A Guide to New Orleans
I’m not kidding when I say New Orleans is one of my favorite places on the planet. Something about the energy just pulls me in. It’s changed very much since I first visit back in 2012, but the heart of NOLA stays the same.
Over time I have shared some of my go-to’s there, but here’s an updated list.
WHERE TO STAY
I recently stayed at Hotel Henrietta, and shared a Reel with some vignettes of the place. It’s brand new - they just opened in May, and we were the first people to stay in our room. I loved how far it is from the hustle and bustle of the French Quarter, the spaciousness of the rooms, the modern-yet-charming aesthetic, Flour Moon Bagels in the lobby, and the fact that it is a stone’s throw from the streetcar across the street.
Some other places I’ve stayed that I loved:
This Airbnb - is in a perfect location in CBD, specifically if you’re going to Essence Festival (or anything else at the Superdome). It is gated and in a new building, carefully appointed, and very clean. Loved the vibes, the owner was very responsive, and the price was hard to beat! New Orleans is a huge AirBNB city.
Old No. 77 - this hotel is beautiful but haunted, if you care about that. Compere Lapin, a really great restaurant, and is on the ground floor.
The Barnett (formerly the Ace Hotel) - this is a really great hotel if you’re looking to catch a vibe. It has a rooftop pool, great bars, and lots of spaces if you need to work from your laptop during the day. I’ve stayed in the rooms that are open to the courtyard and they’re a lot of fun if you’re feeling social, but don’t expect a ton of privacy if it’s a busy weekend.
Roami at St. Charles (formerly Sonder) - I’ve stayed at a number of apartments in this building. I love the proximity to St. Charles and Bourbon Streets. this is truly in the middle of all the fun. Honestly, I recommend any of the Roami properties around New Orleans. All of the spots I’ve stayed at have been clean and well-kept!
WHERE TO EAT
During my latest visit to Essence Festival, I asked my audience on Threads where I should eat. I got a ton of responses, and I made a Reel of some of the places I ate and what I rated them.
You can look through the thread for tons of recommendations, and I created a map of spots I’ve either been or would like to stop by on my Google Maps. You are welcome to it!
Some of my noteables:
Spicy Mango - a new Caribbean-inspired gem from Morrow’s Hospitality group, Spicy Mango was a surprisingly great space (I haven’t had great experiences at the other Morrow restaurants). The location is great for a night out (right near Frenchmen Street!), the decor is gorgeous, and the food is spectacular (I highly recommend the fried snapper and the cabbage is a sneak-banger). I highly recommend having your meal then migrating to the backyard for a nightcap!
Herbsaint - one of my quiet favorites in NOLA, Herbsaint is just fresh. I recommend sitting on the right side of the restaurant by the window so you can watch the streetcars go by! Love the jumbo shrimp plate, the tuna sandwich and the croquettes.
San Lorenzo - this restaurant is nestled in a corner of the first floor of the beautiful Hotel Saint Vincent. Seemingly quaint, the food at this restaurant is divine and the service is lovely. I sat alone and the chef sent out a delicious tuna crudo on the house :) I also ordered a proscuitto peach dish, shrimp cocktail, and linguine vongole that were all such palate delights. The fresh burst of flavor was balanced with my decadent dark chocolate budino for dessert. 10/10 meal and a very high recommendation from me. Walk down the hall to the sexy Chapel Bar after your meal!
Leahs Kitchen - this is going to sound absolutely insane, but one of the best meals I’ve ever had in New Orleans was at the airport. After a terrible dinner at Drago’s that ruined my stomach, I went to Leah’s Kitchen for sustenance before my plane ride back to NYC. I have never had such a clean, straight to the point catfish and grits. It was so impeccably seasoned it actually shocked me, and the service was so lovely.
Bearcat CBD - Bearcat is a MUST when visiting New Orleans. I prefer the Uptown location to the CBD location, but the food is equally as good wherever you decide to sit. Bearcat does not take reservations, which gives it an old-school feeling that I actually loved. My absolute favorite thing to have is the shrimp and grits with added scallops, roux on the side. You will absolutely not regret making it to Bearcat!
Justine’s - I love a Black-owned restaurant, and Justine’s is a great option if you’re in the French Quarter. I’m a sucker for their mussels and their cocktails are top notch. The decor is also such a vibe!
Sun Chong - another French Quarter favorite, this Morrow-owned asian-inspired restaurant is a hot spot for the who’s-who. It’s a tight space, but is actually such a vibe in the evening. Loved the (very spicy!) seafood ramen, and the soup dumplings are quite good.
Willie Mae’s - the new location in CBD is a departure from their original house (I believe they had a bad fire?), but it’s very spacious and modern. The food is top-notch soul cuisine. You can’t leave Willie Mae’s without getting fried chicken fresh out the erl (oil, lol), and the gumbo will stop you in your tracks. The cocktails are also going to knock you out, lol.
WHERE TO PLAY
As mentioned, New Orleans has changed SO much just in the past couple of years. Friends of mine who are natives have spoken to this a lot lately. I used to recommend Blue Nile and Les Bon Temps Rouler, but I went to Frenchmen Street this last trip and it did not hit (though DBA did!). So I open the question to you all….where do you go to play in New Orleans?