Things To Do
Antoine's Restaurant
Antoine’s Restaurant is a true New Orleans Fine Dining experience. Emily's family has their annual Christmas Eve lunch at Antoine's. This Christmas Eve lunch will sometimes go on for hours with many rounds of cocktails. Brian joined this family tradition and it is something they look forward to every New Orleans Christmas. Reservations are recommended and the dress code is business casual. Jackets and collared shirts are strongly suggested for gentlemen. If you are not able to get a reservation at Antoine's some of our other Fine Dining recommendations include: Arnaud's, Galatoire's, Commander's Palace, and Brennan's
Crawfish at Bayou Beer Garden
If you want to try some authentic New Orleans crawfish, head over to Bayou Beer Garden in Mid City. Emily showed Brian the ropes on peeling crawfish here. It's been a mandatory stop during crawfish season ever since. Bayou Beer Garden offers plenty of choices when it comes to beer, and is also connected to the Wine Garden. They boil crawfish Tuesday – Friday 3pm-til and Saturday & Sunday 1pm-til. Make sure you bring cash.
Port of Call
Emily took Brian here on his first trip to New Orleans. It quickly became one of our favorite spots. Port of Call is known for massive burgers, loaded baked potatoes, and the notorious monsoon (1 per person...Brian learned this the hard way). After you're done, walk over to Frenchmen Street and enjoy some live music.
Frenchmen Street
Once a hidden gem among locals, Frenchmen Street is now recognized as one of New Orleans’ best spots for finding live music. The sounds of jazz, reggae, and blues spill out of clubs lining the corridor making for a buzzing and vibrant atmosphere. Brian and Emily like to go to Blue Nile and 30°/-90° for live jazz music and dancing.
The Carousel Bar & Lounge
The Carousel Bar opened inside the historic Hotel Monteleone in 1949, becoming New Orleans’ first and only rotating bar. We like to come here for late night cocktails and always try for a coveted seat at the Carousel Bar. Brian recommends the Sazerac and Emily always gets the French 75 or a late night Espresso Martini.
Carousel Gardens Amusement Park - City Park
Carousel Gardens is located inside of the iconic City Park. It is a great place to take kids and enjoy the day outside. Emily grew up going here when she was little. Make sure you ride the Ladybug Rollercoaster before you leave. Afterwards, you can walk around City Park and grab some beignets at Café Du Monde. Fun Fact: Brian proposed to Emily near the famous Langles bridge in City Park.