ARTS + CULTURE
The contributions of African Americans in Treme, New Orleans, and our Nation are on display at the New Orleans African American Museum
NOLA Art Bar - The perfect location for cocktails and chill. The craft cocktail lounge of NOLA.
Studio BE - In a huge warehouse space in the Bywater neighborhood- showcases the work of local artist Brandon Odums (aka BMike). He specializes in large-scale murals and painting illustrating scenes from black culture in the city and black cultural leaders and icons.
Rooftop + Bar + Restaurant
Vue Orleans
https://vueorleans.com/ - An Interactive Cultural Experience For New Orleans
Located at “the foot of Canal,” 2 Canal Street in the former World Trade Center building that is now home to the Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans and Residences, Vue Orleans takes the visitor on a deep dive into New Orleans history, music and culture via a multi-level interactive cultural experience that brings New Orleans into sharp focus. The attraction offers an eye-popping 4-D experience with nine original films, seven interactive exhibits, and the city's only rooftop 360-degree panoramic viewing platform. It’s more than bells and whistles. Vue Orleans pairs style with substance, using technology to shine a focused spotlight on the vast array of art, music, food, history, and culture found only in New Orleans.
There’s a delicious restaurant with southern sensibilities called the Commons Club located inside Virgin Hotel (https://virginhotels.com/new-orleans/)
Food/Grub
Bearcat (CBD - Central Business District location) https://bearcatcafe.com/ - Simply put, this is one our favorite and go-to spots for breakfast and/or brunch in NOLA. To go along with the excellent food, they also offer a selection of micro-sourced coffees from Equator Coffee Co, and an intersting selection of house-made bottled drinks.
Dakar NOLA, Where the coast of Senegal meets the coast of New Orleans is a modern Senegalese tasting menu restaurant, highlighting seafood served in multiple courses served family style in homage to west African dining traditions. (https://www.dakarnola.com) https://cleanuri.com/61J7ZY
Dat Dog, where you can create your very own jazz improvisation in a bun. (https://www.datdog.com)
Sneaky Pickle is an unassuming cafe with an ever-changing vegetarian-focused menus of farm fresh, from-scratch fare. (https://www.yousneakypickle.com)
Budsi’s Authentic Thai. Street food-inspired dishes are served along with home style cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere. (https://www.budsisthai.com)
Jack + Rose features a mix of New Orleans craveable Italian, French, and Spanish dishes.. located in NOLA’s historic Ponchartrain Hotel. (https://www.jackroserestaurant.com)
Chophouse New Orleans has consistently been named the highest rated steakhouse in New Orleans. (https://chophousenola.com)
Willie Mae’s Scotch House has received prestigious awards for its fried chicken, however…..lol. Proceed at your own risk, Your hosts were not impressed. (https://williemaesnola.com)
Addis Ethiopian Kitchen is where Ethiopia meets New Orleans located on historic Road, NOLA’s first road and now an intersection of black business, culture, and excellence! (https://www.addisnola.com)
Morrow’s, a polished, casual stop for classic New Orleans cuisine and Korean BBQ dishes… and oh yeah, ample cocktails. Located in the historic Faubourg Marigny neighborhood of NOLA. (https://morrowsnola.com)
Galaxie Tacos - celebrates the taquerias and culture of Oaxaca and Mexico City. Oaxacan style Mexican food is our favorite of all “south of the boarder” cuisine. (https://www.galaxietacos.com
HISTORICAL SITES
The Whitney Plantation is worth the ride.(https://www.whitneyplantation.org)
Historic neighborhoods and landmarks
Treme - https://www.neworleans.com/blog/post/guide-to-new-orleans-treme-neighborhood/
The oldest oldest African American neighborhood in America and said to be the birthplace of jazz. It is also home to Congo Square (https://www.neworleans.com/listing/congo-square/32200/).
(Gentrified) Neighborhoods w/ Things to Do
St. Claude/Bywater (Downtown) https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g60864-Activities-zfn13208836-New_Orleans_Louisiana.html - St. Claude Avenue is lined with restaurants and bars, plus eclectic shops and a nightlife all its own. Dive into this fun and funky street on your next trip to New Orleans.
Marginy (Downtown)
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g60864-Activities-zfn8594420-New_Orleans_Louisiana.html - The offbeat Marigny district is known for its Cajun bistros, bohemian bars and jazz clubs, especially along Frenchmen Street. Sidewalk musicians and brass bands add a block party vibe to the nighttime Frenchmen Art Market, which sells local artwork and handicrafts. Quieter spots include Washington Square where the lawns are shaded by old oak trees. The Marigny Opera House offers an eclectic program. ― Google
Lower Garden District (LGD)/Magazine Street (Uptown) https://www.neworleans.com/plan/streets/magazine-street/ - 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. Here are all the reasons you should give Magazine Street a visit the next time you’re in New Orleans.
Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in NOLA
BEST GROCERY
STORE
Robert’s Local chain of boutique grocers with a focus on local produce, meats & seafood, plus delivery.
Local chain of boutique grocers with a focus on local produce, meats & seafood, plus delivery.
LIVE MUSIC VENUES & ENTERTAINMENT
Tipitina’s - A staple of New Orleans music and culture since 1977 & one of the country's premier music venues. https://tipitinas.com/
Maple Leaf Bar
https://www.mapleleafbar.com/historleaf - A Venerable joint with live New Orleans-style music, tin ceiling & a hopping dance floor. TBC Brass Band plays here, every Tuesday night.
Kermit’s Treme Mother in Law Lounge - https://www.kermitslounge.com/ Local music fans, neighborhood drinkers, and curious tourists who first caught sight of Kermit Ruffins https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kermit_Ruffins on the t.v. show Treme, can all be found here. TBC Brass Band plays here, every Sunday night.
Preservation Hall https://www.preservationhall.com/about/- Sure, this is as “tourists attraction” as you can get when it comes to experiencing NOLA, but if if it’s your first time in New Orleans, experiencing it it’s a must. Historic, all-ages place for jazz in a no-frills space with wooden floors & no air-conditioning, in heart of the French Quarter. It’s a very small and intimate space, so see website to book your reservation.
TBC BRASS BAND https://youtu.be/CM3tLdrhb2k - Not only is this our favorite brass band in NOLA, there also “the homies”. The band will be our featured live entertainment at our picnic, this year. Get the full “brass band and second-line” experience and catch a Tuesday show at the Maple Leaf or a Sunday night show at Kermit’s. Current band leader Edward “Juicy” Jackson has appeared on several of my recent recordings, and, as well, I’ve appeared on a recording of theirs.. Here’s a link to “World Without Music”
https://open.spotify.com/track/5twgwcvjNK1t0M7DxT5nrV?si=igXjCN8qQ5CDnXaIILO13A