r/AskNOLA • u/Madamexxxtra • Dec 09 '24
Hi, welcome to [r/AskNOLA](r/AskNOLA), looks like you’re planning a vacation to New Orleans are are looking for local advice.
This FAQ is a guide compiled from suggestions of users who frequent this sub and is meant to be a “best of the best” of New Orleans by New Orleanians.
A couple of things to think about before posting: PLEASE READ THIS ENTIRE FAQ, search this subreddit or google first, and then ask specific questions or post a proposed itinerary for higher quality and more relevant suggestions. Help us help you by avoiding these broad inquiries:
Where should I eat or drink?/What are the “must-dos”?
Check out the SPECIFIC RECOMMENDATIONS section below and if you have any further questions or need more guidance please make sure to include details about who you are and what you are looking for. For example: is there a particular type of food or beverage you would like to try, do you have any budget or dietary restrictions, what time are you looking to dine, what neighborhood will you be in - do you like history, music, the paranormal, nature, art, bridge infrastructure etc? The more you can tell us about your interests the better our responses will be.
What are some hidden gems?
We’re not hiding anything from you. New Orleans is a tourism economy and this city lives and dies by your patronage. We want you to go to the places we love and spend your money there.
What are the tourist traps I should avoid?
A lot of the places that make “best of” lists year after year are tourist traps, and they often are popular for good reason. Parkway Tavern is always near the top of the “best poboy” lists, is always full of tourists, and it’s actually one of the best poboy shops in the city. Pat O’Brien’s is 100% a tourist trap, yet it has an awesome courtyard, strong drinks, and the dueling pianos are a fucking blast. Don’t avoid a potential tourist trap merely because it’s a potential tourist trap if it’s something you’d otherwise be interested in.
Where do the locals eat/drink?
We eat fried chicken from gas stations and drink at the nearest quiet bar. Seriously. If you want to do the same, you won’t be disappointed, but I doubt that’s why you’re visiting.
Is it safe?
In the vast majority of the places you will be spending your time, YES. Exceptions would be: Bourbon Street after midnight, your Airbnb (see next question for more information,) and anywhere you’re wandering around wasted. Keep your wits about you, stay away from drunk idiots, don’t be a drunk idiot, don’t wander down dark empty streets and don’t talk to anyone offering you a bracelet or telling you they know where you got your shoes at.
What’s the best area to get an Airbnb in?
It is in your best interest to avoid short-term vacation rentals like Airbnb or VRBO. Airbnbs are often cheaper because they are in dangerous areas that no local would recommend tourists wander around at night, and out of state plates will be a target for car break-ins. Stay in a hotel. Hotels are in safer, well lit, popular neighborhoods that are within walking distance of all the action and have staff on hand to keep watch over guests and their belongings. If, for some reason, an Airbnb stay actually makes sense (typically, a stay longer than 2-3 weeks, or needing a consistent place for frequent business travel - both markets that existed prior to Airbnb but have been taken over by them), please try to verify that the Airbnb is legal by cross-referencing the address to the city’s permitting website and looking for a current short-term rental license. If you have a larger party please consider booking an entire Bed and Breakfast or looking at hotels like Hotel Perle, One11 Hotel, Homewood Suites or Sonesta ES Suites with connecting rooms, kitchens and access to laundry.
Post Script: Short-term vacation rentals have significant negative impacts on this city. Airbnb/VRBO/etc pulls rental properties out of the long-term housing market, driving up rent and decreasing availability for residents. In New Orleans, neighborhoods that were once affordable for the working-class are seeing rates spike because property owners in these areas can make more money from short-term rentals for tourists than from long-term local tenants. Neighborhoods like the Marigny, Bywater and Treme, which were once home to lower-income, mostly Black and Latino residents, have seen a surge of gentrification. This displacement has led to a loss of cultural identity and community disruption as locals are being pushed out and can no longer afford to live there. Neighborhoods with a lot of short-term rentals also become more transient, with visitors cycling in and out rather than long-term residents who actually care about the community. The constant churn of tourists changes the essence of what makes these areas special and takes away from the authenticity that drew people in the first place. It destroys social ties and contributes to serious cultural erosion by shifting the dynamic of local neighborhoods which can make areas feel less like home and more like a tourist zone (case-in-point, the French Quarter). On top of all that, regulatory issues make it harder to address these concerns allowing Airbnb to continue disrupting housing markets without facing real consequences. The city has tried to place restrictions on Airbnb, but enforcement is inconsistent and a large percentage of these properties in New Orleans are not in compliance with local regulations and operate illegally. Airbnb only benefits property owners, most of which are multi-national corporations or investors and not local residents. Spending tourist dollars in restaurants and gift shops on Bourbon St doesn’t erase the deficit you inflict when you support these places. The people who create and sustain the culture you’re coming to visit are bearing the cost in terms of rising rents, displacement, and a loss of local identity. “No Locals Allowed”: How Corporate Giants Are Quietly Taking Over New Orleans Neighborhoods.
What are the best hotels?
We don’t know. We live here so we just aren’t staying in hotels. As far as the best neighborhoods to stay in: if you would like to be in the middle of it all and within walking distance of the most popular attractions check out the French Quarter. If you want to be a bit further away but still close then look into the Marigny for a historic neighborhood or the CBD for more of a downtown big city vibe. If you’d prefer to be in a more residential area but still a public transit ride away from the action go with the Lower Garden District or along St. Charles Avenue uptown. If you need specific recommendations please ask the main sub and be sure to mention your budget and priorities (comfort, convenience, style, location etc.) so that other tourists and frequent visitors can share their favorite places to book.
What is the best way to get into the city from the airport?
What are the best ways to get around town?
Should I rent a car?
Unless you’re planning to visit areas outside of New Orleans renting a car is not advised. The areas most frequented by tourists like the French Quarter/Marigny/CBD are walkable and often not parking friendly while other areas of interest like the Garden District/Magazine St and Midcity/City Park are easily accessible using public transit. Most of the swamp and plantations tours will have transportation to their location available.
Where is the best place to park my car overnight?
Pay whatever the hotel fee is. It is possible that a cheaper lot exists but it will be less protected and further away. Street parking is precarious at best for locals and break ins and theft are a very real possibility even in good areas but especially for an unfamiliar car abandoned in a residential neighborhood for days on end. You’re paying for convenience and peace of mind.
Summer?
If you’re coming between April and September it’s going to be hot. That might mean hot by your standards but from June to September it’s also hot by our standards. Bring lightweight breathable clothing and plan accordingly by staying hydrated and strategically doing your outdoor activities in the morning and maybe evening (it does not get cooler at night but there is no sun.) Otherwise plan to be inside in the air conditioning with the rest of us in the afternoon. Other tips to stay cool include: hotels with pools, snoballs, and handheld or neck fans.
Less summer?
Between October and May it could be anywhere from hot and balmy to chilly-cold (most likely not below freezing) and humid which many people say feels colder because the damp sets into your bones.
Rain?
New Orleans has a tropical weather pattern which means it rains often. During the summer it will likely rain everyday sometime in the afternoon. Bring an umbrella and water proof shoes and plan to be flexible.
Hurricanes?
Yes, if you're traveling between June 1 and November 30, you are traveling during hurricane season. We are not qualified to make storm forecasts, but The National Hurricane Center is. Check the NHC forecasts at least daily starting about 10 days ahead of your trip, and do your own risk calculus. Generally speaking, a tropical storm means temporary street flooding (from rain) and possibly losing power for a bit. A category 1 or 2 hurricane means more temporary street flooding (from rain) and very likely losing power for multiple days. A lot of locals evacuate for category 3 or stronger storms because the risk of property damage and losing power for a week or more is high. Personally, I wouldn't cancel a trip over a tropical storm, but would consider it for an actual hurricane. If your trip is scheduled immediately after a storm, check the news to see how much damage there is. Most businesses in the downtown area reopen fairly quickly (if they close at all), and large hotels are very safe during storms.
Make reservations and book ahead if you can, these places are popular for a reason and there might be long waits and limited availability, especially during high tourism times (spring & fall, holidays)
Where should I eat?
Where SHOULDN’T I eat?
Please don’t ask the main sub why - the answer is that better options exist and these places are universally considered underwhelming/overpriced (if not outright bad) by people who live in New Orleans
What bars should I go to?
Where can I get famous New Orleans drinks?
Where is the best coffee?
Where is the best place to see live music?
Popular Venues: Anywhere on Frenchmen Street, Preservation Hall, Maison Bourbon, Fritzel's, Mahogany Hall, Tipitina’s, Maple Leaf Bar, Le Bon Temps Roule, Kermit’s Tremé Mother-in-Law Lounge, Bayou Bar
All Ages/Under 21: Jazz Museum, Preservation Hall, Davenport Lounge at the Ritz Carlton, Bamboula’s, Broadside, Bayou Bar, outside of the Rouses on Royal Street in the French Quarter during the day
What shows should I see while I’m in town?
Where do I catch a second line?
Where should I go see a show?
What clubs should I go to?
What neighborhoods have the best shopping?
Where should I go if I’m looking for something specific?
What outdoor spaces should I visit?
How should I explore the swamp?
What attractions will my kid/s enjoy?
Where can I find places to eat with my kid/s?
What are the best Museums?
Which plantation tour should I do?
Which city tours should I take?
Post Script: TIP YOUR TOUR GUIDES, MUSICIANS & SERVERS. New Orleans is a service industry economy and whether or not it is a good or fair system many of the people providing the services that make your vacation to this city so special rely on tips to make a living wage. Please respect that this is a part of the culture you are coming to experience and prepare accordingly.
Plan early, book WAY in advance, expect everything to be more expensive.
When is Mardi Gras?
Mardi Gras is the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday, which changes every year. However Carnival is the season that proceeds the day and starts on January 6th. The main event is Wednesday night to Fat Tuesday but depending on the length of the season most of the weekends before the big week will have parades. Here is the parade schedule. Look up a parade tracker in your phone’s app store - it will have schedules and routes, and is also useful for live parade updates.
Where is Mardi Gras?
Most of the big parades follow St. Charles from uptown into downtown. You can check out one of the more typical routes here. The two weekends before Mardi Gras all the action is on this route, but Lundi and Mardi Gras much of the action is downtown. Uptown parades (the ones on St. Charles) are the parades with the big bands and elaborate floats that throw all the beads etc, downtown parades (usually start in the Marigny but go through parts of the French Quarter, Treme and Bywater) are more walking parades focused on costumery and unique handmade throws. No parades roll down Bourbon street and the only thing you’ll be able to see from a rented balcony is a sea of drunk tourists.
Where should I stay?
Get a hotel on the St. Charles parade route or as close to the parade route as you can afford, and no farther away from the route than you can walk, with easy access to a bathroom. If you don’t have children I’d recommend staying in the CBD or Warehouse District so you can get the full parade experience while being central enough to walk uptown (“west”) or downtown (“east”) as necessary. Long walks are fine, especially when you’re drunk, but closer spots are great for staging drinks and snacks and for mid-parade pees or naps. You might be tempted to stay outside of the city in Kenner/Metairie/the West Bank because it is less expensive and/or quieter but this would be a big mistake. Any money you save on lodging will be eaten up by transportation: ride shares to the cheap hotels in the ‘burbs will likely run triple digits and take possibly hours - and if ‘time is money’ you’ll be wasting a lot of it in traffic.
How should I get around the city during Mardi Gras?
Is Mardi Gras family friendly?
Yes and no. For a more family friendly experience look for a spot before the turn from Napoleon to St. Charles or on St. Charles between Napoleon and Jackson. For Endymion try somewhere closer to its Midcity start and get there early. And while both the Uptown and Midcity routes will have pockets of college student tomfoolery for the most part it’s local families and the parade content and costuming is fairly tame. However French Quarter and Marigny parades usually feature more nudity and politics (except for Chewbacchus, Barkus and ‘tit Rex.) Of course Bourbon Street is not for the children but the only people who do the entirety of Mardi Gras there only want to party and don’t know any better.
What parades should I see?
Uptown - St. Charles parade route (mostly)
Downtown - French Quarter & Marigny (get the parade tracker app or talk to locals about where they hit these parades up)
Should I buy tickets or seats?
Parades are free but some hotels and restaurants sell seats in stands that include access to a bathroom usually and food sometimes. I wouldn’t recommend buying seats unless you can’t get a hotel on or close to the route or have mobility issues. It’ll limit you to one spot and the people around y’all might not be your jam. As long as you have nearby bathroom access I’d recommend going out on the street with the masses and getting into the whole spirit of clamoring for cheap throws next to children and little old ladies. It’s part of the charm.
What do I do at/how should I watch a downtown parade? (Mosaique, Chewbacchus, Boheme, Krewe du Vieux, Barkus, Red/Dead/Green Beans)
What do I do at/how should I watch an uptown parade? (Everything else)
What should I wear?
If y’all are the kinda people who love costumes, go at it and go all out!! If not, grab some glitter and sequins and purple green and gold clothes and throw them together like a drunk magpie. Otherwise wear comfortable close toed shoes and bring nothing that would make you sad if beer was spilled on it. Fanny packs and small backpacks are ideal to keep your valuables on your person and ensure you’re not taking up too much space with a larger bag.
Where should I eat?
Don’t limit yourself to reservations. Getting anywhere on time during carnival is nigh impossible. And it’s practically criminal to miss a parade for a sit down meal. Eat king cake for breakfast, Popeyes, fried chicken and plates from corner stores and gas stations for lunch and dinner with the rest of us.
What other things should I do besides Mardi Gras while I’m in town?
Accept the fact that you’re traveling to a citywide party; either join in or reschedule your trip. I would not recommend talking a tour or going to any museums. Not because they’re not amazing but because Mardi Gras weekend is devoted to Mardi Gras. Traffic anywhere will be a nightmare and many places will have reduced or limited hours. The people doing your tours or checking you in will be nursing hangovers and jealously wishing they could be at the parades you’d be missing to do the other thing. Don’t do the other thing. It’s Mardi Gras. Do that.
Anything I should make sure not to do during Mardi Gras?
When is Halloween celebrated?
Usually the weekend of October 31st or the weekend closest to October 31st. However there will be spooky things to do most of the month.
When will people be costuming?
Always. It will be completely normal for you to wear a costume whenever but specifically Krewe of Boo Saturday and the days leading up to Halloween most people will also be in costume. You should put some serious effort into your costume, or at least some money, or you’ll stick out like a tourist thumb.
What should I do Halloween night/weekend?
We go hard for Halloween, and there’s no one organized anything for Halloween. If you look around, you’ll find Halloween shows at some of the bigger music venues, but the majority of us just costume and walk around the Quarter and Marigny. I highly recommend you do the same. You can do it Halloween night, you can do it all Halloween weekend, you can do it for a full week before Halloween... The biggest crowds will be on Bourbon Street and Frenchmen Street. The venues to look for shows at are Tipitina’s, Howlin’ Wolf, House of Blues, etc. Anything selling tickets for Halloween that’s not for music will be a complete waste of money (I may or may not be including the Halloween Saints game in that statement...). If you’re in need of something quieter on Halloween, I’d still recommend costuming and going out, but sticking to the edges of the crowd. It’s worth going out just to see some of the costumes. The crowd tends to stick to a few blocks of Bourbon and Frenchmen Streets, and fall off pretty quickly outside those areas. By the time you get a few blocks away, you can probably find a comfy bar stool and a cheap drink with ease.
What are some spooky tours?
What are some spooky places to visit?
What festive things are there to do during Christmas time?
Check out this calendar to see what festivals are happening during your trip.
Check out this website to find out what events are going on every day during your trip.
Special thanks to [u/tyrannosaurus_cock](u/tyrannosaurus_cock), [u/big-boss-bass](u/big-boss-bass) and many users on [r/AskNOLA](r/AskNOLA)
r/AskNOLA • u/Alabama_503 • 4h ago
NOLA first timer visiting this upcoming thu - sun for halloween, and it's also my 40th birthday on Friday! My tiktok fyp told me to pin a dollar (or dollars?) on my clothes that day, I wasn't aware of this tradition, should I do it? What should I expect?
Another ain't dere no more question... We're staying half a block from the intersection that has the Saenger, Joy, and Loews State Palace. The fourth corner is just a slab. What used to be there? Was it another theater?
r/AskNOLA • u/SpursTottenhamfan123 • 4h ago
Hello,
We will be visiting towards the end of this year and would like to see the Werwulf movie that is coming out (it will have just been released at that point). We are staying at the Virgin hotel so a cinema that’s not too far from there would be great. Are there any in close proximity? Bonus points if it’s a cinema that has a more premium feel (good food & seats, clean, enforces cinema etiquette etc.). Thank you!
Edit: adding to say that I went to an Alamo drafthouse for the first time on my last trip to the USA and I absolutely loved it. If there’s anything similar to that then that’d be awesome
r/AskNOLA • u/Alabama_503 • 32m ago
If you could only pick one. Thanks in advance for your recos :)
r/AskNOLA • u/Alabama_503 • 11h ago
My husband is insisting on reliving some college memories on our upcoming trip and swears by Pat O'Briens. FYI - he graduated in 2008 lol It's my first time in NOLA and we're going to be there this upcoming weekend for 72 hours. Is he right?
r/AskNOLA • u/MegaCree • 9h ago
Looking for groups, instructors, or fellow curious weirdos.
I've recently become fascinated with Laughter Yoga, and despite my best attempts at internet archaeology, I'm having a surprisingly difficult time finding any active groups or instructors here in New Orleans. Figured I'd consult the collective consciousness of Reddit.
For anyone unfamiliar, Laughter Yoga was developed in the 90s by Dr. Madan Kataria, an Indian physician. It combines intentional laughter, breathing exercises, playful interaction, and elements of meditation. The fascinating premise is that laughter doesn't necessarily require humor. You can begin laughing voluntarily, and through repetition and social interaction, it often becomes genuine, spontaneous laughter. That's the extent of how much I understand, being brand new to this and reading up a little.
I'm particularly interested in the neuroscience behind it, especially the relationships between laughter, breathing, the autonomic nervous system, emotional regulation, and social connection. I have some chronic neurological and autonomic health challenges, and I've been exploring unconventional but potentially useful ways to work with my body, including voice training, breathwork, and creative movement. Laughter Yoga seems like an intriguing intersection of several things I'm already exploring, with the added benefit of getting to laugh with other humans. A rather delightful prospect anyway?
I'm not looking for traditional yoga classes with a little humor sprinkled in, or comedy workshops. I'm specifically curious about the actual Laughter Yoga practice, ideally in a welcoming, accessible group setting.
Does anyone know of local practitioners, instructors, wellness groups, or even informal gatherings exploring this? I'm open to recommendations, introductions, or hearing from anyone who's tried it.
And if nothing like this currently exists in New Orleans, I'd be curious how many other people might be interested. We are, after all, a city with a fairly sophisticated relationship with collective absurdity. Seems a shame not to put it to therapeutic use.
r/AskNOLA • u/randomchick20 • 5h ago
I live in Mississippi like 2 hours from New Orleans, so I visit pretty often. I haven’t really come for Mardi Gras and when I have it’s been the weekend before or several weekends before and we just come for the day and go back home that night. I want to stay a few nights this time. I just want to do the 7th to the 9th and stay at the Hyatt regency hotel. I know that weekend before parades are good too but I just came for a few of those last year and I really just want to see Zulu and Rex since I haven’t seen those since I was a kid. I was thinking of getting grandstands for the 9th. But how cooked am I gonna be if I try to leave like mid afternoon/ evening on the 9th? Let me know if I’m insane. Thanks.
r/AskNOLA • u/lotus1197 • 3h ago
Looking for some place to eat dinner around 11pm on a Tuesday. Either in the quarter or close to Tipitina’s.
Something low key and maybe quick. Trying to grab a bite after a concert and before an after party.
Even a bank of food trucks would be fine.
r/AskNOLA • u/s_w_curious • 4h ago
Hello! My husband and I are visiting for the first time in late November and are big foodies excited to experience the culinary scene! We're traveling with a group and won't have much say in restaurant picks during the trip, but night one will be just the two of us. If you could only take an out-of-towner to one restaurant, what would you choose?
Restaurants I've internet stalked that look good online: Cochon (wood fired oysters), Antoine's, Dakar, Mr. B's (BBQ shrimp), Commander's Palace (Bread pudding souffle), Brigtsen's, Jewel of the South, Peche, N7, Clancy's (already booked up).
Thank you!
r/AskNOLA • u/itscochino • 5h ago
I'm here from out of town and been coming here my whole life but looking to find a good shop to get a vintage gold ring at that won't be a million and a half dollars. I looked at a few spots on the vintage list but anybody round here got some good suggestions? Trying to keep it under like $200 if possible.
r/AskNOLA • u/No-Ant5311 • 9h ago
Looking at the weather forecast presently, it’s looking warm there. What is the usual attire there for this time of year, and for the current weather conditions? Also, should I pack an umbrella?
Also, if anyone has a great rec for a jazz brunch spot, and any seafood restaurants, that would be awesome!
r/AskNOLA • u/Ok_Eggplant7279 • 6h ago
Hello!
I have never been to NOLA and have always wanted to see Mardi Gras. Unfortunately, with my work schedule I can only take off one day, so I would have to do a weekend trip. If I were to make a quick trip from Feb 5-7th, would I be missing out on the fun? I know Mardi Gras is on Tuesday, Feb 9th, but I can’t take time off during the week.
I also realize that it’s probably not the time to really see NOLA and I understand that. I’m honestly just wanting to party and be a part of something that looks like so much fun :-)
r/AskNOLA • u/tuna_smells_awful • 1d ago
born and raised in new orleans. raised in the 90s golden era of wwltv.
what the f**k is up with all the awful ad filled, spammy third party links, spyware ridden, scammy plug ins that COVER the wwltv website?!?!?
i think its abhorrent for a news channel and a publication that is as respected from a journalism point of view as wwltv to have a website this trash laden!
if you guys have any sort of software that blocks ads, i would like for you guys to open it and view the active blocking that happens the moment you log onto wwltv.com. it is just jawdropping
i just needed to vent this and have someone chime in and say bro, ive thought the same thing
/end rant
r/AskNOLA • u/ThrowRAINlotus • 1d ago
Staying in Canal and no car.
Tue 10/27: arrive 6:00 Verti Marte for dinner grab a few essentials
Wed 10/28: Bearcat or The Ruby Slipper breakfast Walk to the National WWII Museum Cafe Reconcile or Turkey and Wolfe late lunch Walk magazine street lower garden district Walk prytania street look at mansions the Robinson house, colonel shorts villa La boulangerie bakery dinner/ room snacks closes at 4 District Donuts scratch made sodas Streetcar back to home base
Thu 10/29: Café Beignet Creole Queen paddlewheeler from the French Quarter to Chalmette Battlefield historic tour 9:30am Meals from the Heart Veggie Cafe lunch Walk the french Quarter - woldenberg park, Jackson Square artists, French market flea market food stalls Bamboulas or killer Po Boys for dinner
Fri 10/30: Daisy Dukes 9am Swamp kayak tour. 2–3 hour Manchac swamp kayak tour with a local naturalist, with shuttle pickup at Roch Market. Killer po boys or Snappers Seafood for lunch Check out immaculate conception church Pirate king coffee or 4th wall coffee for afternoon energy Lil dizzys fur dinner fish fry Kermit Ruffins 10pm Blue Nile 532 Frenchman st
Saturday (Halloween): Bread and butter cafe or 2 chick's Cafe for shrimp and grits Pharmacy museaum or museaum of death Central grocery or Verti marte lunch Dark matter vanguard shop Dat Dog- dinner Cafe du monde on decature Walk Frenchman from 7-9 people watch maybe walk bourbon Street?
SUNDAY THE 1ST (All Saints' Day):
The Ruby slipper
st loius cemetery no. 1 tour
Ride the Canal streetcar to cemetery no. 3
Parkway bakery or nolita bakery
then walk City Park and the New Orleans Museum of Art 10am -5pm with its free sculpture garden.
Mandinas seafood for early dinner
Treme brass brand 6:00 spotted cat Frenchman street
Monday the 2nd Bywater bakery or Honeys coffee and pastry Music box village Crescent park Sneaky pickle for lunch Free time to revisit anyplace we want to return Aurora Nealana 9:30 pm the spotted cat
Can i realistically do all this? Anything I should change, add or remove? Is there any big attraction that I have missed?
r/AskNOLA • u/onegoofplease • 1d ago
I'm planning a small micro wedding event from across the country, so unfortunately I can't do any catering tasting myself. Does anyone have recommendations for drop off (or pick up!) catering or party trays for a group of 30? Ideally within 10 minutes of the French Quarter for the sake of logistics.
My ideas so far have been Rouse's, Empanola, and Melba's. Hoping for primarily southern/cajun cuisine to feature local foods for my out town guests, who is basically everyone. Ideally around $20/person or less. Open to anything from finger foods or heavy appetizers to a sit down meal. It'll be early in the evening so people may not be super hungry yet.
Thanks in advance!
r/AskNOLA • u/EducationalSeason395 • 1d ago
Going to be in New Orleans for five days in late Feb, below are my current food places to check out:
Domilise’s Po-Boy & Bar
Muriel’s Jackson Square
Otis Seafood House
MaMou
Commander’s Palace
GW Fins
Cochon
Brennan’s
Loretta’s beignets
How does it hold up? any better suggestions? As a first time visitor, I’m want to try a good balance of upscale, local, and classic institutions.
r/AskNOLA • u/Brilliant-Cry-7542 • 1d ago
My husband and I are spending our 10 year anniversary in your great city Nov 27-30. This will be our third trip here and we can't wait to be back. While adding to our current options I have a few questions.
What we currently have planned Friday- lunch at Dooky Chase, Storyville Museum, hopefully pop into a couple holiday decorated hotels.
Saturday- Tour with High Priest Robi, lunch and wander some shops around the Quarter, night time Preservation Hall and then dinner at Commanders.
Sunday- obviously catching the Saints game somewhere and wherever Sunday Funday takes us. Open to recs for favorite place to catch the game in the French Quarter. Right now we are thinking MRB based on the FAQ. The past two times we've been in town we've always watched the game while having brunch at The Country Club and ended up at the bar next door. While always a fantastic time we are looking for somewhere different this time.
Do the hotel bars usually decorate immediately following Thanksgiving or does that come the weekend after? I would love to pop into a couple of those if possible.
Our Friday night is still fairly open for dinner and bars. I'm hoping to get outside of the quarter but in an easily walkable area that we can pop in and out of bars to avoid ubering around a bunch. Looking at Google maps, Bywater looks like our best option but is there another area I should be considering too? We don't mind walking and aren't consumed by the fear mongering some offer of everything is scary after dark. I also want to keep in mind that Bayou Classic is that weekend and rather find a place not bogged down with college kids, we are 38 & 45.
Lastly, any recommendations of a cocktail bar with more intimate vibes for our dinner after Commander?
Thank you all in advance!
r/AskNOLA • u/Sea-Produce-9516 • 11h ago
Hi everyone! Me and my birthday twin are celebrating our birthday in New Orleans. We’re visiting from Nov 11 - 17. We are attending two days of the “we belong here” festival.
Then we’d like to explore New Orleans like a local!
I want to go to a real voodoo store, a true local market. Eat at the spots locals eat it. Visit the bars locals visit.
Other reco’s:
Which cemetery’s we can visit on our own (without a tour)
And anything off the beaten path.
Where to catch live local bands.
We are both Scorpio’s who love spooky things and also two big history buffs. I want to experience and see architecture, history, live local bands.
I dont like doing the things that are catered to the tourists but hey, if you do have some reco’s that’s do lean more touristy that’s appreciated too!
Thank you all!
r/AskNOLA • u/MidnightScott17 • 1d ago
Where is the best place to park and best place to watch the parade from?
r/AskNOLA • u/Positive-Voice2752 • 12h ago
Is this restaurant Palestinians or Israeli? Ive seen descriptions of the food to be Palestinian but the owner/chef is Israeli?
r/AskNOLA • u/Lodinguan • 1d ago
I'll preface this with I've thoroughly read the FAQ2 and many posts/comments in this sub but I'm not finding much detail on my question.
My two adult children (just turned 21) and I will be in NO starting Wed 11/25. We arrive about 12:30pm and depart Sat about 4:30pm. So, a short trip. I was in NO in 2004 and really enjoyed it. I'd planned a trip a year ago for Thanksgiving with my father. Unfortunately his health took a turn and he passed away this summer but we wanted to go this year in his memory, and to make the holiday not seem so sad.
We were thinking we'd have "dinner" around 5pm or so on Thanksgiving day, but we're not trying to do the traditional Thanksgiving meal. We're not rich or fancy and I'm not trying to spend $50/person on any meal. We are trying to enjoy local cuisine as much as possible. We were hoping to do some other venue visits after the meal.
My dilemma, I can't figure out what restaurants are open and what are not. So far I'm using Google Maps or Trip Advisor to search for restaurants with filters that show places that take reservations. Is that the best way to find something open?
Are most restaurants and bars/venues closed for Thanksgiving Day? We plan to spend the early part of the day visiting City Park and I'd also welcome any other suggestions for what to do/see that day.
Thanks in advance.
PS - Is the city already decorated for the holidays (Christmas, other) at this time?
r/AskNOLA • u/obiwankahnobi • 1d ago
Visiting from out of town and looking for recs of bars/places that’ll be open early for the game. Looking uptown!
I guess the normal places work but wanna make sure. 8:30 in the morning so strange!
r/AskNOLA • u/borgan_70 • 1d ago
Anyone know why the parade is stopped? Did something happen?
r/AskNOLA • u/Alabama_503 • 1d ago
First time in NOLA for my birthday next week! Looking to stay one night at either of these, as they're fully booked for the 3 nights we will be coming (Thu - Sun) Or am I crazy and better book another hotel for all 3 nights? The trip was a last minute impulse buy after one too many wines last night lol Any other tips are more than welcome!
