New Orleans is truly one of the most unique cities in the United States! As soon as you arrive, you are welcomed in a rich culture and atmosphere that blends French, Spanish, Creole, and Caribbean influences into something distinctly its own. The historic French Quarter is a maze of narrow streets lined with centuries-old buildings, courtyards dripping with hanging plants, and balconies adorned with intricate wrought iron. With its unique culture, delicious food, and festive Mardi Gras there’s a reason why New Orleans keeps winning over those who visit!
My first few times to New Orleans was in college for the famed Mardis Gras celebrations. I have a pledge brother from “NOLA” and it was such an incredible (and blurry!) experience. A city truly unlike anywhere else in the US! It’s always held such a little place in my heart! My friend Johannes is from just north of New Orleans so we decided it was time to get the gang together and head to the Swamp! The first half of the weekend we had a proper Louisiana backyard crawfish boil with all of Johannes’ friends and family and canoed down the Bogue Falaya River, which was such a fun time! The rest of the weekend we headed to New Orleans to hit the French Quarter for some cajun food, cocktails and dancing!
The food alone is reason enough to visit New Orleans. From classic Creole dishes like gumbo, jambalaya, and po’boys to modern takes on Southern cuisine, the city is a foodie’s paradise! Be sure to stop at a few of the iconic restaurants like Commander’s Palace, Arnaud’s and Brennan’s. And don’t leave without trying a fresh-from-the-oven beignet from Café Du Monde – these light, powdery pillows of fried dough are a New Orleans classic.
Music is simply part of the soul of New Orleans. Wander through the French Quarter and you’ll encounter live bands playing everything from jazz to zydeco to rock around almost every corner. Stop into an iconic venue like Preservation Hall or one of the countless other clubs to experience some of the best live music you’ll ever hear. The city’s annual Jazz & Heritage Festival is also a huge draw for music fans.
New Orleans has a wild, festive side that really comes alive around major celebrations like Mardi Gras. The famous parades roll through the streets with colorful floats, marching bands, and crowds of revelers catching beads and trinkets tossed from the floats. Costumes, drinking, and general debauchery are all part of the experience. It’s an overwhelming sensory experience unlike anything else.
But there’s more to New Orleans than just partying. Art and history buffs will enjoy exploring the outdoor sculpture garden at the Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden as well as the World War II Museum. The city’s St. Louis Cathedral is one of the most famous landmarks, with its striking white facade and Gothic Revival architecture. Nearby is Jackson Square and the French Market, which make for a lovely spot to wander, people watch and soak in the local flavor.
Breakfast & Brunch:
- Coquette – Trendy, chandelier-hung place serving locally sourced New American fare alongside craft cocktails.
- The Country Club – Great for a brunch day hang! They’re serving American fare & creative cocktails in a breezy, historical cottage with a pool & cabana bar!
- Small Mart – This vegetarian cafe boasts some of the best breakfast bagels in town!
- Commander’s Palace – A historic and notable spot known for its refined Creole fare & an elegant jazz brunch in a chandelier-hung space that’s been around since the 1880s!
- Bearcat – Warehouse-chic restaurant popular for breakfast and brunch, plus seasonal dinner options. They don’t take reservations here, so expect a wait. They had great pancakes as well as a “breakfast club”!
- Saint John – Drag brunch! with shows starting at noon, 1 pm, and 2 pm every Sunday!
- Palm & Pine – Relaxed, brick-lined eatery serving local, Mexican & Caribbean cuisine, plus wine & craft cocktails.
- Mister Mao – This quirky and eclectic roadhouse serves up a cultural hybrid of Mexican and Southwest Asian eats!
- The Peacock Room – Located at the Kimpton Hotel, this stunning and elevated cocktail bar has some favorite brunch staples- and if you’re there with a big group, have to get the Peacock Tower!
Lunch:
- Parkway Bakery (po-boy) – Longtime (since 1911) neighborhood hangout with a patio known for classic-style po’ boys.
- Turkey & The Wolf – A playful option for inventive sandwiches & cocktails served in a quirky, colorful space.
- Sneaky Pickle – An unassuming cafe with an ever-changing, vegetarian-focused menu of farm-fresh, from-scratch fare.
- Domilise’s Po-Boy & Bar – Local institution with massive po’ boys & beer in a no-nonsense counter-serve space since 1924.
- Mister Oso – Great ceviche and taco spot!
- Central Grocery – Small Italian market selling specialty foods & muffuletta sandwiches, which its founder invented.
- Mr. Ed’s Oyster Bar & Fish House – If they’re in season, go for the oysters!
- Felix’s – if they’re in season, go for oysters! Local seafood platters, fresh-shucked oysters & Creole staples in a casual barroom setting.
- Bacchanal – If it’s a nice day, head here! This wine-&-cheese store features globally accented small plates & live music on a lush back patio.
Dinner:
- Palace Cafe – This is a classic New Orleans meal! Serving gourmet Creole provisions in a sophisticated venue with high ceilings & sidewalk seating — the snapper is so good!
- Arnaud’s – A favorite of mine! Classic upscale restaurant & lounge featuring Creole cuisine, cocktails & Dixieland jazz since 1918. It’s a must if you’re there during Mardi Gras
- Brennan’s — (French Quarter) This Fine-dining landmark is famed for Creole cuisine, posh breakfasts, and bananas Foster (which they invented!) for dessert. Good cocktails and it is just a really beautiful spot!
- Jacque Imo’s – Quirky, mural-lined hot spot luring locals & tourists with Creole soul food; they don’t take reservations here, so expect a wait.
- Antonie’s – Circa-1840 old-world grand dame of fine French-Creole dining & birthplace of oysters Rockefeller!
- N7 – Offbeat French destination with seafood dishes & craft cocktails in eclectic digs with a courtyard.
- Paladar 511 – Local & imported talent helm the kitchen at this sleek spot serving pizzas, pastas & seasonal sides.
- Le Petit Grocery – Made-from-scratch Louisiana fare in a quaint cottage that housed a grocery store in the 1800s.
- Sylvain – Elegant gastropub with cocktails & American fare in a former carriage house with courtyard seats.
- Dooky Chase’s – Legendary Creole chef Leah Chase serves down-home staples in a vibrant, art-filled space.
- Bayona – Chef Susan Spicer cooks creative Louisiana fare in a charming old cottage with a lush courtyard.
- Clover Grill – (great for late-night!) This Retro-styled diner draws in crowds from neighboring gay bars with burgers & breakfast served 24/7!
Cafés, Bakeries & Beignets:
- Café Du Monde – A New Orleans must! Iconic New Orleans cafe known for café au laits, chicory coffee & beignets since 1862.
- Dong Phuong Bakery – Local bakery crafting traditional Vietnamese & French pastries & eats for over 30 years.
- Cafe Beignet – Charming, intimate bistro with Cajun fare, beignets & café au lait, plus patio seats.
- Pond Coffee – Right next door to Small Mart is this charming coffee counter!
- Boulangerie – French bakery with decadent pastries, breads, king cakes & sandwiches in a simple storefront space. They have a delicious croque monsieur, cobb salad and orange juice!
- Angelo’s Brocato’s – Institution since 1905 for gelato & Italian desserts in a nostalgic, pastel-pink parlor setting.
Drinks:
- The Sazerac Bar – Grand Roosevelt Hotel cocktail bar with classic drinks, plush banquettes & elegant old-world vibe.
- Cane & Table – Rum-based cocktails & eclectic small & large plates in environs that evoke Old Havana.
- Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop – This dimly lit spot is one of the oldest bars around, serving beer & frozen drinks since the 1700s! You’ve gotta get their “purple” voodoo daiquiri!
- Bacchanal Wine Bar – Such a lively wine and cheese store featuring small plates & live music on an incredibly lush back patio.
- New Orleans Original Daiquiris – This is a chain, but a must-hit for a New Orleans classic! With over 20 flavors and endless combinations, this staple even has a drive-through at some locations!
- Bar Tonique – Revered bar for craft cocktails with housemade ingredients in a cozy, brick space with a fireplace.
- Good Friends – This might have been my favorite gay bar! Located on a prime corner it has a laid-back vibe, mahogany bar & a Victorian-style upstairs with a balcony.
- Oz – Best gay bar for late-night dancing!
- Fives – We happened to stumble upon this quaint little cocktail & oyster bar! It’s located right on Jackson Square!
- The Golden Lantern – Gay bar offering draft beer, cocktails & drag shows in a snug space with an intimate vibe.
- Cafe Lafitte in Exile – 24/7 tavern & happening gay hangout since 1953 with a wraparound balcony & happy hour.
- The Phoenix – Gay bar catering to the leather crowd provides a no-frills 24/7 hangout with a pool table.
- Okay Bar – hipster and kind of far but fun!
- Cosimo’s – Cocktails & pizzas turned out in an old-timey space with wood paneling, a pool table & darts.
- Chart Room – This straightforward French Quarter bar has an old-school jukebox & sports on TV.
- Balcony Bar – Spacious, 2-story neighborhood bar with balcony seating, plus pizza & pub grub served until late.
- Maple Leaf Bar –
- Delachaise – This wine bar & bistro has a great ambiance and outdoor dining!
- Cure – Firehouse turned stylish, dimly lit cocktail lounge with creative drinks & an eclectic array of dishes.
- Miss Mae’s – Drink deals, a jukebox & table games draw lively crowds to this 24/7 dive-bar mainstay.
To Do:
- go on a Sunset Paddle Tour
- experience a cajun shrimp boil
- visit the Whitney Plantation
- Visit the National World War II Museum.
- stroll through the Royal Street Art Galleries
- catch some live music on Frenchman Street (nights only)
- go on a LGBT French Quarter Walking Tour
- see a NOLA drag tour
- stroll through Audubon Park – it’s beautiful!
Stay:
- The Catahoula Hotel – Nestled on a quiet street in the heart of downtown, Selina Catahoula Hotel is ideal for making the most of New Orleans. Located in the Warehouse District, New Orleans, the hotel is just a short walk from St. Charles streetcar line, the French Quarter, Bourbon Street, a bustling food scene, and some of the best museums and retail in the region. It won’t be long before you fall in love with this soulful city. On-site features include rooftop terrace, outdoor courtyard, ‘Grab & Go’ convenience store, and on-site restaurant.
- *Hotel Peter & Paul – Situated in the eclectic Marigny neighborhood, Hotel Peter & Paul occupies a stunning complex of historic buildings, including a former church, schoolhouse, and rectory. Each meticulously restored space offers guests a one-of-a-kind experience, blending old-world elegance with modern amenities. From the tranquil courtyard to the cozy guest rooms adorned with locally sourced artwork, every corner of this boutique hotel exudes character and charm.
- The Louie – Located in the vibrant Warehouse District, The Louie captures the essence of New Orleans’ storied past while providing guests with contemporary luxury. With its sleek design, thoughtfully curated artwork, and personalized service, this boutique hotel offers a sophisticated retreat in the heart of the city. Whether sipping craft cocktails at the rooftop bar or indulging in locally inspired cuisine at the on-site restaurant, guests are sure to experience the best of New Orleans hospitality at The Louie.
- *The Chloe – A beacon of Southern hospitality, The Chloe welcomes guests with timeless elegance and modern comfort. Housed in a beautifully restored mansion in the historic Uptown neighborhood, this luxury hotel offers spacious suites, lush gardens, and impeccable service. From indulging in a sumptuous breakfast in the charming courtyard to unwinding with a cocktail in the cozy library, every moment at The Chloe is infused with Southern charm and grace.
- The Ace Hotel – Situated in the bustling Warehouse District, Ace Hotel New Orleans embodies the city’s vibrant spirit and creative energy. Housed in a historic Art Deco building, this hip hotel features stylishly designed rooms, a lively rooftop pool and bar, and an eclectic mix of dining and entertainment options. With its laid-back atmosphere and commitment to local culture, Ace Hotel offers guests a truly authentic New Orleans experience.
- Monteleone Hotel – Steeped in history and tradition, the Monteleone Hotel is a timeless landmark in the heart of the French Quarter. Since 1886, this family-owned hotel has welcomed guests with Southern hospitality and old-world charm. From the iconic Carousel Bar, where patrons can enjoy a classic cocktail while taking in panoramic views of the city, to the elegant guest rooms adorned with luxurious furnishings, the Monteleone Hotel offers a quintessential New Orleans experience that is both refined and unforgettable.
No matter what your interests are, New Orleans has a unique charm that will captivate you. From the lively music, one-of-a-kind cuisine, festive atmosphere, and incredible cultural blend, it’s truly a bucket list destination that everyone should experience at least once.
Stay Risky
– John
