264. places to visit in new orleans
February 9th, 2010 § 6 Comments
In tribute to the Saints’ victory over the Colts on Sunday, this post is devoted to some of my favorite places in and around New Orleans; I often receive requests for this very type of list, so I thought I’d post it here.
- Rue de la Course, Oak St. A coffeeshop in what used to be a big ol’ bank.
- Retro Active. I wrote a blog post about it (http://fashionforwriters.com/2008/07/22/a-visit-to-retro-active/): Chris bought me some fantastic earrings this time for Christmas and his sister bought me a vintage belt from Paris with gold elephants on it. Joe, the owner, is the buyer for everything in the store. Fantastic & my favorite vintage in the country. (i bought my rehearsal dinner dress here.) It’s closing soon, so check it out before it’s gone!
- Balcony Bar and Cafe, 1104 Harmony St. (off of Magazine St., near Retro Active): I wrote a short story about this bar, called, fittingly, “At the Balcony Bar.” I don’t know if there’s anything particularly spectacular about this bar, but I love it anyway and I love the balcony and I love the crazy tiny stairs that are hard to walk up and down.
- The Delachaise, 3442 St. Charles Ave.: Wine bar. I really like the ambiance there — it’s kind of like a long train car? And I just go with friends and drink lots of champagne and talk and I hear their snack foods are delicious.
- Ignatius on Magazine. Great food, good prices. Food so good Chris’s dad broke a tooth there and still goes back.
- Camellia Grille: Greasy spoon, so famous, AMAZING waiters, line out the door during mealtimes.
- Palace Cafe: Best brunch I have ever had in my life. I like a lot of brunch places, but I am in love with this place.
- Commander’s Palace. Super famous restaurant. I’ve only been here once, but the ambiance is pretty stellar.
- Lilli Vintage. This is where I got the white chiffon dress with the draped neck. Smaller and pricier than Retro Active, but the clothes are all in impeccable condition.
Of course, there are so many more awesome places to go, see, browse, eat and drink — feel free to leave your own favorites in the comments!
xo, mw
Cochon in New Orleans had the most amazing pineapple upside down cake I’ve ever had (and it followed an equally amazing several-course meal!) The food is regionally appropriate and most of the ingredients were local, which I always love. I’ve had a million great meals in New Orleans, but that one always stands out as my favorite.
I had some amazing cocktails (and pig cheeks) at Cochon last time I was in town. Mmm. Thanks for the comment!
Oh, and Angelo Brocato gelato! (I’m obviously moved by this topic…)
I love Balcony Bar! So jealous you’re in Nola right now!
I regret not having gone to New Orleans while I was still living on the East Coast… it seems like a magical place (with lots of good food).
PUPPY!!!!!! awh. And the second picture makes me very very hungry!