Our Recommendations While Visiting New Orleans
By Captain Doug & Cruise Director Rena
We’ve called New Orleans home our entire lives, and we’re excited to share some of our favorite local spots with you. Whether you’re here for the food, music, or culture—you’re in for something special.
French Quarter Favorites
Café Beignet (Royal St.) – Famous beignets (Louisiana’s official state doughnut) plus local classics like red beans and gumbo.
Coop’s Place – Legendary fried chicken and rabbit jambalaya. Casual, no reservations, 21+ only.
Irene’s Cuisine – A hidden gem with excellent Italian food and a lively atmosphere.
Italian Barrel – Great Italian with outdoor seating and a short walk to Frenchmen Street nightlife.
Cane & Table – Island-inspired dishes—start with a rum punch and go from there.
Brennan’s – A Creole classic. Famous for Bananas Foster and Eggs Hussarde. Perfect for brunch.
Central Grocery – Home of the original muffuletta.
Port of Call – Late-night favorite (open until around 2AM on weekends). Great burgers, baked potatoes, and the Monsoon drink.
Felix’s or Drago’s – Chargrilled oysters done right.
Warehouse District / CBD
Peche – Award-winning seafood with a standout raw oyster bar.
Cochon Butcher – Casual, pork-focused Cajun fare (Cochon restaurant is next door for sit-down dining).
La Boca – Argentine steakhouse with bold flavors.
Bearcat (CBD) – Excellent breakfast and brunch with vegan options.
Carmo – Tropical, globally inspired cuisine with great vegetarian choices.
Garden District
Atchafalaya – Contemporary New Orleans cuisine and one of the best Bloody Marys in town.
Bywater & Marigny (Near French Quarter)
Bacchanal – Wine, live music, and twinkle lights—pure New Orleans magic.
Elizabeth’s – Famous for praline bacon. Great for breakfast or lunch.
Satsuma – Fresh, healthy breakfast and lunch options.
Uptown / Riverbend
La Petite Grocery – Elevated Louisiana cuisine in a charming historic cottage.
Upperline – Romantic, classic New Orleans dining experience.
Saba – Modern Middle Eastern with locally sourced ingredients.
Jacques-Imo’s – Soulful Cajun/Creole dishes on Oak Street.
DTB (Down the Bayou) – Don’t miss the happy hour fried chicken sandwich and mushroom boudin balls.
Lakefront Seafood
The Blue Crab – Waterfront seafood with occasional live music. Great by boat. (Closed Mondays)
Station 6 – Fresh, modern seafood near the lake.
R&O’s – Casual spot with great po-boys and pizza.
Best Po-Boys (Lunch Spots)
Parkway Bakery – Legendary po-boys (closed Tuesdays).
Crabby Jack’s – Huge, creative po-boys—worth the trip.
Johnny’s Po-Boys – Convenient and solid in the French Quarter.
Domilise’s – Classic oyster, shrimp, and roast beef po-boys.
Live Music on Frenchmen Street
(Nothing happens until 9pm)
The Spotted Cat – Classic New Orleans jazz (“The Cat”).
Blue Nile – A longtime favorite on Frenchmen Street.
Café Negril – High-energy mix of music and dancing.
Dragon’s Den – Unique multi-level venue with music and food.
Three Muses – Great music, food, and cocktails (reservations recommended).
Must-Visit Bars
Pat O’Brien’s – Home of the Hurricane (go easy—two is plenty!).
The Carousel Bar (Hotel Monteleone) – A rotating bar that’s been spinning since 1949.
Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar – One of the oldest bars in the United States.
Hot Tin – Rooftop bar with beautiful city views.
The Columns Hotel – Historic cocktails overlooking St. Charles Avenue.
Maple Leaf Bar – Legendary live music venue on Oak Street.
Best Parks
City Park – Massive greenspace with museums, sculpture garden, botanical garden, mini golf, paddleboats, and more.
Crescent Park – Scenic riverfront walking and biking paths with great views of the Mississippi River.
Audubon Park – Beautiful walking paths and excellent birdwatching next to the zoo.
Jean Lafitte National Historical Park / Barataria Preserve – Swamp trails where you might spot alligators (about 40 minutes from the French Quarter).
More Local Experiences
Audubon Zoo – One of the top zoos in the United States, featuring the Louisiana Swamp and Jaguar Jungle.
Hansen’s Sno-Bliz – The best snowballs in the city (4801 Tchoupitoulas St.).
Stroll Magazine Street – Great shops, cafés, and restaurants from the Garden District to Uptown.
Ride the St. Charles Streetcar – A historic ride past oak trees, mansions, and classic New Orleans scenery. ($3 all-day pass)
Laissez les bon temps rouler!
(“Let the good times roll!”)