Things To Do
Basin Seafood and Spirits
A great spot for brunch on Magazine St! Local NOLA inspired cuisine with seafood, poboys and even to-go Mimosas, or "To-Go-Sas" if you will.
Humble Bagel
Another spot to make the northeasterner's feel right at home- this bagel spot was created by East Coast transplants and is a fixture of the uptown Freret neighborhood. Colleen lived a short walk from here during medical school, and it was always a favorite spot for bagels, iced coffee, and, of course, La Croix.
La Boulangerie
A great breakfast and brunch spot uptown on Magazine St with fresh pastries and coffee- easy for grab and go!
Stein's Market and Deli
For our Philly/Mid-Atlantic guests, you'll feel right at home in this classic Jewish-Style Deli on Magazine St. Dan Stein, the owner, brings all the attitude of the City of Brotherly Love to the south. Great spot for bagels, sandwiches and even a black and white cookie. Great for vegetarians and meat lovers alike. For all "Queer Eye" fans, check out Season 7 Episode 5 to see the Fab 5 makeover Dan Stein!
Willa Jean
Excellent spot in the central business district for either a sit down breakfast/brunch or grab and go pastries and coffee. Short rib, Cheese grits, cornbread and homemade chocolate chip cookies make this a winning spot
Blue Oak BBQ
Delicious BBQ spot in Mid City. Brisket, pulled pork, sausage, cole slaw, tangy mac n cheese, and more. They have both indoor and outdoor seating, and are a short walk from the banks of Bayou St. Jean. Vegetarians don't despair- Colleen probably went to Blue Oak more often with her vegetarian friends than anyone else while she lived in NOLA. They have great sides!
Creole Creamery
Excellent spot for ice cream just off of Prytania St. uptown. The Creole Creamery has a rotation of unique and seasonal flavors- including dairy-free options!
Cafe Abyssinia
Tucked away on Magazine St- this BYOB Ethiopian restaurant is a hidden gem. The vegetarian platter is excellent and can easily be shared between 3-4 people. They also have great meat dishes as well.
Juan's Flying Burrito - LGD
Affordable and delicious Tex-Mex inspired food. (For our Texans, please note that this is NOT authentic Tex-Mex, but it's a great spot for guac and queso!). Has an extensive vegetarian menu and beans can be made vegetarian in all dishes. One of Doug's favorite spots- he even has a running bet with some of Colleen's medical school friends about how many times he will go Juan's for a burrito during any given trip to New Orleans. (The above picture was taken mere minutes before Doug disappeared for a sneaky Juan's trip during a Mardi Gras parade!)
Phở Tầu Bay Restaurant
New Orleans is home to a large Vietnamese population, making this a spot for excellent Pho, Banh Mi, and more. Pho Tau Bay is just one of a number of great spots, but its proximity to the Tulane School of Medicine and the historic Charity Hospital made it a favorite spot to stop for lunch between exams and MPH classes while Colleen was in med school. It has vegetarian options for spring rolls, pho, and banh mi!
St. James Cheese Company - Uptown
Incredible spot to enjoy a charcuterie board and a glass of wine, or get an arugula salad and some of the best mac n' cheese Colleen's ever had for lunch. (It's a fun, light parmesean and white cheese mac n cheese- if you wan't a classic cheddar southern mac n chese, check out The Joint in the Bywater!) It's just down the street from Creole Creamery!
St. Roch Market
Check out this classic food hall in the Bywater that has a little something for everyone. It has coffee, oysters, Burmese food, Cuban food, Cajun classics, Egyptian/Mediterranean food, Poke and sushi, tacos and more!
Apolline
A great spot for dinner, cocktails or brunch! New Orleans classics with a modern twist including chicken and waffles, oysters, etc. Colleen had the best shrimp and grits to date here so it's worth checking out for a great meal! Reservations are recommended
Commander's Palace
For an upscale dining experience in the garden district, look no further than Commander's Palace! They have excellent food and drinks, and their weekday lunch special (with $0.25 martinis...) is an affordable option! They have classic southern dishes to give you a taste of New Orleans. Doug and Colleen have been here twice and it's always an amazing time. It's across from Lafayette Cemetery and close to magazine street if you want to explore the area before/after. (Reservations are required, and check the dress code before you go.)
Domenica
Domenica is located in the historic Roosevelt Hotel in downtown New Orleans. Delicious pizza and Italian food with vegetarian options. Pro Tip: they have a daily happy hour from 3-5pm with half off certain drinks AND pizzas. The picture above was taken in the Roosevelt Lobby on our way to Domenica happy hour in our Mardi Gras finest!
Shaya
Doug and Colleen have been here twice and it's definitely a favorite from Colleen's time in medical school as well. Alon Shaya created this restaurant and sister restaurant Saba (also excellent!) to bring modern Israeli cuisine to New Orleans. Colleen found Alon Shaya's recipe for the curried cauliflower hummus online, but it never quite lived up to the real thing. Great vegetarian options with hummus, pita, baba ganoush, fried halloumi etc. But if you're in the mood for lamb, salmon, chicken, etc. you're also in luck. They have a cute patio at both locations and great wine selections. Reservations are recommended but you may be able to walk in if you opt to sit at the bar!
Superior Seafood & Oyster Bar
An uptown classic on the corner of Napoleon and St. Charles. It has the white tablecloth dining experience, but in a more affordable way! Their frozen french 75 drink is an excellent "to geaux" option (But be cautious-some would argue that "one's not enough and two is too many"). They can accommodate large parties with a little bit of notice well, as the restaurant is quite spacious. (They successfully bumped a "party of 12" to a "party of 18" once in medical school.) They have great seafood and Nola classics. (Colleen always gets the "Salmon Lafitte") and it's always a good time! Reservations recommended, but if you're willing to be patient you can walk in and grab a drink at the bar while you wait. (However, it's not the best for vegetarians.)
The Rum House
When Colleen moved to NOLA she received the humorous advice to "think of New Orleans as the northernmost Caribbean city instead of a US city, and it'll make everything make a lot more sense." There is absolutely some truth to this statement as New Orleans is home to Caribbean culture, food, and flair. The Rum House was a favorite during medical school. It can accommodate large parties, has great drinks, and fun Caribbean food!
Bacchanal Fine Wine & Spirits
Fantastic wine garden hidden in the Bywater. This garden hosts a live band every day, so this is a great spot for wine (or a cocktail), a charcuterie board, and local NOLA flair. (Vegetarian snack options available as well). There is an upstairs section with air conditioning if weather isn't cooperating. They host FREE wine tasting every Wednesday! Unfortunately, dogs and kids are not allowed due to the liquor license at the facility, and please bring your ID. The pic above is of Doug and Colleen enjoying rose in the garden on a spring day in 2022.
The Bulldog, Uptown
For a beer enthusiast, don't miss the patio at The Bulldog on Magazine St. They have an extensive craft beer selection on draft featuring NOLA breweries such as Abita, Urban South, Zony Mash, NOLA Brew, and more. On Wednesday nights, you can grab a pint at "pint night" and they let you keep a fun signature glass.
The Country Club
Don't let the name fool you- this place has nothing to do with golf, and you don't need an exclusive membership. The Country Club is a bar/restaurant/pool in the Bywater with great southern cuisine. On Saturdays and Sundays it has Drag Brunch- but you'll have to make a reservation ahead of time. If you're looking to beat the heat, the pool/bar/lounge is accessible for a $20 day pass, and has a poolside bar with snacks and drinks to enjoy.
Pat O'Brien's
A French Quarter classic- head to Pat O'Brien's to explore the courtyard, indoor bar, and try a hurricane if you're feeling brave. The highlight of Pat O'Brien's is the dueling piano bar, with talented pianists who create revelry one classic at a time. The piano bar has air conditioning so it's great day or night.
The Tchoup Yard
The Tchoup Yard is a fun outdoor spot in the Irish Channel. It has frozen drinks (frose, bushwacker, frozen margs) and great bar food. (Colleen's favorite are the Tatchos). With mostly outdoor space, it feels like a backyard party. Sit at a picnic table, play cornhole, or even watch a game. There is also an indoor area with air conditioning. Nola Vibe Yoga also hosts yoga here if you want to unwind with Down Dog and Frose!
Audubon Park
An uptown oasis, this large city park offers shaded strolls through the oak trees, a zoo, several playgrounds, and a golf course. The Fly is a grassy area overlooking this Mississippi, and perfect for a sunset picnic. Fun fact, Colleen and Doug had planned to watch the sunset at "The Fly" on what would have been their engagement night- if only the ring had come in time. Plan B ended up being just as magical!
Audubon Zoo
Audubon Zoo- Located uptown in Audubon Park. Check out "Cool Zoo" during the summer months- a mini waterpark located inside the zoo with a lazy river and an alligator waterslide!
Cajun Encounters Tour Company
There are a number of tour companies who do swamp tours, but a swamp tour is definitely a unique experience you won't forget. take an air boat or pontoon boat out on the swamp and learn about the wildlife, hear Cajun lore, and even feed the gators (they eat marshmallows). Many tour companies have shuttle busses that can come pick you up as well.
Mardi Gras World
The Blaine Kern Studio that has made Mardi Gras floats since 1932 is open to the public as a museum. It's a perfect rainy day/air-conditioned activity for the whole family. See how Mardi Gras floats are made, and learn about this history of Kern Studios and Mardi Gras!
Music Box Village
"An ongoing experiment in musical architecture", this interactive exhibit is low cost and great for both actual children and your inner-child. The garden space has a very fun playground feel to it, with the ability to play music and make noise. The space often has artist vendors, and Colleen bought one of the paintings in her and Doug's apartment here. Check the website for up to date hours! Proceeds support the New Orleans Airlift, an organization that upholds the muscian and art community.
Barataria Preserve Visitor Center
Over 26,000 acres of Louisiana wetlands with hiking trails and a visit center to learn more about Louisiana wildlife. A fun spot to explore the outdoors. It can take 1-3 hours to hike depending on how long you want to explore. Beware- there may be alligators visible from the trail!
Bayou Paddlesports
Beat the heat with a kayak or paddle boarding day out on Bayou St Jean. Kayaks and paddleboards are available for rent for a small fee and it's a fun way to explore the Bayou St. Jean area! The pic above is Colleen trying her hand at some paddleboard yoga in the Bayou
Fontainebleau State Park
Fountainbleau is a fun day-trip from NOLA worth renting a car for. Cross the record-breaking bridge over Lake Ponchartrain to explore the north shore. Fountainbleau state park has hiking trails, camp sites, and even a nice sand beach on the lake, all available for a nominal day-use fee.
Nola Vibe Yoga
Nola Vibe Yoga is a great, affordable, high energy yoga class that can be found in different locations throughout the city. They host classes in City Park, in an old Church at Hotel Peter and Paul, and at Tchoup yard. You pay a small fee to drop in, bring your own mat or towel, and enjoy a fun energy with fun people. It's an all levels class so be sure to check it out!
The National WWII Museum
The NOLA World War II Museum- a place for all dads/WWII enthusiasts to spend an air-conditioned afternoon. It has a separate exhibit for the Pacific vs European theater and is very well done! Worth checking out.
Preservation Hall
A fantastic spot to enjoy NOLA Jazz. It's a no-frills experience- no bathroom, no bar, no food, just music made by extremely talented jazz musicians. You won't need anything else! You can reserve tickets for shows online ahead of time as space in the theater is limited. It will make a jazz fan out of a non-jazz enthusiast, and for jazz lovers, it's a can't-miss!
The Spotted Cat Music Club
A NOLA Jazz club on Frenchmen Street that is the home to a number of classic New Orleans jazz bands, like the Cottonmouth Kings. There are a number of Jazz clubs and art markets to check out, so after you see a band here, feel free to stroll up and down Frenchmen. (Many of the bars on Frenchmen have a $5-$10 cover to help support their bands, so bring some cash!)
Tipitina's
Tipitina's is an uptown music venue on Tchoupitoulas and Napoleon. It has several floors, bars and dancing. From "Taylor Swift Themed Dance Party" to local jazz, zydeco, and blues artists, to our very own Queen Diva: Big Freedia, the lineup never disappoints. This is more of a "concert venue" than a bar, so tickets/cover can be more expensive than what you'd see on Frenchmen, but it's always a fun time!