What to do in New Orleans:

Erik's Favorite Things Restaurants Live Music Watering Holes Beignets Shopping Tours Family Fun Instagramable Spots

Erik's Favorite Things

ERIK'S FAVORITE THINGS

Feeling a little overwhelmed by the city's endless options? No worries, I've got you covered with my current favorite spots to eat, drink, and explore. Consider this your cheat sheet to experiencing the true essence of New Orleans!

Culinary Delights:

Craving Creole? My top picks right now are Jack Rose and Brigtsen's. Both places put a delicious spin on classic Creole dishes, showcasing the unique flavors of this city.

Watering Holes:

Craft Beer Fanatic? Look no further than Wrong Iron. Their ever-rotating selection of local brews is sure to quench your thirst.
Breathtaking Views & Brews? Head to the Hot Tin Rooftop Bar. Enjoy phenomenal cityscapes while sipping on a refreshing cocktail.
Classic Cocktail Connoisseur? The Sazerac Bar at the Roosevelt Hotel is a must. Order their signature Sazerac, a New Orleans staple.

City Snapshots:

Fueling Up for a Day of Adventure? Cafe du Monde in City Park is the perfect spot for a classic beignet and cafe au lait.

Brass Band Blast:

Ready to Let Loose? Don't miss the Hot 8 Brass Band on May 19th at the Howlin' Wolf. Get your tickets for an energetic performance that will have you dancing in the streets!

Pro Tip: Bookmark this page and use it as your personal NOLA itinerary. If you have any questions or need further recommendations, feel free to reach out! Let's make this conference one to remember!

Restaurants

RESTAURANTS

Mr. B's Bistro

Mr. B's Bistro shines brightly in the New Orleans restaurant scene. Mr. B's beckons diners with a relaxed bistro ambiance, where impeccable yet friendly service complements the menu's celebration of Louisiana's culinary heritage. Whether you're indulging in their signature bread pudding or savoring perfectly wood-grilled fish, Mr. B's promises a taste of Louisiana's soul.

Jack Rose

Jack Rose is a vibrant restaurant concept from QED Hospitality that embodies the city's infectious spirit. More than just a place to dine, it's a celebration of life itself, expressed through the rich tapestry of New Orleans cuisine and drink. Imagine a place where the joy of celebration practically bursts from the plate, with every dish a testament to the city's love of good food, good company, and letting loose. That's the essence of Jack Rose.

Restaurant Revolution

Restaurant R'evolution isn't your typical Cajun or Creole joint. Sure, they use Louisiana's bounty of fresh ingredients, but with a twist. Imagine classic dishes reimagined with a modern flair, drawing inspiration from the rich tapestry of seven nations that have shaped New Orleans' unique culinary heritage. French, Spanish, African, Native American - each culture adds a note of flavor to the innovative menu. This isn't just a meal, it's a journey through New Orleans' history, served on a plate.

Brightsen's

Decades after opening Brigtsen's on a charming Uptown street, Chef Frank Brigtsen continues to be a champion of innovative Creole cuisine. This isn't your grandmother's gumbo – Brigtsen's takes classic dishes and infuses them with fresh ideas, honoring tradition while pushing boundaries. Imagine a menu that might feature butternut squash enriching a creamy shrimp bisque, or rabbit and duck starring in richly flavored sauces. One bite and you'll understand why Brigtsen's is a destination worthy of a streetcar ride, a New Orleans institution where inventive Creole cooking reigns supreme.

Desi Vega's Steakhouse

Steaks are carefully selected and aged for tenderness then seared to perfection at 1800º in a Montague broiler. Beyond steak, the menu offers up fan favorites like the Crystal Hot Sauce Onion Rings, the Crawfish-Andouille Mac & Cheese, and the Who Dat Shrimp; bacon wrapped Louisiana gulf shrimp stuffed with crab meat served with a sweet Thai chili sauce and finished with chipotle remoulade. Business casual is required.

Bourbon House

Enjoy authentic New Orleans dishes at New Orleans' premier oyster bar and seafood restaurant. Bourbon House boasts a lively atmosphere.

Ruby Slipper

The Ruby Slipper Cafe is a must for breakfast lovers. They offer monthly brunch specials, seasonal cocktails, and New Orleans classics with local twists such as the Shrimp Boogaloo Benedict and the Grilled Fish St. Peter. The Ruby Slipper is truly an authentic New Orleans breakfast.

Luke

Luke is a Creole-inspired Brasserie located in the heart of New Orleans' Central Business District on world-famous St. Charles Avenue, steps from the French Quarter neighborhood. A lively atmosphere surrounds the raw bar offering the freshest seafood and oysters procured daily from the Gulf of Mexico.

Jacques Imo's

Jacques-Imo's Cafe is one of the hottest tickets in New Orleans for anyone looking for "real Nawlin' food." Reservations are required for parties of 5 or more.

Clancy’s

Clancy's is a local favorite but off most tourists' track for traditional New Orleans Creole dining.

Commanders Palace

The quintessential New Orleans dining experience. Loved by locals and visitors alike, and recognized with James Beard awards for food and service and Wine Spectator's Grand Award. Enjoy the Brennan family's brand of Southern hospitality.

Live Music

LIVE MUSIC

Mahogany Jazz Hall

Dive into the rich sounds of New Orleans at Mahogany Jazz Hall. This venue offers live jazz nightly, filling the air with soulful melodies and improvised riffs. Settle into the relaxed ambiance, where vintage charm meets a lively energy. Mahogany Jazz Hall is the perfect spot to unwind and tap your foot to the rhythm of America's original art form.

The Howlin' Wolf

Steeped in the musical heritage of New Orleans, The Howlin' Wolf pulsates with live music. This Warehouse District venue boasts two stages: the expansive main room, accommodating over 1,200 patrons, and the more intimate Howlin' Wolf Den. National touring acts grace the main stage, while the Den fosters local talent and a diverse range of events, from comedy shows to art showcases. The vibe throughout The Howlin' Wolf is electric, fueled by the city's infectious energy. Mark your calendar for May 19th – that's when you have the opportunity to see the always-energetic Hot 8 Brass Band!

Davenport Lounge

Located in the Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans, this upscale, lively lounge is named in honor of the hotel's headline entertainer, Jeremy Davenport. This jazz bar in the French Quarter features live music, light fare, cocktails, and Afternoon Tea.

Frenchmen Street

Once a hidden gem among locals, Frenchmen Street is now recognized as one of New Orleans' best spots for finding live music. The sounds of jazz, reggae, and blues spill out of clubs lining the corridor making for a buzzing and vibrant atmosphere. Audiences flock to Frenchmen from all over the world to get a taste of authentic New Orleans music. Frenchmen Street is the go-to spot for live music in New Orleans, featuring 20+ bars, venues, and restaurants in a 2-block stretch.

Bayou Boogaloo, May 17-19

There’s a free killer music and arts festival in May with tons of everything you love and hold dear. It’s called the Mid-City Bayou Boogaloo, and the whole world is invited for three days of music and fun for the entire family, set on the banks of the historic Bayou Saint John.

Watering Holes

Pat O’Brien's

Home of the famous hurricane and the ultimate entertainment venue where you can relax on the patio, mingle at the main bar, sing along in the piano lounge, or enjoy great food at Pat O's Courtyard Restaurant.

SIGNATURE COCKTAIL: HURRICANE

Chandelier Bar

New Orleans's newest bar, as the centerpiece of Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans, Chandelier Bar features a showstopping chandelier with 15000 glass crystals. The beverage menu features versions of the city’s classic cocktails, along with exquisite champagnes by the glass.

Wrong Iron On The Greenway

A New Orleans-style beer garden with pop-ups and food trucks located in the heart of Mid City along the Lafitte Greenway. Serving up 50 beers, 10 wines, 5 cocktails, and 4 frozen drinks all on tap. Plus, we also offer an extensive wine and cocktail menu.

Hot Tin Bar

High atop the Pontchartrain Hotel, Hot Tin returns as the convivial rooftop bar known for its craft cocktails and chic atmosphere. The 1940s artist-inspired space hosts both inside and outside areas to revel with first come, first served entry. The bar opens daily at 2pm and all guests must be 21+ to enter.

Beignets

Shopping

Canal Place

Discover sophisticated shopping at the foot of Canal Street featuring Saks Fifth Avenue, Tiffany & Co., Louis Vuitton, Tory Burch, lululemon, Brooks Brothers, MCM, G Star RAW, vineyard vines, and Anthropologie.

Magazine Street

A shopper’s paradise, Magazine Street is six miles of shopping, food, and fun. Nestled mainly in Uptown New Orleans but also stretching through the Lower Garden District and into downtown, there’s a mix of vintage stores, grab-and-go restaurants, bakeries, novelty shops, bars, and fine dining.

Royal Street

Lined with antique shops, restaurants, and hotels, Royal Street is a destination in New Orleans. Wander into its many unique stores and find crystal chandeliers, 19th-century absinthe glasses, and owner-operated gift shops. Royal is also where you can dine in hidden courtyards, listen to street buskers, browse art galleries, and visit historic museums.

Tours

NOLA Adventure Awaits: Must-Do Tours for Your Conference Stay!

Welcome to New Orleans, a city brimming with history, culture, and a touch of the supernatural! To help you make the most of your conference experience, we've compiled a guide to some of the most popular tours, perfect for filling your downtime with unforgettable adventures.

1. Swamp Tours: Get Wild in the Wetlands

No trip to New Orleans is complete without a swamp tour! Immerse yourself in the unique ecosystem of the Louisiana bayou. Choose between exhilarating airboat rides or scenic pontoon journeys. Many companies even offer pick-up and drop-off services, making it hassle-free for your entire group.

2. City Landmarks: Unveiling the Big Easy

For first-time visitors, our city tours are a fantastic introduction to New Orleans. Climb aboard a comfortable, smaller shuttle bus for a 2.5-hour journey that takes you to 10 iconic locations, including historic cemeteries, the vibrant Ninth Ward, and the sprawling City Park.

3. History with a Haunt: Unveiling the Veil

Delve into the unique burial traditions of New Orleans with our daytime cemetery tours. Intrigued by the paranormal? Opt for our nighttime tour, where tales of ghostly activity intertwine with historical accounts.

4. Ghoulish Delights: Exploring the French Quarter's Shadows

Embrace the city's spooky side with our diverse ghost tours! Most tours last approximately 1.5 hours and meander through the charming streets of the French Quarter. A highlight for many is the infamous LaLaurie Mansion, immortalized in American Horror Story.

Need More Information? We're Here to Help!

If you have any questions or would like more detailed explanations on any of these tours, my friend Heather sells for many of the above companies. Feel free to contact her directly: xphile1067@gmail.com and let her know you are a friend of Erik's!

Family Fun

FAMILY TOURS

Audubon Zoo

Located in historic Uptown New Orleans Audubon Zoo cares for animals from around the globe, engaging educational programs, and hands-on animal encounters.

New Orleans City Park

Whether you’re an artist, an athlete, a nature lover, a kid, or just a kid at heart, there’s a special place inside the Park for you! The Park’s 1,300 acres make it one of the largest urban parks in the United States, and a popular place to fish on the bayou, picnic, experience safe outdoor play, or engage in athletic pursuits—as evidenced by more than 16 million visits each year.

Louisiana Children's Museum

Located in New Orleans City Park, the Museum was meticulously designed to be a social, cultural and learning resource for children and families. Indoors and out, there are tons of hands-on ways to learn literacy, health and wellness, arts and culture, environmental education, and STEM.

Cajun Encounters Swamp Tour

Take a New Orleans swamp tour of the famous Honey Island Swamp by Cajun Encounters. You’ll glide through gator territory on a small, flat-bottomed boat and hear all about the swamp and its natural inhabitants from our local, expert captains.

National WWII Museum

The National WWII Museum tells the story of the American experience in the war that changed the world—why it was fought, how it was won, and what it means

Instagramable Spots

Transportation

The red Canal Streetcar Line route from the foot of Canal Street through the Central Business District and into the Mid-City area ending in City Park at the historic cemeteries. Meanwhile, take the St. Charles Streetcar in the Central Business District through the oldest and most majestic section of Uptown New Orleans through a tunnel of Live Oaks, the streetcar passes dozens of mansions, Loyola and Tulane universities, breathtaking Audubon Park, and fine hotels, restaurants, and bars.

Streetcars fare is $1.25 and must be paid with exact change when you board. One, three, and 31-day unlimited ride “Jazzy Passes” are also available for $3, $9, and $55 respectively.

See the Regional Transit Authority (RTA)'s website for a list of places to purchase these as well as information about wheelchair accessibility. You can also download the RTA's Le Pass app and pay your fare instantly from your phone.