Kelly’s Guide to NOLA

Kelly
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!
130 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Marigny
130 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
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.
73 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Mid-City
73 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
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.
790 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
French Quarter
790 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
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.
656 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Frenchmen Street
656 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
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!
106 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Bywater
106 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
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.
260 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Garden District
260 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
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.
63 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Tremé / Lafitte
63 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
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.
14 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Pirogues
2565 Bayou Rd
14 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
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.
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.
98 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Mid City Yacht Club
440 S St Patrick St
98 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
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.
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 :)
356 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Bayou Beer Garden
326 N Norman C Francis Parkway
356 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
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 :)
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!
221 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Finn McCool's Irish Pub
3701 Banks St
221 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
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!
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.
51 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Erin Rose
811 Conti St
51 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
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.
Home of the Bacon Happy Hour. Need I say anything more?
35 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Orleans Grapevine Wine Bar & Bistro
720 Orleans St
35 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Home 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?
839 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Bacchanal Fine Wine & Spirits
600 Poland Ave
839 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
An 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!
72 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Parleaux Beer Lab
634 Lesseps St
72 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
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!
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!
96 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Second Line Brewing
433 N Bernadotte St
96 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
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!
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.
140 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
NOLA Brewing Co.
3033 Tchoupitoulas St
140 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
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.
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.
85 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Urban South Brewery
1645 Tchoupitoulas St
85 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
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.
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!
33 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
SoBou
310 Chartres Street
33 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
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!

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!
234 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Pagoda Café
1430 N Dorgenois St
234 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
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!
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!
86 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Cafe Du Monde City Park
56 Dreyfous Dr
86 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
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!
My favorite local coffee chain - hands down! You cannot go wrong @ French Truck.
184 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
French Truck Coffee
1200 Magazine St
184 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
My 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!
34 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
LAMARA COFFEE & KITCHEN
1300 N Broad St
34 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
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!

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!
675 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Mimi's In the Marigny
2600 Chartres Street
675 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
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!
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.
250 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Dooky Chase Restaurant
2301 Orleans Ave
250 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
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.
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.
180 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Toast
1845 Gentilly Boulevard
180 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
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.
Great meals, great drinks, great desserts, great ambiance, & even better service.
314 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Cafe Degas
3127 Esplanade Ave
314 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Great 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.
191 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Buffa's
1001 Esplanade Ave
191 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
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.
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!
19 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Juan's Flying Burrito - CBD
515 Baronne Street
19 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
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!
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.
451 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Country Club
634 Louisa Street
451 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
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.
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!
199 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Mandina's Restaurant
3800 Canal St
199 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
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!
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!
115 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Cafe Amelie
900 Royal St
115 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
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!
Voted the Best Hotel Restaurant in 2019 by USA Today & home to the Mile High Pie. Order dessert - it'll change your life!
37 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Jack Rose
2031 St Charles Ave
37 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Voted 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.
40 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Degas House
2306 Esplanade Ave
40 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
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.
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.
31 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Museum of the Free People of Color
2336 Esplanade Ave
31 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
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.
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.
1516 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
City Park
1 Palm Dr
1516 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
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.
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!
10 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots
1751 Gentilly Boulevard
10 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
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!
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!
106 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
St. Louis Cathedral
615 Pere Antoine Alley
106 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
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!
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!
804 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
El Museo Nacional de la Segunda Guerra Mundial
945 Magazine St
804 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
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!
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.
66 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Studio Be
2941 Royal St
66 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
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.

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!
181 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Blue Nile
532 Frenchmen St
181 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
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!
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.
387 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
d.b.a.
618 Frenchmen St
387 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
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.
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.
384 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Maple Leaf Bar
8316 Oak St
384 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
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.
A tiny & intimate music room that hosts one of my personal favorites, The Iguanas. They typically perform every Wednesday while in town!
49 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Circle Bar
1032 St Charles Ave
49 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
A tiny & intimate music room that hosts one of my personal favorites, The Iguanas. They typically perform every Wednesday while in town!