Fashionable Guide to New Orleans
Where to go. What to do. What to eat!
New Orleans is such a vibrant city with so many different options to fill your day. It might seem fast paced from the outside because of how busy the streets seem but really you can take your time walking up and down the brick streets checking out shops, street art, and of course filling up with ample amounts of cocktails.
Here are the places I stopped this year and I highly recommend for your next trip:
- Swanky Bars– New Orleans is known for its crazy Bourbon Street experience but if you are like me and prefer good wine in a nice setting here are a couple bars to check out:
- French 75: Located just off of Bourbon Street, this little bar is no more than 800sq/ft big but you feel like you just stepped into a Jame’s Bond film with the bartenders in tuxedo vests and bowties and the tiny black and white tiles that cover the floor. Small couches and chairs surround private tables or you can sit at the beautiful wooden and mirrored bar for a couple signature cocktails.
- The Sazerac at the Roosevelt Hotel: Of course the nicer hotels are going to have hidden gems inside and The Sazerac Bar is no exception. Giving off a gorgoues 40’s feel with a fun 70’s vibe, head into this joint with a group of friends and grab a corner spot for some lively chatter and delicious cockatils. The lobby is a prime spot for photos too.
- Can’t go to New Orleans without checking into the Carousel Bar at the Hotel Monteleone. If you get there early enough (like 7 or 8pm…not am) you may be able to squeeze into a seat at the rotating bar. I’m not sure which is better…sitting and moving in a circle, or standing while others move in a circle. Either way its definitely a must-do and with the live music playing you will be fully entertained. Be sure to ask for some nuts at the bar.
- Restaurants-NOLA doesn’t disappoint with the seafood and Cajun options all over the city. If you are looking for good food- it isn’t hard to find on every corner.
- Commander’s Palace– by far the absolute best service in NOLA and maybe all of the United States. Dining in this joint is an experience. If you can get a reservation and block out a good window of time (and dollars) definitely get out to this famous blue house.
- Desi Vega’s Steakhouse– We dined here after the Louisiana Derby this year and it was just a wonderful experience. Being a steak-type gal-I was looking to indulge the night after a long day. They have amazing food and service located in a modern atmosphere. The owner is a great too if you have the pleasure of meeting him (his name is Desi Vega – who’d of thought!) and he has some hilarious stories to tell. PS- save room for desserts. Plenty of too good to be true cheesecakes or the Red Velvet Brownie Sundae will have your mouth watering before it even hits the table.
- Acme Oyster Bar– You have to visit an oyster bar while you’re in town and this one will not disappoint. This spot is a bit more laid back and casual which allows you to stuff your face full of oysters and gumbo!
- Hotels: So far I’ve only stayed at 3 hotels and none of them have disappointed:
- The Hotel Monteleone – located in the French Quarter in walking distance to some wonderful bars and restaurants, this gorgeous hotel is definitely a perfect choice for your new Orleans stay. You can choose to eat and drink right here while listening to some amazing jazz or have a pre-dinner drink before heading out. The picturesque lobby has been featured in many blockbuster films (including Girls Trip!). You won’t be disappointed!
- The Maison Dupuy- an older hotel located in the French Quarter that gives you a private boutique type experience. Within its walls, it has a gorgeous courtyard where many brides choose to have their wedding. During the day, lay by the shimmering pool and up your tan game with a cocktail by your side. For me, this hotel had the best location being only 2 blocks from Bourbon Street without being in the craziness of it all. Easy to get wherever you are going without being stuck.
- Marriott – What can I say- I’m a points gal! I stayed in the financial district of New Orleans at the Marriott Renaissance. Although you are a bit far from some of the cliche tourist spots, the hotel does everything right as most Marriott’s do. Easy to get too and from the airport and never hard to grab an uber to take you to the Cafe du Monde for a beignet or three.
