OT: New Orleans Guide From a Local
Fellow mgoblog junkies,
As a resident of New Orleans since 2004, I figured it was my duty to prepare a list of things for you guys to do when you're down here if I didn't want y'all frequenting overpriced French Quarter bars and thinking our city is just one big, trashy strip club (although if that's what you want, I can point you to some excellent options). I've attached my handiwork as a google doc, feel free to ask any questions you might have. My wife is pregnant right now, so I'm not sure how much I'll be able to get out for the Sugar Bowl, but hopefully I run into some people and finally get to meet some of you who've been mercilessly neg banging me for the last few years. (Just kidding, kind of)
Go Blue!
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1AkensPxRQaismgkSe9jEBI0wcyxpYk8B7A_…
December 5th, 2011 at 1:22 PM ^
So...the trashy strip clubs, let's hear more.
December 5th, 2011 at 1:32 PM ^
This blog is filled with (mostly) young professionals or students...yes please. More.
December 5th, 2011 at 1:38 PM ^
If you're on Bourbon and don't mind spending money (or don't want to go to a place where you could afford to make some really bad decisions): Rick's Cabaret.
If you want to go to a place that is a significant cab ride away, in a kind of shady area of New Orleans East but generally considered by locals to be the best strip club in the city and a place where you really CAN afford to make some bad decisions, Vision's Men's Club.
December 5th, 2011 at 1:45 PM ^
In addition to Rick's, the only other one on Bourbon that I would recommend is Scores. The $10 Coors Light bottles and the $15 ATM fee (& $100 max withdrawal) are negatives, but otherwise it's a huge step up from the other strip clubs on Bourbon (which tend to be gross, both on and off the stage).
December 5th, 2011 at 2:04 PM ^
Screw that go to Babes
December 5th, 2011 at 2:20 PM ^
suggest Big Daddy's? If still open I feel it's a great spot for an out-of-towner to experience...lol
And as to the food, i'd throw in Old Coffee Pot, pretty good bloody mary's, and head out to Deanie's (sp?).
December 5th, 2011 at 1:28 PM ^
Thank you for the great piece of work putting things together, and also for the "survival kit" component of the piece.
Go Blue!
December 5th, 2011 at 1:32 PM ^
Awesome job! Been to New Orleans and Bourbon Street and it is extremely safe, so go there and enjoy it. More police there than all of Detroit and Flint combined, and very low murder rates in comparison. But as in any big city keep your mouth shut if you have to say something pissy. Have fun, be safe and Go Blue!
December 5th, 2011 at 1:33 PM ^
This is fantastic. Thank you for your advice
December 5th, 2011 at 1:33 PM ^
New Orleans rules. That is all.
December 5th, 2011 at 1:38 PM ^
Any advice on where to stay?
December 5th, 2011 at 1:45 PM ^
Almost all of our hotels (eg non B&Bs) are in the French Quarter, Warehouse district or the CBD (central business district). Most of the hotels are of similar quality (good, not great). Just looking on Hotwire, the rates are pretty steep, which is normal for a big event here. I would try to find a bunch of people who don't mind piling into a room and then going that route if you're looking for value.
My personal favorite place where I put up my family when they come to town is Le Pavillon hotel (right on Poydras, few blocks to the Superdome), but we can only afford their rates during off peak dates.
As an aside, I wouldn't worry about getting close to the superdome because it is not near anything else you would want to do on a day that isn't Jan 3.
December 5th, 2011 at 2:23 PM ^
Bfast at Le Pav is super good!!! I just got a room at the Marriot, one night $360.
December 5th, 2011 at 2:24 PM ^
Thank you for your input. One other thing. How is parking around the Superdome? We were planning on driving in and either parking downtown by the stadium or near the Bourbon St. and then walking to the game. From what I've been reading (from your google doc), it seems as though walking from French Quarter to Superdome is a bad plan. Is there inexpensive parking by the stadium itself or are we looking at $50/$100 to park?
December 5th, 2011 at 2:45 PM ^
Last night, I parked for free on the street in the business district (this is safe) 2.5 hours before the Lions and Saints game. Not sure if this info helps but I thought I would share.
I wouldn't park near Bourbon. It is further away and too many things can happen.
From what I remember seeing, there are plenty of $25-$35 parking lots/ramps.
December 5th, 2011 at 2:51 PM ^
Where are you coming from? If you're driving in day of the game, I would just pay to park near the superdome which can be had not too far from the stadium for around $20-$30, at least on Saints gamedays. That's at the lot I normally park in for work, which is about a 10 min walk to the stadium.
Either way though, it won't be dangerous to walk from Bourbon to the game on Jan. 3. The route will be heavily policed, everyone will be going there, difficult if not impossible to get lost on the way.
December 5th, 2011 at 1:38 PM ^
I see you listed out some bars, included one that STARTS getting going at 2 AM. What time do the bars close?
December 5th, 2011 at 1:39 PM ^
Bars close? I see you've never been to New Orleans...
December 5th, 2011 at 1:46 PM ^
Grits, which I mentioned, really doesn't get going until around 330-400. Most bars don't close in New Orleans, although I have been kicked out of F&M's at 800 am. Cooter Browns (the great sports bar) closes at like 200-300. But there is no official closing time in New Orleans, bars decide how late they want to be open.
August 25th, 2016 at 10:59 PM ^
This is spot on.
December 5th, 2011 at 2:05 PM ^
That's fucking amazing.
December 5th, 2011 at 3:47 PM ^
Good god. I plan on being in NOLA for like 6 days, I think I might get a total of 15 hours of sleep in that time period.....
December 5th, 2011 at 1:38 PM ^
That New Years Eve show is amazing, and a great deal at $70 with an open bar.
December 5th, 2011 at 1:50 PM ^
If you've never seen a brass band before. Truly unique experience and an open bar to boot.
December 5th, 2011 at 1:39 PM ^
To borrow from Brian's guide to A2, anyone who is into craft beer MUST go to Avenue Pub. This is one of the 5 or so best beer bars in the country, full stop. Super laid-back, very reasonable prices (last time I was there they had $5 Cantillon Gueuze on draft), unbelievable beer list, pretty decent food & just a great place to hang out and drink. I can't recommend this place highly enough.
December 5th, 2011 at 1:47 PM ^
Is totally right. I forgot Avenue pub and it is one of the best bars in the city now.
December 5th, 2011 at 1:39 PM ^
Thanks for putting in the effort...Ive been to New Orleans dozens of time and I concur
on all your "advice" Thanks for all the suggestions etc...GO BLUE!
December 5th, 2011 at 1:40 PM ^
Cannot stress enough how much you need to go spend at least an hour during the day sitting at Carousel Bar getting your drink on with an old fashioned and well prepared cocktail. Plus, they will keep free Cajun Taters stocked up for you the whole time you're there. Incredible place.
December 5th, 2011 at 1:47 PM ^
Thanks. Much appreciated, OP.
December 5th, 2011 at 1:50 PM ^
From a Louisiana native, I'm impressed. You put Port Of Call first on the list. I agree. Get the burger & potato, MASSIVE
December 5th, 2011 at 2:01 PM ^
almost makes up for the toxicity of a Monsoon.
December 5th, 2011 at 1:54 PM ^
I wholly endorse the Cooter Brown's rec. It's relatively Michigan-friendly, too -- I've made it my home bar for Michigan games when in NOLA, and every time we've been on prime TV real estate, usually with volume, and always with a decent contingent of other folks in maize-and-blue. I watched the 2010 Bowling Green massacre there while chatting with a fellow MGoBlogger.
December 5th, 2011 at 2:09 PM ^
That's actually where I watched every Michigan game from about 2005-2008. It is a great, great sports bar, especially with the kitchen and oysters. Hard to beat grease, seafood, and beer.
December 5th, 2011 at 1:57 PM ^
no longer off-topic
December 5th, 2011 at 1:59 PM ^
Highly, highly recommend The Green Goddess (http://www.greengoddessnola.com/ or @greengoddessFQ on Twitter). Supremely inventive eats and drinks, tucked into an off-the-beaten-path alley.
The Googles will reveal to you a special code phrase provided to Neil Gaiman for his followers as well. When I visited, it turned out to be a free appetizer.
December 5th, 2011 at 2:08 PM ^
Be ready to wait for a table, the place is tiny (like, 8 total tables tiny). Worth it, though.
December 5th, 2011 at 2:17 PM ^
Oceanna on Rue Conti is ridiculously good. I suggest the blackened Mahi with some homemade jumbalaya.
Laissez les bon temps rouler!!!
December 5th, 2011 at 2:27 PM ^
Are you gonna translate that for them?
"Let the good times roll"
December 5th, 2011 at 2:27 PM ^
If youll be in New Orleans that Sunday (New Years day) before the game y'all should check out the Saints game. Only playing Carolina but its really neat to see a Saints game. And Brees will probably break Dan Marinos passing yards in a season record that day.
December 5th, 2011 at 2:51 PM ^
The atmosphere at Saints games is unreal. I am originally from Michigan and was never really a fan of any NFL team, but I quickly became a Saints fan when I moved to Louisiana. If you do go to the game check out Champions Square (right next to the dome). They have a bunch of food vendors, entertainment, drink carts.....and free admittance. It will be packed with thousands of Saints fans for the 2-3 hours leading up to the game.
Does anyone know if they use Champions Square for the Sugar Bowl?
December 5th, 2011 at 2:58 PM ^
Saints games are the most fun NFL games I've ever been to by a long shot. My office is right down the street from the Superdome, so on gamedays my parking lot is usually teeming with fans getting drunk, at 8 in the morning, whether the game is on a Monday, Thursday or Sunday.
December 5th, 2011 at 2:29 PM ^
As a NOLA resident for 2 1/2 years now, I completely agree with everything on the list. A couple of additions:
French Quarter:
Pat O'Briens: I think they invented the Hurricane, so get one here. They have multiple bars, a nice courtyard that has plenty of seating and is heated so you can be out there anytime of year, as well as a pretty cool dueling piano bar in the back. On Bourbon Street, but not like most Bourbon Street bars.
Goldmine: The F&M's/Grits of the French Quarter. Open till everyone leaves, which very often is after the sun comes up. If you are looking to hook up, this is a pretty good place to go. When you first get there, do a round of Flaming Dr. Pepper shots and then have a real good time.
CBD/Warehouse District:
W.I.N.O: If you like wine or will be bringing the Mrs, this is a good place to pre-game before heading out to the louder bars/clubs in the area.
Lucy's: During the day, they have cheap drinks, pretty good burgers, and a bunch of games on. At night, they still have the cheap drinks, but people are dancing on the tables.
Uptown Place to Avoid
The Boot: unless you are underage, do not go here. It is on Tulane's campus, and is the underage bar. There will likely be high school kids in the bar asking you to buy drinks for them.
December 5th, 2011 at 2:51 PM ^
Many thanks to jlvanals and the rest of the local UM brothers for the recommendations.
Mods: Any way this could be moved up to the Useful Stuff drop down (at least until the game) so it can be easily referenced after it drops off the front page at a later date?
December 5th, 2011 at 3:01 PM ^
did Tipatina's just fall off the map or something?
Man, that was the place back in the day.
December 5th, 2011 at 3:11 PM ^
Just at the bottom when referencing shows (Galactic with Corey Glover from Living Colour on Dec 30 and 31). Not like you can go to Tips on a random Tuesday night. It's more of a music venue than bar.
December 5th, 2011 at 3:33 PM ^
How can you not include Brennan's or Commander's Palace in your write up?
December 5th, 2011 at 3:45 PM ^
You are right, they're both amazing restaurants, Brennan's moreso for brunch, I'm not a huge fan of their dinner. Biggest mistake so far: can't believe I forgot patty O's on the bar list. Losing my memory these days....
December 5th, 2011 at 4:10 PM ^
Go find Frenchman Street and eat at Adolfo's if it's still there. I promise you won't regret it. There are some real fun bands that play out there in the evenings too.
Also: Audobon Zoo is fun
Also also: Take a streetcar down St. Charles and back.
4.. or something: Have a Po' Boy from somewhere not anywhere near the French Quarter. Food quality in general is often directly proportional to your distance from popular areas. (Just be careful... if the area looks kinda shady, it might be. Bad regions are scattered randomly in the city.)
5. Do get a Pat O'brien's Hurricane. DO NOT get a hand grenade, no matter how cool you think the glasses are.
6. If somebody bets you he can tell you where you got them shoes, don't take the bet.
7. Wander around the French Quarter, and not just Bourbon St. There's SO much to check out! Take in a few bands at night, and soak up the culture.
8. Go to the Art Museum. Related: Wander around City Park for a while. Last I was there it was very much devastated by Katrina, and I hear there's been a lot of work done to bring it back to its former glory. It also contains Tad Gormley stadium, where U of New Orleans plays. It's a pretty neat venue.
9. Get drunk. Let's be honest... partying in NOLA is unlike anywhere else. The container is only open if it doesn't have a lid, and the bars don't close. These folks know how to throw a party.
December 5th, 2011 at 8:06 PM ^
I'm looking forward to the night life (and the game, obviously), but my wife doesn't really care about the drinking or strippers (don't know what's wrong with her). So some things during the day to get some of the culture is great. Any other family friendly, woman friendly suggestions would be great. Doesn't have to be fancy; just good food and unique to New Orleans.