Things To Do
Wednesdays at the Square
Wednesday at the Square presents a series of free outdoor concerts featuring well-known local artists. The weekly concert series highlights a variety of indigenous musical styles, including jazz, rock, funk, swamp-pop, Latin rhythms and more. New Orleans’ most famous brass bands are known to play at this annual concert series. Plus, admission is FREE and open to the public.
Sun April 21: Ole & Nu Style Fellas Second Line Parade / West Bank Super Sunday
Two separate events happening the Sunday after the wedding! One is a second line with music, floats, and dancing on the East Bank. The other is a Super Sunday with Mardi Gras Indians on the West Bank. Keep an eye on the link for details as we approach the date!
Congo Square Drum Circle on Sunday afternoon (3-6pm)
"In the southern corner of Armstrong Park is Congo Square, an open space where the enslaved and free people of color gathered throughout the 19th century for meetings, open markets, and the African dance and drumming celebrations that played a substantial role in the development of jazz." Not a lot of tourists know about it, but every Sunday there is a drum circle at Congo Square which sometimes has an accompanying event tied to New Orleans culture or a local political cause. Definitely worth a stop before or after wandering into the French Quarter.
Preservation Hall
"A historic music venue in the French Quarter working to protect, preserve, and perpetuate the spirit of traditional New Orleans jazz." It used to be cash at the door, but looks like they want you to buy tickets in advance on their website (link below). Definitely worth it if you've never been!
Trilly Cheesesteaks
I'm a little biased since Carlos helps manage this place, but they truly have some of the best food and a great selection of vegan options. They have a beautiful outdoor patio where we seriously considered having the wedding (it just wasn't quite big enough).
Pagoda Café
A local spot with some of the best breakfast tacos and iced coffee. Also good: Hey Cafe, French Truck, and other local coffee shops.
Liuzza's by the Track
Liuzza's by the Track is one of the best cajun restaurants in town (not to be confused with Liuzza's Restaurant and Bar, an Italian restaurant). Their barbecue shrimp is something Mayu dreams about.
1000 Figs
Solid mediterranean food at nice prices.
Jamboree Jams
Very cute pastry/jam spot which turns into Bar Pomona at night.
Creole Creamery
Very delicious ice cream parlor with multiple locations. Mayu's favorite flavor is the lavender honey. Also good: Parish Parlor, Lucy Boone Ice Cream, Angelo Brocato.
Honey Island Swamp Tours
Probably the best way to spot gators and explore the swamp is through this tour, set in Slidell, where Carlos was raised!
Mr. B's Bistro
Carlos loves this place. If you have time, there is a great Jazz Brunch.
Sneaky Pickle & Bar Brine
Very hip and very vegetarian-friendly. Especially nice if you've maybe had a little too much Cajun/Creole cuisine and want to mix it up.
Turkey and the Wolf
As trendy as it gets, but it's really tasty. Also great if you want to explore the Lower Garden District. There are great retail options and coffee shops around.
R Bar & Royal Street Inn
I love this bar. It's a block away from the Quarter. I've been going here for as long as I can remember. - Carlos
Pizza Delicious
I eat this pizza weekly. A perfect day involves hanging out in Crescent Park, walking over the Rusty Rainbow to get pizza here. Bud Rips is also a short walk away if you're up for a drink. -Carlos