***Official New Orleans Thread*** (2 Viewers)

[PinkydaPimp]

Softshelled crab at Irenes is awesome!

Wife and I are heading down next Wednesday for a long weekend. Staying in the FQ. Looking for some restaurant recommendations. Obviously hitting McClures one day. Any other favorites, specifically seafood? Also any city tours worth it or should we wander on our own? Thanks.

 

[Gadabout]

Wife and I are heading down next Wednesday for a long weekend. Staying in the FQ. Looking for some restaurant recommendations. Obviously hitting McClures one day. Any other favorites, specifically seafood? Also any city tours worth it or should we wander on our own? Thanks.

Revolution and GW Fins. Bring your old lady to Patrick's Bar Vin, which is right across the street from Revolution, and also about four doors down from Fins.

Patrick's seems like it doesn't belong so close to Bourbon Street, and it's one of the gems not many people know about in the quarter. They don't serve food aside from a cheese/charcuterie cheese plate, but they've got a really nice environment that drowns out everything else that is going on outside.

 

[Gamma1210]

Thanks for all the suggestions!

 

[Tiger Fan]

If you want to go to Revolution, call ASAP for a reservation

 

[5Rings]

Fat cats

 

[Maik Jeaunz]

sorry if these have already been answered, but where is the best place in town for:

• fried catfish
• red beans & rice
• a sazerac (ffldrew mentioned SoBu above)

also, has anyone done a tour of the abita brewery and lived to tell about it?

 

[Gadabout]

sorry if these have already been answered, but where is the best place in town for:

• fried catfish
• red beans & rice
• a sazerac (ffldrew mentioned SoBu above)

also, has anyone done a tour of the abita brewery and lived to tell about it?

I never go out seeking catfish or red beans, so I really couldn't help out on that one.

For a sazerac, I'd head to either Kingfish or French 75, as both have a really badass old school New Orleans bartender that'll make it proper. Most other places won't make it right or they'll try and ##### it up with some honey syrup or a 50/50 rye and cognac crapfest.

 

[gianmarco]

Good List of Places to Eat

I've been to most of those places and agree most deserve to be on that list. Of course, notice McClure's on there

For catfish, I did go for the first time to Mandina's recently and the fried catfish there was decent. As stated above, it's not something that's sought out and most places serve good catfish.

 

[ffldrew]

sorry if these have already been answered, but where is the best place in town for:

• fried catfish
• red beans & rice
• a sazerac (ffldrew mentioned SoBu above)

also, has anyone done a tour of the abita brewery and lived to tell about it?

I never go out seeking catfish or red beans, so I really couldn't help out on that one.

For a sazerac, I'd head to either Kingfish or French 75, as both have a really badass old school New Orleans bartender that'll make it proper. Most other places won't make it right or they'll try and ##### it up with some honey syrup or a 50/50 rye and cognac crapfest.

French 75 - always a good call

 

[ffldrew]

oh - for red beans - look to see what Kermits Ruffins schedule is at his Treme Speakeasy - he sometimes makes red beans and you can enjoy while watching a fantastic entertainer. Kermit is doing things different - he used to do the whole thing late night at Vaughns - now he is an early bird getting his shows in the early part of the evening. Not sure what is up at Vaughns these days - Corey Henry was supposed to take over - and Corey is awesome but I don't know if they are continuing the red bean tradition.

 

[psychobillies]

sorry if these have already been answered, but where is the best place in town for:

• fried catfish
• red beans & rice
• a sazerac (ffldrew mentioned SoBu above)

also, has anyone done a tour of the abita brewery and lived to tell about it?

I've done the brewery tour several times. It's cool, and you can definitely get a good start on getting drunk for free. Other than that its basically looking at a bunch of tanks and hearing about how beer is made. I'd plan on heading to the brew pub afterwards for some grub and more beer. Everybody at the brewery and brewpub are super nice, and it should be a good time.

That being said, if you are limited on time while you are in New Orleans, I'm not sure I'd make the drive. It'll pretty much take a whole afternoon, and you can get plenty of beer downtown.

 

[Gadabout]

sorry if these have already been answered, but where is the best place in town for:

• fried catfish
• red beans & rice
• a sazerac (ffldrew mentioned SoBu above)

also, has anyone done a tour of the abita brewery and lived to tell about it?

I've done the brewery tour several times. It's cool, and you can definitely get a good start on getting drunk for free. Other than that its basically looking at a bunch of tanks and hearing about how beer is made. I'd plan on heading to the brew pub afterwards for some grub and more beer. Everybody at the brewery and brewpub are super nice, and it should be a good time.

That being said, if you are limited on time while you are in New Orleans, I'm not sure I'd make the drive. It'll pretty much take a whole afternoon, and you can get plenty of beer downtown.

I'd stay in the city and just hit the NOLA brewery tour they have every Friday.

 

[[icon]]

Not sure why this place isn't on the list on page 1 but someone should add it for breakfast/brunch spots:

Cafe Amelie

Have been 2-3 times now for brunch out in the courtyard and it's a gorgeous setting with fantastic food. Very pleasantly surprised. Highly Recommend. Great yelp rating.

Coming down to NOLA the first weekend of January I believe (after new years) with a buncha folks. Taking the train down again and staying in the quarter. Obviously hitting McClures at some point...

 

[Maik Jeaunz]

thanks for the recommendations, guys. Kermit's is already on my list, and I'll have to hit up French 75.

one more question... any good place in/near the quarter to catch the UFC fight tomorrow night? obviously there are a ton of bars, but any place specific that's good to go watch the fights?

 

[ffldrew]

Not sure what your plans are for Saturday - but Louisiana Music Factory(record store) has Bo Dollis and Wild Magnolias at 2PM followed by Stooges Brass Band at 3PM. It's on Decatur maybe a couple of blocks east of Canal.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

sorry if these have already been answered, but where is the best place in town for:

• fried catfish
• red beans & rice
• a sazerac (ffldrew mentioned SoBu above)

also, has anyone done a tour of the abita brewery and lived to tell about it?

I never go out seeking catfish or red beans, so I really couldn't help out on that one.For a sazerac, I'd head to either Kingfish or French 75, as both have a really badass old school New Orleans bartender that'll make it proper. Most other places won't make it right or they'll try and ##### it up with some honey syrup or a 50/50 rye and cognac crapfest.

I had one at Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop and loved it, no idea if it was a proper Sazerac or not. It was after dark, so I couldn't even see it.

 

[AcerFC]

 

[AcerFC]

Im through 13 pages so far and have a few questions

Why is brunch so popular in NOLA? I feel like every place offers it. I never see anything like that here outside of maybe Sunday brunch

Why are oysters popular? Do they catch them locally. What do they taste like?

Is a po boy just a different name for a sandwich or hoagie

 

[[icon]]

Im through 13 pages so far and have a few questions

Why is brunch so popular in NOLA? I feel like every place offers it. I never see anything like that here outside of maybe Sunday brunch

Why are oysters popular? Do they catch them locally. What do they taste like?

Is a po boy just a different name for a sandwich or hoagie

Non Resident answering here....

BRUNCH:

Brunch is indeed an institution in NOLA, and started off as a popular postchurch meal. It also happens to be that NOLA is a city that likes to party... and have you ever woken up a bit hung over and gone to the restaurant and either found out it's too late for breakfast.... or that you simply cant make up your mind between eggs or that awesome sandwich? Brunch combines all the great elements of both... it caters to people who are late risers.

Best of all, it's must more socially acceptable to drink at "brunch" than breakfast, or even lunch. When you wake up after a rowdy saturday night and want/need a hair of the dog (bloody mary or mimosa are the two signature drinks)... you've always got brunch.

OYSTERS

They are indeed pulled from the gulf, as are shrimp. You'll notice both are abundant in new orleans cuisine. They're delicious fresh.. they offer an excellent palette for a chef to get creative (rockerfeller, chargrilled, or even tipsy's baked potato oysters ). I'm sure there are more details as to how it became a signature of the local diet.. but generally that happens when a food source is cheap and plentiful (at least many years ago).

POBOY:

Calling a poboy a sandwich is doing it a bit of a disservice. Yes, it's a sandwich. But you'll rarely find a poboy with such boring contents as simple processed lunch meats. Poboys involve a DELICIOUS large french style roll with a nice crisp exterior and a light doughy interior. The contents are typically overstuffed and are incredibly varied. Fried seafood is a staple but the Cochon de Lait Poboy from Walkers is simply to die for. Origins of the term.

 

[AcerFC]

Thanks Icon

So far I am going to hit the staples while we are there next month.

McClures

Dantes

Cafe Dumond

K Pauls

Others that have peaked my interest is Elizabeths since Gian posts about it every page, The port of call for burgers and maybe Walkers that you just linked.

Outside of food, what are the tourists stuff that is cool to do. I know its tough for locals to say because I have lived in and around NYC my whole life and I have never been to the statue of liberty and the empire state building. But when I go away, I like to see all the cool things. Took one of those big bus tours of SF and it was awesome. Are there any good tours in NOLA. Someone mentioned a voodoo tour earlier in the thread. We will be there from Saturday January 18- Tuesday January 21. Staying in the garden district at Maison St Charles

 

[[icon]]

Damn you are planning on packing an awful lot into a few days. Will you have a car or will you be taking a cab everywhere?

It's Cafe du Monde (Du Monde c'est Francais pour "World"). It's a neat experience but I would try it on monday or tuesday before leaving town. It's a good ways from where you're at and for me, honestly, it was nothing special. The coffee is alright but nothing special (chickory coffee is a unique flavor), and the beignet are tasty but, again, nothing amazing. The lines for this place can be ABSURD on the weekends. Very much a tourist hotspot.

NOLA is rife with all sorts of tours but I can't speak to any of them. Honestly I enjoy just wandering around the quarter (off bourbon) when there. Tons of great little art galleries and shops. I won't lie when I say 80% of what I do in NOLA is eat amazing food and drink booze though

 

[AcerFC]

no car, just cabs and trolly I guess.

I wouldnt mind just staying at mcclures and eating breakfast lunch and dinner there, but my wife wont like that plan.

I dont drink or go to night clubs so its basically a trip to check out the city, eat some food and have a great experience. First time being away from the kids for so long

 

[ffldrew]

Thanks Icon

So far I am going to hit the staples while we are there next month.

McClures

Dantes

Cafe Dumond

K Pauls

Others that have peaked my interest is Elizabeths since Gian posts about it every page, The port of call for burgers and maybe Walkers that you just linked.

Outside of food, what are the tourists stuff that is cool to do. I know its tough for locals to say because I have lived in and around NYC my whole life and I have never been to the statue of liberty and the empire state building. But when I go away, I like to see all the cool things. Took one of those big bus tours of SF and it was awesome. Are there any good tours in NOLA. Someone mentioned a voodoo tour earlier in the thread. We will be there from Saturday January 18- Tuesday January 21. Staying in the garden district at Maison St Charles

I'd hit Walkers for the Cochon de Lait Poboy over a burger at Port of Call

As for a tour - look into a Cemetery tour - they are some really unique tombs in them. Great for photos.https://www.google.com/search?q=pictures+of+new+orleans+cemeteries&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=IySzUqqYNaLXyAGQoIH4Dg&ved=0CAcQ_AUoAQ&biw=1566&bih=896

Since you aren't a drinker - maybe a club won't be in your mix - but you should look at Preservation Hall for a show..

Also look into some of the Burlesque shows in town - they have some really wild ones.- Allways Lounge is pretty out there - http://theallwayslounge.net/archives/category/shows

Also see if they have anything going on - https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-NOLA-Art-House/146787733409 - it's on facebook - but look up NOLA Art House and see if they are doing anything at the tree house

 

[AcerFC]

Thanks Drew

 

[Emerson Biggens]

I'm going this weekend and I have a good list of places to eat. Like [icon] said above, my goal is to eat awesome food and drink a lot. So, in my early stages of drinking each day I am going to care a lot more about quality than later on. Where is a good place to find a nice selection of quality beers, preferably on tap?

 

[ffldrew]

I'm going this weekend and I have a good list of places to eat. Like [icon] said above, my goal is to eat awesome food and drink a lot. So, in my early stages of drinking each day I am going to care a lot more about quality than later on. Where is a good place to find a nice selection of quality beers, preferably on tap?

It may not have the best or largest beer selection - but it wasn't bad and on top of it they have all sorts of old school video and pinball games - Barcadia over in the Warehouse district was a blast for my wife and me.

 

[[icon]]

Port of Call is easily missable on a 3 day trip like yours.

Be prepared to spend a small fortune on cabs if you're going to be moving back and forth between garden district, the quarter, etc.... I'd suggest mapping things out a bit. NOLA is a fantastic walking city. Use cabs to get you to the general area, then explore.

 

[Emerson Biggens]

I'm going this weekend and I have a good list of places to eat. Like [icon] said above, my goal is to eat awesome food and drink a lot. So, in my early stages of drinking each day I am going to care a lot more about quality than later on. Where is a good place to find a nice selection of quality beers, preferably on tap?

It may not have the best or largest beer selection - but it wasn't bad and on top of it they have all sorts of old school video and pinball games - Barcadia over in the Warehouse district was a blast for my wife and me.

Awesome, that's a nice beer list and only .9 miles from our hotel. Putting it on the agenda!

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

was just there a month ago. so much good food.

in 3.5 days, we hit:

Cochon Butcher

Dantes

McClures

Commander's Palace

August

Cafe du Monde

Blue Nile

Preservation Hall

Pat O'Briens

Avenue Pub

every meal was phenomenal. seeing Kermit Ruffins at Blue Nile was a highlight. Great city.

 

[Jewell]

I'm going this weekend and I have a good list of places to eat. Like [icon] said above, my goal is to eat awesome food and drink a lot. So, in my early stages of drinking each day I am going to care a lot more about quality than later on. Where is a good place to find a nice selection of quality beers, preferably on tap?

I went to New Orleans around Christmas time one year and fell in love with how the hotels and businesses decorated their Christmas trees. They had a Mardi Gras-type feel with non-traditional Christmas colors and a lot more flare than the standard Christmas tree. Cool stuff that I've since incorporated into decorating my Christmas tree.

As far as a recommendation, the bread pudding with glaze I had at Muriel's may be the best dessert I've ever had.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

Avenue Pub seems to have the best beer list. Our hotel was right near it, but it was also recommended by several people we came across.

http://theavenuepub.com/

http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-avenue-pub-new-orleans

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

I'll second that Port of Call is easily missable on a 3 day trip like yours.

Be prepared to spend a small fortune on cabs if you're going to be moving back and forth between garden district, the quarter, etc.... I'd suggest mapping things out a bit. NOLA is a fantastic walking city. Use cabs to get you to the general area, then explore.

St Charles streetcar is all we used with some bus trips thrown in.

 

[tipsy mcstagger]

rent the little beach cruiser go cart things...great way to see the city. and definitely skip port of call for burgers....it was good 15 years ago but things changed for the worse. Company Burger or Cowbell for a burger if you must

 

[ffldrew]

I'm going this weekend and I have a good list of places to eat. Like [icon] said above, my goal is to eat awesome food and drink a lot. So, in my early stages of drinking each day I am going to care a lot more about quality than later on. Where is a good place to find a nice selection of quality beers, preferably on tap?

Emerson

If you will be there this weekend - R. Scully and the Rough 7 are playing the Allways lounge on 2543 St. Claude(cab it from the qtr) - a killer and I mean KILLER rock and roll band

http://youtu.be/UwT2htcTKfM

http://youtu.be/RPK4e2-dumU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xU84XJLCfq4

 

[stubby]

rent the little beach cruiser go cart things...great way to see the city. and definitely skip port of call for burgers....it was good 15 years ago but things changed for the worse. Company Burger or Cowbell for a burger if you must

Wife and I did an awesome bike tour of the Creole/Treme/Bywater section of New Orleans with Confederacy of Cruisers Bike Tours. And before you say you don't want to excercise on vacation, it's very leisurely paced, and my fata## self had no problem keeping up with the others.

http://confederacyofcruisers.com/

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g60864-d1059866-Reviews-Confederacy_of_Cruisers_Bike_Tours-New_Orleans_Louisiana.html

 

[Emerson Biggens]

I'm going this weekend and I have a good list of places to eat. Like [icon] said above, my goal is to eat awesome food and drink a lot. So, in my early stages of drinking each day I am going to care a lot more about quality than later on. Where is a good place to find a nice selection of quality beers, preferably on tap?

Emerson

If you will be there this weekend - R. Scully and the Rough 7 are playing the Allways lounge on 2543 St. Claude(cab it from the qtr) - a killer and I mean KILLER rock and roll band

http://youtu.be/UwT2htcTKfM

http://youtu.be/RPK4e2-dumU

I love live music so this sounds awesome. My girlfriend doesn't like it as much so I'll have to do some persuading, but she's easy going and it's my birthday weekend so I get what I want!

Thanks for the tips!

 

[ffldrew]

I'm going this weekend and I have a good list of places to eat. Like [icon] said above, my goal is to eat awesome food and drink a lot. So, in my early stages of drinking each day I am going to care a lot more about quality than later on. Where is a good place to find a nice selection of quality beers, preferably on tap?

Emerson

If you will be there this weekend - R. Scully and the Rough 7 are playing the Allways lounge on 2543 St. Claude(cab it from the qtr) - a killer and I mean KILLER rock and roll band

I'd rather Go Blind with Meschiya Lake (this is on their album with her) - if she's there you are in for a treat.

ETA - it will be a bit off the path of "tourist" New Orleans - you'll get to see some of the real side of the city and it's very eclectic residents - and that is when you really fall in love with the place.

 

[hammerva]

I will be going to New Orleans for Wrestlemania weekend and just had a general question about the French Quarter area. Do people usually take a cab over there or a public transportation to get there? I got a hotel at Metairie (hopefully it isn't too far away) and haven't seen the transportation set up to the heart of new Orleans. I have a feeling that there is parking space but I am pretty sure driving to and from won't be a good idea for a newbie

 

[[icon]]

I love live music so this sounds awesome. My girlfriend doesn't like it as much so I'll have to do some persuading, but she's easy going and it's my birthday weekend so I get what I want!Thanks for the tips!

Fun touristy spot to hit with the GF is the Skull room upstairs in the Dungeon just off bourbon. Bar doesn't open till midnight... Have seen some interesting things during some late nights up there

 

[[icon]]

I will be going to New Orleans for Wrestlemania weekend and just had a general question about the French Quarter area. Do people usually take a cab over there or a public transportation to get there? I got a hotel at Metairie (hopefully it isn't too far away) and haven't seen the transportation set up to the heart of new Orleans. I have a feeling that there is parking space but I am pretty sure driving to and from won't be a good idea for a newbie

Metarie... I'd cab it if you're going to be drinking.

 

[Gadabout]

As a couple of others said:

For beer, Avenue Pub is your best bet. It's a real cheap cab ride or quick streetcar ride from the quarter.

The best burger in the city right now is at Company Burger. Could be a hassle getting there but don't go to Port of Call thinking you'll get a life-changing experience.

 

[ffldrew]

I will be going to New Orleans for Wrestlemania weekend and just had a general question about the French Quarter area. Do people usually take a cab over there or a public transportation to get there? I got a hotel at Metairie (hopefully it isn't too far away) and haven't seen the transportation set up to the heart of new Orleans. I have a feeling that there is parking space but I am pretty sure driving to and from won't be a good idea for a newbie

Metarie... I'd cab it if you're going to be drinking.

Wow - Metarie is a bit away - and a cab will run some dough. Can you cancel that? Maybe see about a Priceline/Hotwire - check the French Quarter or Central Business District/Warehouse District/Convention Center - and you'll be in a lot better shape.

But around the Arena/Superdome there are a lot of surface parking lots - and then you can walk or catch trolley over to the Quarter if that is where you want to go - heading back late at night - keep your eyes and ears open as you walk back to the car if you are out late.

 

[AcerFC]

rent the little beach cruiser go cart things...great way to see the city. and definitely skip port of call for burgers....it was good 15 years ago but things changed for the worse. Company Burger or Cowbell for a burger if you must

Wife and I did an awesome bike tour of the Creole/Treme/Bywater section of New Orleans with Confederacy of Cruisers Bike Tours. And before you say you don't want to excercise on vacation, it's very leisurely paced, and my fata## self had no problem keeping up with the others.

http://confederacyofcruisers.com/

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g60864-d1059866-Reviews-Confederacy_of_Cruisers_Bike_Tours-New_Orleans_Louisiana.html

this seems like something my wife and I would enjoy. Do you remember how long it was and how much money. Couldn't find either on the web site.

 

[[icon]]

I will be going to New Orleans for Wrestlemania weekend and just had a general question about the French Quarter area. Do people usually take a cab over there or a public transportation to get there? I got a hotel at Metairie (hopefully it isn't too far away) and haven't seen the transportation set up to the heart of new Orleans. I have a feeling that there is parking space but I am pretty sure driving to and from won't be a good idea for a newbie

Metarie... I'd cab it if you're going to be drinking.

Wow - Metarie is a bit away - and a cab will run some dough. Can you cancel that? Maybe see about a Priceline/Hotwire - check the French Quarter or Central Business District/Warehouse District/Convention Center - and you'll be in a lot better shape.

But around the Arena/Superdome there are a lot of surface parking lots - and then you can walk or catch trolley over to the Quarter if that is where you want to go - heading back late at night - keep your eyes and ears open as you walk back to the car if you are out late.

That is apparently a big weekend in NOLA... lot of stuff booked up already. That said if you've got a budget of ~$200-250/night there are places in quarter or downtown just across Canal that will work and will save you a ton of cab fare.

 

[hammerva]

I will be going to New Orleans for Wrestlemania weekend and just had a general question about the French Quarter area. Do people usually take a cab over there or a public transportation to get there? I got a hotel at Metairie (hopefully it isn't too far away) and haven't seen the transportation set up to the heart of new Orleans. I have a feeling that there is parking space but I am pretty sure driving to and from won't be a good idea for a newbie

Metarie... I'd cab it if you're going to be drinking.

Wow - Metarie is a bit away - and a cab will run some dough. Can you cancel that? Maybe see about a Priceline/Hotwire - check the French Quarter or Central Business District/Warehouse District/Convention Center - and you'll be in a lot better shape.

But around the Arena/Superdome there are a lot of surface parking lots - and then you can walk or catch trolley over to the Quarter if that is where you want to go - heading back late at night - keep your eyes and ears open as you walk back to the car if you are out late.

from the looks of it Metarie is about 6 miles away from the action.

Looking at hotels in the area for that weekend, they are about 50 a night more unless I want to stay at some of these inns/bed and breakfast places. Kind of prefer the name brands for places I am not familiar with. Also have to take into account that the money I save in cabs will probably have to go to valet parking. Maybe when I get my tax refund I will look for closer/more expensive places

How close is the Harrah's casino to the Quarter?

 

[regularguy]

from the looks of it Metarie is about 6 miles away from the action.

Looking at hotels in the area for that weekend, they are about 50 a night more unless I want to stay at some of these inns/bed and breakfast places. Kind of prefer the name brands for places I am not familiar with. Also have to take into account that the money I save in cabs will probably have to go to valet parking. Maybe when I get my tax refund I will look for closer/more expensive places

How close is the Harrah's casino to the Quarter?

5 minute walk. For a difference of $50/night, I'd definitely pick something in the FQ or CBD. You won't regret it.

 

[ffldrew]

I will be going to New Orleans for Wrestlemania weekend and just had a general question about the French Quarter area. Do people usually take a cab over there or a public transportation to get there? I got a hotel at Metairie (hopefully it isn't too far away) and haven't seen the transportation set up to the heart of new Orleans. I have a feeling that there is parking space but I am pretty sure driving to and from won't be a good idea for a newbie

Metarie... I'd cab it if you're going to be drinking.

Wow - Metarie is a bit away - and a cab will run some dough. Can you cancel that? Maybe see about a Priceline/Hotwire - check the French Quarter or Central Business District/Warehouse District/Convention Center - and you'll be in a lot better shape.

But around the Arena/Superdome there are a lot of surface parking lots - and then you can walk or catch trolley over to the Quarter if that is where you want to go - heading back late at night - keep your eyes and ears open as you walk back to the car if you are out late.

from the looks of it Metarie is about 6 miles away from the action.

Looking at hotels in the area for that weekend, they are about 50 a night more unless I want to stay at some of these inns/bed and breakfast places. Kind of prefer the name brands for places I am not familiar with. Also have to take into account that the money I save in cabs will probably have to go to valet parking. Maybe when I get my tax refund I will look for closer/more expensive places

How close is the Harrah's casino next to the Quarter?

A 10-15 minute walk or so to the Superdome - or jump on street car on Canal up to Rampart and walk over - you could get a pedicab as well.

Casino is ok - a bit smoky for me. Casinos in Colorado are non smoking so when you hit Harrahs it really overwhelms you.

Metarie is out near the airport - and if your Hotel is out there - you might want to find out the cost of a cab direct from hotel to FQ. The fixed price from the airport is around $33 for 2 people - so figure out if it's possible to have the hotel van drop you off at airport and get a fixed cab rate into the city - it might be cheaper. I've never paid attention to the surface parking rates during a event at Superdome because I never have car - but up close I bet it's a pretty steep price. If you want to drive maybe park at Harrahs - go to Wrestlemania - come back to casino and drop some money - (get a Total Rewards card before if you don't have one and give to pit crew) and maybe the parking rate goes down.

 

[[icon]]

No way I would stay in Metarie to save $50/night. Put it this way... at the VERY best case you're a wash when adding in cab fare, except you have to burn 45 mins a day getting to your hotel and back... and while you're in the quarter/downtown all your stuff is in Metarie so you're there for the day. No running back to the room to grab something, take a quick nap, etc. Screw that.

Check out OKeefe Plaza hotel in Business district... looks like it was pretty cheap on Kayak and the location is solid. Hotel is nothing fancy but clean. Stayed there last year. Great value.

 

[Tiger Fan]

Im through 13 pages so far and have a few questions

Why is brunch so popular in NOLA? I feel like every place offers it. I never see anything like that here outside of maybe Sunday brunch

Why are oysters popular? Do they catch them locally. What do they taste like?

Is a po boy just a different name for a sandwich or hoagie

Non Resident answering here....

BRUNCH:

Brunch is indeed an institution in NOLA, and started off as a popular postchurch meal. It also happens to be that NOLA is a city that likes to party... and have you ever woken up a bit hung over and gone to the restaurant and either found out it's too late for breakfast.... or that you simply cant make up your mind between eggs or that awesome sandwich? Brunch combines all the great elements of both... it caters to people who are late risers.

Best of all, it's must more socially acceptable to drink at "brunch" than breakfast, or even lunch. When you wake up after a rowdy saturday night and want/need a hair of the dog (bloody mary or mimosa are the two signature drinks)... you've always got brunch.

OYSTERS

They are indeed pulled from the gulf, as are shrimp. You'll notice both are abundant in new orleans cuisine. They're delicious fresh.. they offer an excellent palette for a chef to get creative (rockerfeller, chargrilled, or even tipsy's baked potato oysters ). I'm sure there are more details as to how it became a signature of the local diet.. but generally that happens when a food source is cheap and plentiful (at least many years ago).

POBOY:

Calling a poboy a sandwich is doing it a bit of a disservice. Yes, it's a sandwich. But you'll rarely find a poboy with such boring contents as simple processed lunch meats. Poboys involve a DELICIOUS large french style roll with a nice crisp exterior and a light doughy interior. The contents are typically overstuffed and are incredibly varied. Fried seafood is a staple but the Cochon de Lait Poboy from Walkers is simply to die for. Origins of the term.

pretty solid answer for a non-local

 

[Tiger Fan]

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So far I am going to hit the staples while we are there next month.

McClures

Dantes

Cafe Dumond

K Pauls

Others that have peaked my interest is Elizabeths since Gian posts about it every page, The port of call for burgers and maybe Walkers that you just linked.

Outside of food, what are the tourists stuff that is cool to do. I know its tough for locals to say because I have lived in and around NYC my whole life and I have never been to the statue of liberty and the empire state building. But when I go away, I like to see all the cool things. Took one of those big bus tours of SF and it was awesome. Are there any good tours in NOLA. Someone mentioned a voodoo tour earlier in the thread. We will be there from Saturday January 18- Tuesday January 21. Staying in the garden district at Maison St Charles

Personally, I would skip Port A Call. It's a good burger, but nothing you can't get in any other city. Plus, the wait can be long depending on when you go. If you happen to be in that area and are hungry right away, then go for it; but I wouldn't make it a "have to go to" by any means.

• Two kill two birds with one stone, take the street car down to Dante's. It's a straight shot and you get to see some of the old historic mansions along the way.
• If you're into history, there is a great WW2 museum
• They have those open air bus tours where you pay one price and "hop on and hop off" whenever you see one. Haven't done one, so I can't comment on it, but I see them all around the city.
• If you're an animal guy, the zoo is pretty cool.
• I've never personally been on a swamp tour, but have heard they are fun...downside is that it takes up most of a morning b/c it's a 45 minute drive
• Never done a voodoo tour, but have heard they're cool as well
• Just take a walk down Royal Street and/or Magazine Street, tons of shops/art/holes in the wall
• There is a riverwalk area which is downtown and is pretty cool to see how fast the river moves (plus at the end is a big open air shopping area/farmers market