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Naturally, we have our own opinions about the best places around town! Location is in parentheses.
If more than one location exists, most convenient location to host hotels has been listed. We'll add more
things to the list as we think of them!
You may want to call restaurants in advance to see if reservations are necessary; if you have a large group you may want to see if the restaurant could handle your group. Restaurants with an *asterisk* are on the St. Charles/ Carrollton streetcar line (note--the Carrollton/St. Charles streetcar line is currently being repaired; it may or may not reopen in time for the Jazz Invite).
And as always, feel free to ask us any questions about retaurants, things to do, and nightlife. Here are some suggestions, in no particular order:
Places to Eat |
Things to Do |
Nightlife (Over 21) |
|---|---|---|
Vincent's* (St. Charles) Really fantastic New Orleans-style Italian food. Nice atmosphere but you can go casual. Nice folks and great service too. OK for kids. |
The French Market Located on the edge of the French Quarter by the river | Tipitina's (Napoleon, uptown) Great concerts |
| Copeland's Cheesecake Bistro *(St. Charles) An extensive menu, convenient location to Jazz Invite venue and hotels, plus a large space with a casual atmosphere--this could work for your picky kids. | The National WWII Museum (Formerly called the D-Day Museum) In the Warehouse District. Great for history buffs; perhaps dads who are spending a whole weekend with a gaggle of giggly gymnasts? | House of Blues (Decatur)More great concerts |
| Superior Grill *(St. Charles) Mexican food | The Audubon Zoo & Aquarium of the Americas Our zoo is one of the best in the country, and very close to the Jazz Invite venue. The Aquarium is also convenient and near the French Quarter. | Howlin' Wolf (S. Peters, Warehouse District) Still more great concerts. |
| La Madeleine *(1327 St. Charles Ave; 601 S. Carrollton Ave. at St. Charles; 547 Saint Ann Street at Jackson Square in the Quarter) "Bakery-Cafe-Bistro" | French Quarter The French Quarter is beautiful and unique. It's fine for family fun in the daytime. Bourbon Street is mostly bars and adult entertainment, so no need to venture that way with the kids. | The Columns* (St. Charles)Have a drink inside or out on the beatiful patio and watch the streetcar go by. |
| Emeril's Delmonico* (St. Charles Ave.)Fantastic food, great service, nice atmosphere, leave the kids home! | Riverwalk The Riverwalk is a shopping center with a river view, with close proximity to many downtown/ French Quarter attractions. It's also a convenient place to eat if you have a big group, since they have a mall-type food court. | Cooter Brown's *(Carrollton @ St. Charles) The best raw oysters, biggest beer selection, and HDTV |
| Jacque-imo's (Oak St. uptown) Highly recommended! I met a local food critic at a party once who told me that she thinks this may be the perfect restaurant. SO good!! On weekends, expect a a 1 to 2-hour wait. It's worth it. Here's a tip--I recently avoided the wait by going very early at 5:15. If you have 5 or more people make a reservation. Even picky eaters love the famous shrimp & alligator sausage cheesecake. | Ripley's Believe It Or Not New Orleans Museum of assorted fascinating, mysterious, unusual, or yucky exhibits! Extensive info on their website. Convenient location in the French Quarter. | Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop (Bourbon @ St. Philip) One of the oldest buildings in New Orleans, this is not their official website but has a good photo & description. |
| The Court of Two Sisters (Royal St. in the Quarter) Many New Orleans restaurants offer a jazz brunch and this one is especially good (and kid-friendly too). It's a buffet on heavy rotations--go back for a new plate and there'll be all new dishes to choose from! | New Orleans Haunted History Tours Walking tours. | |
| Cafe du Monde (Decatur St. in the Quarter) Beignets and cafe au lait (or chocolate milk for the kids), 24-7, yum yum! | The New Orleans Ghost Tour | |
Napoleon House(500 Chartres St. in the Quarter) Few places capture the essence of New Orleans like the Napoleon House: A 200 year old landmark that's as casual and unique as its French Quarter surroundings. The menu choices they offer are a delightful bonus! |
Mardi Gras World Tour the studio where the city's best Mardi Gras floats are made. | |
| Louisiana Pizza Kitchen* (Carrollton @ St. Charles or in the Quarter) So maybe you didn't come to New Orleans for the pizza. But we have alligator pizza. All kidding aside, great variety of pizza, calzones, pasta dishes, and more; kids like pizza. | Magazine Street Shops, restaurants, antiques, and more. |
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