Good places to relax, eat, and drink in New Orleans?

April 7, 2009 9:07 AM

Recommend places to eat, drink, relax, and generally take life slow while on vacation in New Orleans, please!

Next week a friend and I will be spending a couple days in New Orleans. We're coming from Chicago, where it is currently 39 degrees Fahrenheit and threats of snow hang over our heads. This isn't a tourist-y type vacation; I just want to spend my time in a constant state of mild inebriation, sitting outside soaking up the sun, drinking and eating good things.

Can you recommend sidewalk or patio cafes where one can sit back and take it easy? Or any other good restaurant/bar with a similar vibe? We're staying in the Garden District, but don't need to stay in that neighborhood necessarily. Also, any recommendations for interesting thrift/antique mall type shops? We are already excited for the abundance of free music at French Quarter Fest.

Thanks in advance!

posted by little_c to travel & transportation (6 comments total)

The Kitchen Witch at 631 Toulouse Street has the most interesting collection of cook books I've ever seen. Thousands of them. Of all the shops I visited, this one is the one that spoke "New Orleans" to me.
posted by mrmojoflying at 9:11 AM on April 7 [1 favorite has favorites]

Croissant D'Or on Ursaline in the Quarter has great breakfast quiches, croissants, tarts and coffees and tons of atmosphere. Coop's on Decatur has an excellent and wide-ranging menu for lunch or dinner w/full bar. Liuzza's (http://www.liuzzas.com/) in mid-city has award winning gumbo and poboys. The oyster poboy with the garlic sauce is highly recommended. Absolutely phenomenal. Go for lunch. I hear it's not where you wanna be after dark.
posted by wsg at 9:43 AM on April 7 [1 favorite has favorites]

A random collection of French Quarter, CBD, and Garden District (with street names to help hopefully) off the top of my head.. (not sure what price range or how "bar"sh you wanted..but these are some of my favorite spots).

Cure on corner of Freret and Upperline
Marigny Brasserie on Frenchmen
Tujague's‎ on Decatur
Feelings Cafe on Chartres
Carousel Bar at Hotel Monteleone on Royal
Delachaise on St. Charles
Columns on St. Charles
Muriels on Chartres
Commanders Palace on Washington Ave
Swizzle Stick on Poydras
posted by quodlibet at 9:44 AM on April 7

Sunday brunch at The Columns! Their eggs benedict are amazing! Also a great place to sit on the porch and drink all day.
posted by radioamy at 10:04 AM on April 7

Blue Bird Cafe is really good for breakfast. My favorite restaurant there is Clancy's, but it's a little tough to find. For a cool vibe, check out the bar at the Fairmont Hotel, where Huey Long apparently used to hold court. Court of Two Sisters is a bit touristy, but they have a pretty amazing breakfast buffet if you want to try all the local specialties. Or you can go the traditional route and get beignets and cafe au lait at Cafe DuMonde.

The Bulldog is a good place to grab a beer and some chow and hang out on the sidewalk. The local like to bring their dogs. The Bridge Lounge over where the Saulet Apartment complex is is also a nice place to hang out and have a few drinks. Also, you can stroll along Magazine Street near the downtown area and there are lots of antique shops along the way. Also I think Royal Street has a lot of art/antiques as well. I think it's one street over from Bourbon.
posted by GatorFan2000 at 10:55 AM on April 7

I'll second Bluebird Cafe for breakfast. And I'll put in a vote for a shrimp po' boy from Verti Marte.
posted by dyobmit at 11:27 AM on April 7