Stay: Play Like A Local - Nightly’s Guide To New Orleans

New Orleans’ oldest restaurant: it has been owned and operated by relatives of the original founder for five generations. Antoine’s is the birthplace of the Oysters Rockefeller and Eggs Sardou. Keeping that in mind, reservations for this downtown restaurant are highly recommended. 713 St Louis Street, near the Preservation Hall, New Orleans, LA 70130

Considered to be a New Orleans landmark by many, this award-winning restaurant offers a whimsical Louisiana atmosphere in the middle of the Garden District featuring refined Creole cuisine. Dining at Commander’s Palace is quite an experience. 1403 Washington Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70130

Opened in the early 20th century by eccentric French wine salesman Arnaud Cazenave, Arnaud’s is committed to serving Creole cuisine of the best quality. Home of the French 75, Arnaud’s offers a variety of special tasting and bar menus. Embrace tradition at this upscale French Quarter jazz lounge and see the best that New Orleans has to offer. 813 Bienville Street, New Orleans, LA 70112

Opened in the early 20th century by eccentric French wine salesman Arnaud Cazenave, Arnaud’s is committed to serving Creole cuisine of the best quality. Home of the French 75, Arnaud’s offers a variety of special tasting and bar menus. Embrace tradition at this upscale French Quarter jazz lounge and see the best that New Orleans has to offer. 813 Bienville Street, New Orleans, LA 70112

This wood-panel adorned spot comes with steaks, drinks, and seafood in a casually elegant setting. This critically acclaimed Garden District spot has fan favorites such as the ribeye and New Orleans-style barbecue shrimp on its menu. 2111 St Charles Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70130.

Casamento’s is renowned for it’s oysters, locally sourced and freshly shucked just steps from your table at one of New Orleans most historic oyster bars. Served on the half shell, lovingly fried, meticulously charbroiled or on Casamento’s signature oyster loaf, Casamento’s oyster dishes have been acclaimed by notable food critics from around the country and have made Casamento’s Restaurant a Mecca for oyster lovers from around the globe. 4330 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70115

Mr. Ed’s has something for everyone, but their oysters are notable. With multiple locations, this friendly spot is conveniently close to whatever part of town you happen to be in when the oyster cravings it. 512 Bienville Street, New Orleans, LA 70130, 1327 Saint Charles Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70130, 301 North Carrollton Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70119, and 3117 21st Street, Metairie, LA 70006.

Located in Uptown, on the Saint Charles streetcar line, this spot has ample outdoor seating, making it an ideal spot for people-watching. Don’t miss out on their happy hour with $1 raw oysters and discounted drinks. Additionally, Superior is home to the French 75; you can get a large frozen drink for the price of a small during their happy hour. 4338 Saint Charles Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70115.

This homey eatery serves classic BBQ and specialty sandwiches. Formerly a popup, locals were very excited, thrilled, when it opened its own brick-and-mortar spot in 2016. 900 North Carrollton Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70119.

Best known for its New Orleans-style BBQ shrimp*, this Louisiana-Italian restaurant has existed since 1913. It is noted that they’re a family-friendly spot (casual). 1838 Napoleon Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70115.

*New Orleans-style BBQ shrimp is not what you think it is and is a must-have for anyone visiting.

Have breakfast and juice at one of the no-frills breakfast spot’s two locations. Be prepared to arrive early at this first-come, first-serve joint as they do not take reservations. Try their shrimp and grits or build your own breakfast using their a la carte menu option. 1418 Magazine Street, New Orleans, LA 70130 or 4807 Magazine Street, New Orleans, LA 70115.

With a catalog of over 100 donuts, this place means business when it comes to breakfast. Donuts aside, they have excellent savory breakfast sliders for those without a sweet tooth. Head on over to Magazine Street and find out why you should believe the hype. 2209 Magazine Street, New Orleans, LA 70130.

This Bywater joint has country classics with a twist. It can get busy on weekends so make sure you arrive early as they do not take reservations during the weekend. With a mission to make everything from scratch, every menu item is crafted with care. 601 Gallier Street, New Orleans, LA 70117.

This spot makes everything from scratch using high-quality local ingredients. With a commitment to bring healthier food to the community, they certainly don’t skimp out on flavor. With two convenient locations Uptown and the Bywater, this spot is a must-go. Try out their fresh juices. 3218 Dauphine Street, New Orleans, LA 70117 or 7901 Maple Street, New Orleans, LA 70118.

This fun diner on Magazine Street has bold Creole and international-inspired fare. All dishes are assembled from the freshest ingredients. With a deeply rooted New Orleans environment, this spot is here to stay, in complete New Orleans resilient style. 3322 Magazine Street, New Orleans, LA 70115.

This critically acclaimed spot has one of the best Bloody Mary and Mimosa bars in the city. With ample outdoor seating and trés chic vibes, brunch at Atchafalaya is a true experience. Inside, you can find high ceilings with walls adorned by fine art. Try out their duck hash or French toast, which comes with bananas foster rum sauce OR the chef’s daily preparation. 901 Louisiana Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70115.

With an atmosphere that marries cozy and chic together, bottomless mimosas and Bloody Mary’s, and attentive service (guests report that their glasses were never half empty), brunch at Apolline seems like all but a dream, except that it’s real. Try out their cinnamon bacon appetizer and eggs Apolline. 4729 Magazine Street, New Orleans, LA 70115.

As you can tell by the name, this famous Mid City spot features carnivore-friendly menu items of contemporary Cajun fare, inspired by Louisiana family traditions. Worry not, there’s a daily veggie plate available for the herbivores in your party. Try out their Fried Redfish Benny, Foie Gras Torchon, and specialty cocktails. 845 North Carrolton Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70119.

If you’re the type that likes some entertainment with their brunch, look no further than SoBou’s Legs and Eggs burlesque brunch featuring Bella Blue’s performance to live music. The first performance begins between 11:00 and 11:30 am, with additional performances from then to 2:00 pm. SoBou stands for “south of Bourbon”, so you can enjoy the French Quarter after your meal. Try out their Chartres St. Benny and their bottomless Bellinis. 310 Chartres Street, New Orleans, LA 70130.

If burlesque isn’t your thing, try out The Country Club’s weekend drag brunch. With a delicious menu, drag performances, and a pool out back, this place fills up fast so make sure to book a reservation. Try their sweetcorn and blue crab bisque or the fried green tomatoes with eggs. Bottomless mimosas are also available. 634 Louisa Street, New Orleans, LA 70117.

Originated in New Orleans, there are many who claim that it’s America’s first mixed drink. While historians may dispute this claim, Louisiana Legislature crowned the Sazerac as New Orleans’ official cocktail. Ingredients include Sazerac Rye, bitters, and herbsaint. Where else to get a Sazerac but at The Sazerac Bar at The Roosevelt Hotel? 130 Roosevelt Way, New Orleans, LA 70112.

How to Make: Gather absinthe or herbsaint, 1 sugar cube, ½ tsp cold water, 5 dashes bitters, 1-1/4 oz. rye whiskey, 1-1/4 oz. cognac, and lemon or orange peel. Rinse a chilled glass with absinthe or herbsaint and set aside. Mix sugar, water, and bitters in a mixing glass. Add rye, cognac, and ice to fill the glass and stir. Strain into the absinthe-rinsed glass and garnish with lemon or orange peel.

Fun Fact: Herbsaint is used in place of absinthe due to the lack of absinthe in the U.S. for nearly a century; it’s also a near-anagram of absinthe.

Invented in the 1940s to help New Orleans tavern owner, Pat O’Brien, get rid of unpopular rums that he was forced to buy before he could gain access to more popular liquors, the drink gained fame and became a mainstay in New Orleans. Ingredients include different types of rum, tropical fruit syrup, and lemon juice. You can grab one from Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar or at its home, Pat O’Briens. Lafitte’s is located at 941 Bourbon Street, New Orleans, LA 70116. Pat O’Brien’s can be found at 718 St Peter, New Orleans, LA 70116.

How to Make: Mix 2 oz. light rum, 2 oz. dark rum, 1 oz. lime juice, 1 oz. orange juice, 3 oz. passion fruit juice, 1 tsp grenadine, and ice in a cocktail mixer. Shake well, strain into a Hurricane glass, and garnish with orange and cherry.

Fun Fact: The drink’s namesake is from O’Brien pouring his concoction into a hurricane lamp-shaped glass. Pat O’Brien’s alleged beginnings involve a speakeasy with the password “storm’s brewin’.”

Invented in 1888 by Henry C. Ramos at the Imperial Cabinet Saloon, the Ramos Gin Fizz was one of Governor Huey Long’s favorite drinks. Long brought a bartender from The Roosevelt to a hotel in New York City to teach its staff how to make the drink so that he can enjoy the drink during visits to New York. Sit down and enjoy at The Roosevelt Hotel Bar, which trademarked the drink name in 1935. You can also enjoy your drink at the cozy Bar Tonique. The Roosevelt Hotel Bar is located at 116 Roosevelt Way, New Orleans, LA 70112. Bar Tonique is located at 820 North Rampart Street, New Orleans, LA 70116.

How to Make: Combine 2 oz. gin, 1 oz. heavy cream, 1 oz. simple syrup, ½ oz. lemon juice, ½ oz. lime juice, 1 egg white, and 3 to 4 dashes of orange blossom water into a mixer. Shake without ice for 10 seconds. Add several small ice cubes and shake hard for 12 minutes (or five minutes, realistically). You’ll want to shake until you cannot hear the ice anymore. Pour into a tall glass and slowly top with club soda.

Fun Fact: Back at the Imperial Cabinet Saloon, over twenty bartenders were needed behind the bar at the same time, only making the Ramos Gin Fizz, due to the drink’s popularity and 12-minute mix time. Each bartender would shake the drink for thirty seconds before passing it onto the next bartender.

While this champagne was not invented in New Orleans, it is one of the most popular cocktails in the city. Due to its popularity in the city, you can rest assured that New Orleans bartenders make the best French 75 cocktails in the world. Dating to World War I, it is believed that one of the earliest forms was created at the New York Bar in Paris by barman Harry MacElhone. Find this drink at the aptly named Arnaud’s French 75 Bar. 813 Bienville Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70112.

How to Make: Mix 1 oz. gin, ½ oz. lemon juice, ½ oz. simple syrup, and ice in a shaker. Shake until chilled. Strain into a Champagne flute, top with 3 oz. of Champagne. Garnish with lemon.

Fun Fact: This drink is named after the very powerful French 75mm field gun after tasters said that the drink’s powerful kick made them feel like they were being shelled by the powerful weapon.

This IBA official cocktail has been classified as part of their Unforgettables list. Invented in 1938 by Hotel Monteleone’s head bartender at the time, Walter Bergeron, the drink is a unique New Orleanian twist on the Manhattan. The best place to grab it is at the world-famous rotating Carousel Bar at Hotel Monteleone. 214 Royal Street, New Orleans, LA 70130.

How to Make: Combine 1 oz. rye, 1 oz. cognac, 1 oz. sweet vermouth, 4 dashes bitters, 1 bar spoon Bénédictine, and ice in a mixing glass. Stir well and strain into a cocktail glass.

Fun Fact: Vieux Carré is the French term for French Quarter!

This cozy Bywater spot has a build your own cheese plate option to enjoy with your wine. Simply select a cheese from their cooler and they will plate it for you. No reservations: first come, first serve; including large parties. 600 Poland Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70117.

On the other side of town, this uptown spot offers a vast wine cellar, small plates, and a stylish crowd. Go during the weekend and you can catch some live music. 8118 Oak Street, New Orleans, LA 70118.

Enjoy 45 different brews on tap along with pub fare on their front porch or back patio. The bartenders are knowledgeable, and you can order your food through the phone that comes with your table. 326 North Norman C Francis Parkway, New Orleans, LA 70119.

Parleaux Beer Lab – 534 Lesseps Street, New Orleans, LA 70117

Urban South Brewery – 1645 Tchoupitoulas Street, New Orleans, LA 70130

Port Orleans Brewing Co. – 4124 Tchoupitoulas Street, New Orleans, LA 70115

Second Line Brewing – 433 North Bernadotte Street, New Orlreans, LA 70119

Oak Street Brewery – 8201 Oak Street, New Orleans, LA 70118

Start off at this casual dining spot for a shrimp or their award-winning oyster po boy before you venture deeper into Bourbon Street. 115 Bourbon Street, New Orleans, LA 70130.

This former coffee shop-turned bar-turned speakeasy-turned back to bar is home to the famous Absinthe House Frappe, invented by mixologist Cayetano Ferrer in 1874. This spot is a great example of New Orleans’s endurance and resilience. 240 Bourbon Street, New Orleans, LA 70130.

This rowdy hangout spot offers music, a fire fountain, and great drink specials on Hurricanes and tube shots. There’s an outdoor area as well as a dancefloor. Prepare to be entertained with an interactive MC and live music. 511 Bourbon Street, New Orleans, LA 70130.

While the world-famous part is rather questionable, this karaoke spot offers top-notch entertainment, two balconies, and an interior courtyard. Their daily happy hour from open until 8 pm offers 3 for 1 drinks. 701 Bourbon Street, New Orleans, LA 70116.

End your Bourbon Street adventure at the oldest building to be used as a bar in New Orleans. Legend says that the property was used by Jean and Pierre Lafitte as their base for their smuggling operations. There is no evidence that the Lafitte’s ever owned this property. 941 Bourbon Street, New Orleans, LA 70116.

Dive Bar Extraordinaire. Chill vibes, Clean and great drink specials in a no-nonsense, rock-solid spot on Frenchmen. Industry/local-friendly, while approachable for thirsty tourists. 507 Frenchmen Street, New Orleans, LA 70116

This cute Frenchmen Street joint has everything you need for a great evening: dinner, a full bar, and big band live music. Their Creole fare and handcrafted cocktails make Marigny Brasserie a spot you’ll want to visit over and over. Try out their shrimp po boy. 640 Frenchmen Street, New Orleans, LA 70116.

Enjoy a friend and perhaps a haircut at this trendy spot located on Frenchmen and Royal. NCIS fans rejoice, Dwayne Pride’s Tru Tone Bar is based on R Bar. If you are staying at one of our Marigny spots, you will probably find yourself a regular at this friendly bar. 1431 Royal Street, New Orleans, LA 70116.

What’s a visit to New Orleans without visiting a jazz club? Look no further than The Spotted Cat Music Club, or as locals call it, “The Cat,”. Not only is The Cat a jazz club, it’s THE jazz club of the city. Rated #1 in many travel publications, you’ll find an eclectic mix of locals, international tourists, and celebrities at this venue. 623 Frenchmen Street, New Orleans, LA 70116.

Dragon’s Den features an eclectic schedule of live music and dance parties. Definitely check their schedule for the week to see what fun events they have up their sleeve on any given day. On the corner of Frenchmen Street and Esplanade Avenue, you will find dance floors, balconies and a great backyard with outdoor seating at this laidback bar. 435 Esplanade Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70116.

Known as the New Orleans Jazz Museum, this historic spot used to be a mint. Now as a museum, you’ll find coin exhibits as well as an upstairs jazz venue where you can enjoy live music in a historic landmark right on Frenchmen Street and Esplanade Avenue. 400 Esplanade Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70116.

Royal Frenchmen, d.b.a., Café Negril, Apple Barrel, Dat Dog, Frenchmen Deli, Favela Chic, Three Muses, Blue Nile, NOLA Poboys, 30/90, Bamboola’s, The Maison, Louisiana Music Factory record store, BMC (Balcony Music Club).

Louisiana is famous for many things, including swamps and the bayou. Airboat Adventures is just 45 minutes away from the French Quarter, making it an excellent, family-friendly day trip. Take a swamp tour in an airboat or a pontoon. Make sure to bring your family to immortalize your experience seeing Louisiana’s fauna, including alligators. You can also see a baby albino alligator when you arrive. Book your tour here.

Description text goes herTake a guided tour at this restored historic Creole plantation in nearby Vacherie, Louisiana. Committed to presenting the stories of enslaved people in Louisiana, they conduct daily research in order to present the most accurate information on the most important aspect of the plantation, the enslaved people that maintained the plantation. Book your tour here.

Managed by The Woman’s Exchange, Hermann-Grima + Gallie Historic Houses preserve two French Quarter urban plantations through their architecture and history. The houses are also a haven for historians, you can find yourself exploring diverse topics such as the lives of the homeowners, enslaved people, open-hearth cooking, rituals, and entrepreneurial pursuits by women. Hermann-Grima + Gallier Historic Houses also hosts regular lectures. Book a tour here.

Explore over two hundred years of New Orleans history by learning about the BK House’s previous residents. Currently owned by the Keyes Foundation, established in 1826 to preserve the house, garden, and the history of all the residents that contribute to the unique story behind this historic home. Book your tour here.

Soul Of NOLA provides private, bespoke tours that are flexible and tailored to your needs. They offer many tours, both walking and driving. With an outstanding host, you can expect to explore New Orleans through the eyes of a guide that loves and understands New Orleans. Book your tour here.

This massive oasis is unique and enchanting. You can find the New Orleans Museum of Art, a mini amusement park named Carousel Gardens, the New Orleans Botanical Garden, the Louisiana Children’s Museum, and the largest mature live oak grove in the world, with some oaks as old as 800 years old. 1 Palm Drive, New Orleans, LA 70124

This urban oasis is in the Uptown neighborhood, it is 350 acres and on the St. Charles streetcar. Located directly across from Loyola University and Tulane University, it’s an excellent spot to have a picnic or enjoy a beautiful day. 6500 Magazine Street, New Orleans, LA 70118.

A very short walk from the French Quarter, this park was named after the great trumpeter, Louis Armstrong. With an arched entrance on North Rampart Street, inside you’ll see Congo Square, the Mahalia Jackson Theater, sculptures, ponds, and much more. 701 North Rampart Street, New Orleans 70116.

Part of the French Market District, Crescent Park is a 1.4 mile, 20 acre urban linear park that connects our community and visitors to our riverfront. This unparalleled public space provides breathtaking views of New Orleans, native landscaping, bike paths, a dog run and multi-use pavilions for all to enjoy. 3360 Chartres Street or 2300 N. Peters (ADA Compliant)

This American Culinary Federation Certified Culinarian with a passion for cooking has traveled the world to experience different cuisines, inspiring her skills. Cooking for others is this well-rounded chef’s joy. For more information, visit the New Orleans Personal Chef website.

Let these two women do what they do best, in your kitchen. Both women are New Orleans born and raised so you know you’ll get real homecooked New Orleans food. Customized menus available; you can create your own menu instead of limiting yourself to their (already delicious) menu items. For more information, Visit the 2 Fat Girlz website.

Description text goes hereThis onsite catering company serves New Orleans and the surrounding areas. Seasons of Louisiana provides a wide range of services; no job is too small or too big. Private dinner services are available to couples and small groups that are visiting the city. For more information, visit the Seasons of Louisiana website.

Featuring the most comprehensive collection of Southern art, this Warehouse Arts District Museum is a local favorite. If you ask any local artist what their favorite museum is, they’ll start with the Ogden. 925 Camp Street, New Orleans, LA 70130.

One block from the St Charles streetcar line and one of Ogden’s neighbors, this modern art museum is committed to displaying multidisciplinary artwork and empowering modern art and the contemporary artist behind it. 900 Camp Street, New Orleans, LA 70130.

Named after the first coordinate women’s degree-granting college in America, The H. Sophie Newcomb Memorial College, Newcomb Museum is committed to preserving and building onto the educational institution’s legacy. The museum makes sure to acknowledge and celebrate the contributions of women in art. Before you go, check their “visit us” page for directions since entering the address provided will take you to the other side of the Tulane campus.

Located in three different campuses in the French Quarter, this museum is also a research center committed to preserving the history of New Orleans. The three buildings are all a short walk from one another. Admission is free, due to the founder’s request to make historical resources available to all. 520 Royal Street, 533 Royal Street, and 410 Chartres Street, New Orleans, LA 70130.

Located in City Park, NOMA is the oldest fine arts museum in the city. Take the Canal Street to City Park streetcar all the way until the end and enjoy a day at the museum, its world-renowned sculpture garden, and everything that City Park has to offer. 1 Collins Diboll Circle, New Orleans, LA 70124.

Opened in the early 1960s by Allan Jaffe, a tuba player, Preservation Hall is committed to preserving the musical traditions of New Orleans. Catch the Preservation Hall Jazz Band when they aren’t touring with world-famous musicians. The band features musicians of all ages, with an emphasis on caring for the elderly. 726 Saint Peter, New Orleans, LA 70116.

Delta blues guitarist in the style of Freddie King, with a unique approach to country blues. King was only fourteen when he moved to New Orleans in 1954, he’s been going strong since then. A charter member of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival (fondly referred to as Jazz Fest by locals), he has played at the festival for 42 years and counting. Keep an eye out to see where he’s playing during your visit.

Steeped in tradition with a knack for playing to a fun party, Soul Brass Band features all-star talent, being frequently called in for second-line parades. You can find them booked to play at many establishments across the city, especially on Frenchmen Street.