Where to Eat, Stay, & Shop in New Orleans

There are very few places in this world that transport us like New Orleans. With the lazy Mississippi winding its way along the city’s edges, it’s completely unique to itself; from lacy wrought iron balconies lining the French Quarter to sidewalk cafe tables set in front of prettily peeling plaster. The Big Easy has its share of hardships, but the vibrancy of this place persists — if anything, the difficulties of the environment make the people and culture of New Orleans that much more ready to celebrate the small beauties of life. It’s the kind of place where people will invite you into their living rooms for a spontaneous concert, or you may stumble into the path of a technicolor parade midday on a weekday.

We spent some time in New Orleans just before Christmas for Vieux Carré. It’s a pretty special time to visit, since the city dresses up for the occasion, draping the French Quarter in poinsettia garlands and setting the streets a twinkle with lights. Meanwhile, the weather is pleasantly warm for strolling between shops and galleries, perfect for a long aperitivo hour outside or a backyard jazz ensemble with a crisp bottle of wine to share.

New Orleans cuisine is a genre in and of itself, deep-set Creole tradition and a strong appreciation for classic French technique walk in tandem with a no-holds-barred attitude towards creativity and invention, much of it supplied by the city’s diverse immigrant and expat population. This city is home to some of the country’s best cocktail bars, most storied fine dining establishments, and inventive street food — sometimes all within the same block. The best way to experience New Orleans is to have a robust list of recommendations, and to be ready to throw them out the window and let the energy of the Big Easy sweep you away.

Cafe du Monde

Some things are classic for a reason. There is nothing more romantic than taking a morning stroll through the French Quarter to Cafe du Monde on the riverfront. Grab a chicory coffee and an order of beignets and take them to the park outside of St. Louis Cathedral nearby to watch the city wake up around you.

French Truck Coffee

When walking around New Orleans, you’ll notice the sunshine-yellow of French Truck Coffee on their store fronts and, if you’re lucky, the vintage truck they still drive around. They roast their beans to order, so grab a fresh bag to take home when you stop by for your morning cup.

Freda

Marfa meets NOLA at this delightful boutique full of unique apparel and locally made items, apothecary remedies, and keepsakes to bring home or to a friend.

The French Quarter

The heart of New Orleans is rich in history, full of beautiful architecture, and overflowing with charming shops and restaurants. It’s a regular occurence here to stumble upon a five-piece jazz band in the street or get swept up into a second line on the way to lunch.

Seaworthy

This adorable oyster bar is the perfect place to stop for happy hour or stay all evening. They have wild-caught oysters from the Gulf, East, and West Coasts; so you can order a mixed dozen to compare merrior from across the country. Paired with one of their craft cocktails, it’s a surefire way to start the evening off on a high note.

Drip Affogato Bar

Located in a 200-year old building on historic Newspaper Row, this immersive dessert and cocktail lounge blends the Italian tradition of affogato with signature New Orleans flare. The lush interiors and delicious dessert combine for a luxurious way to end the night with a sweet treat, a cocktail, or a bit of both!

The Elysian Bar

Whether you opt to dine inside this gorgeously restored 19th centurty church or in the sun-drenched courtyard behind it, the Elysian bar is a feast for the eyes as much as the stomach. Make your way to the Marjiny to enjoy seasonal food and craft cocktails in their stunning space, loved by visitors and locals alike. There’s even a late-night happy hour on Saturdays — a perfect way to wind down if you’re staying in the hotel upstairs.

Hotel Peter and Paul

Home to the Elysian Bar, this hotel is a perfect home base for your adventures through the Big Easy.

Marilou

From the hospitality group behind some of Paris’s best restaurants, Marilou is designed to transport you to another world with lacquered red walls, thoughtful cocktails, and inventive programming. Make a reservation for high tea, stop by in the evening for a cocktail in beautiful surroundings (inspired by the building’s previous life as the City Hall Annex Library), or come by every second Sunday for a guest DJ set.

Sazerac House

Stop by this design-lead museum for a self-guided, interactive tour through the history of New Orleans’ most iconic brand, from the Peychaud’s apothecary to Sazerac tastings in the hidden speakeasy. This is a great way to kill an hour or so between meals, or sign up for a workshop and spend an entire afternoon diving deep into the city’s history.

Photos by Carly Diaz

Sazerac House photo by Tyler Roi