New Orleans Recommendations
The great philosopher and part-time New Orleans resident, Matthew McConaughey says: “New Orleans is like a big yellow light. Proceed, but do so with caution”.
Here’s my top “To-do’s” for first timers:
Must do (bars):
- Start at Hot Tin. It’s the bar at the top of the Pontchartrain Hotel with the best view of the city by far. It’s a craft cocktail bar started by John Besh. Great place to start any night.
- From there, you can take the street car/trolley into the French Quarter. Get off anywhere on Canal Blvd and go East into the Quarter.
- First stop should be Hotel Monteleone(Royal Street, one block toward the Mississippi River from Bourbon Street) and go to the Carousel Bar. It’s literally world famous.
- From there, walk East and find John Laffite’sAbsinthe House. Again, world famous. It claims to be oldest continually operating bar in the Americas. It’s a shit-hole but you’ll see the history. It’s rumored that Andrew Jackson and the Pirate John Laffite conspired to defend the US from Britain in that bar. This bar is on Bourbon, one block away from the River from Royal Street.
- Head down Bourbon and find Erin Rose– a locals and service-industry bar. Great poboys in the back. It’s about a block off of Bourbon away from the River.
- Can’t miss (in the same area) French 75. A James Beard award winning bar attached to Arnaud’s. More formal but it’s where the French 75 drink was born.
- Continue down Bourbon until you reach Laffite’s Blacksmith Shop. It’s a frat house atmosphere but one of the most famous bars around. Also, where the Pirate J. Lafitte lived.
- If you get a chance, go to the Roosevelt Hotel (back off Canal Street). The Sazerac Baris home of the Sazerac. You need to go there and have a Sazerac and Ramos Gin Fizz. They are renowned for those and claim to be birthplace of both cocktails.
- You can’t be in New Orleans without visiting Pat O’Brien’s. It serves more booze than anywhere in North America outside Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. There’s an entrance on Bourbon Street and on St. Peter Street. They are known for their Hurricanes. Have one but beware, they are a headache in a cocktail. A must-do there is the Piano Bar inside Pat O’s. Dueling piano experience like none other.
Other than bars:
- If you’re into oysters, try Felix’s or Dragos. Stay away from Acme Oyster House. It’s a tourist trap. Get the oysters chargrilled and you won’t be disappointed.
- K-Paulsis a favorite for authentic Cajun food. Founded by legendary Paul Prudhomme, it’s the home of Blackened Red Fish. Go hungry.
- If you want to treat yourself, try to get into Commanders Palace. It’s known for its culinary skills and is home for most of the chefs you have heard of on Food TV or any other high-end establishment. You enter in the kitchen and wind through to one of the dining rooms. A great experience and fantastic food. Expensive and there is a dress code….but worth it.
- In the warehouse/financial district you have great options as well. Try Peche Seafood Grill, or Cochon Restaurant(pork and Cajun fare – pronounced ‘kooshon’).
- Anything with a Brennans name attached to it is wonderful. Dickie Brennans Steakhouse, Mr. B’sor legendary Brennans will treat you well.
- You have to have breakfast at Café Dumonde(truthfully you can also ‘wind up’ there too). It’s in the French Quarter off Jackson Square. Can’t miss it. There’s typically a line but if you get there early, you’ll be fine. They only serve beignets and coffee but it’s worth it. Caution, don’t exhale when you’re eating them. You’ll see why.
- While you’re at the Café Dumonde, you might as well walk East and enjoy the French Market. It’s been around since before the Civil War and a good way to get in some steps and pick up some trinkets.
- If you’re into more traditional things, try the World War II Museum. It’s fantastic. Plan a day because a couple of hours won’t do it justice. There’s also the Cabildo and Cathedral at the head of Jackson Square that are amazing experiences. You can walk through it in a relatively short period of time.
- A mule drawn buggy ride is a good option too. It’s typically a little over an hour and you can even get a tour of one of the cemeteries on some of them. Just ask the driver and they can make it happen. The ride is a good way to see the area without walking it. Plus, they give you some good history. You’ll find them parked in front of Jackson Square.
- Pretty much anywhere you eat will be good. The trick is to find a bad meal. I dare you!
- A MUST DO for music is Frenchman’s Street. Uber or Lyft there because the walk is a pain (and not safe). Some of the best music in all of New Orleans is found in or on Frenchman Street. Great bar-food places too. During the latest Jazz Fest, Dave Matthews found his way to Frenchman’s Street and sat in with one of the bands.
Lagniappe (Cajun for something extra):
- Closed toed shoesare a must. It can get nasty on the streets and you don’t want to get hung up. It’s also very hot and humid so dress light. Most anywhere (except Brennans) will take you in casual clothes. As you’ll see, it’s full of characters and various dress (or undress).
- You can drink in the French Quarter on the streets. The beverages must be in plastic and bars will gladly provide a to-go cup for wandering the streets. It’s a common thing to do.
- Be safe. Where there are tourists and people, there are folks who prey on them. New Orleans is known for rough-edged characters who will do anything for a buck. Don’t travel alone – always in groups. Keep your wallets, purses, etc. close and don’t wear anything like expensive watches or jewelry. You’ll be a target. I’m 99.9% sure nothing will happen to you, but you should at least be aware. It’s nothing like Minneapolis or the mid-west.
I could go on. There are many, many great places to experience in New Orleans. Its truly one of my favorite cities in North America. I call it the home of drinking and hospitality “professionals”. Las Vegas is for rookies 😉
