Jessica & Kenneth
Things To Do
Bacchanal Fine Wine & Spirits
From the outside, Bacchanal looks like a leaning Bywater shack; inside are racks of wine and sexy cheese! Musicians play in the garden, while you sip on an amazing wine and wait to taste what already smells amazing; on any given day your may try chorizo-stuffed dates or seared diver scallops that will blow your mind.
The National WWII Museum
This extensive museum presents a fairly thorough analysis of the largest war in history. The exhibits, which are displayed across multiple grand pavilions, are enormous and immersive. The experience is designed to be both personal and awe-inducing, but with that said, the museum focuses so intently on providing the American perspective, it sometimes underplays the narrative of other Allied nations.
The Spotted Cat Music Club
The Cat might just be your sexy dream of a New Orleans jazz club, a thumping sweatbox where drinks are served in plastic cups, impromptu dances break out at the drop of a feathered hat and the music is always exceptional. Fair warning, though, it can get crowded.
Café Du Monde Riverwalk
Café du Monde is the most popular destination in New Orleans and, unfortunately, it often feels that way. But once you do get seated, the beignets (square, sugar-coated fritters) and chicory café au lait, served here since 1862, are decadent and delicious. Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Tip - if you over slept and the line is too long for your tummy...check out Cafe Beignet, a very close second!!
Tours
There's fun for everyone in NOLA. Here's a link to several of the tours, culinary fun, site seeing etc.
Museum of Art
NOMA houses a permanent collection of over 40,000 pieces of fine art.
The Courtyard Brewery
Courtyard Brewery is a favorite hangout for New Orleans craft beer fans, though it’s far from pretentious. And unlike Abita Brewery it doesn't take a drive out of town to get there. At Courtyard, you can down a pint or three of the city’s best microbrews while noshing on something from a rotating lineup of food trucks and enjoying the buzzing, friendly scene. (And for more options for courtyards, booze, and places to have fun in town, check out our list of the best bars in NOLA.)
Carousel Bar
At this smart-looking spot inside the historic Hotel Monteleone, you'll find a revolving circular bar, canopied by the top hat of the 1904 World’s Fair carousel, adorned with running lights, hand-painted figures and gilded mirrors. In 15 minutes the 25-seat bar completes a full revolution. Careful on your way out.
French Quarter
You'll be enamored by the gorgeous building with covered porches and iron lace balconies overlooking the gas lamp streets of this historical district. This is where you'll find the infamous Bourbon Street but there is so much more to the French Quarter... be sure to explore. Top sights include Jackson Square, the historical park and location of where the final version of the Louisiana Purchase was signed. Walk the Mississippi Riverwalk where you can check out the Natchez Steamboat. Check out all the antique shops, boutiques, galleries, restaurants and hotels on Royal Street. Don't forget the to check out one of the many Voodoo Shops in the area.
Preservation Hall
Quintessential New Orleans Jazz Club. Every night there are intimate, acoustic jazz concerts held by some of the best musicians in the city. If you're looking for a kid-friendly jazz venue in New Orleans, this is it. The all-ages music landmark offers sets of jazz nightly—fyi, there's no food and beverage service—with some shows starting as early as 6 p.m. Pro tip: Queue early and grab one of the benches; seating is first-come, first-served; unless you book ahead and pay for Big Shot Tickets.
Magazine Street
Shop and stroll down the lower Garden District part of Magazine Street for great shops and restaurants. Don't forget the shops along this street as you make your way from St. Charles Avenue, this is where you'll walk past Buckner Mansion.
St. Louis Cemetery No. 1
This is the oldest and most famous cemetery in New Orleans and has the tombs of famous people like Marie Laveau, the nortorious voodoo queen, Homer Plessy's tomb, from the famed Plessy vs Ferguson civil rights case and even Nicholas Cage's strange pyramid tomb for when he dies. There are tours of the cemetery available.
City Park
City Park has something for everyone! For decades, nature lovers have explored magnificent flora along the meandering pathways of the New Orleans Botanical Garden. Athletes are drawn to the park’s wide-open green spaces, multiple athletic fields and active recreational sports leagues. Golfers tee up at City Park’s scenic 18-hole golf course, and tennis players hit the clay and hard courts at the City Park / Pepsi Tennis Complex. Outdoorsy types enjoy afternoons boating on Big Lake or wandering beautiful Couturie Forest. Kids and families love Storyland’s colorful storybook sculptures. The famous antique carousel – the centerpiece of the Carousel Gardens Amusement Park – is a favorite among visitors of all ages. Beignet aficionados and night owls get a taste of authentic New Orleans at the 24-hour Morning Call. Whether you’re an artist, an athlete, a nature lover, a kid, or just a kid at heart, there’s a special place inside the park for you! https://neworleanscitypark.com/
Jackson Square
Historic Jackson Square, originally known in the 18th century as "Place d'Armes," and later renamed in honor of the Battle of New Orleans hero Andrew Jackson, is a timeless attraction in the heart of the French Quarter of New Orleans. This famous landmark facing the Mississippi River is surrounded by historic buildings, including the St. Louis Cathedral, the Presbytere and Cabildo, not to mention the Lower and Upper Pontalba Apartments, the oldest apartment buildings in the United States; with retail shops, museums, galleries and restaurants on the ground level. Jackson Square is a favorite site for visitors and locals. The artists, restaurants, museums, merchants and the square itself make Jackson Square one of the French Quarter's most popular destinations. Jackson Square is open seven days a week. During winter, it's open from 8am to 6pm.
Tipitina's
Tipitina’s began as a neighborhood juke joint, established in 1977, by a group of young music fans (The Fabulous Fo’teen) to provide a place for Professor Longhair to perform in his final years. The venue, named for one of Longhair’s most enigmatic recordings “Tipitina. Many of the Crescent City’s most beloved artists developed and continue to grace the stage including Dr. John, the Neville Brothers, the Meters, Cowboy Mouth, the Radiators, Galactic, Better Than Ezra, and Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews. Tipitina’s has been fortunate over its history to host national artists including Wilco, Nine Inch Nails, Pearl Jam, Lenny Kravitz, Bonnie Raitt, James Brown, Widespread Panic, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Tim McGraw, Goo Goo Dolls, Parliament Funkadelic, Robert Cray, Patti Smith, Willie Nelson, Buddy Guy, Dresden Dolls, and Medeski, Martin & Wood.
Vaughan's Lounge
It's real simple...Vaughan's is a jumping dive where trumpeter Kermit Ruffins plays weekly. No need to get fancy and definitely want to wear comfortable shoes. This place gets packed and you're going to mingle with strangers from all over the world. At times there's free food. The red beans and rice are outstanding so trust me you want to get on line early.
French Market Place
America's oldest continuously operated open-air market, the French Market is truly a hip and historic culinary landmark. French Market offers dining, shopping, farmers market and flea market, festivals and other events. Be sure to check the calendar.
Jacques-Imo's
This is real Nawlin’s food! Parties of 4 and under are seated on a first come, first served basis. Arriving early is recommended to avoid a long wait. • Reservations are required for parties of five or more and are taken up to 30 days in advance. • Dress code is casual, come as you are.
Bywater American Bistro
Nina Compton’s neighborhood restaurant with a casual energetic vibe, yummy food, authentic hospitality, great libations and friendly faces. Reservations multiple weeks/months ahead recommended.
Compère Lapin
Award-winning chef Nina Compton's beloved Caribbean, European, New Orleans menu is a local visit for customers coming from near and far. Reservations multiple weeks/months ahead recommended.
Cochon RESTAURANT
AT COCHON, CHEF DONALD LINK HAS RECONNECTED WITH HIS CULINARY ROOTS, SERVING THE TRADITIONAL CAJUN SOUTHERN DISHES HE GREW UP WITH. CHEF LINK AND CHEF/CO-OWNER STEPHEN STRYJEWSKI ARE WORKING WITH LOCALLY SOURCED PORK, FRESH PRODUCE AND SEAFOOD, FOCUSING ON TRADITIONAL METHODS, CREATING AUTHENTIC FLAVORS OF CAJUN COUNTRY. THE RESTAURANT IS SET IN A RUSTIC, YET CONTEMPORARY INTERIOR OF A RENOVATED NEW ORLEANS WAREHOUSE. Reservations multiple weeks/months ahead recommended.
Cochon Butcher
Butcher is the little brother to Cochon Restaurant from Chef Donald Link. A tribute to Old World butcher and charcuterie shops, Cochon Butcher melds a distinctive Cajun accent to the art of curing meat. James Beard Award-winning chefs Donald Link and Stephen Stryjewski bring a commitment to using fresh, naturally raised, local ingredients to their award-winning wine bar and meat market.
Restaurant R'evolution
First joint venture of award-wining chefs John Folse and Rick Tramonto, offering modern, imaginative reinterpretations of classic Cajun and Creole cuisine. Restaurant R'evolution's menu reflects a melding of the chefs' distinct culinary styles.
Saints and Sinners
Channing Tatum and long time friend, Keith Kurtz partner to bring their NOLA favorites to this trendy lounge styled after old-time boredellos with fun cocktails and local grub.
Blue Oak BBQ
Beware! Addictive BBQ! Voted several years in row as the best BBQ in NOLA, this southern style joint has a down-home vibe serving specialty sandwiches, classic plates and sides.
Bayou Beer and Wine Garden New Orleans
Offering 21 rotating beers on tap and 36 rotating wines to enjoy at this quaint cottage-turned-sports-bar with pub fare, TVs, a front porch & back patio. A full bar rounds it out with a fun cocktail menu, making your options seemingly endless.
Commander's Palace
The quintessential New Orleans dining experience. Loved by locals and visitors alike, and recognized with James Beard awards for food and service and Wine Spectator's Grand Award. Enjoy the Brennan family's brand of Southern hospitality.
The Avenue Pub
Beer, beer, and more beer. This top-rated and respected pub revolves around pouring you the impeccable pint of your choosing. They're open 24/7, so you have plenty of opportunity to sample over 40+ beers on tap, plus dozens of craft brews in bottles. Consider soaking it up with a juicy half pound burger or bangers and mash.
Atchafalaya
Known as an establishment that embraces New Orleans culinary traditions while pushing boundaries. With live music, innovative food, and a smart cocktail menu, it continues to find its stride in New Orleans’ rich culinary landscape.
Neyow's Creole Café
Inspired by grandmother’s cooking, Neyow’s authentic creole dishes represent all things New Orleans in the Mid-City neighborhood. A fan-favorite dish includes red beans and rice with fried chicken on top.
Central Grocery & Deli
Established in 1906, Central Grocery Store is home of the original muffuletta sandwich and the famous Sicilian olive salad made daily. Imitated by many, duplicated by none. Owned and operated by the Tusa family.
Garden District Walking Tour
From historic mansions, to beautiful vegetation, and an impressive cemetery, there is a lot to see in the Garden District. Here’s a link to a free, self-guided Garden District walking tour. It is one of the best daytime activities New Orleans has to offer.
Willie Mae's Scotch House
In 2005, Ms. Willie Mae Seaton was honored with the prestigious James Beard Award for “America’s Classic Restaurant for the Southern Region.” Willie Mae’s juicy, tender, and somehow non-greasy fried chicken is often called the best in town, or even the best in the country. Situated on the edge of the Faubourg Treme, waiting in line for lunch at Willie Mae’s is a memorable experience on its own, with various languages and walks of life co-mingled. The menu of nourishing soul food that also features veal, baked chicken, and mac and cheese, is rounded out by top-notch sides like fried okra and brussel sprouts.
Audubon Aquarium of the Americas
Top five U.S. aquarium featuring sharks, jellyfish, rays, rare white gator, penguins, otters and a changing exhibits gallery. Visit the Great Maya Reef. Steps away from the French Quarter and area hotels.
Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium
Even the littlest creatures have a big impact on our world. Learn all about butterflies, bees, beetles and more at Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium.
Barrel Proof
Whiskey counts as food, right? According to Kenneth, the answer is yes. This low lit bar with a huge bourbon/whiskey list (along with a respectable beer list and a large amount of non-whiskey booze) just opened a permanent kitchen with bar standards like wings (which are $5 during happy hour) and frites covered with braised beef/chimichurri or vegetarian chili cheese. Don’t miss out on some of the more creative offerings like the chicken cutlet hoagie or the cold noodles. It’s open Wed-Sat, but on off nights check out a variety of popups like Melao, Matchbook, Nicolina, Congreso Cubano, and Ramen Y’All.
Claret Wine & Cocktail Bar
The owners of French Quarter institution Tujague’s Restaurant and Freret Street’s Bar Frances opened their wine, cocktail, and charcuterie bar on Magazine Street at the end of May. Located in The Framework building between Thalia and Melpomene Streets, Claret offers more than 25 wines by the glass, 30 domestic and imported craft beers, and seasonal craft cocktails. A wide-ranging charcuterie program and snacks like smoked tuna dip, beef carpaccio, and marinated olives round out the menu, with a daily happy hour that has extended hours on the weekend.
Surrey's Café & Juice Bar
Surrey’s in the LGD (there’s another location further uptown) serves both breakfast and lunch, but it’s the breakfast that attracts customers that spill out on the sidewalk while waiting for a table. Biscuits baked in-house every day, a fairly extensive fresh juice menu, and Latin American-inspired dishes like migas and huevos rancheros are unique touches that complement an all around solid breakfast menu. Pro tip: Surrey’s grit game is strong, both as a side and as part of its popular shrimp and grits dish.
Shaya
Israeli cuisine gets a Southern spin at this Uptown eatery that incorporates Turkish, North African and Greek flavors into dishes like wood-fired Brussels sprouts, hummus with curry-fried cauliflower, and shakshuka with sunchokes, all accompanied by wood-fired pita bread. The chic blue-and-white space boasts marble tables, cushy leather seats and ring chandeliers, capped with an outdoor patio.