Allison & Michael
NOLA Recommendations
Pat O'Brien's
This is one of our favorite bars in the city. Stop by to enjoy hurricanes in the courtyard, and then pop into the piano bar to check out the famous dueling pianos. We will be here the Thursday night before our wedding. If you're in town - please join us!
Bacchanal Fine Wine & Spirits
Off the beaten path, Bacchanal is one of the more unique places to eat and drink in the city. Grab a couple of bottles of wine and cheeses from the shop, and sit outside for live music all day. We recommend going early - it gets crowded!
Frenchmen Street
Often called the locals' Bourbon Street, Frenchmen street is lined with bars offering live music every night of the week. We love d.b.a. (other location in the East Village of NYC!) and Blue Nile, but any spot will be a good time.
Cochon
Cochon - awesome oysters, great vibe, and fun bar (vegetarians beware - very meat focused! Check out its sister restaurant, Peche, for delicious oysters, seafood, and cocktails)
Parkway Bakery & Tavern
our favorite po' boys in the city. Make sure to get the surf & turf + gravy fries. Pro tip - sit at the bar and avoid the long line!
Galatoires
A New Orleans institution, this place is perfect for lunch or dinner, but is famous for its iconic Friday lunch (downstairs only and no reservations). Reservations recommended for dinner.
French Truck Coffee
This is our favorite coffee in New Orleans, known for their "New Orleans style" iced coffee. Grab coffee from here and then walk around the garden district to check out all the shops and historic homes. Fun fact: we get this coffee shipped to us at home in New York monthly, and rarely drink anything else.
Commander's Palace
Commander's Palace is one of our favorite restaurants in the city, known for their jazz brunch, martini lunch, and a fabulous dinner. Reservations and Jacket required. Fun fact: This is the first restaurant we ate at in New Orleans together, in 2017.
Jacques-Imo's
An excellent place for casual group dining with real, delicious New Orleans food. Located in Uptown New Orleans near Tulane, this is on the other side of town from our events and recommended lodging. If you choose to dine here, go early - they don't take reservations! Grab a drink at Oak while you wait.
Domenica
Amazing Italian in the beautiful Roosevelt Hotel should you tire of the creole cuisine. Recommended for dinner, and very accommodating for large parties. Reservations accepted and recommended!
Bywater Brew Pub
Owned and operated by our great friend Dylan Laventhal and his dad, stop by here for some excellent viet-cajun food (we love the crawfish etouffee nachos) and delicious local beers! Stop by Crescent Park before or after for a nice view of the Mississippi River and the New Orleans skyline.
Barrel Proof
A great neighborhood bar in the lower garden district specializing in whiskey that also has a great beer list. Don't miss happy hour - $5 old fashioneds.
Atchafalaya
Best known for their lively brunch with a bloody mary bar and live music, Atchafalaya serves some of the best food in the city. Pro tip: they offer brunch starting Thursday for those in town early and hoping to avoid the weekend rush!
GW Fins
One of the best places for seafood in the city! A great option for dinner. Reservations required. About 1 block from Hotel Monteleone as well as our welcome party.
District Donuts Sliders Brew
A 10 minute walk from the Pontchartrain Hotel, District Donuts has awesome coffee, delicious donuts, and the hangover breakfast sandwich of your dreams. If you don't make it during breakfast hours (until 11AM), their lunch sliders are equally tasty.
The Avenue Pub
Excellent neighborhood bar with an exceptional beer list, a second floor balcony, and some of the best late night food around. A 5 block walk from The Pontchartrain Hotel, this bar is always a great place to both start and end your night.
Cafe Du Monde French Market
Famous for a reason! Be sure to go to the French quarter location and get an order of beignets and a cafe au lait. Pro tip: avoid the long dine-in line and hit the takeout window, and enjoy your beignets and coffee on a bench overlooking Jackson Square or the river next door. Or avoid the line by going after a night out in the quarter - Cafe Du Monde is open 24/7!
The Tchoup Yard
Lively outdoor bar with large yard, cornhole, food trucks, and more! Awesome place for groups and great anytime of day or night.
Arnaud's
Another classic New Orleans establishment in the French Quarter. Jackets preferred.
Herbsaint
A great option for an upscale lunch or dinner, in the nearby warehouse district. Sit outside and watch the streetcar go by.