Emily loves the Root Beer Float, and Charlie loves the Bacon-Ranch fries. You can't go wrong with any of their funky and delicious hot dogs!
Looking for a hearty breakfast bagel sandwich to get your day started? Stein's Market and Deli gives any bagel place in Brooklyn, NY a run for its money. Charlie may or may have not visited Stein's multiple times in a weekend - but who can blame him?!
Hit up the legendary Parkway Bakery and Tavern to enjoy a classic NOLA Po' Boy. You won't want to leave New Orleans without trying a Po' Boy. If you're feeling adventurous, they even have Alligator Smoked Sausage in addition to other Cajun classics - when in Rome, right?
Stop by the Napoleon House for a NOLA cocktail! Pimm's cup anyone?
Brennans' is a quintessential New Orleans restaurant with its southern decor, Creole food, and is famous for its banana foster flambé. If you are interested in dining there over the weekend, best to make a reservation in advance as tables fill up quickly.
They say you should do everything at least once, and we think that rule applies to Cafe De Monde. Because after one time, you will be over the copious amounts of powdered sugar and the tourists. But if you haven't been to New Orleans before, you will need to mark this off the list. Pro Tip: Hit up their shopfront in the New Orleans Airport on your way in or out of the city if you want to enjoy some beignets or coffee, but avoid the crowds.
If drinking isn't your thing, or perhaps you are still processing why you decided to order a hand grenade drink, and want to try and offset the guilt with some knowledge and a little bit of exercise, may we suggest checking out the National WWII Museum. Its exhibits are uniquely immersive and informative, and are on par with any DC museum.
Fancy yourself a fancy drink on the porch of an St. Charles Mansion? Head over to the Columns to enjoy classic NOLA cocktails while watching the streetcars make their way up-and-down the neutral ground - it's one of Emily and Charlie's favorite places to grab a drink. Pro-Tip: Supplement cocktails from the Columns with a meal from Delachaise Wine Bar which is only a block down the street.
Like to enjoy your drinks with a side of history? Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop Bar was built between 1722 and 1732 and is reported to be the oldest structure continually used as a bar in the United States. This bar is notorious for its use as the base for the Lafitte brothers' - both pirates - smuggling operations in the 1770s. So, if you find yourself at the north end of the French Quarter, stop by Lafitte's, grab their famous Purple Drink, and enjoy the pirate energy.
You can't go wrong with a place that has $5 house wine, goose-fat fried fries with house-made dipping sauces, and flank steak bruschetta. Walking distance from Emily's apartment, this became a staple of their weekend plans.
If you are a big fan of wine and cheese, then Bacchanal should be top of your list. Their walls are stacked with wine, and their cheese and charcuterie boards are magnifique! You'll love the relaxed vibe of original jazz in this eclectic Bywater backyard.
Hankering for some Ice Cream to beat the hot NOLA weather? Stop by Creole Cremeary to cool down - this is Emily's favorite spot in the world for ice cream.
Oh-la-la this authentic French patisserie has the best croissants and pastries this side of the Atlantic.
As you are shopping around Magazine Street, or maybe trying to watch some baseball, stop here for a local tap. Some of local favorites are Abita Brewing, NOLA Brewery, Port Orleans Brewing Co., and Urban South.
For any foodies, this quirky sandwich shop is a must do. And offers a fun take on a wedge salad and classic sandwiches.
Looking for a good book to read on your trip back home? Located in Pirate's Alley, and right next to the ceremony venue, the Faulkner House Bookstore is Charlie's favorite place to search for a book. Pro-Tip: If you are still trying to parse through Faulkner's stream-of-consciousness technique there is a bar right next to the bookstore that may help out!
IYKYK - Nothing to get you going like a flaming Dr. Pepper Shot!
IYKYK - A classic dive bar near Emily's college house. This place will simultaneously make you feel like you are back in college while realizing how happy you are for being passed that stage of your life. Pro-Tip: Supplement your drinks with some Boot Pizza! Also, ask Emily how The Boot almost caused her to miss her college graduation.
Heaven is a Brie Sandwich from St. James. They also have a location in Uptown if you are out and about exploring the city!
Need some coffee to get your day going, or trying to get rid of that pesky hangover from your sugar-filled drink last night? French Truck Coffee has some of the best roasts, and they have locations all over the city. So, forgo the Starbucks, walk (and/or stagger) over to the nearest location to be revitalized.
A pure classic, and most likely where Charlie and Emily will head to after the reception. Don't drink too much or you might get dizzy!
They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day. At this belly-up-bar diner, they serve breakfast all day with a side of New Orleans welcoming hospitality. It's great place to end the night, or start your morning.
These aren't your typical ice cream truck snowcones. Hansen's sno-balls cool you down on a muggy New Orleans afternoon. Emily's favorite is Nectar Cream with condensed milk. Pro-Tip: Get there early as lines can get very long. But we promise, it is worth the wait if you have time!