Things To Do
Mammoth Espresso
Our best friends' coffee shop — Michael is here every day :)
Miel Brewery & Taproom
Our friends Alex and J-Mo run the finest brewery in town. Stop by and try all the beers. Rotating cast of pop-ups and food trucks on their Instagram!
City Park
Fun fact, this park is massive and was designed by the same guy who designed Central Park.
Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden
Inside of City Park and worth a visit. It's recently been expanded, features a lot of cool sculptures within a neat layout right behind NOMA. Free admission 7 days a week.
Barracuda
Tacos and margs in a backyard setting. Go for the queso and put everything in it, then get the fish taco.
Parkway Bakery & Tavern
Your essential po-boy stop. A classic in our favorite neighborhood, Bayou St. John.
Cochon Butcher
Top tier sandwiches, and don't sleep on the cocktail program! A super solid lunch spot if you're nearby at the Ogden Museum or other museums in the area.
Bar Tonique
The former home to a weekly hangout we dubbed Wacky Wednesdays, this is the best value cocktail you can find in town. Unbeatable prices for straight up renditions of any cocktail you can think of. They do it right! We get the Moscow Mule, because the ginger beer is house-made and on tap.
Manolito
Tiny and romantic hole in the wall. Get a mojito and a Cuban. Favorite forever.
Cure
Our neighborhood bar — home to a James Beard award, a Top 50 North American bars award, and a great bowl of meatballs. A beautiful space, as well.
BEARCAT CBD
Best brunch in the city. Get there early or be prepared to wait. Make sure some potatoes land on your table!
Blue Oak BBQ
Home of the best BBQ in New Orleans. Stellar Fried Chicken Sando! You absolutely cannot go wrong — but get a side of mac and cheese.
1000 Figs
Quick, light Mediterranean meal. We love the falafel platter! Mary gets the brussel sprouts every single time.
Pêche Seafood Grill
If you're looking for seafood, look no further. This spot is an oyster bar that's got plenty of options for non-seafood lovers as well. Widely hailed as one of the best restaurants in the city.
Paladar 511
Make a reservation for weekend brunch or dinner while you're here! Paladar's seasonal menu always has *arancini*, pizzas, pastas, steak, etc. Do not pass on dessert here!
The Evangeline Lounge
Unassuming neighborhood dive bar in Mid City — we celebrated Michael's 31st birthday here in January :)
Houston's
Don't sleep on this chain. Houston's is known for their French Dip Sandwich, Spinach and Artichoke dip, their cozy atmosphere, Jazz music-filled dinners, and wonderful service! Just know that Houston's doesn't accommodate parties larger than 4. Pro-tip: get the Hickory Burger, no longer on the menu, but in Michael's opinion, it's the best iteration of their burger.
The Avenue Pub
This pub's got bar food prepared by the folks who own Blue Oak BBQ — so you know what that means! A model streetcar rounds the room on a track. Stained glass pendants. Vibes.
Ogden Museum of Southern Art
Three floor, non-intimidating art museum with small galleries and exhibits that you can zip through in an hour or two.
Sylvain
A classic French Quarter bar and restaurant (and back patio)! Beautiful, dark, loud, awesome.
Cane and Table
Caribbean Food in the French Quarter – you can't go wrong! Excellent cocktail program and great courtyard.
Vals
Our neighborhood taco spot. We order *both* salsas! From the same folks who do Cure, and Cane and Table.
Mr. B's Bistro
When Mary was growing up and visiting New Orleans with her family, they would always have dinner at Mr. B's for special occasions. She's never ordered anything but the best thing on the menu: BBQ Shrimp!
Glasskin
In the case that you're in town and desperate for a facial before (or after) we celebrate!
Paris Parker Salon & Spa
In case you are having a haircut/highlight emergency or just want to schedule a glamorous blowout before the wedding weekend (Mary will probably see you there)!
La Boulangerie
Classic French cafe — a little bit of Paris in New Orleans.
Saba
Very good mediterranean food in a beautiful space on Magazine Street with freshly made pita, hummus, and all of the dips. We love to order the brick chicken!
Osteria Lupo
Brand new Italian restaurant on Magazine St. that accommodates larger parties, but make sure you make a resi!
Barrel Proof
Dimly lit and hip whiskey dive with a full bar program in the Lower Garden District. They make a great Margarita! There's food too!
THE TELL ME BAR
This wine bar is the newest addition to the Lower Garden District! If you're staying in the neighborhood and love natural wines, it's not to be missed.
The Rabbit’s Foot
This is a great cafe/grocer for a breakfast sammie or lunch!
Flour Moon Bagels
Flour Moon offers a variety of bagels, spreads, sandwiches for breakfast!
Crescent Park
When Mary first moved to New Orleans, she lived in the Marigny. If you're staying in the Marigny this weekend, it’s a quick walk to Crescent Park on the Mississippi River.
Bacchanal Fine Wine & Spirits
String-lit backyard in the Bywater serving wines by the glass or by the bottle with a small tapas menu. Live music every day. Great atmosphere.
Creole Creamery
Best scoop shop in New Orleans! There are 2 locations — one in Lakeview, one Uptown!
Piece of Meat
Butcher turned steakhouse. We have only dined in for dinner, and have zero complaints! All the steaks and sides a girl could dream of!
Bayou Beer Garden
The premiere beer garden (there's wine too) in Mid City — do not be fooled!
Angelo Brocato
Famous old spot. The gelato in MidCity that Mary's brother swears by. The gelato and the canolis!
Pluck Wine Bar & Restaurant
You can order really tasty small plates or really large meat and cheese boards here! Something for every wine-loving guest!