New Orleans can be a polarizing place. It’s easy to write off as a touristy destination reserved for Bachelorette parties and ghost tours. But New Orleans is so much more than Bourbon Street, blacked out frat boys and foot long frozens. (Don’t get me wrong, taking a lap on Bourbon can be fun and some of those frozen are delicious) If you aren’t down for debauchery, New Orleans is full of unique experiences that have nothing to do with beads and boobs. I’ve been to New Orleans many times (including Mardi Gras twice) it is one of our favorite cities to visit. I’ve compiled a list of all our favorite places. I hope this list gives you a deeper understanding of the city and debunks any negative pre-conceived notions you may have about New Orleans.
Mosquito Supper Club – Starting with my number one, favorite place in the city, Mosquito Supper Club. The first time Nick and I went was in 2020 a week before the shutdown. MSC is a restaurant run out of an old house on Dryades Street. For lack of a better word, the place is magical. The chef describes the concept as a communal multicourse tasting menu; a culinary story filled with history and traditions, as well as a nod to the evolution of bayou cuisine. Every ingredient is hyper local and seasonal. The space is beautifully curated with simple, mismatched furniture, every corner has its own narrative and moment in time. The experience makes you feel like you are a party of something other worldly yet eerily familiar. Candlelight illuminates every crack and imperfection. The dishes are old and delicate. The staff is clearly passionate about the work they are doing and walk you through every dish cocktail and bottle of wine. They are very dedicated to sustainable practices and have an impressive biodynamic wine program. You can experience MSC a few different ways. You can make a reservation for one of the two nightly seatings for the communal dining experience. If you’d rather grab a quick bite, you can snag a table in the front yard or a seat at their ethereal bar. I’ve dined all three ways, and the communal table was my favorite. I was apprehensive at first, but it was such a positive experience. We met people from all over the country and shared a fantastic meal together.
https://www.mosquitosupperclub.com/
Bar Marilou- A jewel box hidden behind a vine covered canopy is Bar Marilou. Bar Marilou boasts red walls and maximalist décor akin to a Baz Luhrmann film. The cocktail program is sophisticated but approachable. Their small bites menu is very well executed. Start you evening here and channel your inner Satine.
Hotel Peter & Paul- Elysian Bar- New Orleans always makes me feel some type of way. It’s balmy and old fashioned, storied and slow. The Elysian Bar at Hotel Peter & Paul embodies every mysterious sensation the city evokes. The space is Midsummer romance juxtaposed against a southern lady’s parlor. The backbar is a tree trunk displaying the jewel tones aperitivo collection. You are truly transported the moment you walk in. Enjoy cocktails and bites at the bar, courtyard and parlor.
https://www.ash.world/hotels/peter-and-paul/
Sylvain- If you are looking for a great meal in the French Quarter, Sylvain is a must try. A narrow hallway leads you to a dimly lit courtyard and dining room. The distressed mirror on the back bar reflects candlelight at all hours. This is a Death In The Afternoon type of establishment. Enjoy southern favorites like fried green tomatoes and shrimp remoulade. Go for the food, stay for the ghosts.
Cane & Table- Another French Quarter spot worth trying is Cane & Table. The menu is seasonal and marries Caribbean flavors with Cuban influence. The space feels like a Caribbean bar from the 1800’s. Hurricane candles drip directly on to the tables and mantle. Enormous bowls of fresh, tropical fruit sit atop a vegetal green bar. Small bites and a real deal cocktail program make Cane & Table a perfect respite for anyone looking to escape the city without leaving the Quarter. Pro-tip: try one of their potent and delicious frozen cocktails in a hollowed-out coconut.
https://www.caneandtablenola.com/
Galatoires- If you are going to try one of the old school restaurants in the Quarter, Galatoires food and service is better than the other old guard establishments. I’ve only been to lunch at Galatoires and it is great every time. The lunch crowd seems to be the local junior league and attorneys who believe in the medicinal properties of scotch. The fan lined ceiling, tiled floor and white tablecloths give the space an elevated vibe without feeling kitschy or staged. Every detail is necessary, and they’ve been doing things the same way for a very long time. If you want to eat butter poached fish next to a southern Don Draper, Galatoires is for you.
Steins Deli- A magazine street institution, Steins Deli rivals any New York bodega. The sandwich options are endless, and their beer selection is extensive. While I’ve never eaten there hungover, I can assure you that a sandwich from Steins will cure all that ails you. The space is crusty, but it doesn’t matter. The food is delicious.
Bacchanal Wine- Wine patio bar with live music and impressive charcuterie? Bacchanal is a small wine shop in the front and a patio in the back. Spend the afternoon with the locals and chip away at a bottle of Chablis. The climbing jasmine fills the yard with fragrant breezes and tiny white petals. Bacchanal wine is truly a unique spot.
https://www.bacchanalwine.com/
The Country Club- Spend an afternoon lounging poolside in the back yard of a beautiful house at The Country Club. The Country Club is an oasis in the Bywater and the best way to spend a hot afternoon. It is FOE adjacent with a slightly elevated vibe. They have a pool bar and serve great bar food. If you are in New Orleans in the warmer months, do not sleep on The Country Club.
https://thecountryclubneworleans.com/
St. John- At first glance, St. John looks like a place that would put glitter in a cocktail. The ambiance is not great. Once the food came out, the ambiance didn’t matter. The portions are huge and the food is delicious. We got the baked macaroni and cheese, short ribs, corn and grits. The baked macaroni and cheese is one of the best things we ate all week. It came out in a huge slice served on top of a shallow puddle of amazing tomato soup. The short ribs fell apart they were so tender and the grits were seasoned perfectly. I did not try a cocktail but if the food if the cocktails are as good as the food you won’t be disappointed.
Cure- Cure is a cocktail bar you do not want to miss. The ambiance is dark, and candle lit, the cocktail menu is extensive, and their small bites are all a hit. Nick and I always get the caccio e peppe deviled eggs, a meat and cheese board, liver pate and their white fish dip. All are fantastic. The cocktail list is comprised of original concoctions and twisted classics. Cure will put you in the New Orleans state of mind the second you walk through the doors.
The Four Seasons- This pains me to write but after staying at the Four Seasons for four days, I would not go back. The Four Seasons is supposed to be the best of the best. Our experience was not worth the price point and here’s why:
Before we checked in, the concierge reached out to us and asked if there was anything special, we wanted during our stay. We asked them if they could find us a Kings Cake. They assured as that was no problem and that it would be in our room when we arrived. We were so pumped. Upon arriving, no one helped us with our bags and it was a good minute before the concierge looked up to check us in. We stood there like idiots not sure what to do. When she finally looked up, she had the most tragic look on her face. I think it is safe to say she was having a rough day.
We were able to find someone to help us with our bags and we headed up to our room. The King’s cake was nowhere to be found. We were bummed but assumed it would be coming later. We left the hotel for dinner but stopped at the lobby bar before heading back to our room. One great thing about the lobby bar (Chandelier Bar) is their Chandelier Martini. A crisp and vegetal, gin martini. I think Nick had about 12 over the course of our stay. When we sat down at the bar, the bartenders started taking shots. I know this happens in bars all the time, but at the Four Seasons? It seemed weird. On top of the shots, the bartenders started complaining about guests and work in front of us. It was uncomfortable and unprofessional. We finished our drinks and went upstairs, still no Kings Cake. The next day we called and asked about the Kings cake, and they said they would send one right up. We asked for plates and forks too and again they assured us it would be waiting in our room when we got back from lunch. We went out for the day, when we came back, the Kings cake had arrived but there were no plates or forks. Annoyed with the whole situation we just ate it with our hands. The worst part of our stay was our dinner at Miss River. I had been looking forward to this dinner for months. I’ve only heard great things about it and the space is sp beautiful. Unfortunately, the experience was terrible from start to finish. The server forgot our drinks, we asked him if he could course out our meal, he said yes and then all seven dishes hit the table at once, the server didn’t know what a Sazerac was, and he lied to the table next to us about liquor and food. It was so bad, the table next to us asked to speak to the manager. When you go to a Four Seasons, there is a level of service you expect because the price point is so high. I don’t think I will ever go back to The Four Seasons in New Orleans based on our experience.
Hotel St. Vincent- Hotel St. Vincent is beautiful, think White Lotus of the south. The ambiance is impeccable, and the interior design truly is magical. Their attention to detail when it comes to décor is unmatched. I have not stayed at Hotel St. Vincent, but I have had cocktails at their bar. Their cocktails are great, and you cannot beat the environment. Wear whatever cool girl outfit you’ve been saving and sip cocktails by candlelight and maximalist wallpaper.
Bourbon Street on Fat Tuesday- If you are in New Orleans for Mardi Gras, be prepared to wait in line. There are a lot of businesses that close on Mardi Gras, thus making the open businesses packed. If you want to experience Bourbon Street on Fat Tuesday, I suggest doing it during the day. The streets are packed but you can still move. Nick and I went to Bourbon during the day and at night. I will never go to Bourbon Street at night on Fat Tuesday again. At one point, Nick and I got stuck in a crowd and we couldn’t move. People started pushing and I got really scared. I legitimately thought we were going to get trampled, and I started panicking. We were able to get out unharmed, but it was very scary for a few seconds. Bourbon during the day is manageable and the crowd in front of Lafitte’s is always fun. Grab a foot long frozen, take a lap and call it a day.
I hope this list helps you plan your next trip to new orleans.