Cafe Amelie, Byblos.. Royal street, Chartres Street and Magazine Street are must go tos for antiquing.. and you must spend a bit of time doing just that.. Have a blast! I know you will.. we are headed back to SF next week.. need anything? xo marlis
Spend most of your time in the Garden District shopping on Magazine Street and take a tour of some of the pretty Garden District homes. The Audubon Zoo uptown is a must.
Take the streetcar down to Carrollton and have breakfast at The Camellia Grill. The best restaurant in town right now is Vincent's which is also on Carrollton Avenue close to the river.
And you can't leave New Orleans without having turtle soup at Commander's Palace and high tea at The Windsor Court.
You may want to walk through the French Quarters to just say you've been there, but spend most of your time in the Garden District. I 2nd the suggestion to have breakfast at Camellia Grill. Ask some of the locals for neighborhood eateries. These will be the most quaint and have the best food. If you have time, you may also want to make a day trip up River Road to tour some of the lovely Plantation Homes. If not, there is plenty to see in the city. I so hope you enjoy the beauty and history of this most intriguing place.
What a fun trip! Love, love, love New Orleans. We haven't been since 2005 so not sure where to tell you to go. My roommate from college lives there so she took us around. We did go to this fabulous restuarant, Christian's, in an old church. My roommate and her friend didn't order from the menu, they, along with our server, made something up. Service was outstanding. Just read something online that it closed after Katrina. Bummer!
I agree about shopping on Magazine Street! The French Quarter is ok for a walk through just to see it. The Commander's Palace....A MUST!!! Our son-in-law is a manager there and the food exquisite! What fun! We were in NOLA over the Christmas holiday. The most fun was going to "Rock and Bowl" for the live music and dancing...it really rocked!
Wish I were meeting you there, you will have a blast! Beignets and Cafe Au Lait a must at Cafe Du Monde! See it all, take your walking shoes (cobblestones) and lots of credit cards or cash! Look forward to your photos........... Happy New Year!
It's been too many years since I was last in New Orleans, but Magazine Street and Garden District are my recommendations. New Orleans = Antiques! You are going to have a grand time, Delores. ;-)
Restaurants: Mr. B's on Royal across from The Montelone Hotel. Carosel Bar in The Montelone. Dickie Brennans Steak House on Iberville. Galatories on Bourbon. Blue Plate Cafe on Prytania. Zea on St. Charles. Take a carriage ride in front of the Cathedral to learn lots of history. They will stop at Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop Bar. Great Hurricanes. Jeremy Davnnport at the Ritz. Great Music. Piano Bar at Pat O'Briens. Patrick's Wine Vin Bar at Hotel Mazarin on Bienville. Quite and quaint.
Check out Uptown Acorn for my favorite restaurants, bars, and shops around my City. Mr. Bs Bistro, hotel Monteleone, Swizzle Sticks, Upperline, Commanders Palace, Magazine Street shopping.....I could go on and on! Do your best to move away from French Qtr. It is nice but so much to see and do.
Welcome to my hometown! You will find lots of street construction in preparation for the Superbowl. I recommend a meal at Muriel's on Jackson Sq. right by the Cathedral. They will give you a tour of the upstairs if there is no private party going on and you get a lovely view from the balcony. Do get coffee and doughnuts(beignets) at Cafe Du Monde, one block closer to the river from Muriel's. Go up on the Moonwalk to view the river, too. You can see many antiques shops in the French Quarter on Royal St. There are spots on Magazine St. with interesting boutiques and antiques shops but I recommend a car to get there and park and move since it's a very long street with pockets of interest. You will also find many places to eat there. I hope you enjoy your stay! If I can answer specific questions, I'll be glad to try.
All are excellent recommendations. Do you have someone to drive for you? Lots of reworkiong of streets already for the Super Bowl. Definitely Garden District and Magazine Street for shopping. Royal St. OK, but spend your time on Magazine, the GD, and uptown in the little neighborhoods. Cafe du Monde, for beignets for sure. COMFY SHOES for sure. I don't know where you will be staying, but stay out of the Quarter at night. And, do NOT stray off the beaten path in the Quarter. BRING AN UMBRELLA! It's been raining cats and dogs for days; there's a break in the weather today, but more is coming :( You will have a blast, and you'll be making plans for a return visit! Enjoy! Nancy
Hi Delores! Looks like you are already getting lots of advice! I did two posts on my visit there that start here: http://confessionsofaplateaddict.blogspot.com/2010/09/new-orleans-favorites-part-one.html Do not miss dinner at Galatoire's what ever you do...on a Sunday night it you can do it. It's old New Orleans! Have fun!...hugs...Debbie
Find a cooking class. Preferably one that includes a sit-down to eat what's created. If you have time. Otherwise, a short class is better than none. Talk to other atendees. Ask them where they eat breakfast-lunch-dinner. These people are foodies
Take a trolley and/or walking tour. Or, both. Gets you around to parts of the city you might neglect. Talk to the guide. He/she most probably loves the city.
Skip a riverboat tour. Trust me.
Eat lots of local seafood. Try an Emeril's restaurant. They're all great. Commander's Palace still rocks. Buy a Muffleta at Central Grocery on Decatur Street. One goes a long ways.
Yes, it is worth the wait to eat Beignets at Cafe du Monde. The place overflows with tourists and the tabletops are unbelievably sticky, but you won't want to miss the experience.
One more thing-- our favorite and oft repeated meal is at Harbor Seafood and Oyster Bar in nearby Kenner. (Close to airport.) Very reasonable. Very, very good. Divey. The BEST Bloody Mary's. Overflowing trays of your seafood favorites, and fantastic hush puppies. Everything is good. It's the kind of place that puts rolls of paper towels on your table.
MUST must do's: - Cafe de Monde for beignets (go early before the rest of the world is up, or late when most of them have left the quarter...have never waited in line, just timed it right) - Enjoy the French Quarter at Jackson Square, the cathedral, the wrought iron, the artists, it is pretty and right by Cafe de Monde - Pat OBrien's outdoor patio for a hurricane (or two, or three) - Give yourself a chance to just browse and look around - Commanders Palace is nice but quite a distance from the quarter - Either Central Market for a muffalatta, or last time we found a patio cafe near there and split a large round muffalatta - Bourbon Street is somewhat naughty, but a must do for a drink or two. Let your hair down and listen to some good music...lots of it in New Orleans!
Other: enjoyed Rock and Bowl with husband and our kids, they had a swing band and dance lessons...not sure I'd go there with a lady group - explore secret garden patios throughout the French Quarter, take your time.
I'm so jealous! I love New Orleans and haven't been in several years. Have enough fun for me, too! I love the red beans and rice at the Gumbo Shop--near Jackson Square. Beignets of course at Cafe' du Monde.....We took a cooking class when we were there one time...Fun and a wonderful meal! Go into the large and beauftiful hotels in the Quarter. Have a drink and soak in the atmosphere.
Born and raised right across the causeway, and still go back often! For Italian, Irene's - delicious and tons of fun! Highly recommend the Bon Ton Cafe' - Crawfish Bisque, Crawfish Etouffee, and Bread Pudding w/ Whiskey Sauce. Brunch at Commander's. The BBQ oysters at Acme Oyster House are to die for! Near Jackson Square you can see the Cabildo, the Presbytere (with the fabulous Katrina exhibit), the St Louis Cathedral, and have beignets at Cafe Du Monde. The World War II museum is fabulous. Royal Street for shopping.
Looks like you got lots of advice! They all sound spot on, so mine would be a bit cautionary: stay out of those above-ground cemeteries, and keep your valuables close.
Dinner Bon Temps Cafe, reservation suggested. Sazerac cocktail at the Roosevelt Hotel. Street Car down through the garden district. SAT/SUN Jazz Brunch at Commanders Palace and if nice weather, outside table!
I can't believe you are there without me! LOL! I truly am the New Orleans expert as my daughter lives there with her husband…they own a chick Fil A there and of course they know ALL of the places TO Go too and to NOT go to! Let me know if you need any tips! Have the best time ever!
Oh my gosh, I've been craving NOLA. I was there once in 2009 and want to go back so badly. Our daughter lived there at the time and she was a great tour guide. There is no place like it. You have a great bunch of suggestions here. Mine is to take an umbrella with you at all times! And savor it all.
Oh so many wonderful places to visit. I always make a point to visit... The Bank Architectural Antiques 1824 Felicity St. New Orleans, LA 70113 Phone: 504-523-2702 Great place- over 20,000 square feet of treasures. There are couple of charming antique shops in the French Quarter that are also worth a look it you have time. Then there is the food, the food and the food!!! Don't forget Cafe du Monde for beignets & coffee. Have a blast... ~Jen You will love the
The Garden District, of course, Cafe Du Monde, 1000 Oaks Plantation, the Commanders Palance for the jazz Sunday brunch, and Preservation Hall for all kind of impromptu jazz.
You may be getting this too late, but Friday lunch at Galatoires is a long-time tradition. It's filled with businessmen who stop working at noon on Fridays and head to Galatoires! The food is the VERY best in New Orleans.
Cafe Amelie, Byblos..
ReplyDeleteRoyal street, Chartres Street and Magazine Street are must go tos for antiquing.. and you must spend a bit of time doing just that..
Have a blast! I know you will.. we are headed back to SF next week.. need anything? xo marlis
Spend most of your time in the Garden District shopping on Magazine Street and take a tour of some of the pretty Garden District homes. The Audubon Zoo uptown is a must.
ReplyDeleteTake the streetcar down to Carrollton and have breakfast at The Camellia Grill. The best restaurant in town right now is Vincent's which is also on Carrollton Avenue close to the river.
And you can't leave New Orleans without having turtle soup at Commander's Palace and high tea at The Windsor Court.
Don't waste your time in the French Quarter....
You may want to walk through the French Quarters to just say you've been there, but spend most of your time in the Garden District. I 2nd the suggestion to have breakfast at Camellia Grill. Ask some of the locals for neighborhood eateries. These will be the most quaint and have the best food. If you have time, you may also want to make a day trip up River Road to tour some of the lovely Plantation Homes. If not, there is plenty to see in the city. I so hope you enjoy the beauty and history of this most intriguing place.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun trip! Love, love, love New Orleans. We haven't been since 2005 so not sure where to tell you to go. My roommate from college lives there so she took us around. We did go to this fabulous restuarant, Christian's, in an old church. My roommate and her friend didn't order from the menu, they, along with our server, made something up. Service was outstanding. Just read something online that it closed after Katrina. Bummer!
ReplyDeleteI agree about shopping on Magazine Street! The French Quarter is ok for a walk through just to see it. The Commander's Palace....A MUST!!! Our son-in-law is a manager there and the food exquisite! What fun! We were in NOLA over the Christmas holiday. The most fun was going to "Rock and Bowl" for the live music and dancing...it really rocked!
ReplyDeleteSome fun restaurants are:
ReplyDeleteEl Gato Negro, season margaritas and fresh quacamole, at the end of the French Market
Jacques Imo's - everything here is excellent, make reservations!
Mr. B's - central location near canal, it has that "Paris" feel with brass finishings and male waiters in uniform, and the lunch menu is great.
Enjoy you trip to one of the greatest cities in the US!
Wish I were meeting you there, you will have a blast! Beignets and Cafe Au Lait a must at Cafe Du Monde! See it all, take your walking shoes (cobblestones) and lots of credit cards or cash! Look forward to your photos...........
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year!
~Emily
The French Hutch
Go to Rio Mar to eat!
ReplyDeleteGo to Rio Mar to eat!
ReplyDeleteIt's been too many years since I was last in New Orleans, but Magazine Street and Garden District are my recommendations. New Orleans = Antiques! You are going to have a grand time, Delores. ;-)
ReplyDeleteDon't go home with any strange men.....only normal ones!
ReplyDeleteRestaurants: Mr. B's on Royal across from The Montelone Hotel. Carosel Bar in The Montelone. Dickie Brennans Steak House on Iberville. Galatories on Bourbon. Blue Plate Cafe on Prytania. Zea on St. Charles.
ReplyDeleteTake a carriage ride in front of the Cathedral to learn lots of history. They will stop at Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop Bar. Great Hurricanes. Jeremy Davnnport at the Ritz. Great Music. Piano Bar at Pat O'Briens. Patrick's Wine Vin Bar at Hotel Mazarin on Bienville. Quite and quaint.
Check out Uptown Acorn for my favorite restaurants, bars, and shops around my City. Mr. Bs Bistro, hotel Monteleone, Swizzle Sticks, Upperline, Commanders Palace, Magazine Street shopping.....I could go on and on! Do your best to move away from French Qtr. It is nice but so much to see and do.
ReplyDeleteBeignets and Cafe Au Lait a at Cafe Du Monde is a must!
ReplyDeleteWelcome to my hometown! You will find lots of street construction in preparation for the Superbowl. I recommend a meal at Muriel's on Jackson Sq. right by the Cathedral. They will give you a tour of the upstairs if there is no private party going on and you get a lovely view from the balcony. Do get coffee and doughnuts(beignets) at Cafe Du Monde, one block closer to the river from Muriel's. Go up on the Moonwalk to view the river, too. You can see many antiques shops in the French Quarter on Royal St. There are spots on Magazine St. with interesting boutiques and antiques shops but I recommend a car to get there and park and move since it's a very long street with pockets of interest. You will also find many places to eat there. I hope you enjoy your stay! If I can answer specific questions, I'll be glad to try.
ReplyDeleteAll are excellent recommendations. Do you have someone to drive for you? Lots of reworkiong of streets already for the Super Bowl.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely Garden District and Magazine Street for shopping. Royal St. OK, but spend your time on Magazine, the GD, and uptown in the little neighborhoods.
Cafe du Monde, for beignets for sure. COMFY SHOES for sure.
I don't know where you will be staying, but stay out of the Quarter at night. And, do NOT stray off the beaten path in the Quarter.
BRING AN UMBRELLA! It's been raining cats and dogs for days; there's a break in the weather today, but more is coming :(
You will have a blast, and you'll be making plans for a return visit! Enjoy!
Nancy
My advice: Eat, drink, and be merry (oh, and shop too). Have a great trip! laurie
ReplyDeleteI haven't been there since I was very young, but I see others have wonderful suggestions! Have a great trip!
ReplyDeleteKat
Hi Delores! Looks like you are already getting lots of advice! I did two posts on my visit there that start here: http://confessionsofaplateaddict.blogspot.com/2010/09/new-orleans-favorites-part-one.html
ReplyDeleteDo not miss dinner at Galatoire's what ever you do...on a Sunday night it you can do it. It's old New Orleans! Have fun!...hugs...Debbie
Lucky you, I have never been , but everyone says it's fantastic... have a great time...
ReplyDeleteWe are going there in a couple of weeks.
ReplyDeleteAny suggestions for inexpensive restaurants with great food???
Find a cooking class. Preferably one that includes a sit-down to eat what's created. If you have time. Otherwise, a short class is better than none. Talk to other atendees. Ask them where they eat breakfast-lunch-dinner. These people are foodies
ReplyDeleteTake a trolley and/or walking tour. Or, both. Gets you around to parts of the city you might neglect. Talk to the guide. He/she most probably loves the city.
Skip a riverboat tour. Trust me.
Eat lots of local seafood. Try an Emeril's restaurant. They're all great. Commander's Palace still rocks. Buy a Muffleta at Central Grocery on Decatur Street. One goes a long ways.
Yes, it is worth the wait to eat Beignets at Cafe du Monde. The place overflows with tourists and the tabletops are unbelievably sticky, but you won't want to miss the experience.
One more thing-- our favorite and oft repeated meal is at Harbor Seafood and Oyster Bar in nearby Kenner. (Close to airport.)
ReplyDeleteVery reasonable. Very, very good. Divey. The BEST Bloody Mary's.
Overflowing trays of your seafood favorites, and fantastic hush puppies. Everything is good.
It's the kind of place that puts rolls of paper towels on your table.
MUST must do's:
ReplyDelete- Cafe de Monde for beignets (go early before the rest of the world is up, or late when most of them have left the quarter...have never waited in line, just timed it right)
- Enjoy the French Quarter at Jackson Square, the cathedral, the wrought iron, the artists, it is pretty and right by Cafe de Monde
- Pat OBrien's outdoor patio for a hurricane (or two, or three)
- Give yourself a chance to just browse and look around
- Commanders Palace is nice but quite a distance from the quarter
- Either Central Market for a muffalatta, or last time we found a patio cafe near there and split a large round muffalatta
- Bourbon Street is somewhat naughty, but a must do for a drink or two. Let your hair down and listen to some good music...lots of it in New Orleans!
Other: enjoyed Rock and Bowl with husband and our kids, they had a swing band and dance lessons...not sure I'd go there with a lady group
- explore secret garden patios throughout the French Quarter, take your time.
Enjoy! Love that city.
I'm so jealous! I love New Orleans and haven't been in several years. Have enough fun for me, too! I love the red beans and rice at the Gumbo Shop--near Jackson Square. Beignets of course at Cafe' du Monde.....We took a cooking class when we were there one time...Fun and a wonderful meal! Go into the large and beauftiful hotels in the Quarter. Have a drink and soak in the atmosphere.
ReplyDeleteBorn and raised right across the causeway, and still go back often! For Italian, Irene's - delicious and tons of fun! Highly recommend the Bon Ton Cafe' - Crawfish Bisque, Crawfish Etouffee, and Bread Pudding w/ Whiskey Sauce. Brunch at Commander's. The BBQ oysters at Acme Oyster House are to die for! Near Jackson Square you can see the Cabildo, the Presbytere (with the fabulous Katrina exhibit), the St Louis Cathedral, and have beignets at Cafe Du Monde. The World War II museum is fabulous. Royal Street for shopping.
ReplyDeleteWow! Thanks everyone for the great tips! Can't wait to experience the Big Easy! xo Delores
ReplyDeleteLooks like you got lots of advice! They all sound spot on, so mine would be a bit cautionary: stay out of those above-ground cemeteries, and keep your valuables close.
ReplyDeleteDinner Bon Temps Cafe, reservation suggested. Sazerac cocktail at the Roosevelt Hotel. Street Car down through the garden district. SAT/SUN Jazz Brunch at Commanders Palace and if nice weather, outside table!
ReplyDeleteOh any "B" (brennans) restaurant, pralines, beignets, hurricanes, muffaletta, oysters..... you get the idea.
ReplyDelete...garden district...beignets and cafe au lait at cafe du monde...muffalettas...street cars...cemeteries... blessings laney
ReplyDeleteI can't believe you are there without me! LOL! I truly am the New Orleans expert as my daughter lives there with her husband…they own a chick Fil A there and of course they know ALL of the places TO Go too and to NOT go to! Let me know if you need any tips! Have the best time ever!
ReplyDeleteAlso, stay on Magazine Street near Audoubon Park…I think that is Uptown…the shops are amazing and a lot of great restaurants!
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh, I've been craving NOLA. I was there once in 2009 and want to go back so badly. Our daughter lived there at the time and she was a great tour guide. There is no place like it. You have a great bunch of suggestions here. Mine is to take an umbrella with you at all times! And savor it all.
ReplyDeleteOh so many wonderful places to visit. I always make a point to visit...
ReplyDeleteThe Bank Architectural Antiques
1824 Felicity St.
New Orleans, LA 70113
Phone: 504-523-2702
Great place- over 20,000 square feet of treasures.
There are couple of charming antique shops in the French Quarter that are also worth a look it you have time.
Then there is the food, the food and the food!!! Don't forget Cafe du Monde for beignets & coffee.
Have a blast... ~Jen
You will love the
The Garden District, of course, Cafe Du Monde, 1000 Oaks Plantation, the Commanders Palance for the jazz Sunday brunch, and Preservation Hall for all kind of impromptu jazz.
ReplyDeleteOh, I forgot to say Galatoires for dinner. Terrific food.
ReplyDelete
ReplyDeleteYou may be getting this too late, but Friday lunch
at Galatoires is a long-time tradition. It's filled with businessmen who stop working at noon on Fridays and head to Galatoires! The food is the VERY best in New Orleans.