Eating & Drinking through NOLA, because Why Limit "Fat" to just Tuesday?
I really like food. Just check my bank statement. It's restaurant after restaurant. Talk about embarrassing. But when you’re in NOLA, you better get your fat pants and liver ready because it’s never too early to start pre-gaming for Mardi Gras! Here are my top sips and eats when in the Big Easy.
Cafe du Monde (Located in the French Quarter on Decatur St)
I mean, did you really go to nola if you don't go to Cafe du Monde and indulge in warm, sugary beignets. So fresh, So good, and worth every calorie. Even Kim Kardashian loves them. Don't mind if I Du!
Stanley (Located in the French Quarter on St. Ann St)
Ya'll. Talk about a brunch. Not only serving up good yolks, but also full of good folks. I ordered the 'eggs stella' which is eggs benedict with a side of corn-meal crusted soft-shell crab, but I also highly recommend the 'breaux bridge benedict' featuring cajun boudin. Oh, and don't forget to order a mimosa (make it a double)! As you know, no brunch is complete without one.
Pat O'Brien's (Located in the French Quarter on St. Peter St)
There's no surprise that Pat O'Brien's is the place to go for a hurricane. This sweet rum drink, known as one of the most popular drinks of New Orleans, was invented and perfected by none other than Pat O'Brien himself. Sit and sip in the beautiful courtyard or take it in a to-go cup either way-- "have fun!"
Commander's Palace (Located in the Garden District on Washington Ave)
The vibrant teal and white striped building will draw you in, while the impeccable service and scrumptious food will make you want to visit multiple times during your trip. No wonder "palace" is in the name, you are treated like absolute royalty. Worth the splurge to come here.
The gumbo is a must! If it was socially acceptable to lick my bowl I definitely would have.
Fun fact: Emeril Lagasse got his start at Commander's Palace.
Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop (Located in the French Quarter on Bourbon St)
Lafitte's is said to be the oldest structure for a bar in the USA (and supposedly a haunted one)! The dark ambiance and creaky floors make it feel like you're stepping back in time. Sip on their grape flavored purple drank aka a voodoo daiquiri, but be careful----it contains everclear. You might start to see ghosts if you have too much! After all, someone once said, "the more spirits you drink, the more spirits you see!"
Tropical Isle (Located in the French Quarter on Bourbon St, multiple locations)
Their claim to fame is the Hand Grenade, known as "New Orleans most powerful drink". You can't miss seeing the bright green, yard long cups all over the French Quarter. It's an easy find too, even when getting boozy, considering they have 4 noticeable locations on Bourbon Street alone.
If you don't want this melon-flavored drink, consider a Shark Attack! Not only a good sip, but also an entertaining pour. The drink starts off clear, then the bartender puts grenadine inside of the shark, blows a whistle, and "attacks" the drink, dunking the shark full of grenadine in your drink leaving a "blood bath". Another perk of a Shark Attack-- you get to keep the little shark as a souvenir! Both drinks are $10.
Crescent City Brewhouse (Located in the French Quarter on Decatur St)
Crescent City Brewhouse is an excellent place if you're looking for a casual meal or a flight of beer. They have a cool vibe with unique, local artwork hanging about and nightly jazz performances.
Fried Alligator! Game changer.
I had never had gumbo before this trip and now I'm full of food regret going 23 years of my life without it. Their gumbo is to die for!
Fried shrimp po-boy for the win!
Court of Two Sisters (Located in the French Quarter on Royal St)
If you're looking for a jazz brunch full of plenty of choices in order to get a taste of all things New Orleans, then this is the place to go. They have made to order eggs benedict and omelettes, spicy sausage, turtle soup, creole jambalaya, chicken and andouille gumbo, boiled shrimp, king cake, bread pudding, and everything in between! All fresh and high quality (unlike some buffets).
The courtyard is the place to sit when coming here. Even in the hot Louisiana heat, you feel cool in the courtyard when sitting under the shaded tree canopy. You're also front and center to the live jazz trio. A little entertainment while eating never hurt nobody!
It's safe to say my motto for NOLA was "I don't want to look back and think 'I could have eaten that'." I suggest you use the same motto when in the Big Easy because the cuisine and drinks are too good to pass up!
xoxo,
Em
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