Lunch and Dinner 7 days a week - A New Orleans seafood institution, the chargrilled oysters are Matt and Sarah's favorite and are not to be missed! Don't be deterred by the long line to get inside, it goes by quickly.
Bayona (430 Dauphine Street) - Lunch Wednesday-Saturday, Dinner Monday-Saturday - Wonderful!
Brennan’s (417 Royal Street) - Open Brunch and Dinner 7 days a week - Birthplace of Bananas Foster, a favorite brunch spot! A building rich with New Orleans history - Start your breakfast off with Brandy Milk Punch, Eggs Hussarde and save room for their world famous Banana's Foster for dessert. It's a tradition at Brennan's to drink wine with breakfast so don't be shy!
Café Amelie (912 Royal Street) - Open Lunch and Dinner Wednesday-Saturday and Weekend brunch - Delicious food served in a romantic outdoor courtyard.
Café du Monde (800 Decatur Street) - Open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year - You must go for a cafe au lait & beignets at least once, the original Cafe Du Monde, a New Orleans landmark located directly across from Jackson Square, has been cranking out coffee and beignets since 1862. We suggest bringing cash here as most order are only two dollars and its gets very busy! (Don’t wear black if you’re a first-timer!)
Central Grocery (923 Decatur Street) - Grocery store home to the famous New Orleans muffaletta.
Coop's Place (1109 Decatur Street) - Open Lunch and Dinner 7 days a week - Serves New Orleans classics like jambalaya, gumbo & etouffee in a casual atmosphere.
EAT New Orleans (900 Dumaine Street) - Open Lunch and Dinner Tuesday-Saturday, Sunday brunch - A sunny neighborhood cafe.
Green Goddess (307 Exchange Alley) - Open Lunch, Brunch and Dinner Wednesday-Sunday - Cute spot with unusual dishes in a classic French Quarter alley.
Irene’s Cuisine (539 St. Philip Street) - Unique, local and upscale Creole Italian food.
Johnny's Po-Boys (511 St. Louis Street) - Open Breakfast and Lunch 7 days a week - A local favorite since 1950, the place to get po-boys in the French Quarter.
K.Paul’s Louisiana Kitchen (416 Chartres Street) - Open Dinner Monday-Saturday - Chef Paul Prudhomme created blackened seasoning.
Lucky Dog (All over the French Quarter) - For those who stay out a little too late on Bourbon Street, you should grab a Lucky Dog hot dog. Always propped up on a street corner and always satisfying. Look for the giant hot dog and you know you're in good hands.
Mr. B’s Bistro (201 Royal Street) - Open Lunch and Dinner 7 days a week - Known for their shrimp ‘n grits and great for lunch.
Muriel's (801 Chartres Street) - Open Lunch and Dinner 7 days a week - Cre0le restaurant in the heart of Jackson Square.
Napoleon House (500 Chartres Street) - Open Lunch and Dinner Tuesday-Saturday, Lunch only on Monday - Enjoy food and a Pimm's Cup with 200+ years of historic ambiance.
NOLA (534 St. Louis Street) - Open Dinner 7 days a week, Open Lunch Thursday-Sunday - One of Emeril’s restaurants with a more low-key atmosphere.
Palace Cafe (605 Canal Street) - Open Lunch and Dinner 7 days a week - Bistro fare with New Orleans flair.
Stella! (1032 Chartres Street) - Open Dinner Thursday-Tuesday - The priciest menu in the city, this restaurant defines fine dining.
Restaurants Within Walking Distance of the French Quarter
August (301 Tchoupitoulas Street) - Open Lunch Monday-Friday, Dinner 7 days a week - An elegant John Besh restaurant serving contemporary French cuisine.
Cochon (930 Tchoupitoulas Street) Open Lunch and Dinner Monday-Saturday - For those who love all things pork, Cochon is the place to go. Unique gourmet country Cajun cooking. We recommend the wood-fired oyster roast, boudin, Louisiana cochon, rabbit & dumplings and the smoked ham hock.
Drago's Restaurant (2 Poydras Street) - Open Lunch and Dinner 7 days a week - Located inside the Hilton Riverside hotel, Drago's serves up their famous Charbroiled Oysters. On a busy day, the grills turn out more than 900 dozen Charbroiled Oysters a day. Stop by and try one—you won’t be disappointed.
Emeril’s (800 Tchoupitoulas Street) - Open Lunch Monday-Friday, Dinner 7 days a week - BAM!
Feeling's Café (2600 Chartres Street) - Open Dinner Thursday-Sunday - charming outdoor courtyard in the Marigny neighborhood.
Herbsaint (701 St. Charles Avenue) - Open Lunch Monday-Friday, Dinner Monday-Saturday - their menu is a unique pairing of gourmet Creole-French bistro main items with decidedly country-style garnishes.
Mother's Restaurant (401 Poydras Street) - Open Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner 7 days a week - It would be a crime to not eat a poboy on your visit and while Mother's Restaurant boast that they have "the world's best baked ham" I highly suggest you see if they are being honest with the Ferdi Special - a poboy piled high with ham, roast beef, debris and gravy. The line's usually out the door but don't worry, it moves pretty fast. Mother's has a great breakfast as well!
Port of Call (838 Esplanade Avenue) - Opened in 1963, Port of Call continues to win the coveted "Best place to get a burger" title in New Orleans. The menu is simple - burgers and baked potato's and while your sure to wait a good thirty minutes for a table you can always snag a bar seat for quicker service. Order a monsoon while you're at it!
The Ruby Slipper Café (200 Magazine Street) - Just blocks away from the hotels, this is a great option for a breakfast or lunch that showcases local flavors.
Restaurants Outside the French Quarter (take a streetcar, cab or bicycle)
Uptown/Garden District/Lower Garden District Neighborhoods
Bistro Daisy (5831 Magazine Street) - Open Dinner Tuesday-Saturday - Charming upscale bistro fare.
Cafe Rani (2917 Magazine Street) - Open Lunch 7 days a week, Dinner Tuesday-Saturday - Healthy fresh salads and sandwiches.
Camellia Grill (626 S. Carrollton Avenue) - New Orleans landmark diner, makes such good omelets that Matt forgets he does not like eggs, they can make great burgers too.
Casamento's (4330 Magazine Street) - Open Lunch Tuesday-Saturday, Dinner Thursday-Saturday - Best oysters in town. Old-school, fluorescent-lit, no-frills lunch setting. Call before you go.
Clancy's (6100 Annunciation Street) - Open Lunch Thursday and Friday, Dinner Monday-Saturday - One of Matt and Sarah's favorites, A truly special Uptown restaurant with excellent creole cuisine, especially the fish and grilled/smoked meats.
Commander’s Palace (1403 Washington Avenue) - Open Lunch Monday-Friday, Dinner 7 days a week, Jazz Brunch Saturday and Sunday - Considered the best of the best in New Orleans, has a strict dress code.
Cooter Browns (509 S. Carrollton Avenue) - A great uptown place to catch a game on TV, grab some food, try some oysters or try one of their 400 selections of beer.
The Delachaise (3442 St. Charles Avenue) - Open 7 days from 5PM on - NOLA wine bar with delicious food.
Dick & Jenny’s (4501 Tchoupitoulas Street) - Open Lunch Tuesday-Friday, Dinner Monday-Saturday, closed Sunday - A cute popular place featuring New Orleans cuisine.
Domilise’s (5240 Annunciation Street) - No-frills lunch spot that specializes in roast beef and fried shrimp po-boys, tell Patti that Matt sent you.
Gautreau's (1728 Soniat Street) Open Dinner Monday-Saturday - Excellent upscale French restaurant with an award winning chef.
Franky & Johnnys (321 Arabella Street) - Open Lunch and Dinner 7 days a week - Boiled crawfish and soft shell crabs are a seasonal specialty.
Jacque-Imo's (8324 Oak Street) - Open Dinner Monday-Saturday, closed Sunday- Gourmet Creole cookin’, often the first stop from the airport for many repeat visitors of New Orleans.
Jamila's Café (7808 Maple Street) - Open Dinner Tuesday-Sunday, closed Monday - Family favorite of the Hoffman family for 15 years, this Tunisian restaurant has delicious food and phenomenal hospitality. The owner Moncef will make you feel at home.
Juan's Flying Burrito (2018 Magazine Street) - Open Lunch and Dinner 7 days a week - good Tex-Mex food with very reasonable prices located along a neat stretch of the Lower Garden District.
Pascal’s Manale (1838 Napoleon Avenue) - Hosts a lively raw oyster bar.
St. James Cheese Company (5004 Prytania Street) - Open Noon-6PM 7 days a week - A great foodie spot for lunch.
Rocky’s Pizzaria (3222 Magazine Street) - Open Lunch and Dinner 7 days a week - Yummy pizzas named after New Orleans streets like the “Wild Tchoupitoulas”.
Slim Goodies Diner (3322 Magazine Street) - Serves breakfast and lunch - A funky, little, Uptown luncheonette with very good omelets and even better pancakes, open until 3PM.
Surrey's Cafe and Juice Bar (1418 Magazine Street and 4807 Magazine Street) - Open Breakfast and Lunch 7 days a week - Serves an awesome breakfast, we love the Huevos Rancheros.
Mid-City Neighborhood
Mandina's (3800 Canal Street) - Open Open Lunch and Dinner 7 days a week - Creole/Italian restarant that specializes in local food, known for their turtle soup and trout amandine.
Parkway Bakery and Tavern (538 Hagan Avenue) - Open Lunch and Dinner Wednesday-Monday, closed Tuesday - Delicious po-boys, try the surf and turf po-boy. President and Mrs. Obama even made a stop here while in town.
Central City Neighborhood
Café Reconcile (1631 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd) - Serves soul food and an even better cause: Café Reconcile is both a non-profit organization and restaurant . It provides culinary and life skills training for at risk youth, allowing them to enter the hospitality and entertainment industry of New Orleans. By dining at Café Reconcile, you help to train their students while supporting their training financially. You also get some great food!
Other Resources
Summer Restaurant Guide - this is a great list if you are in the mood for a particular dish
The New Orleans Menu - thorough listing of ALL New Orleans restaurants, by neighborhood or by cuisine
Cooling off
For a sno-ball in the Uptown area go to the amazing Hansen’s Sno-Bliz (4801 Tchoupitoulas Street) Tuesday-Sunday 1pm–7pm or Plum Street Snoball (1800 Burdette Street) Sunday-Friday 2-8pm & Saturday 12-8pm
Coffee
Need a great cup of coffee to get your day started? Who needs Starbucks? New Orleans is home to several excellent local coffee houses. We recommend trying to find a CC's or a PJs, or check out Royal Blend or Rue de la Course.
Special Dessert Places (take a streetcar, cab or bike)
Angelo Brocato’s Italian Ice Cream (214 N. Carrollton Avenue/Mid-City)
Creole Creamery (4924 Prytania Street/Uptown)
Sucre (3025 Magazine Street/Uptown)
Delivery - Restaurants that deliver in the French Quarter (in case you just can’t leave your room)
Johnny's Po-Boys 504.524.8129… Breakfast & sandwiches- delicious po-boys
Mother’s 504.523.9656… Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Royal Street Deli 504.529.3777
Verti Marte 504.525.4767
Drink
Did you know New Orleans is the birthplace for both jazz AND cocktails? Yep. New Orleans gave the world libations such as the Sazerac, the Obituary Cocktail, and the Ramos Gin Fizz. Keep in mind that New Orleans has very relaxed drinking laws (alcoholic beverages are available round-the-clock, 7 days a week) which allow you to drink on the street in the open as long as it isn't in a glass bottle or can. This means you can grab a drink "to go" and take it with you to see more of New Orleans. Bars will often provide a plastic "go cup" that you can transfer your drink to as you leave (and some have walk-up windows for quick and easy refills).
Highbrow Establishments
French 75 within Arnaud’s Restaurant (813 Bienville Street) - where the noted concoctionist Chris Hannah stirs and shakes.
Carousel Bar (214 Royal Street) - the famed revolving bar at the Hotel Monteleone.
Sazarac Bar at the legendary Roosevelt Hotel (123 Baronne Street) - order the Ramos Gin Fizz where it was first made (overpriced, but try it once!)
Bellocq at the Hotel Modern (936 St Charles Avenue) - a new cocktail bar that has revived the forgotten 19th century cobbler drink.
Cure (4905 Freret Street in the Uptown neighborhood) - an upscale cocktail bar set on reviving the mixologist’s art.
Fun and Casual Bars
Within the French Quarter
Pat O'Brien's (718 St. Peter Street) - A New Orleans landmark famous for their Hurricane drink, the large patio is perfect in nice weather and the piano bar is a favorite late night spot. We'll probably head over here after the reception for anyone who is still ready to keep the party going.
Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop (941 Bourbon Street) - Supposedly the oldest continuously running bar in New Orleans, possibly the entire US.
Tropical Isle (600 Bourbon Street) - try their famous Hand Grenade or Shark Attack...but only one. We want you to remember your trip.
Molly's at the Market (1107 Decatur Street) - a locals hangout in the Quarter.
Erin Rose Bar (811 Conti Street) - we LOVE the frozen coffee drink here.
Daiquiri Shops (Various locations) - Grab one of the many flavors as you stroll around the Quarter.
Marigny Neighborhood
Mimi's in the Marigny (2601 Royal Street) - cool neighborhood bar with great tapas.
Bywater Neighborhood
Bacchanal (600 Poland Avenue) - impossible to describe but truly worth the trip.
Uptown Neighborhood
The Boot (1039 Broadway) - Sarah and Matt logged more hours here than in class, a Tulane University institution.
Brother’s Three Lounge (4520 Magazine Street) – a true dive bar.
The Bulldog (3236 Magazine Street) - a great place to sit outside and enjoy good company.
The Columns Hotel (3811 St. Charles Avenue) - be sure to sit outside on the traditional Southern porch.
Igor’s (2133 Saint Charles Avenue) – great bloody Mary’s.
Ms. Mae’s/The Club (4336 Magazine Street) - open 24/7 365 days year.
Snake and Jake's Christmas Club Lounge (7612 Oak Street) - One word. Sketchy.
Bars with Music
Vaughan's Lounge (800 Lesseps Street/Bywater) - check it out on Thursday night to hear Kermit Ruffins.
d.b.a. (618 Frenchman Street/Marigny)
Snug Harbor Jazz Bar (626 Frenchmen Street/Marigny)
Maple Leaf Bar (8316 Oak Street/Uptown)
Le Bon Temps Rouler (4801 Magazine Street/Uptown)
Tipitina's (504 Napoleon Avenue/Uptown) – more of a music venue than a bar.
Other Resources
Top 50 Bars in New Orleans - this list is from 2010, but still very accurate!
Food
New Orleans is known for its unique culinary experience. There are too many wonderful restaurants to list in one page, but we have mentioned some of our favorites below to get you started. We've included a wide range of price points, so please consult menus beforehand wherever possible (links to restaurants in green). Reservations are strongly recommended for dinner. Avoid random restaurants in the French Quarter, especially if there is a man outside on the sidewalk trying to lure you in.
Restaurants Within the French Quarter
Acme Oyster House (724 Iberville Street) - Open Lunch and Dinner 7 days a week - A New Orleans seafood institution, the chargrilled oysters are Matt and Sarah's favorite and are not to be missed! Don't be deterred by the long line to get inside, it goes by quickly.
Bayona (430 Dauphine Street) - Lunch Wednesday-Saturday, Dinner Monday-Saturday - Wonderful!
Brennan’s (417 Royal Street) - Open Brunch and Dinner 7 days a week - Birthplace of Bananas Foster, a favorite brunch spot! A building rich with New Orleans history - Start your breakfast off with Brandy Milk Punch, Eggs Hussarde and save room for their world famous Banana's Foster for dessert. It's a tradition at Brennan's to drink wine with breakfast so don't be shy!
Café Amelie (912 Royal Street) - Open Lunch and Dinner Wednesday-Saturday and Weekend brunch - Delicious food served in a romantic outdoor courtyard.
Café du Monde (800 Decatur Street) - Open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year - You must go for a cafe au lait & beignets at least once, the original Cafe Du Monde, a New Orleans landmark located directly across from Jackson Square, has been cranking out coffee and beignets since 1862. We suggest bringing cash here as most order are only two dollars and its gets very busy! (Don’t wear black if you’re a first-timer!)
Central Grocery (923 Decatur Street) - Grocery store home to the famous New Orleans muffaletta.
Coop's Place (1109 Decatur Street) - Open Lunch and Dinner 7 days a week - Serves New Orleans classics like jambalaya, gumbo & etouffee in a casual atmosphere.
EAT New Orleans (900 Dumaine Street) - Open Lunch and Dinner Tuesday-Saturday, Sunday brunch - A sunny neighborhood cafe.
Green Goddess (307 Exchange Alley) - Open Lunch, Brunch and Dinner Wednesday-Sunday - Cute spot with unusual dishes in a classic French Quarter alley.
Irene’s Cuisine (539 St. Philip Street) - Unique, local and upscale Creole Italian food.
Johnny's Po-Boys (511 St. Louis Street) - Open Breakfast and Lunch 7 days a week - A local favorite since 1950, the place to get po-boys in the French Quarter.
K.Paul’s Louisiana Kitchen (416 Chartres Street) - Open Dinner Monday-Saturday - Chef Paul Prudhomme created blackened seasoning.
Lucky Dog (All over the French Quarter) - For those who stay out a little too late on Bourbon Street, you should grab a Lucky Dog hot dog. Always propped up on a street corner and always satisfying. Look for the giant hot dog and you know you're in good hands.
Mr. B’s Bistro (201 Royal Street) - Open Lunch and Dinner 7 days a week - Known for their shrimp ‘n grits and great for lunch.
Muriel's (801 Chartres Street) - Open Lunch and Dinner 7 days a week - Cre0le restaurant in the heart of Jackson Square.
Napoleon House (500 Chartres Street) - Open Lunch and Dinner Tuesday-Saturday, Lunch only on Monday - Enjoy food and a Pimm's Cup with 200+ years of historic ambiance.
NOLA (534 St. Louis Street) - Open Dinner 7 days a week, Open Lunch Thursday-Sunday - One of Emeril’s restaurants with a more low-key atmosphere.
Palace Cafe (605 Canal Street) - Open Lunch and Dinner 7 days a week - Bistro fare with New Orleans flair.
Stella! (1032 Chartres Street) - Open Dinner Thursday-Tuesday - The priciest menu in the city, this restaurant defines fine dining.
Restaurants Within Walking Distance of the French Quarter
August (301 Tchoupitoulas Street) - Open Lunch Monday-Friday, Dinner 7 days a week - An elegant John Besh restaurant serving contemporary French cuisine.
Cochon (930 Tchoupitoulas Street) Open Lunch and Dinner Monday-Saturday - For those who love all things pork, Cochon is the place to go. Unique gourmet country Cajun cooking. We recommend the wood-fired oyster roast, boudin, Louisiana cochon, rabbit & dumplings and the smoked ham hock.
Drago's Restaurant (2 Poydras Street) - Open Lunch and Dinner 7 days a week - Located inside the Hilton Riverside hotel, Drago's serves up their famous Charbroiled Oysters. On a busy day, the grills turn out more than 900 dozen Charbroiled Oysters a day. Stop by and try one—you won’t be disappointed.
Emeril’s (800 Tchoupitoulas Street) - Open Lunch Monday-Friday, Dinner 7 days a week - BAM!
Feeling's Café (2600 Chartres Street) - Open Dinner Thursday-Sunday - charming outdoor courtyard in the Marigny neighborhood.
Herbsaint (701 St. Charles Avenue) - Open Lunch Monday-Friday, Dinner Monday-Saturday - their menu is a unique pairing of gourmet Creole-French bistro main items with decidedly country-style garnishes.
Mother's Restaurant (401 Poydras Street) - Open Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner 7 days a week - It would be a crime to not eat a poboy on your visit and while Mother's Restaurant boast that they have "the world's best baked ham" I highly suggest you see if they are being honest with the Ferdi Special - a poboy piled high with ham, roast beef, debris and gravy. The line's usually out the door but don't worry, it moves pretty fast. Mother's has a great breakfast as well!
Port of Call (838 Esplanade Avenue) - Opened in 1963, Port of Call continues to win the coveted "Best place to get a burger" title in New Orleans. The menu is simple - burgers and baked potato's and while your sure to wait a good thirty minutes for a table you can always snag a bar seat for quicker service. Order a monsoon while you're at it!
The Ruby Slipper Café (200 Magazine Street) - Just blocks away from the hotels, this is a great option for a breakfast or lunch that showcases local flavors.
Restaurants Outside the French Quarter (take a streetcar, cab or bicycle)
Uptown/Garden District/Lower Garden District Neighborhoods
Bistro Daisy (5831 Magazine Street) - Open Dinner Tuesday-Saturday - Charming upscale bistro fare.
Cafe Rani (2917 Magazine Street) - Open Lunch 7 days a week, Dinner Tuesday-Saturday - Healthy fresh salads and sandwiches.
Camellia Grill (626 S. Carrollton Avenue) - New Orleans landmark diner, makes such good omelets that Matt forgets he does not like eggs, they can make great burgers too.
Casamento's (4330 Magazine Street) - Open Lunch Tuesday-Saturday, Dinner Thursday-Saturday - Best oysters in town. Old-school, fluorescent-lit, no-frills lunch setting. Call before you go.
Clancy's (6100 Annunciation Street) - Open Lunch Thursday and Friday, Dinner Monday-Saturday - One of Matt and Sarah's favorites, A truly special Uptown restaurant with excellent creole cuisine, especially the fish and grilled/smoked meats.
Commander’s Palace (1403 Washington Avenue) - Open Lunch Monday-Friday, Dinner 7 days a week, Jazz Brunch Saturday and Sunday - Considered the best of the best in New Orleans, has a strict dress code.
Cooter Browns (509 S. Carrollton Avenue) - A great uptown place to catch a game on TV, grab some food, try some oysters or try one of their 400 selections of beer.
The Delachaise (3442 St. Charles Avenue) - Open 7 days from 5PM on - NOLA wine bar with delicious food.
Dick & Jenny’s (4501 Tchoupitoulas Street) - Open Lunch Tuesday-Friday, Dinner Monday-Saturday, closed Sunday - A cute popular place featuring New Orleans cuisine.
Domilise’s (5240 Annunciation Street) - No-frills lunch spot that specializes in roast beef and fried shrimp po-boys, tell Patti that Matt sent you.
Gautreau's (1728 Soniat Street) Open Dinner Monday-Saturday - Excellent upscale French restaurant with an award winning chef.
Franky & Johnnys (321 Arabella Street) - Open Lunch and Dinner 7 days a week - Boiled crawfish and soft shell crabs are a seasonal specialty.
Jacque-Imo's (8324 Oak Street) - Open Dinner Monday-Saturday, closed Sunday- Gourmet Creole cookin’, often the first stop from the airport for many repeat visitors of New Orleans.
Jamila's Café (7808 Maple Street) - Open Dinner Tuesday-Sunday, closed Monday - Family favorite of the Hoffman family for 15 years, this Tunisian restaurant has delicious food and phenomenal hospitality. The owner Moncef will make you feel at home.
Juan's Flying Burrito (2018 Magazine Street) - Open Lunch and Dinner 7 days a week - good Tex-Mex food with very reasonable prices located along a neat stretch of the Lower Garden District.
Pascal’s Manale (1838 Napoleon Avenue) - Hosts a lively raw oyster bar.
St. James Cheese Company (5004 Prytania Street) - Open Noon-6PM 7 days a week - A great foodie spot for lunch.
Rocky’s Pizzaria (3222 Magazine Street) - Open Lunch and Dinner 7 days a week - Yummy pizzas named after New Orleans streets like the “Wild Tchoupitoulas”.
Slim Goodies Diner (3322 Magazine Street) - Serves breakfast and lunch - A funky, little, Uptown luncheonette with very good omelets and even better pancakes, open until 3PM.
Surrey's Cafe and Juice Bar (1418 Magazine Street and 4807 Magazine Street) - Open Breakfast and Lunch 7 days a week - Serves an awesome breakfast, we love the Huevos Rancheros.
Mid-City Neighborhood
Mandina's (3800 Canal Street) - Open Open Lunch and Dinner 7 days a week - Creole/Italian restarant that specializes in local food, known for their turtle soup and trout amandine.
Parkway Bakery and Tavern (538 Hagan Avenue) - Open Lunch and Dinner Wednesday-Monday, closed Tuesday - Delicious po-boys, try the surf and turf po-boy. President and Mrs. Obama even made a stop here while in town.
Central City Neighborhood
Café Reconcile (1631 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd) - Serves soul food and an even better cause: Café Reconcile is both a non-profit organization and restaurant . It provides culinary and life skills training for at risk youth, allowing them to enter the hospitality and entertainment industry of New Orleans. By dining at Café Reconcile, you help to train their students while supporting their training financially. You also get some great food!
Other Resources
Summer Restaurant Guide - this is a great list if you are in the mood for a particular dish
The New Orleans Menu - thorough listing of ALL New Orleans restaurants, by neighborhood or by cuisine
Cooling off
For a sno-ball in the Uptown area go to the amazing Hansen’s Sno-Bliz (4801 Tchoupitoulas Street) Tuesday-Sunday 1pm–7pm or Plum Street Snoball (1800 Burdette Street) Sunday-Friday 2-8pm & Saturday 12-8pm
Coffee
Need a great cup of coffee to get your day started? Who needs Starbucks? New Orleans is home to several excellent local coffee houses. We recommend trying to find a CC's or a PJs, or check out Royal Blend or Rue de la Course.
Special Dessert Places (take a streetcar, cab or bike)
Angelo Brocato’s Italian Ice Cream (214 N. Carrollton Avenue/Mid-City)
Creole Creamery (4924 Prytania Street/Uptown)
Sucre (3025 Magazine Street/Uptown)
Delivery - Restaurants that deliver in the French Quarter (in case you just can’t leave your room)
Johnny's Po-Boys 504.524.8129… Breakfast & sandwiches- delicious po-boys
Mother’s 504.523.9656… Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Royal Street Deli 504.529.3777
Verti Marte 504.525.4767
Drink
Did you know New Orleans is the birthplace for both jazz AND cocktails? Yep. New Orleans gave the world libations such as the Sazerac, the Obituary Cocktail, and the Ramos Gin Fizz. Keep in mind that New Orleans has very relaxed drinking laws (alcoholic beverages are available round-the-clock, 7 days a week) which allow you to drink on the street in the open as long as it isn't in a glass bottle or can. This means you can grab a drink "to go" and take it with you to see more of New Orleans. Bars will often provide a plastic "go cup" that you can transfer your drink to as you leave (and some have walk-up windows for quick and easy refills).
Highbrow Establishments
French 75 within Arnaud’s Restaurant (813 Bienville Street) - where the noted concoctionist Chris Hannah stirs and shakes.
Carousel Bar (214 Royal Street) - the famed revolving bar at the Hotel Monteleone.
Sazarac Bar at the legendary Roosevelt Hotel (123 Baronne Street) - order the Ramos Gin Fizz where it was first made (overpriced, but try it once!)
Bellocq at the Hotel Modern (936 St Charles Avenue) - a new cocktail bar that has revived the forgotten 19th century cobbler drink.
Cure (4905 Freret Street in the Uptown neighborhood) - an upscale cocktail bar set on reviving the mixologist’s art.
Fun and Casual Bars
Within the French Quarter
Pat O'Brien's (718 St. Peter Street) - A New Orleans landmark famous for their Hurricane drink, the large patio is perfect in nice weather and the piano bar is a favorite late night spot. We'll probably head over here after the reception for anyone who is still ready to keep the party going.
Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop (941 Bourbon Street) - Supposedly the oldest continuously running bar in New Orleans, possibly the entire US.
Tropical Isle (600 Bourbon Street) - try their famous Hand Grenade or Shark Attack...but only one. We want you to remember your trip.
Molly's at the Market (1107 Decatur Street) - a locals hangout in the Quarter.
Erin Rose Bar (811 Conti Street) - we LOVE the frozen coffee drink here.
Daiquiri Shops (Various locations) - Grab one of the many flavors as you stroll around the Quarter.
Marigny Neighborhood
Mimi's in the Marigny (2601 Royal Street) - cool neighborhood bar with great tapas.
Bywater Neighborhood
Bacchanal (600 Poland Avenue) - impossible to describe but truly worth the trip.
Uptown Neighborhood
The Boot (1039 Broadway) - Sarah and Matt logged more hours here than in class, a Tulane University institution.
Brother’s Three Lounge (4520 Magazine Street) – a true dive bar.
The Bulldog (3236 Magazine Street) - a great place to sit outside and enjoy good company.
The Columns Hotel (3811 St. Charles Avenue) - be sure to sit outside on the traditional Southern porch.
Igor’s (2133 Saint Charles Avenue) – great bloody Mary’s.
Ms. Mae’s/The Club (4336 Magazine Street) - open 24/7 365 days year.
Snake and Jake's Christmas Club Lounge (7612 Oak Street) - One word. Sketchy.
Bars with Music
Vaughan's Lounge (800 Lesseps Street/Bywater) - check it out on Thursday night to hear Kermit Ruffins.
d.b.a. (618 Frenchman Street/Marigny)
Snug Harbor Jazz Bar (626 Frenchmen Street/Marigny)
Maple Leaf Bar (8316 Oak Street/Uptown)
Le Bon Temps Rouler (4801 Magazine Street/Uptown)
Tipitina's (504 Napoleon Avenue/Uptown) – more of a music venue than a bar.
Other Resources
Top 50 Bars in New Orleans - this list is from 2010, but still very accurate!