Going next week, any recommendations on things to do (or not do) and restaurants?
Don't wear open toe shoes when walking around the city. Some of those streets can get really icky. You've got to hit Cafe Du Monde of course for some beignets...I think it's a requirement! Madison Bourbon on Bourbon Street if you like a little jazz. And be aware...there are little to no public restrooms in the area!! Plan accordingly!
I've never visited New Orleans, but it's on my to-do list. The prospect of the quality and variety of the food and music appeals to me the most.
It's my understanding the
National WWII Museum is fantastic. My nephew recently visited it and gave rave reviews.
Bring an extra suitcase so you can bring your beads back home.
Head over to Frenchman Street in the evening. It isn't in the Quarter, but it's where the locals go. Lots of great jazz bars and street vendors come out in the evening. When my brother in law lived in New Orleans we went there and had a blast.
Quote:Going next week, any recommendations on things to do (or not do) and restaurants?
My wife and her family are from New Orleans. I've visited there more times than I can remember. I can honestly say that Cafe Du Monde and Pat O'Briens are way, way overrated. Many of the finer restaurants you hear about in the quarter definitely are *not*. It's kinda trendy these days to rag on Antoine's but it's still one of my favorite high end restaurants. You didn't say if you'd been there before, sooo...ride a streetcar, see the Garden District, get a little off the beaten trail and see some live music (they got tons) in some local venues. Walk around Jackson Square. People either hate or love New Orleans, there's very little in between. Be careful and be aware of where you're going, New Orleans has some neighborhoods that rival some of the slums in LA or the Bronx.
Thanks everyone. I did go there about 7 years ago when Jacksonville played New Orleans. We stayed at Embassy Suites (complimentary happy hour daily) so I don't remember a lot about the trip except that we lost the game. Because of the Happy Hour we decided not to rent a car, so we didn't go to many places unless they were within walking distance of the hotel. This time I am taking my 83 year old mother and meeting other family members there and we will have a car, so there will be less time drinking and more time exploring the city.
Mother's restaurant has the best po boys ever.
A muffalatta is a must. There are quite a few good spots, several on Decatur Street. I think the French Market is cool.
I also just found out that you can park for free at Harrah's if you stay and play a few games inside. Potential to save a lot of money.
Well I had some until you mentioned 83 year old mother and family.
Quote:Mother's restaurant has the best po boys ever.
A po boy or 10 is a must.
Cafe Du Mond is over rated? hahahaha....no way. Best ever.
Quote:Cafe Du Mond is over rated? hahahaha....no way. Best ever.
It's a tourist place that sells what amounts to fried dough sprinkled with powered sugar and chicory coffee for $10+ a pop. Hey if that's what you're after, then be my guest!
Quote:It's a tourist place that sells what amounts to fried dough sprinkled with powered sugar and chicory coffee for $10+ a pop. Hey if that's what you're after, then be my guest!
It didn't start as a "tourist place". It started as a local place that boomed because what they do is very good, and they are good at it.
Quote:It didn't start as a "tourist place". It started as a local place that boomed because what they do is very good, and they are good at it.
The OP was asking for advice. Everyone recommends that place but as someone with family on both sides of the river, I'll just say that most locals would tell you there are better places in the city for beignets. Unless you want to go stand in line to overpay just to say you've been there, To each their own.
Someone mentioned po boys. There are some great places in the quarter but to the OP, if you happen to find yourself in the Kenner/Metairie area there is a little local hole in the wall on Jefferson Highway called Mr. Po Boy that had one of the best po boys I've ever had. I haven't been there in a few years though so YMMV.
Quote:The OP was asking for advice. Everyone recommends that place but as someone with family on both sides of the river, I'll just say that most locals would tell you there are better places in the city for beignets. Unless you want to go stand in line to overpay just to say you've been there, To each their own.
Someone mentioned po boys. There are some great places in the quarter but to the OP, if you happen to find yourself in the Kenner/Metairie area there is a little local hole in the wall on Jefferson Highway called Mr. Po Boy that had one of the best po boys I've ever had. I haven't been there in a few years though so YMMV.
It's been a while since we've lived there, but use to live off of Jefferson Highway, in Harvey. I think that is one of the spots we use to hit for po-boys.
Quote:The OP was asking for advice. Everyone recommends that place but as someone with family on both sides of the river, I'll just say that most locals would tell you there are better places in the city for beignets. Unless you want to go stand in line to overpay just to say you've been there, To each their own.
Someone mentioned po boys. There are some great places in the quarter but to the OP, if you happen to find yourself in the Kenner/Metairie area there is a little local hole in the wall on Jefferson Highway called Mr. Po Boy that had one of the best po boys I've ever had. I haven't been there in a few years though so YMMV.
Perhaps you could tell the OP one of the better places then?
Quote:Perhaps you could tell the OP one of the better places then?
If it was me personally, I'd skip the beignets and drop by Gambinos to pick up a half dozen (or a dozen!) petit four sized doberge cakes and grab some starbucks on the way back.
Quote:If it was me personally, I'd skip the beignets and drop by Gambinos to pick up a half dozen (or a dozen!) petit four sized doberge cakes and grab some starbucks on the way back.
For coffee, hit PJs instead. And that's from someone that actually likes Starbucks.
Quote:Don't wear open toe shoes when walking around the city. Some of those streets can get really icky. You've got to hit Cafe Du Monde of course for some beignets...I think it's a requirement! Madison Bourbon on Bourbon Street if you like a little jazz. And be aware...there are little to no public restrooms in the area!! Plan accordingly!
How do you plan accordingly?