Best Brunch in the French Quarter
Photo courtesy of Muriel’s Jackson Square on Facebook
First named in print in an 1895 newspaper, brunch is thought to have originated with English hunt meals. But although New Orleans didn’t invent brunch, it did invent two things that elevated the mid-morning extravaganza to its highest form: cocktails and jazz. What would brunch be without bloody Marys, mimosas and Irish coffee? And how much less festive would it feel without trumpet flares and piano riffs mingling with the sounds of laughter and clinking champagne flutes?
We’ve rounded up a few of our favorite spots to enjoy brunch, ranging from down-home hearty joints to refined, white-tablecloth versions.
Antoine’s
713 St. Louis St.
The country’s oldest family-run restaurant (since 1840), Antoine’s is a go-to for a lingering jazz brunch on Sunday. This Creole grand dame serves up its signature Oysters Rockefeller, rich omelets, decadent Creole mains, and dessert classics to the sounds of live jazz. This is fine dining at its best.
Arnaud’s
813 Bienville St.
For a Dixieland jazz brunch, Arnaud’s can’t be beat. The three-course prix fixe Sunday brunch menu is mouth-watering. Try the traditional Creole breakfast starter, Creole Cream Cheese Evangeline, or shrimp bisque. Eggs Fauteaux, poached eggs with smoked pompano from the Gulf, are also popular. The restaurant’s signature dish, Shrimp Arnaud, is Gulf shrimp marinated in a house-made Creole remoulade. The ambiance is old-world elegant, yet exuberant, and a business casual dress code is observed.
Café Amelie
900 Royal St.
How about an iconic culinary experience in one of the most gorgeous courtyards in the French Quarter (and that’s saying a lot, as the Quarter is full of tropical lushness)? Many items on the weekend menu would pair well with Amelie’s seasonally inspired cocktails, and the locally sourced ingredients speak for themselves, but the signature cochon de lait sandwich will render you speechless. Another beloved signature dish to try is shrimp and grits, served with corn and Andouille maque choux.
Café Conti
830 Conti St.
Looking for lighter fare? This hidden gem specializes in simple but beautifully executed French and Creole-tinged breakfast staples. There’s a parfait bowl brimming with fresh fruit and house-made granola, as toasts with plenty of healthy sides. For something more substantial, grab a loaded grits bowl or a breakfast sandwich. Order at the counter, take a seat in the intimate, chandelier-hung space, and savor the ambiance.
Croissant D’Or Patisserie
617 Ursulines St.
Tucked away between Royal and Chartres streets on Ursulines and steeped in old-world charm, this Parisian-style patisserie has some of the best baked goods in town — and the bar is high in New Orleans. Made daily and served fresh from the bakery, Croissant D’Or’s croissants come plain, sweet and savory, stuffed with things like chocolate and ham and cheese. Everything you’ll find displayed in the gleaming glass case is a must-try, from the quiches and tiramisu to the tarts and the tortes. The sandwiches and the omelets are also delicious. House specials include a bechamel croissant, crepes, and French onion soup. Please note that there’s no alcohol, and the place closes at 3 p.m. on the weekends and 1 p.m. on weekdays.
Muriel’s Jackson Square
801 Chartres St.
If there’s a better place to enjoy brunch than on Muriel’s balcony overlooking Jackson Square on a Saturday or Sunday morning or an early afternoon, we haven’t found it. Sit inside to enjoy a live jazz trio during the Sunday brunch. The menu is extensive and classic Creole elegance. It includes a three-course special if you would prefer not to order a la carte. Also, take note: Muriel’s turtle soup is legendary.
Ruby Slipper
204 Decatur St.
Launched from a lovely Mid-City cottage in 2008, Ruby Slipper has grown into a beloved family-owned chain with nearly 30 locations scattered from New Orleans to Florida, the Carolinas, and so on. It’s easy to see the appeal: local specialties like biscuits and gravy and shrimp and grits meet mainstays like classic buttermilk pancakes and Spanish omelets. And, of course, there are those mimosas and bloody Marys — because as the menu reminds diners, “You can’t drink all day if you don’t start in the morning.”
Stanley
547 St. Ann St.
Stanley has a lot going for it: The airy, sunny, inviting dining rooms; prime location (it overlooks Jackson Square); a nod to Tennessee Williams in its name; and all-day breakfast that emphasizes regional cooking and local ingredients. Owner and chef Scott Boswell serves classic New Orleans comfort food with an upscale twist. Yet it’s affordable and the portions are very generous. Try the signature Bananas Foster French toast, or Eggs Stanley: cornmeal-crusted oysters, poached eggs, Canadian bacon, and Creole hollandaise on a toasted English muffin. Eggs Benedict get a po-boy treatment by being served on toasted French bread. Or, if you can handle it, get them as part of a breakfast seafood platter, with soft-shell crab, oysters and shrimp. Wash it down with a Mega (double) Bloody Mary or a milkshake punch while you people-watch.
The Court of Two Sisters
613 Royal St.
The historic courtyard at this restaurant is so great they named the restaurant after it, and its Creole menu and the jazz brunch are staples of the local culinary scene. The brunch buffet’s selections change seasonally, but you can count on eggs any style, made-to-order omelets, Eggs Benedict, and turtle soup to be served. Also, take note: Court of Two Sisters made the traditional version of Bananas Foster part of its dinner and jazz brunch menus. The dessert fits right in with the restaurant’s luscious Creole and Cajun cuisine like jambalaya and gumbo, and is served with brandy and banana liquor over French vanilla ice cream.
Toast
1035 Decatur St.
From the owners of Tartine, this is the latest of the three New Orleans locations of a laid-back neighborhood bakery. You can both linger with an omelet sipping a cafe au lait or grab a latte and a pastry to go — either way, expect excellent, French-leaning food. All breads, jams, custards, and curds are made in-house daily. Fittingly, there are three French toast options on the menu, including the king cake version filled with cinnamon cream cheese, with Mardi Gras sprinkles on top. Another standout is Toast’s signature aebleskiver, a puffy Danish-style pancake ball, served with lemon curd, jam, maple syrup, and caramel (or other sauces) for dipping
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Best Food on Bourbon Street
Photo courtesy of Galatoire’s 33 Bar & Steak on Facebook
The 13-block strip of Bourbon Street is not all neon hustle and gigantic drinks in souvenir cups. It’s actually home to some of the most vibrant restaurants in the city — high and low, round-the-clock, world-famous — and just interesting. Here’s a quick rundown of the best food you could find on this most-visited street in the French Quarter, starting with Upper Bourbon on Canal Street and walking towards Esplanade Avenue.
Red Fish Grill
115 Bourbon Street
Ralph Brennan’s Red Fish Grill has been around for more than 20 years, offering a child-friendly respite in the middle of the Bourbon Street chaos. It’s known for its seafood-heavy menu and good happy hour deals on the drinks and the oysters. Try some of the signature dishes like BBQ oysters and double-chocolate bread pudding.
Bourbon House
144 Bourbon Street
An old-school seafood restaurant run by the Brennan family with a raw oyster bar and Creole fare like blackened Gulf fish and bourbon shrimp and grits. Bourbon House also lives up to its name with a selection of small-batch and single-barrel bourbons.
Galatoire’s
209 Bourbon Street
Galatoire’s should be on everyone’s New Orleans bucket list, and it’s likely to deliver a day-long eating and drinking extravaganza you won’t soon forget. Founded in 1905, the restaurant has become a fine dining institution beloved by the generations of New Orleanians. The decadent classics like crab Maison, duck crepes, foie gras, and turtle soup have been served there for over a century. Jackets required.
Olde Nola Cookery
205 Bourbon Street
Colorful and friendly, this Bourbon Street spot is no tourist trap as its menu is full of reliably local, traditional Cajun and Creole fare like BBQ shrimp, gator tail bites, po-boys, gumbo, seafood platters, and more. A Taste of New Orleans sampler will get you gumbo, crawfish etouffee, and red beans and rice with smoked sausage. Two big advantages the restaurant has are that it’s open till 1 a.m. nightly and has a balcony.
Galatoire’s 33 Bar & Steak
215 Bourbon Street
Galatoire’s added a steakhouse to its family of restaurants in 2013, right next door to the original. Galatoire’s 33 is named after a post marker found inside the historic building during the renovation. It serves the Galatoire’s full menu in its dining room.
Desire Oyster Bar
300 Bourbon Street
The elegant hotel restaurant has a Broadway-style marquis sign, huge windows, a tin ceiling, and black-and-white checkered floors. Besides oysters, the menu emphasizes Gulf seafood and features New Orleans favorites like gumbo, po-boys, biscuits and gravy, shrimp remoulade, and more.
Crescent City Pizza Works
407 Bourbon Street
A late-night pizzeria at Conti Street, with pies that have telling names like the Big Cheesy and Chicken Bacon Krunch. The BBQ pork pizza will chase your hangover away with pulled pork, two types of cheese, and a generous serving of Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce. The ever-popular Chizzaburger combines Angus beef, onions, mozzarella, pickles, ketchup, and mustard. The place is open till 2 a.m. Sundays through Thursdays and till 3 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
Pier 424 Seafood Market Restaurant
424 Bourbon Street
A seafood-focused casual eatery with balcony dining and a large oyster bar. Try the sauteed crab claws or bayou frog legs (battered and served with buffalo sauce), or an alligator po-boy. The Taste of New Orleans platter is a local feast of crawfish etouffee, red beans and rice, chicken and Andouille jambalaya, and gumbo with chicken and Andouille (you can pick three out of four, or go for all four).
Le Bayou Restaurant & Oyster Bar
503 Bourbon Street
You might like this place for its high ceilings, marble-topped bar, and balcony seating. Housed in a historic building, Le Bayou serves casual Creole and Cajun staples like oysters, gumbo, Gulf seafood, and all kinds of traditional specialties. Open till 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
Cornet
700 Bourbon Street
Cornet, on the corner of St. Peter and Bourbon, serves traditional Cajun and Creole dishes like shrimp Creole, fried gator, po-boys, seafood platters, pasta, and staples like crawfish etouffee. Try the Satchmo sampler, a local trifecta of gumbo, jambalaya, and red beans. Balcony seating is available — a big draw if you want to people-watch. The restaurant was founded by the family who gave Louis Armstrong his first horn, a cornet — hence its name.
Clover Grill
900 Bourbon Street
A retro-classic, 24-hour diner in a city that sorely lacks them, Clover Grill “loves to fry and it shows” (as the menu states). The food is a reliable greasy-spoon fare, but you’ll be coming in at 4 a.m. as much for the scrambled eggs as the vibrant mix of its French Quarter crowd. The restaurant’s interesting existence is reflected in its no-nonsense menu, which is peppered with requests like: “We don’t eat in your bed, so please don’t sleep at our table” and “Dancing in the aisles only, please keep off the tables.”
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Bourbon Street Bucket List
Bourbon Street tile by Cheryl Gerber
The 13-block of Bourbon Street stretches from Canal Street to Esplanade Avenue and is packed with bars, clubs and restaurants. There’s more to the most visited street in the French Quarter than neon signs and brightly colored drinks in gigantic souvenir cups.
Bourbon Street is home to some of the oldest bars and best restaurants in New Orleans. And after the 2019 renovation of the eight blocks of the Upper Bourbon (from Canal St. to Dumaine St.), it is shinier and more walkable than ever. Whether you’re a visitor or a local, here are some suggestions for your bucket list.
Photo courtesy of Bourbon House on Facebook
EATING
Oysters and Other Gulf Seafood
Bourbon Street’s culinary offerings are a mix of high and low, with some local flair thrown in. The two seafood restaurants run by the Brennan family that are located on Bourbon Street would be solid choices for all things Gulf seafood and oysters in particular.
Red Fish Grill on the first block off Canal Street offers good happy hour deals and is child-friendly. Signature dishes include BBQ oysters, alligator sausage and seafood gumbo; and double chocolate bread pudding. Bourbon House (on the same block) has an oyster bar and a large selection of small-batch and single-barrel bourbons.
Want more oysters? The stylish Desire Oyster Bar inside The Royal Sonesta (300 Bourbon Street) has an oyster bar and the classic New Orleans menu of po-boys, gumbo, and fresh seafood from the Gulf.
24/7 Breakfast
For the pub grub and fast food, anything on the breakfast menu plus those famous little square burgers on steamed buns at the fast-food chain Krystal (116 Bourbon Street) would serve you well. The retro diner Clover Grill (900 Bourbon Street) has a huge breakfast menu and only-in-the-Quarter ambiance. Both are open 24/7.
French Quarter Balcony Dining
For balcony dining with a view of the French Quarter, head to Cornet (700 Bourbon Street) or Pier 424 Seafood Market Restaurant (424 Bourbon Street). Both restaurants serve traditional Cajun and Creole fare and have samplers that include gumbo, crawfish etouffee, and other local favorites.
Galatoire’s: Old-World Upscale Creole
If you’re going to try just one restaurant on Bourbon Street, make it Galatoire’s (209 Bourbon Street). This fine-dining institution should be on everyone’s New Orleans bucket list. Since its opening in 1905 generations of New Orleanians have been lining up for the Creole classics like crab Maison, duck crepes, foie gras, and turtle soup. Galatoire’s old-world, decadent ambiance is something to experience.
Tropical Isle by Cheryl Gerber
DRINKING
Absinthe
The Old Absinthe House (240 Bourbon Street) dates to 1807 and has hosted its share of famous patrons, including Oscar Wilde and Franklin Roosevelt. Sidle up to the classic copper bar and have one of the potent signature absinthe cocktails. Enjoy the old-fashioned yet quirky saloon ambiance.
Hurricane and Hand Grenade
Having one of those is pretty much a must if you’re hanging out on Bourbon Street, so do it right by going to the source. Sip your Hurricane in Pat O’Brien’s courtyard (624 Bourbon Street), and make sure your Hand Grenade comes from one of the Tropical Isle locations on Bourbon Street (435, 600, 610, 721, 727 Bourbon Street). The Bourbon & Orleans location has one of the largest balconies with a view of St. Louis Cathedral (you may have seen it on TV because it’s often used for live broadcasts).
One of the Oldest Bars in America
Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop (941 Bourbon Street) is a must-stop, period. Housed in a Creole cottage on the corner of Bourbon and St. Philip streets, it was built between 1722 and 1732, making it one of the oldest structures used as a bar in the U.S. Legends swirled for centuries that this location was used by the infamous Lafitte Brothers, Jean and Pierre, as a base for their privateer operation in Barataria. The bar has a unique ambiance and is popular with locals and visitors alike. If you’re feeling brave, try the signature drink called Purple Drank, a frozen daiquiri concoction.
The Jazz Playhouse by Cheryl Gerber
MUSIC AND ENTERTAINMENT
Jazz
If you want straight-up jazz, The Jazz Playhouse at 300 Bourbon Street (inside The Royal Sonesta) is a reliable choice. Musical Legends Park (311 Bourbon Street) also hosts live music shows among its life-size bronze statues of local musical legends like Louis Prima, Allen Toussaint, Irma Thomas, Fats Domino, and others. While you’re at it, have some beignets and cafe au lait at the outside seating at Cafe Beignet inside the park.
Maison Bourbon (641 Bourbon Street) is an old-school jazz club “dedicated to the preservation of jazz” (the outdoor sign says). Take in the gleaming bar, the brick walls and beamed ceilings. It also has a courtyard and a big balcony.
Fritzel’s European Jazz Pub (733 Bourbon Street) is another great spot for live jazz and Dixieland. It’s been around since 1969, as reflected in the memorabilia and the black-and-white photos lining the walls. Seating is limited because the space is intimate, but there’s more seating outside in the back where you won’t be able to see the action but still hear it pretty well. Fritzel’s has both day and night shows. Day shows seem to be less packed.
The Bourbon Pub & Parade Disco by Cheryl Gerber
LGBTQIA+
Once you walk past St. Ann Street you’ll start seeing the rainbow flags. The LGBTQIA+ section of Bourbon Street has two popular dance clubs across from one another, Oz (800 Bourbon Street) and Bourbon Pub Parade (801 Bourbon Street). Both are open late, with several dance floors, drag shows, DJs, and wraparound balconies for people-watching. The Pub serves as the annual headquarters of Southern Decadence.
Just down the block, Lafitte’s (901 Bourbon Street) is open 24/7 and hosts disco parties and karaoke nights. It’s been around since the 50s, which makes it one of the oldest continuously operating gay bars in the country.
Cat’s Meow by Cheryl Gerber
Karaoke and Riding the Bull
Speaking of karaoke, The World Famous Cat’s Meow (701 Bourbon Street) is the karaoke spot to be if you must indulge and don’t mind the rowdy crowd. The party atmosphere is helped by drink specials. Riding the mechanical bull is another one of the favorite pastimes on Bourbon Street, and you can try your luck at Boot Scootin Rodeo (522 Bourbon Street). Need liquid courage? The signature drink, called Boot, is full of spiked sweet tea.
Psychic Readings
See what the stars have in store for you at Marie Laveau’s House of Voodoo (628 Bourbon Street). Psychic and spiritual readings are available daily starting at noon.
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Where to Get the Best Gumbo in the French Quarter
Photo courtesy of Antoine’s Restaurant on Facebook
When it comes to gumbo, surely you’ve heard, “First, you make a roux” as a conversation starter. Roux is a traditional base for gumbo — flour and fat, browned together with seasonings. Just like gumbo is a blend of cultures and influences, including French, African, Caribbean, and Native American, the word “gumbo” comes from the Choctaw Indian “kombo” — filé, or powdered sassafras — and the African word “kingumbo,” which means okra. Both filé and okra are used as thickeners in gumbo.
From roux, dozens of variations of gumbo could spring: with smoked meats like duck, rabbit, and Andouille sausage in a darker roux; with tomato or no tomato; with okra or without; with lighter roux; and with seafood like shrimp and crabmeat. Often the “holy trinity” of local cooking is used too: bell pepper, celery and onion. Gumbo z’herbes (“green gumbo”) may or may not come with meat, but its vegetarian version, though not found often in New Orleans restaurants, holds its own with various greens like collards, mustard or turnip greens, spinach, chard, and kale.
A bowl of steaming gumbo served over rice is perfection anytime, but the fall, in particular, belongs to gumbo, when okra is in season and the heat lets up. In New Orleans, excellent gumbo is easy to find. The chefs tend not to deviate too much from the classic Cajun and Creole recipes. The difference is whether you like your gumbo laden with meat or seafood; with dark roux or a lighter roux; with an Abita draft or a crafted cocktail; and among chandeliers and gilded mirrors or in a dive bar.
Most restaurants include at least two versions on the menu, the meat and the seafood. You can get a cup alone, or a cup with half of a po-boy, if you don’t want to commit to a bowl. With our picks for the French Quarter you would want to, though. From fine dining to casual, these restaurants feature different kinds of gumbo, at different price points. Most have gumbo recipes on their websites, so you can try to recreate your own.
Acme Oyster House
724 Iberville St.
This popular chain often has a line out the door at its Iberville St. location, but that’s because Acme’s Creole/Cajun classic menu of oysters, po-boys and gumbo is that good. Try a cup of the seafood gumbo with shrimp and crab, or the chicken and Andouille version. Or get the New Orleans Medley, to sample gumbo, jambalaya, red beans and rice, and grilled smoked sausage all at once. Acme also serves up half of po-boy and a cup of gumbo combos. Chase yours with an oyster shooter of vodka or an oyster-topped Bloody Mary.
Antoine’s
713 St. Louis St.
You can’t go wrong with a classic Creole seafood gumbo served on the dinner and Sunday jazz brunch menus at this legendary restaurant. Try it with Oysters Rockefeller, Antoine’s signature dish created in 1889. Established in 1840, Antoine’s is the country’s oldest family-run restaurant, with 14 dining rooms, some of which bear names of Carnival krewes, and a who’s who roster of distinguished guests.
Arnaud’s
813 Bienville St.
Staying true to the classic Creole cuisine since its inception in 1918, Arnaud’s offers two gumbos (with chicken and Andouille sausage, or seafood) on both its dinner and jazz brunch menus. You can eat in one of the elegant dining rooms, or dine in the Jazz Bistro while you listen to live Dixieland jazz presented by The Gumbo Trio (Thursday through Saturday evenings and at the jazz brunch on Sunday).
Coop’s Place
1109 Decatur St.
If you want a quick, inexpensive meal with some local color thrown in, Coop’s Place is unbeatable. Located on the always-busy stretch of Decatur Street, Coop’s is a no-frills bar and restaurant with a surprisingly extensive menu. One of the standouts is the dark-roux seafood gumbo. It comes with Coop’s own dark roux, okra, filé powder, shrimp, oysters, and crab claws. (You can ask for extra seafood.) Follow the gumbo with Coop’s excellent rabbit and sausage jambalaya. Coop’s is popular with locals and tourists, so it can get busy and loud. Please also note that it’s 21 and older only, even the restaurant seating area, because of the video poker machines on the premises.
Galatoire’s
209 Bourbon St.
This beloved institution serves two classic Creole gumbos for under $15 per bowl. The seafood okra gumbo is packed with shrimp and oysters plus okra, made with shellfish stock and light roux. The shredded duck and Andouille sausage gumbo is made with a dark roux, duck stock, and the “trinity” — celery, bell pepper and onion.
Gumbo Shop
630 St. Peter St.
It wouldn’t be right not to include Gumbo Shop. After all, the name says it all. Gumbo Shop serves up two gumbos: seafood okra, and chicken and Andouille. Sadly, its gumbo z’herbes is no longer on the menu. Gumbo z’herbes isn’t a common sight on the New Orleans restaurant menus anyway. It’s made with green stock and is laden with various greens, such as mustard or collard, turnips, and spinach. Not to worry, Gumbo Shop offers lots of other Creole and Cajun staples and has a lovely courtyard.
Kingfish
337 Chartres St.
Kingfish pays tribute to the Huey P. Long era with a contemporary spin on the Southern classics and signature cocktails. The restaurant’s gumbo is made with duck and Andouille sausage and is served with steamed white rice. Pair it with a Sazerac or Pimm’s Cup during Governor Hours (happy hour).
Mr. B’s Bistro
201 Royal St.
The award-winning Mr. B’s Bistro is the city’s mainstay for high-end Creole dining, run by the Brennan family. There are two gumbos on Mr. B’s lunch, jazz brunch, and dinner menus. The seafood gumbo is a classic with shrimp, crabmeat and okra. Gumbo Ya-Ya, a house specialty, is a Cajun country-style gumbo made with dark roux, lots of Creole spices, chicken, and Andouille sausage.
Restaurant R’evolution
777 Bienville S.
R’evolution’s seafood gumbo, made with scallion rice, is a solid choice, but it’s “Death by Gumbo” you’ll want. And, at $22, it’s totally worth it. This dish is much talked about and documented on social media, and it keeps receiving accolades from national food and travel magazines and websites. Death by Gumbo is Cajun style, with a dark roux, presented with a whole semi-boneless quail set in the middle of the bowl, plus Andouille sausage, filé, rice, and poached oysters.
Vacherie
827 Toulouse St.
We recommend Vacherie’s chicken and Andouille gumbo, served with grilled French bread with an option to add boudin balls or potato salad. Vacherie Restaurant & Bar is located inside Hotel St. Marie and focuses on homestyle Cajun and regional fare using local ingredients.
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Best Muffulettas in the French Quarter and Nearby
One of New Orleans’ most celebrated creations is a tall, bready Sicilian-Cajun invention that reflects the city’s diverse cultural and culinary heritage. The muffuletta goes back to the 19th century, when the French Quarter was sometimes referred to as “Little Palermo,” and its Sicilian working-class population consisted of laborers, dockworkers, fishermen, and farmers. A few of the immigrants opened grocery stores and bakeries and catered to the Sicilians who lived and worked in the Quarter and parts of Treme.
What’s in a muffuletta?
“Muffuletta” (pronounced “muffuLOTta” and sometimes also spelled as “muffaletta”) comes from the bread known in Sicily under that name. Traditionally, the sandwich is made with the sesame-crusted wheel of bread, Italian salami and ham, cheese (usually provolone and Swiss), and olive salad. The olive salad consists of finely chopped green and black olives, celery, cauliflower, carrots, sweet peppers, pepperoncini, onions, capers, vinegar, and garlic. Spices and herbs are also added (parsley, oregano, etc.).
Where does it come from?
The invention of this oversized sandwich is credited to Salvatore Lupo, the proprietor of Central Grocery & Deli on Decatur Street in the French Quarter. The “Home of the Original Muffuletta” opened in 1906 and has been selling the sandwich for over a century. Legend has it that the Italian farmers and laborers would buy what became the ingredients for the muffuletta for lunch from Lupo’s store (and other vendors in the French Quarter), and eat them separately. Lupo decided to assemble them into a sandwich, tweaked a few components — and muffuletta was born.
The variations outside tradition
Like with most signature New Orleans creations, opinions run strong when it comes to any deviation from the tradition. Some maintain that muffuletta is a cold-cut sandwich, period. Others had been serving it hot, like the James Beard Award-winning chef Donald Link, owner of Cochon Butcher. Yet others offer it hot and cold (Verti Marte).
Liuzza’s Restaurant & Bar in Mid-City also popularized the “Frenchuletta,” a muffuletta version served on French bread. PIZZA domenica, with three locations in New Orleans, used to offer muffuletta pizza with provolone, cured meats and olive salad (we hope it comes back).
There are seafood versions, like the one that was at some point offered at Parran’s Po-Boys & Restaurant, which has locations in Metairie and Kenner. Parran’s original seafood muffuletta comes with fried oysters, shrimp and catfish, dressed with housemade Cajun mayo. Then there was the muffuletta King Cake from Cartozzo’s Bakery in Kenner, with grated Romano cheese dyed in Mardi Gras colors and sprinkled on top of the savory King Cake ring.
Some call the non-traditional versions blasphemy; others say they’re not muffulettas but “something else.”
Who does it best?
Central Grocery
The original cold-cut version.
Central Grocery’s made-to-order muffulettas have the visitors and the locals lining up ever since Salvatore Lupo stuffed his first sandwich. Today’s muffuletta at Central Grocery keeps it traditional: Genoa salami, Holland ham, mortadella (bologna), the secret-recipe olive salad, and Swiss and provolone cheese — served on an 8-inch round bread.
The sprawling, old-fashioned grocery store is still run by the same Lupo family, selling imported Italian delicacies and the housemade olive salad by the jar. You can eat in at the counter, or take your muffuletta to go (the Woldenberg Park by the river is a great spot for a picnic). The visitors of the city have been known to pack their muffulettas for a flight or a drive home, but you don’t have to — Central Grocery ships nationwide.
Cochon Butcher
Melted cheese, meats are cured in-house.
Another New Orleans joint that serves its muffulettas hot (unless you request yours cold) is Cochon Butcher in the Warehouse District, chef Donald Link’s companion to Cochon. The much-praised Cochon muffuletta comes on a Sicilian roll, with housemade giardiniera. All the meats are cured in-house.
Frank’s Restaurant
Baked, with melted cheese and toasted bread.
“The home of the other muffuletta,” Frank’s has been around for over 50 years, serving a different kind of muffuletta to scores of its loyal fans just down the block from Central Grocery. The crucial difference is that Frank’s “World Famous Original Muffuletta” is baked and served with toasted bread and melted cheese. Frank’s is also known for its po-boys and classic Italian fare. The downstairs looks like a deli with a to-go counter, but the second-floor dining room is spacious and has balcony seating if you want to dine in with a view of the French Quarter.
Napoleon House
Big enough to share, house specialty.
Muffuletta is one of the specialties at Napoleon House, which is housed in a historic landmark on Chartres Street that dates back to the 1700s and has the unique ambiance of old-world New Orleans. The traditional muffuletta is served warm, and is big enough for two people (you can also get it in half and quarter sizes). Wash it down with the restaurant’s signature drink, the Pimm’s Cup.
Verti Marte
Overstuffed, generous on meat, served in the original and the spicier version.
The tiny, beloved Verti Marte on Royal Street is open 24/7 for takeout or delivery. Verti Marte gets a lot of love for its long breakfast menu and epic po-boys, but don’t discount its much-praised specialty muffuletta (offered as a half) and the spicy muffuletta, “The Bam-Bam (also sold in half). It’s the same as the original, but with added spices, and also served on Verti Marte’s specialty sesame seed bread.
Are you planning to spend some time in New Orleans soon? To stay close to all the action, book a historic boutique hotel in the French Quarter at FrenchQuarter.com/hotels today!
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French Quarter Tours du Jour
While the French Quarter is a fascinating place to simply sit and watch the world go by, it becomes ever more so when you learn a bit about its history, quirks, and secrets. Dozens of guided tours are available to address all manner of subjects specific to the French Quarter and a knowledgeable, enthusiastic tour guide can peel back the wrappings and allow you to see what’s really inside. French Quarter tours are quick crash courses that take the form of everything from polite, informative walking tours to pub crawls, paddlewheeler sojourns, horse-drawn carriage rides, and nocturnal romps in search of ghosts and vampires.
Some tour guides work independently and offer their services almost as a “friend in New Orleans” — for hire. Some of them are highly specialized and offer a microscopic look at one area of interest. Others touch on a little bit of everything, like City Sightseeing New Orleans — New Orleans’ Hop-On Hop-Off tour that traverses four distinct neighborhoods in classic red open-top double-decker buses.
At the other end of the spectrum is Gray Line Tours, a comprehensive one-stop shopping service on the tourism front with numerous tour options available. The company offers investigative tours of the French Quarter and Garden District as well as a sweeping look at the entire city. Specialty tours include cocktail tours, swamp and bayou tours, plantation tours, seasonal tours (Thanksgiving, Christmas), and ghosts and spirits tours.
Highlighted below are a few of the many tours available. Some are noted for their outstanding reputations, and others for the unique nature of their offerings.
Hop-On Hop-Off Tours
For French Quarter tours and beyond, a tour that offers a few days of sightseeing is a great option for exploring. City Sightseeing New Orleans is New Orleans’ most flexible tour, with options for one-day, two-day, and three-day unlimited Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing. Visitors can view New Orleans from a red, open-top double-decker bus while enjoying live narration from a guide. These tours also include walking tours throughout the city for those who want to Hop-Off and enjoy its many attractions.
Walking Tours
This is the very best way to familiarize yourself with the French Quarter. Get a comfortable pair of shoes, some sunscreen, and a hat for the walk.
Friends of the Cabildo French Quarter Walking Tours — Two hours long and led by highly trained volunteers with the Louisiana State Museum system who educate on architecture and historical facts. The tour visits the 1850 House Museum.
NOLA Tour Guy — Offers a free “pay what you feel” tour experience of the French Quarter, the cemeteries, and the Garden District. There are also voodoo and ghost tours available, plus cocktail and jazz tours. NOLA Tour Guy is well-known and respected by both locals and repeat visitors to the city and has been in operation since 2012.
City Sightseeing New Orleans — The company boasts several walking tours along its route. Learn about the French Quarter’s history and see some of its most popular attractions, then hop back on the tour bus to explore beyond the French Quarter!
Gray Line French Quarter Walking Tours — These tours include food and drinks tours and haunted city and cemetery tours. There are also specialty holiday tours like the Christmas Eve bonfire tour.
This is just the tip of the iceberg! For all walking tours New Orleans has to offer please check out this guide from the New Orleans Tourism Office.
Carriage Tours
Every day from about 8 a.m. to midnight, mule-drawn carriages line up on Decatur Street in front of Jackson Square. These tours are a staple in New Orleans tourism. Some carriages hold four people, others hold six. They roll through the French Quarter, rain or shine, pointing out all of the expected sites. For something more substantial than the standard nickel tour, carriage drivers can be engaged for private tours of the city.
Riverboat Tours
See the city from the body of water that made it all possible.
Steamboat Natchez Cruises — Riding the last steamboat on the Mississippi River recalls an era when steamboats were the main source of transportation, communication, and commerce. It cruises downriver to Chalmette (7.5 miles) and back twice daily, and once in the evening for a Dinner Jazz Cruise. During the day there is live jazz and optional food and beverage in addition to the historic and port narration. Special seasonal tours are also available, like Sailing With Santa and Christmas Eve cruise.
Creole Queen Cruises — This beautiful paddlewheeler straight out of Mark Twain’s era offers jazz dinner cruises, historical and weekend jazz brunch tours, plus a slew of specialty holiday tours: Thanksgiving cruise with a traditional feast, Cajun Holiday Tea With Papa Noel, Christmas and New Year’s Eve tours, and more.
Cemetery, Voodoo, Vampire, and Haunted Places Tours
These tours range from highly educational and informative, such as those offered by the reputable Save our Cemeteries, to absolutely ridiculous to the point of insult. Due to their popularity, there are so many vampire, voodoo and whatnot tours currently available that over-competitive guides have been known to engage in battle over customers in Jackson Square. Note that due to vandalism issues, only approved docents who are registered with the Archdiocese of New Orleans can lead tours into St. Louis Cemetery No. 1.
Gray Line Ghost & Spirits Walking Tour — This tour includes several ghost tour operators, which means no two tours are exactly alike. While the sites you visit will vary, expect to take in destinations including haunted hotels.
Voodoo/Treme/Storyville Walking Tour — The guides at the Historic New Orleans Walking Tours have a talent for sprinkling just enough intrigue and mystery over the facts to keep them compelling.
Save Our Cemeteries — This outstanding non-profit group works to preserve the city’s fragile, crumbling burial places. The tours are led by Save Our Cemeteries-trained volunteers who unveil the mysteries of Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 (temporarily closed for maintenance and repairs) in the Garden District as well as St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, which is adjacent to the French Quarter. The folks at Save Our Cemeteries are wise to the reality that these places are compelling enough without the mythical embellishments some others place on the Cities of the Dead.
Bike Tours
Flat, warm New Orleans is a perfect city for casual cycling.
Confederacy of Cruisers — The original godfathers of the local cycling tour scene, the folks at Confederacy Cruisers offer several wryly funny tours of the city’s iconic neighborhoods (including the Quarter). Some rides take in the city’s distinctive architecture, and some focus on Creole culture – any way you slice it, you’ll bike away happy.
FreeWheelin’ Bike Tours & Rentals — Established in 2010 and highly rated since, FreeWheelin’ Bike Tours & Rentals is a veteran- and family-owned company that specializes in guided and self-guided bike tours. It also does electric and pedal bike, and scooter rentals.
Music Tours
Learn serious facts about the history of jazz or bang your head at a nightclub. The offerings are diverse.
New Orleans Music Tour — Offered by NOLA Historic Tours, the New Orleans Music Tour is an all-ages daytime walking tour that will take you around the French Quarter and nearby and will cover many of the greatest musical and historical moments, from Storyville to the Old French Opera House, and much more.
New Orleans Music & Heritage Tour — Brought to you by Abel Tours and with Keith Abel as your tour guide (Abel has spent decades in the music business so you’ll be in very capable, knowledgeable hands), this walking tour begins at the Louisiana Music Factory on the cusp of the Marigny (421 Frenchmen Street) and proceeds to visit the boyhood home of Danny Barker, Preservation Jazz Hall, Bourbon Street to hear Pete Fountain, and J&M Studios. The tour also makes a stop at Armstrong Park’s legendary Congo Square, and touches upon over three centuries of music that helped share New Orleans.
Photo courtesy of Pearl River Swamp Tours on Facebook
Swamp Tours
Though there are days when the French Quarter may feel like a swamp, to really see one you have to leave the neighborhood. Several of the numerous swamp tour companies distinguish themselves for their quality while others merely ride along on bits of pseudo-Cajun folklore and pantomimed accents, which people seem to eat up.
The Louisiana bayous and swampland are stunning, majestic and mysterious. In summer, when the heat can be brutal, a morning tour is recommended. Insect repellent and sunscreen are a must. Reservations are required. These tours offer transport from many French Quarter hotels.
Pearl River Swamp Tours — While swamp tours may be numerous, this one, located 45-50 minutes from downtown New Orleans, distinguishes itself in a number of ways. The folkloric approach is avoided in favor of a learning adventure that is richly informative and exciting in its own right. The tour, which heads deep into the Honey Island Swamp, has become a favorite for its intelligent focus and quality experience. The company’s motto alone should persuade you to book a tour: “We work in the swamp, we live in the swamp, we play in the swamp… We are the swamp!
Gray Line Swamp & Bayou Tour — After a short motorcoach ride across the Mississippi River, take a fascinating boat trip into the Louisiana swamps and bayous. Experience the timeless beauty of South Louisiana in a custom-built, all-weather swamp boat. Local guides will reveal the mysteries of the swamps and bayous and the Cajun joie de vivre. Hear how the Cajuns turned soup into gumbo, the washboard into a musical instrument, and the swamps of Louisiana into a paradise. Alligators! Observe the nesting grounds of alligators, egrets, raccoons, nutria, and many species of snakes. Some wildlife are more numerous during the warmer months of the year. Also, you will be treated to a Bayou Nature Wildlife Show by a local naturalist. Snakes, alligator snapping turtles, raccoons, and nutria will be among the animal guests.
Whitney Plantation by Michael McCarthy
Plantation Tours
Gray Line’s Whitney Plantation Tour — Gray Line’s bus will provide round-trip transportation to the Whitney Plantation. The ticket price also includes an admission fee, but this is a self-guided tour. Besides being a fine example of Creole architecture, Whitney Plantation is one of the few plantation museums in the state that focuses on the history of slavery.
Laura Plantation Tour — This guided tour is unique in a way that it includes the tour of the slave cabins, and also because the plantation was owned by several generations of Creoles. The grounds have a beautiful garden, and the tour is informative and honest about presenting the stories of enslaved people in Creole Louisiana.
Are You Visiting New Orleans Soon?
We’d love for you to stay at one of our Valentino hotels! And if you do, consider booking a guided tour of the famous St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 to experience the hauntingly beautiful past of New Orleans. And, for easy, informative sightseeing, we recommend the City Sightseeing New Orleans city tour on the open-top, double-decker bus. It runs every 30 minutes through the Garden District, French Quarter, and CBD. You can hop on and off anytime!
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New Orleans Super Bowl Guide
Photo courtesy of Caleb Woods on Unsplash
New Orleans is one of the most iconic cities to host a Super Bowl, famed for its electric atmosphere, unique local culture, and rich history. For Super Bowl fans, New Orleans offers a blend of world-class sporting events and captivating local experiences. Here’s your guide to making the most of the Super Bowl weekend in the Crescent City.
What You Should Know About Super Bowl 2025
But first, here’s some Super Bowl 2025 information:
When: New Orleans hosts its record-tying 11th NFL Championship game, Super Bowl LIX, on Sunday, February 9, 2025. Super Bowl LIX will be the eighth time the Superdome will host, a record for hosting the most Super Bowls!
Where: Caesars Superdome, 1500 Sugar Bowl Drive, New Orleans, Louisiana.
Where to get tickets: You have several options, including On Location and StubHub. Currently, the cheapest Super Bowl tickets in 2025 cost about $5,500.
Halftime show headliner: Kendrick Lamar, who has 17 Grammys and three albums reach No. 1 in the U.S.
Best place to tailgate: Champions Square, a 60,000-square-foot outdoor plaza right outside the Superdome and across from the Smoothie King Center that can accommodate as many as 8,000 fans.
Parking: There are seven parking garages and two surface lots around the Caesars Superdome that can be used by visitors. You might have to purchase a parking permit. There are also “first come, first serve” parking lots along Loyola Avenue, S. Rampart Street, and several side streets in the vicinity of the Superdome. The rate will likely be higher than usual, and reservations may be required for buses, campers and RVs.
Clear bag policy: Caesars Superdome enforces the NFL’s clear bag policy (details here).
You should also know:
The NFL uses mobile tickets for all events. Guests must display their passes on mobile phones to enter. Screenshots and printouts of the ticket will not be scanned and accepted.
Re-entry is not allowed at Caesars Superdome unless a guest is permitted due to special circumstances. This includes medical emergencies or for the care of a service animal.
Caesars Superdome is a cashless stadium. Only credit and debit cards are accepted at concessions. Visitors may convert their cash to a Visa Card at guest service locations around the venue.
Don’t have a ticket but want to watch the game close to the action, or have pre- or post-game drinks? There are many bars near the Smoothie King Center and Superdome, including Lucy’s Retired Surfer Bar, Walk-On’s, The Rusty Nail, Baroness on Baronne, and more. To eat nearby, try Willa Jean, Copper Vine, Headquarters by NGN (it stands for “Nice Guys NOLA”), or Devil Moon BBQ.
What to Do
New Orleans offers an array of activities for every visitor, from sports fans to culture enthusiasts. Here’s how to fill your itinerary beyond the Super Bowl itself:
Explore the French Quarter
Take a leisurely walk through the French Quarter’s cobblestone streets, where you’ll find iconic sites like Jackson Square, the St. Louis Cathedral, and the French Market. Don’t miss the lively sounds of Bourbon Street in the evening. For easy, informative sightseeing, we recommend the City Sightseeing New Orleans city tour on the open-top, double-decker bus. It runs every 30 minutes through the Garden District, French Quarter, and CBD. You can hop on and off anytime!
Catch Some Live Music
Music is at the heart of New Orleans culture. You can catch live jazz and blues performances across the city, especially along Frenchmen Street in the Marigny. Snug Harbor and The Spotted Cat are popular spots to experience world-class performances from local talent.
Visit the Garden District
If you’re craving a scenic stroll, head to the Garden District, where you’ll find grand mansions, historic homes, and beautiful oak-lined streets. Magazine Street, running through the district, has some of the best shopping and dining in the city.
Join a Second Line Parade
Second Line parades are lively, impromptu street celebrations led by a brass band. They’re a unique tradition that’s often organized for weddings and special events, but around Super Bowl weekend, you’re likely to spot a few throughout the city. Feel free to jump in and dance along as locals celebrate in style!
Join a Ghost or Voodoo Tour
New Orleans is often called America’s most haunted city, and ghost or voodoo tours are a popular activity for visitors. Led by local guides who share spine-chilling tales of ghosts and folklore, these tours explore some of the Quarter’s most haunted locations. You’ll visit old cemeteries, haunted mansions, and historic sites while learning about the city’s deep-rooted fascination with the supernatural. Also, consider booking a guided tour of St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 to experience the hauntingly beautiful past of New Orleans.
Take a Riverboat Cruise
Experience the Mississippi River aboard a traditional paddlewheeler, like the Steamboat Natchez or the Creole Queen. Many cruises feature live jazz performances, Creole dining, and beautiful views of the city’s skyline. The cruise offers a unique perspective of New Orleans, taking you back in time as you enjoy the leisurely pace of river life.
Enjoy Live Jazz at Preservation Hall
A trip to New Orleans would be incomplete without a night of live jazz, and Preservation Hall is one of the best places to experience it. This legendary venue offers intimate jazz performances in an old, no-frills space that’s been part of New Orleans’ jazz history for generations. Shows are held nightly, and tickets often sell out quickly, so it’s worth booking in advance.
Indulge in Cajun and Creole Cuisine
The French Quarter is packed with renowned eateries that capture the essence of New Orleans cuisine. Try the gumbo at the Gumbo Shop, the jambalaya at Coop’s Place, or the fresh seafood at Oceana Grill. If you’re craving something sweet, beignets and cafe au lait at Cafe Du Monde are a French Quarter staple.
Visit JAMNOLA
Football fans won’t want to miss JAMNOLA‘s “A Saints Dream” exhibit by THEARTISTJADE, where they can catch touchdowns and show off their best griddy dance moves. In February, kids ages 3-12 can enter JAMNOLA for free with the purchase of at least one adult ticket (use the code KIDZFREE). Also, please note that February 10th is your last chance to experience the original JAMNOLA on Royal Street in the Bywater. Later in the month, a brand new JAMNOLA adventure will be unveiled on Frenchmen Street, featuring all-new exhibits and artists.
See “The Huddle” at Hotel Peter and Paul
On February 7 and 8, from 11-4 p.m., GQ x Samsung are hosting “The Huddle,” a celebration that will be a highlight of the week’s Super Bowl happenings. This is a chance to rub elbows with the city’s movers and shakers, experience one of NOLA’s most beautiful, historic venues, and experience GQ’s stylish hotel takeover firsthand.
All weekend long, GQ will be hosting a series of invite-only parties at Hotel Peter & Paul, including the highly anticipated GQ x Bode fashion show. “The Huddle” is the public’s golden opportunity to be part of the action, including complimentary drinks, exclusive merch, and an opportunity to check out what’s trending this season in both fashion and tech.
What to See
Jackson Square
One of the French Quarter’s most picturesque spots, Jackson Square, is framed by the historic St. Louis Cathedral, the oldest cathedral in North America. This bustling square is a magnet for artists, musicians, and street performers who entertain visitors against a stunning backdrop of 18th-century French architecture. Visit the nearby Presbytère and Cabildo, two historic buildings housing exhibits on New Orleans history and culture, from Mardi Gras costumes to artifacts from the city’s colonial days.
Bourbon Street
Bourbon Street is legendary for its nightlife, and it’s a must-see for first-time visitors. With neon lights, bustling bars, live jazz clubs, and unique souvenirs, it’s the beating heart of the French Quarter. Be sure to pop into a jazz bar or piano lounge for some authentic New Orleans music or simply stroll along the street to experience the energy and spectacle that defines this iconic stretch.
French Market
Dating back to 1791, the French Market is a vibrant open-air space offering everything from local foods to arts and crafts. Sample beignets from Cafe Du Monde, taste local spices, or browse through stalls of handmade jewelry and crafts. This market brings together locals and tourists alike, making it a perfect spot to get a sense of the city’s vibrant culture and artisanal heritage.
Historic Voodoo Landmarks
New Orleans’ history is deeply intertwined with voodoo culture. Visit the Voodoo Museum to learn about the origins of voodoo in the city, or Marie Laveau’s House of Voodoo, dedicated to the famous voodoo queen, where you’ll find altars, artifacts, and readings by practicing voodooists. For those interested in a more hands-on experience, many tours in the French Quarter explore the neighborhood’s eerie folklore and supernatural legends.
Royal Street
For a calmer, more scenic experience, take a stroll down Royal Street, known for its galleries, antique shops, and charming architecture. With musicians playing on the street and beautifully preserved Creole townhouses adorned with cast-iron balconies, Royal Street offers a more relaxed side of the Quarter. The galleries here showcase a blend of contemporary and classic art, perfect for those interested in bringing home a unique piece of New Orleans.
Game Day Tips
When game day arrives, it’s best to be prepared for the excitement and crowds. Here are a few key tips for Super Bowl fans:
Arrive Early: The Superdome will be bustling on game day, so arrive early to find your seat, explore the stadium, and grab some snacks before kickoff.
Dress Comfortably: New Orleans’ weather can vary in February, so check the forecast and layer up if necessary. Comfortable shoes are a must if you plan to walk around the stadium and the downtown area.
Plan Transportation: Parking can be limited around the Superdome on game day, so consider public transportation or a rideshare service. Some hotels may also offer shuttles.
Get Ready for a Night Out: Once the game wraps up, hit Bourbon Street or Frenchmen Street to keep the energy going with fellow fans, live music, and local food.
Are you planning to visit New Orleans for the Super Bowl? Visit FrenchQuarter.com/hotels to find your perfect historic French Quarter hotel that will put you right in the center of all of the action and within walking distance of many of New Orleans’ bars, restaurants and entertainment spots. If you prefer to stay our of the French Quarter, the Alder Hotel, located Uptown, is a great option.
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How to Spend Valentine’s Day in the French Quarter
This city’s sensual charms are undisputed, as New Orleans had been consistently rated as one of the most romantic cities in the world. Romance doesn’t necessarily need a special occasion, but if you happen to be here on Valentine’s Day there are few better places to be.
The French Quarter in particular has much to offer in terms of the romantic itinerary — from the scenic Mississippi River waterfront to strolling through the centuries-old district to enjoying dinner at some of the best restaurants in the country. Here are a few suggestions for what you can do in the French Quarter for Valentine’s Day.
Take a carriage ride
Time travel in comfort and see the French Quarter from a mule-drawn carriage, as one would have done a couple of centuries ago. You can book online or grab a first-come-first-serve French Quarter Mule Tour offered by Royal Carriages on Decatur right outside the Jackson Square gate, from 8 a.m. through midnight daily. One of the most popular tours covers the Quarter and St. Louis Cemetery #1. Private tours and wedding packages are also available.
Stroll the Riverfront and the French Market
You can access the mile-long Riverfront easily from the Jackson Square area. There you will find Woldenberg Park and a walkway called the Moonwalk, named after the former New Orleans mayor Maurice “Moon” Landrieu. The park is a popular spot to watch the people and the boats go by. There’s plenty of grass and benches, public art dots the space liberally, and you can enjoy street performances along the Moonwalk.
While you are at the Riverfront, you can’t miss the French Market across the street. The best way to experience it is to walk through its open-air mall, starting with the food stands and ending at Esplanade Avenue. As the oldest continually operating public market in the country since 1791, the French Market has the structure of a traditional European market. It covers roughly five blocks, from Cafe Du Monde on Decatur Street across from Jackson Square to the daily flea market at the end of Esplanade Avenue.
Shop the stalls with handmade art and jewelry, t-shirts, music, and more. Sample local food and cocktails from the food stands or the nearby restaurants sprawling in every direction, or pick up pralines and a beignet mix to take home from any of the surrounding retail shops.
Take a river cruise
If you want to get off dry land, Creole Queen’s Valentine’s Day cruise offers a romantic outing on the river. The paddlewheeler’s evening cruise boards at 6 p.m. and includes an open bar, complimentary champagne, live music, and an upscale Cajun buffet. Reservations are required, and you should dress to impress.
Walk down Royal Street
The 13 blocks of Royal Street from Esplanade Avenue to Canal Street in the French Quarter present a very different scene from Bourbon Street, which runs parallel only a block away.
The stretch between St. Louis and St. Ann streets is a pedestrian mall closed to traffic during the day daily. There you’ll find eclectic art galleries, funky boutiques, upscale antique shops, live music on many a corner, and lots of street performance art.
The scenic Royal Street is not only considered one of the best destinations in the country for antique shopping, but it’s also a sight to behold for its wrought-iron balconies and other charming architectural details.
Take in Jackson Square
Don’t miss this timeless landmark located in the very heart of the French Quarter. Known since the 18th century as Place d’Armes, it was renamed in honor of Andrew Jackson following the 1815 Battle of New Orleans.
Jackson’s bronze statue is the focal point of the square, surrounded by the lavish flora and facing the Mississippi River. Jackson Square is also a host to the open-air artist market and performance space, with local art displayed along the fence. You can get your sketch done, dance to a brass band, or have your fortune told.
Overlooking Jackson Square and the block-long row of the Pontalba Buildings, St. Louis Cathedral is one of the most instantly recognizable buildings in the world, and the oldest continuously active Roman Catholic Cathedral in the United States. Come inside to take in the Cathedral’s stunning interior. If you’re lucky, you may get to hear its bell or witness an occasional wedding party spilling out, followed by a second line.
Have dinner at a romantic restaurant
Few cities in the world have as many romantic restaurants as New Orleans, and you can have your pick of many stunners located in the French Quarter. Impress your date with a world-class meal in a historic setting at the trifecta of upscale Creole dining — Broussard’s, Arnaud’s or Antoine’s.
The back patio of the lovely Bayona, which is located inside a two-century-old Creole cottage on a quiet block of Dauphine Street, is as enchanting a setting as it gets. So is the candlelit Sylvain on Chartres Street, where the cocktails are top-notch and there’s a charming patio.
If you want something traditional yet sophisticated, we recommend Muriel’s Jackson Square for some excellent Creole cuisine and an unbeatable location (as the name suggests, it’s right on a corner of Jackson Square). Finally, the one and only Galatoire’s needs no explanation or additional incentive to visit.
Get a sweet treat
Don’t miss Croissant D’Or, tucked away between Royal and Chartres on Ursulines. Steeped in old-world charm, this Parisian-style patisserie has some of the best baked goods in the city. The sweet and savory croissants, and everything else you’ll find displayed in the gleaming glass case — the tarts and the tortes and the quiches — is delicious and served fresh daily from the bakery.
Finally, we can’t think of a more romantic sweet treat when in New Orleans than sharing Brennan’s “World Famous Bananas Foster.” This decadent dessert is made with bananas, butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, rum, and vanilla bean ice cream. It’s traditionally flambéed tableside, and you can enjoy it with some bubbly in the restaurant’s lush courtyard.
Book Now
To enjoy Valentine’s Day in the Crescent City to the fullest, make sure to find the right hotel. Book a room at the French Market Inn, Prince Conti Hotel, Hotel St. Marie, or Place d’Armes Hotel to have the best of this historical and romantic city at your fingertips.
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New Year’s Eve in New Orleans: What to Do and Where to Stay
From fireworks to balcony bashes, here’s how to celebrate New Year’s Eve in New Orleans!
It should come as no surprise that New Orleans does New Year’s Eve quite well. Both the city and the holiday are closely tied to the celebration, public revelry, and good fellowship. But many visitors may not expect how possible it is to have an intimate, (relatively) quiet New Year’s Eve in New Orleans. Of course, there are big celebrations within the French Quarter, but even in that storied neighborhood, a night out on December 31 can be both as raucous and as chill as you please.
Note that in New Orleans, the evening of the 31st is not a guaranteed chiller. While there have been New Year’s Eves in New Orleans characterized by heavy coats and cold winds off the Mississippi, there is a chance the weather will be temperate, and even a little muggy. The point is: Bring cold-weather clothes, but don’t be surprised if you won’t need them.
Here are some of our top picks for what to do on New Year’s Eve in New Orleans.
Dick Clark Rockin’ New Year’s Eve
Every year, Dick Clark Rockin’ New Year’s Eve production hosts its official Central Time Zone party in New Orleans near the historic JAX Brewery starting at 9 p.m. The show will be coordinated with parties in New York and Los Angeles, and will feature a musical lineup and special guests. The fleur-de-lis drop-off at JAX Brewery will be live-cast.
Photo: St. Louis Cathedral by Prayitno
Jackson Square
This is the big, obvious New Year’s activity in New Orleans — our version of the Times Square ball drop (although the actual ball drop is a fleur-de-lis drop, and that event has a party all of its own, see above). Jackson Square is a historic and iconic meeting space of the city of New Orleans, and is always a linchpin for local events.
Every year, admission to the square is free, although you’ll want to show up early in the evening if you don’t want to be crowded to the edge of the square (depending on your crowd tolerance, the latter scenario may not be such a bad thing). Within Jackson Square, there will be live music and general milling about. The end-of-the-year countdown culminates in the fleur-de-lis drop, followed by the fireworks over the Mississippi River.
The kiddos can have their New Year’s Eve fun at the Louisiana Children’s Museum
For the Kids
If you’re traveling with young children and have made the reasonable conclusion that popping bottles of Moët at midnight and a child’s sleep cycle don’t mix well — but also don’t want your kids to completely miss New Year’s Eve fun — consider some of the family-friendly annual events in the Crescent City.
From the Christmas Eve bonfires on the levee to the fireworks over the Mississippi River, there’s a slew of family-friendly activities this holiday season. One standout is the annual New Year’s Eve Kids’ Countdown to Noon at the Louisiana Children’s Museum, which lasts from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. That party typically includes noisemakers, paper bag hats, and music, all set against the backdrop of the Louisiana Children’s Museum’s considerable range of kid-friendly displays and exhibits, appropriate for children aged from 1-12.
French Quarter Balcony photo by Lee Curran
Balcony Bashes
If you’re looking for a more traditional night of French Quarter-style partying, be on the lookout for balcony bashes at area bars — located all up and down the (in)famous Bourbon Street nightlife strip. Quite a few bars host popular annual parties with premium views.
A balcony bash is pretty much that — you’ll pay a cover and be allowed to plant yourself on a wrought-iron balcony overlooking the street below. Some bashes feature all-inclusive tickets that get you extras like an open bar and food. Either way, much bead tossing subsequently ensues.
With that said, a different take on the balcony bash is a French Quarter New Year’s Eve house party. Seeing as such houses usually have balconies that afford at least a decent view of the river, this is a good chance to see the fireworks while avoiding crowds. Of course, getting yourself into a house party is all based on your charm and who you know.
Enjoy a parade during the Allstate Sugar Bowl festivities
Allstate Sugar Bowl Parade
Need something to do during the day? Since 1935, the Sugar Bowl has been played in New Orleans, and while that event has since become the Allstate Sugar Bowl, the New Year’s Eve Parade associated with the game continues in more or less the same vein. The extravaganza is done Mardi Gras-style, so expect big floats, marching bands, plenty of throws (trinkets tossed to spectators), and a general overload of glitz and pageantry.
The parade begins at the “bottom” of the Quarter, where it meets Faubourg Marigny, at the intersection of Elysian Fields Avenue and Decatur Street, at 3 p.m. The parade proceeds into the French Quarter and rolls past some of that neighborhood’s most iconic landmarks, including the French Market and Jackson Square.
Eventually, the parade passes the WDSU stage at the Allstate Fan Fest on Decatur Street inside the JAX Brewery parking lot, where all performers will do a two-minute show. The parade ends at Canal Street.
For music enthusiasts, Hall Lang Syne is sure to please
Riverboat Cruises
Want the best view of the fireworks? Paddlewheeler Creole Queen offers an opportunity to ring in the new year with a New Year’s Eve river cruise that includes champagne toasts, live music, a dinner buffet, and party favors.
Celebrate NYE at some of the oldest bars in the country
LGBTQ+ Parties
The French Quarter includes some of the oldest dedicated gay bars in the country, and a slew of venues in the lower portions of Bourbon Street, starting at around the 800 block, will be throwing New Year’s Eve parties. Expect DJs, dancers (of the go-go variety), and drag cabaret.
If that kind of thumping nightlife experience isn’t your thing, consider an evening at one of the city’s more laid-back bars, like Mag’s 940 (940 Elysian Fields Avenue) or The Friendly Bar (2301 Chartres Street), both friendly spots that will certainly be celebrating, but perhaps minus the laser show and speakers.
Photo: Crescent Park by Infrogmation of New Orleans
Crescent Park
Crescent Park is a public green space that has become a favorite place to watch events take place on the river. Positioned as it is along the Mississippi, the park offers fantastic views of the water, which means you’ve got a clear vantage point of the annual fireworks show.
Usually, the park closes after dark, but on New Year’s Eve, it will stay open to the public till 1 a.m. There are three entrances to the space in Bywater and Faubourg Marigny, and both of those neighborhoods are thick with venues to celebrate in after the last firework pops off.
Celebrate New Year’s Eve with a view of the French Quarter
Where to Sleep
We’ve given you plenty of options on how to spend New Year’s Eve in New Orleans, but let’s face it: Once the confetti has been thrown, the champagne uncorked and the noisemakers put away, you need a place to sleep (and possibly sleep in, depending on how much fun you’ve had).
With that said, you want to pick the right hotel — one that has a mix of easy accessibility and cozy amenities. If you’re celebrating near Jackson Square, consider a room at the Place d’Armes Hotel. Want to be near the action on Bourbon Street? Try the Hotel St. Marie. Or position yourself near the river at the historic French Market Inn.
Across the street from the French Quarter, in the historic Treme neighborhood, you’ll find The Brakeman Hotel. It’s a boutique hotel located in Basin St. Station, the original Norfolk Southern Railway station (circa 1904), the last remaining train station in the city. Finally, the Prince Conti Hotel is a great choice if you would like to be close to Canal Street and within walking distance of several streetcar lines.
Enjoy your New Year’s Eve, and Happy New Year!
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What to Expect at the 2024 Bayou Classic
Photo courtesy of Bayou Classic on Facebook
With Thanksgiving upon us, summer weather is truly over, and the fall schedule is packed with fun activities you can only find in New Orleans. One of those events is Bayou Classic, traditionally held during the Thanksgiving week.
Each November the Bayou Classic draws the fans and alumni of Southern University and Grambling State University to New Orleans to partake in one of the country’s greatest college sports rivalries. This year marks the 51st annual event, which has become much more than a football game, drawing more than 200,000 visitors to New Orleans.
The event stretches for two days and includes a fan fest, a parade, the Battle of the Bands, and, of course, the big game. The game kicks off on Saturday, November 30, 2024, at 1 p.m., at the Superdome (you can get tickets online or at the gate).
Photo courtesy of Bayou Classic on Facebook
The Battle of the Bands between the Grambling “Marching Tigers” and the Southern “Human Jukebox” on Friday, November 29, at 6 p.m., promises to be amazing (tickets). The Fan Fest is held on Saturday before the game at Champions Square.
The same two marching bands will lead the Annual Bayou Classic Thanksgiving Day Parade, also on Saturday, starting at 3 p.m., from the Superdome, and ending at Poydras and Loyola streets in downtown New Orleans. The parade will have the elements of the Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club, floats, military units, and more. In other words, expect a great show.
Where to stay
To enjoy the best of the Bayou Classic in the Crescent City, make sure to find the right hotel in New Orleans. French Quarter is an ideal option for this event due to its proximity to the Superdome where the big game will be held. Also, the parade on Saturday is a short distance away, so you can get a front-row view of this amazing extravaganza.
And, since it will be Thanksgiving weekend, you can enjoy fine meals here on actual turkey day, or any day of the weekend, before heading to the Superdome. Walk around the French Quarter to check out the beginning of the Christmas light displays that deck out this historic neighborhood, and indulge in a wide range of boutiques and galleries on Small Business Saturday.
To enjoy the best of Thanksgiving in the Crescent City, make sure to find the right hotel in New Orleans. Book a room at the French Market Inn, Prince Conti Hotel, Hotel St. Marie, Place d’Armes Hotel, or Alder Hotel to have the best of this historical city at your fingertips.
