Kelly’s Guide to NOLA
Neighborhoods
The 7th Ward is a mixture of both old New Orleans and new New Orleans. The neighborhood is predominantly residential and is a perfect hideaway from the hustle and bustle of the French Quarter. The 7th Ward is relatively quiet and relaxed, unless of course there is a Second Line, in which case the residents of the 7th Ward spill onto the streets to celebrate with music.
Seventh Ward
The 7th Ward is a mixture of both old New Orleans and new New Orleans. The neighborhood is predominantly residential and is a perfect hideaway from the hustle and bustle of the French Quarter. The 7th Ward is relatively quiet and relaxed, unless of course there is a Second Line, in which case the residents of the 7th Ward spill onto the streets to celebrate with music.
The Marigny is a very unique neighborhood in NOLA that borders the French Quarter. This is a great area to simply walk around & enjoy the sights. Plenty of bars, eateries, coffee shops, & more to explore along the way!
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Marigny
The Marigny is a very unique neighborhood in NOLA that borders the French Quarter. This is a great area to simply walk around & enjoy the sights. Plenty of bars, eateries, coffee shops, & more to explore along the way!
Mid-City is home to an ideal mix of businesses & residents! Many argue that this is one of the best neighborhoods in the city & I can't disagree. Mid-City hosts one of the largest Mardi Gras parades (Hail Endymion!) & is also easily accessible via streetcar.
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Mid-City
Mid-City is home to an ideal mix of businesses & residents! Many argue that this is one of the best neighborhoods in the city & I can't disagree. Mid-City hosts one of the largest Mardi Gras parades (Hail Endymion!) & is also easily accessible via streetcar.
The French Quarter is more than just Bourbon Street, although there is a time & a place for an evening on Bourbon! Strolling down Royal St. is one of my favorite past-times, as there are plenty of art galleries & stores to pop into. During French Quarter Fest, the Quarter turns into it's own little festival grounds.
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French Quarter
The French Quarter is more than just Bourbon Street, although there is a time & a place for an evening on Bourbon! Strolling down Royal St. is one of my favorite past-times, as there are plenty of art galleries & stores to pop into. During French Quarter Fest, the Quarter turns into it's own little festival grounds.
Frenchmen St. is a must-do for visitors to New Orleans! Its many musical venues offer live performances, ranging from traditional jazz to blues to reggae & rock! Most of the nightclubs are 21+, though a few offer family night out before 10:00 p.m.
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Frenchmen Street
Frenchmen St. is a must-do for visitors to New Orleans! Its many musical venues offer live performances, ranging from traditional jazz to blues to reggae & rock! Most of the nightclubs are 21+, though a few offer family night out before 10:00 p.m.
One of NOLA's most colorful (& quirky) neighborhoods. The Bywater is ideal for biking, strolling, & exploring!
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Bywater
One of NOLA's most colorful (& quirky) neighborhoods. The Bywater is ideal for biking, strolling, & exploring!
Some of the most grand houses in NOLA call the Garden District home. They have an extremely busy shopping corridor & you can walk everywhere. If visiting for the first time, I recommend joining a Garden District walking tour to find out more about the historical homes & residents of this 'hood.
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Garden District
Some of the most grand houses in NOLA call the Garden District home. They have an extremely busy shopping corridor & you can walk everywhere. If visiting for the first time, I recommend joining a Garden District walking tour to find out more about the historical homes & residents of this 'hood.
The Faubourg Treme served as cultural rendezvous between the worlds of white & black, while its back streets birthed a music that conquered the world. Jazz today is honored by Armstrong Park, named in tribute to Louis Armstrong, and Congo Square – where slaves once gathered to make music.
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Tremé / Lafitte
The Faubourg Treme served as cultural rendezvous between the worlds of white & black, while its back streets birthed a music that conquered the world. Jazz today is honored by Armstrong Park, named in tribute to Louis Armstrong, and Congo Square – where slaves once gathered to make music.
Libations
This list includes some of my favorite watering holes around the city.
Pirogues (pee-rows) is a great corner bar that offers amazing mango daiquiris (in our house, this is a ritual prior to entering the Fairgrounds during Jazz Fest). The bar food is also worth noting! Humble eats, but delicious.
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Pirogues
2565 Bayou RdPirogues (pee-rows) is a great corner bar that offers amazing mango daiquiris (in our house, this is a ritual prior to entering the Fairgrounds during Jazz Fest). The bar food is also worth noting! Humble eats, but delicious.
A great sports bar that I frequent often! Particularly during college football season. The drinks are great, with plenty of beer & cocktail options. During crawfish season, I recommend stopping in on any given Friday as they have one of the best boils in town.
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Mid City Yacht Club
440 S St Patrick StA great sports bar that I frequent often! Particularly during college football season. The drinks are great, with plenty of beer & cocktail options. During crawfish season, I recommend stopping in on any given Friday as they have one of the best boils in town.
Bayou Beer & Wine Garden has something for everyone! Locals typically bring their dogs to this spot & it's a great location to simply enjoy a drink or 2. Their beer selection seems endless & the food never disappoints! I recommend the Disco Fries :)
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Bayou Beer Garden
326 N Norman C Francis ParkwayBayou Beer & Wine Garden has something for everyone! Locals typically bring their dogs to this spot & it's a great location to simply enjoy a drink or 2. Their beer selection seems endless & the food never disappoints! I recommend the Disco Fries :)
A great local spot that frequently hosts international visitors due to it being one of the best soccer (football) bars in the U.S. There is a pop-up restaurant located in the bar, making it very easy to spend hours upon hours at Finn's!
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Finn McCool's Irish Pub
3701 Banks StA great local spot that frequently hosts international visitors due to it being one of the best soccer (football) bars in the U.S. There is a pop-up restaurant located in the bar, making it very easy to spend hours upon hours at Finn's!
One of my favorite bars in the city! Erin Rose feels like a narrow hallway, but the drinks & bartenders always make me feel as if I'm at home. Killer Po-Boys operates a pop-up kitchen in the back & serve some of the best po-boys in the city! Erin Rose is also famous for it's Frozen Irish Coffee, which you simply MUST try.
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Erin Rose
811 Conti StOne of my favorite bars in the city! Erin Rose feels like a narrow hallway, but the drinks & bartenders always make me feel as if I'm at home. Killer Po-Boys operates a pop-up kitchen in the back & serve some of the best po-boys in the city! Erin Rose is also famous for it's Frozen Irish Coffee, which you simply MUST try.
Home of the Bacon Happy Hour. Need I say anything more?
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Orleans Grapevine Wine Bar & Bistro
720 Orleans StHome of the Bacon Happy Hour. Need I say anything more?
An extensive wine collection, live jazz performers in the backyard, fantastic cocktails at the bar upstairs. What more could you want?
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Bacchanal Fine Wine & Spirits
600 Poland AveAn extensive wine collection, live jazz performers in the backyard, fantastic cocktails at the bar upstairs. What more could you want?
One of the better breweries in town (in my opinion). They tend to have some of the most imaginative beers & their taproom is family-friendly!
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Parleaux Beer Lab
634 Lesseps StOne of the better breweries in town (in my opinion). They tend to have some of the most imaginative beers & their taproom is family-friendly!
Second Line is ideal for a relaxing day/evening. They often have fun theme nights & events, such as movie night where they will screen a favorite film in the courtyard! Also a family-friendly brewery!
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Second Line Brewing
433 N Bernadotte StSecond Line is ideal for a relaxing day/evening. They often have fun theme nights & events, such as movie night where they will screen a favorite film in the courtyard! Also a family-friendly brewery!
NOLA Brewing Co. has called NOLA home since 2008. Free brewery tours are offered every Friday at 2:30 p.m., which includes one free beer available between 2:00 & 3:00 p.m.
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NOLA Brewing Co.
3033 Tchoupitoulas StNOLA Brewing Co. has called NOLA home since 2008. Free brewery tours are offered every Friday at 2:30 p.m., which includes one free beer available between 2:00 & 3:00 p.m.
Urban South is one of the few breweries in town aiming to turn NOLA into the beer capital of the South. Their taproom is family-friendly & they have year-round & seasonal beers! Tours are on the weekend & $10 will get you a souvenir glass + 2 beers.
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Urban South Brewery
1645 Tchoupitoulas StUrban South is one of the few breweries in town aiming to turn NOLA into the beer capital of the South. Their taproom is family-friendly & they have year-round & seasonal beers! Tours are on the weekend & $10 will get you a souvenir glass + 2 beers.
This bar is tucked in the W Hotel. I'd consider it a hidden gem with some of the best cocktails the city has to offer! On Sundays, they host Legs & Eggs - a Burlesque-style brunch, that is certainly worth checking out. Also home to one of the best happy hours! Menu is offered daily from 4-6 & includes snacks!
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SoBou
310 Chartres StreetThis bar is tucked in the W Hotel. I'd consider it a hidden gem with some of the best cocktails the city has to offer! On Sundays, they host Legs & Eggs - a Burlesque-style brunch, that is certainly worth checking out. Also home to one of the best happy hours! Menu is offered daily from 4-6 & includes snacks!
Cafe/Bakery
Pagoda is a favorite spot in the neighborhood, with delicious beverages and pastries. They're well-known for their breakfast offerings and a casual, peaceful ambiance. Indoor seating is minimal, but the outdoor space is ideal. Particularly when you can find some shade!
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Pagoda Café
1430 N Dorgenois StPagoda is a favorite spot in the neighborhood, with delicious beverages and pastries. They're well-known for their breakfast offerings and a casual, peaceful ambiance. Indoor seating is minimal, but the outdoor space is ideal. Particularly when you can find some shade!
Cafe Du Monde has recently opened up a new location at City Park. Less tourists, shorter lines, & less stressful. Same great beignets & cafe au laits!
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Cafe Du Monde City Park
56 Dreyfous DrCafe Du Monde has recently opened up a new location at City Park. Less tourists, shorter lines, & less stressful. Same great beignets & cafe au laits!
My favorite local coffee chain - hands down! You cannot go wrong @ French Truck.
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French Truck Coffee
1200 Magazine StMy favorite local coffee chain - hands down! You cannot go wrong @ French Truck.
Great beverages that are carefully crafted by the baristas at Lamara! They also offer a great space to sit, relax, chat with friends, work on your laptop, etc.
FYI - Lamara is a cash-free business so cards only!
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LAMARA COFFEE & KITCHEN
1300 N Broad StGreat beverages that are carefully crafted by the baristas at Lamara! They also offer a great space to sit, relax, chat with friends, work on your laptop, etc.
FYI - Lamara is a cash-free business so cards only!
Food Scene
Willie Mae's is well-known for their fried chicken. Be prepared to wait, as there is often a line, but the reward is worth it!
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Mimi's In the Marigny
2600 Chartres StreetWillie Mae's is well-known for their fried chicken. Be prepared to wait, as there is often a line, but the reward is worth it!
Local historic, family-run restaurant offering some of the best Creole cuisine in the city. When open, there will often be a line outside. Again, it is well-worth the wait! Be sure to double-check the opening hours as they tend to be a bit unusual.
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Dooky Chase Restaurant
2301 Orleans AveLocal historic, family-run restaurant offering some of the best Creole cuisine in the city. When open, there will often be a line outside. Again, it is well-worth the wait! Be sure to double-check the opening hours as they tend to be a bit unusual.
You can't go wrong with grabbing brunch at Toast! I've never ordered a disappointing dish. During Mardi Gras season, they create one of my favorite King Cakes. There are a few locations around town, including French Toast in the French Quarter.
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Toast
1845 Gentilly BoulevardYou can't go wrong with grabbing brunch at Toast! I've never ordered a disappointing dish. During Mardi Gras season, they create one of my favorite King Cakes. There are a few locations around town, including French Toast in the French Quarter.
Great meals, great drinks, great desserts, great ambiance, & even better service.
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Cafe Degas
3127 Esplanade AveGreat meals, great drinks, great desserts, great ambiance, & even better service.
Great spot for food, drinks, music, & conversation. Sometimes the wait for the dining room can be extensive - note that you can order food in the bar area if you're more concerned with eating than listening to music. The dining room hosts local musicians & is a true local experience.
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Buffa's
1001 Esplanade AveGreat spot for food, drinks, music, & conversation. Sometimes the wait for the dining room can be extensive - note that you can order food in the bar area if you're more concerned with eating than listening to music. The dining room hosts local musicians & is a true local experience.
Juan's is a local chain with many locations throughout the city. The one in the CBD is my personal favorite, but the food & margaritas are great at any & all locations!
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Juan's Flying Burrito - CBD
515 Baronne StreetJuan's is a local chain with many locations throughout the city. The one in the CBD is my personal favorite, but the food & margaritas are great at any & all locations!
A charming escape from the city, the Country Club is a beautiful restaurant & bar. Also a pool on-sight, with a poolside bar & outdoor kitchen. Most notably known for their Drag Brunch! Catch the show every Saturday at 11:00 a.m. & 1:00 p.m. - be sure to make a reservation as this place books up months in advance.
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The Country Club
634 Louisa StreetA charming escape from the city, the Country Club is a beautiful restaurant & bar. Also a pool on-sight, with a poolside bar & outdoor kitchen. Most notably known for their Drag Brunch! Catch the show every Saturday at 11:00 a.m. & 1:00 p.m. - be sure to make a reservation as this place books up months in advance.
The food & service is amazing! This restaurant is a local's favorite for some of the best Italian & seafood home-style cooking in the city!
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Mandina's Restaurant
3800 Canal StThe food & service is amazing! This restaurant is a local's favorite for some of the best Italian & seafood home-style cooking in the city!
We love the Cafe Amelie so much we actually got married here! It's a beautiful courtyard hidden behind a brick wall on Royal St. & includes a restaurant + carriage house. The cocktails are refreshing, the ambiance is ideal, & the food is delicious!
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Cafe Amelie
900 Royal StWe love the Cafe Amelie so much we actually got married here! It's a beautiful courtyard hidden behind a brick wall on Royal St. & includes a restaurant + carriage house. The cocktails are refreshing, the ambiance is ideal, & the food is delicious!
Voted the Best Hotel Restaurant in 2019 by USA Today & home to the Mile High Pie. Order dessert - it'll change your life!
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Jack Rose
2031 St Charles AveVoted the Best Hotel Restaurant in 2019 by USA Today & home to the Mile High Pie. Order dessert - it'll change your life!
Sightseeing
Degas House was once home to the French Impressionist Master, Edgar Degas, and is a masterpiece of history! Located directly on Esplanade, the Degas House is worthy of your attention.
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Degas House
2306 Esplanade AveDegas House was once home to the French Impressionist Master, Edgar Degas, and is a masterpiece of history! Located directly on Esplanade, the Degas House is worthy of your attention.
Le Musée de f.p.c., a historic house museum, is one of the country’s few attractions dedicated exclusively to preserving the material culture of & telling to the story of free people of color. Located on Esplanade, an avenue known for its gracious homes and abundant greenery. Free people of color owned numerous properties along the avenue & its intersecting streets during the antebellum period.
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Museum of the Free People of Color
2336 Esplanade AveLe Musée de f.p.c., a historic house museum, is one of the country’s few attractions dedicated exclusively to preserving the material culture of & telling to the story of free people of color. Located on Esplanade, an avenue known for its gracious homes and abundant greenery. Free people of color owned numerous properties along the avenue & its intersecting streets during the antebellum period.
City Park has something for everyone! Located within the park are the Botanical Gardens, Carousel Gardens, City Putt, City Splash, golf, Cafe Du Monde, the New Orleans Museum of Art & Sculpture Garden, Storyland, & the Train Garden. Easily accessible via streetcar or simply walking down Esplanade Avenue.
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City Park
1 Palm DrCity Park has something for everyone! Located within the park are the Botanical Gardens, Carousel Gardens, City Putt, City Splash, golf, Cafe Du Monde, the New Orleans Museum of Art & Sculpture Garden, Storyland, & the Train Garden. Easily accessible via streetcar or simply walking down Esplanade Avenue.
The Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots is the U.S.'s third-oldest racetrack. In addition to the racetrack, it operates a slot-machine gaming facility. The NOLA Jazz & Heritage Fest is probably what the Fair Grounds is most known for!
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Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots
1751 Gentilly BoulevardThe Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots is the U.S.'s third-oldest racetrack. In addition to the racetrack, it operates a slot-machine gaming facility. The NOLA Jazz & Heritage Fest is probably what the Fair Grounds is most known for!
The St. Louis Cathedral is the oldest active Roman Catholic Cathedral in the U.S. - & maybe even the most recognizable. The interior of the church is open for self-guided visitors when services are not going on. Behind the Cathedral is the St. Anthony Garden, which includes a large statue of Jesus. It is best to view the statue at night!
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IKathidrali yeSt. Louis
615 Pere Antoine AlleyThe St. Louis Cathedral is the oldest active Roman Catholic Cathedral in the U.S. - & maybe even the most recognizable. The interior of the church is open for self-guided visitors when services are not going on. Behind the Cathedral is the St. Anthony Garden, which includes a large statue of Jesus. It is best to view the statue at night!
A must-see for history lovers, the WWII Museum has been designated by the U.S. Congress as America’s official WWII Museum. From the 1930s prelude to war, to the Normandy Invasion and the battles of the Pacific Islands, visitors can trace America's role in the war & on the Home Front. Keep in mind that this museum is HUGE - plan to spend a majority of your day here, if not longer. A great rainy-day activity or somewhere to keep cool during a heat wave!
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INational WWII Museum
945 Magazine StA must-see for history lovers, the WWII Museum has been designated by the U.S. Congress as America’s official WWII Museum. From the 1930s prelude to war, to the Normandy Invasion and the battles of the Pacific Islands, visitors can trace America's role in the war & on the Home Front. Keep in mind that this museum is HUGE - plan to spend a majority of your day here, if not longer. A great rainy-day activity or somewhere to keep cool during a heat wave!
Your one-stop-shop for a complete guided tour of the NOLA Beer Scene. Might be ideal for a rainy day or if you're trying to keep cool!
NOLA Brew Bus
Your one-stop-shop for a complete guided tour of the NOLA Beer Scene. Might be ideal for a rainy day or if you're trying to keep cool!
Brandan “BMike” Odums, a NOLA-based visual artist, established this 36K sq. ft. gallery in the Bywater neighborhood. Studio Be features “Ephemeral.Eternal,” BMike's 1st solo exhibition that includes original murals, several room-sized installations, & reconstructed murals.
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Studio Be
2941 Royal StBrandan “BMike” Odums, a NOLA-based visual artist, established this 36K sq. ft. gallery in the Bywater neighborhood. Studio Be features “Ephemeral.Eternal,” BMike's 1st solo exhibition that includes original murals, several room-sized installations, & reconstructed murals.
Music Venues
This music club offers live performances from famous & up-and-coming jazz, blues, rock & funk acts. Kermit Ruffins & The BBQ Swingers are not to be missed!
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Blue Nile
532 Frenchmen StThis music club offers live performances from famous & up-and-coming jazz, blues, rock & funk acts. Kermit Ruffins & The BBQ Swingers are not to be missed!
d.b.a. is a very hip (but not trendy) bar that offers off-the-cuff music geared towards local music lovers. John Boutte, Soul Brass Band, Little Freddie King, & the Treme Brass Band are some of the more well-known artists who frequent this venue.
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d.b.a.
618 Frenchmen Std.b.a. is a very hip (but not trendy) bar that offers off-the-cuff music geared towards local music lovers. John Boutte, Soul Brass Band, Little Freddie King, & the Treme Brass Band are some of the more well-known artists who frequent this venue.
Legendary music club located in Uptown! The Maple Leaf showcases some of the most popular acts in town, including the Rebirth Brass Band - check them out EVERY Tuesday while you're in town.
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Maple Leaf Bar
8316 Oak StLegendary music club located in Uptown! The Maple Leaf showcases some of the most popular acts in town, including the Rebirth Brass Band - check them out EVERY Tuesday while you're in town.
A tiny & intimate music room that hosts one of my personal favorites, The Iguanas. They typically perform every Wednesday while in town!
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Circle Bar
1032 St Charles AveA tiny & intimate music room that hosts one of my personal favorites, The Iguanas. They typically perform every Wednesday while in town!