NOLA is LIT!
On our way to our AirBnb from the airport, our sweet Uber driver shared his Hurricane Katrina story. He explained that the city hasn’t been the same ever since but they were resilient, rebuilt, and are stronger than ever before. It was the perfect way to start our trip because his story set the stage for everything we were about to experience - an overwhelming amount of energy, pride, loyalty, and charm. You can feel, hear, and taste the culture in every little bit of New Orleans. From the Creole cuisine and music halls to the famous French Quarter, New Orleans will give you an experience of a lifetime.
WHERE TO STAY
We decided to stay in a small AirBnb on Frenchmen Street, which worked out perfectly. It is about a 15 minute stroll from the French Quarter so far enough so it’s not loud af all night, but close enough to conveniently walk to all the action. Our AirBnb was only $80/night which was relatively cheap compared to apartments on Bourbon, etc.
WHAT TO EAT
1403 Washington Ave
New Orleans, LA 70130
If I had to choose ONE place to eat in NOLA, it would have to, have to, HAVE TO be to Commander’s Palace for lunch! They offer 2 course lunch sets and a classic Creole luncheon, but we decided to order a few of our server’s recommendations a la carte. I highly recommend everything we ordered! And if the food doesn’t convince you, they offer 25 cent martinis. IT’S LIT! Ok, I’m not going to lie to you guys - I didn’t have a martini because I was v hungover, but I will always regret not ordering at least one!
Crisp Romaine Salad - great black pepper dressing
Smoked Redfish & White Shrimp Boulettes
Soups 1-1-1 - this is my dream appetizer - 3 different kinds of soup!! My trio came with turtle soup, gumbo, and soft shell crab. Now I can say I’ve had turtle!
Shrimp and Tasso Henican - served with pickled okra and the most amazing five pepper jelly
Shrimp & Grits - just wow. Dreaming of the day I have shrimp & grits as good as Commander’s.
Tournedos Black Anugs Beef - served with Creole mashed potatoes, cabernet & hog jowl jus lie
2. LUKE RESTAURANT
333 Saint Charles Ave
New Orleans, LA 70130
An amazing happy hour menu featuring New Orleans local P&J oysters for only 75 cents each! Super fresh and juicy. I tried fried oysters at Luke for the first time - really good! Um and can’t forget this minor detail - half off draft beer, wine, and cocktails. RUN THERE NOW.
3. CAFE DU MONDE
800 Decatur St
French Market
New Orleans, LA 70116
The original Cafe Du Monde was established in 1862 in the New Orleans French Market. 18 freaking 62! Wow. It’s open 24/7 and only closes on Christmas or days when a hurricane passes too close to NOLA. Their beignets are almost like funnel cakes - French-style donuts covered in powder sugar. I had beignets and a cafe au lait from Cafe Du Monde three out of the three days we were in NOLA. There is no question. You must have it!!!!
4. ACME OYSTER HOUSE
724 Iberville St
New Orleans, LA 70130
When there’s a line, you know they get down. We planned it out and came at an off-hour (3pm) to completely avoid the line. Even if we had to wait, I would say it would’ve been 100% worth it. I’m drooling just thinking about their chargrilled oysters! They’re seasoned, buttered and cooked to perfection. I also loved the crawfish étouffée, corn and crab bisque, and crab cake.
5. CAFE AMELIE
912 Royal St
New Orleans, LA 70116
Located in the middle of the French Quarter is this great cafe with amazing food and the cutest courtyard. Right after we settled into our AirBnb, we walked straight here for Sunday brunch! We really enjoyed the gumbo, poutine, cochon, and shrimp & grits.
6. WILLIE’S CHICKEN SHACK
229 Bourbon St
New Orleans, LA 70130
Yes, you guessed it. We were partying on Bourbon street and needed some fried goodness to soak up all the drank! My husband was feasting on that chicken, but damn those honey soaked biscuits had me hooked (and sober in no time!).
7. COCHON BUTCHER
930 Tchoupitoulas St
New Orleans, LA 70130
We were told we couldn’t leave New Orleans without having a muffuletta, which is fancy name for a deli sandwich. A fucking (pardon my French Quarter) bomb sandwich. Cochon Butcher did it right. And omg don’t sleep on “Le Pig Mac”. So juicy I’m literally drooling right now thinking about it. Btw, very close to the WW2 National Museum so plan accordingly :)
WHAT TO SEE & DO
It doesn’t have to be Mardis Gras - it’s always a party in the French Quarter. You’ll still experience the occasional bead tossing from the balconies, lots of music and dancing, and plenty of sweet Hurricanes (New Orleans signature rum/fruity drinks). I’ve heard Mardis Gras/Fat Tuesday horror stories of people shitting on the street, lots of saggy boobs, and people sweating all over each other….. one of these days, I will return for the “full experience”. LOL!
2. CAJUN ENCOUNTERS SWAMP TOUR
So one of my favorite movies growing up was Waterboy starring Adam Sandler and I was always curious about that swamp life, haha! The swamp tour was such a unique experience - we got to see alligators, wild boars, and lots of other animals and hear all about the Louisiana bayou. A little pricey (almost $60/pp) but very different!
3. PRESERVATION HALL
726 St Peter St
New Orleans, LA 70115
This is an absolute must. If you want to experience true jazz in NOLA, you have to go to Preservation Hall! They have multiple showtimes throughout the day - all detailed in their website. We showed up about 15 minutes prior to the show and enjoyed a couple of drinks while we stood in line. Make sure you "pre-party" before walking in because they don't have a bar inside. It's small, crammed, dark, old, and an experience of a lifetime. The music gave me all of the feels.
Experience the war that changed the world through this museum. As a military brat, I really appreciated this experience. It really allows you to connect to history and honor the generation that sacrificed so much to secure our freedom.
5. THE STEAMER, MISSISSIPPI RIVER
I’ve never seen the famous “spell Mississippi with one ‘i’, shut one eye, and shout M-I-S-S-I-P-P-I” Mississippi River so this was a highlight for me! Lol.
