A College Kid’s Guide to New Orleans
Anyone who knows me would agree that I’m a creature of habit. New Orleans has an abundance of places to eat and shop, and activities to do. As a freshman, it took me a few weeks to get my bearings—but once I find my favorites, I stick to them. I am halfway through my Junior year, so keep in mind that this is geared towards those on a college budget. There is so much of this city that I have yet to see; consider this the guide that keeps on growing.
Here is an evolving list of my most beloved spots in the Big Easy:
Uptown
Where to Eat: A few days into my freshman year, my roommate and I discovered Jazmine Cafe. Conveniently located on South Carrollton, Jazmine Cafe is a Vietnamese joint that quickly became my favorite restaurant—try the grilled chicken vermicelli bowl and the salmon avocado spring rolls. Chill Out Cafe is another spot that flies under the radar; the menu boasts an interesting combination of classic American breakfast foods and Thai dishes for dinner. You can’t go wrong with the Pad Thai or the chicken pad see ew. My friends and I discovered Luca Eats last semester, admittedly late to the game. Located on Lowerline Street, Luca Eats is a cool cafe with a great outdoor setup. We made it a tradition to have breakfast there every weekend—their iced coffee is arguably the best in the city, and the turkey sandwich is to die for. Other brunch favorites include Toast, Panola Street Cafe, and Ted’s Frostop, a retro brunch spot with a classic diner feel. Frostop has all the staples, but my favorite is the bacon, egg, and cheese Po’ Boy—think classic BEC, but on French bread. As a native New Yorker, it was important to me to find a solid sandwich down South. I stumbled upon Cibo Deli and discovered they make a mean Italian combo as well as classics like chicken parm and lasagna. A different style of sandwich, but equally as satisfying, Good Bird on Freret is the perfect place to go for lunch before or after class. For dinner, Pizza Domenica never disappoints; I order the burrata Caprese, wood-roasted cauliflower, and gorgonzola pizza with prosciutto, apple, and honey every time I go. If you’re looking for something more upscale, I highly recommend Avo and Cavan. Avo has incredible pasta and seafood, while Cavan is known for its burger. Cavan is a hidden gem—the restaurant is in an old house smack in the middle of Magazine Street. Barracuda is a relatively new taco stand on Tchoupitoulas; I love the crispy fish tacos and Mexican corn. The margaritas are great, too. Just down the street, Tchoup Yard is an outdoor bar that’s clad in colorful Christmas lights year-round. We usually get a crunch wrap supreme and an order of tater tatchos (that’s right, tater tot nachos) for the table. Luvi is a hip Asian Fusion spot also on Tchoupitoulas. Try the Bam Bam Chicken and Spicy Dan Dan Noodles, or order from the raw bar. Luvi also has a handful of vegan dishes. The infamous Camellia Grill holds a special place in my heart; my grandparents used to sit at that very same counter when they were students at Tulane almost 50 years ago. Camellia is great for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, but in my opinion, it’s the perfect place for late-night eats. Order a burger, the fried mac and cheese bites, or a slice of warm pecan pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Last but not least on my list is the notorious Domilise’s Po’Boy and Bar. Ordering a po’boy at the New Orleans staple is a rite of passage for every Tulane student. Guy’s and Mahoney’s, both of which are located on Magazine Street, are lesser-known but equally as good alternatives. Neither Saba nor Shaya needs an explanation, but I will say that Saba’s brunch reigns supreme.
What to Do: Audubon Park is without a doubt the best place to unwind and decompress. I prefer to go in the evening when it’s a little less crowded and walk along the edge of the park; I love the way the sun glistens through the massive Spanish Moss trees. One of the best Tulane traditions is going to The Fly on Friday afternoons to picnic and watch the sunset—at the edge of Audubon Park, The Fly runs right along the Mississippi River. Students and locals alike love to layout on the grassy area overlooking the water. Walking down Magazine Street is a must. Two of my favorite staples on Magazine are Peaches Records and Ashley Longshore Studio Gallery, both of which are a testament to the eccentric nature of New Orleans. A bit closer to the Tulane and Loyola campuses, Freret and Maple Streets are great areas to wander around, too. Relatively new to Freret Street, Body Shoppe is a hub for Tulane students. Tulane alumn Kelsey Greenfield opened the fitness studio at the beginning of last year, and it’s become my favorite place to workout. Above all, my favorite thing to do in New Orleans is ride the St. Charles Streetcar downtown. The St. Charles line runs the length of the city, from Carrolton and South Claiborne streets uptown to Canal and Carondelet streets downtown. Riding the streetcar is perhaps the most extraordinary and efficient way to explore New Orleans.
Where to Shop: Interspersed along Magazine Street, some of my favorite stores include Shake Your Bon Bon, Pied Nu, White Roach, a joint record-and-thrift store, and Hemline. I also love Gae Tana’s, Angelique, and Swap Boutique, all of which are located on Maple Street.
Garden District
Where to Eat: Kickstart your morning with an iced coffee or tea from Hivolt. If you’re looking for something out of the ordinary, try Molly’s Rise and Shine for breakfast or its sister restaurant, Turkey and the Wolf, for lunch. Both establishments are known for their wacky food combinations and quirky interiors. The Bower is a relatively new Italian restaurant with quality pasta, charcuterie, and cocktails. Claret Wine and Cocktail Bar, which is just across the way, is great for post-dinner drinks. Good Chinese food is hard to come by in the Big Easy, but Blue Giant is by far the best I’ve had. I love the pork potstickers, mandarin chicken, and Chinese donuts for dessert—and yes, it travels well. The Chloe is a new boutique hotel on Magazine Street with a chic outdoor pool and patio. Go for lunch or dinner and get the chicken katsu sandwich; it’s crazy good. The Columns Hotel is a more mellow alternative, with an elegant bar and lush courtyard.
What to Do: Stroll down picturesque Prytania to marvel at the mansions and huge oak trees that line the streets. Stop by Lafayette Cemetery, located directly across from the one and only Commander’s Palace. Hotel Saint Vincent, which opened just last June, is the perfect place to spend your Saturday. The hotel has two restaurants: Elizabeth Street Cafe, which doubles as a bakery and Vietnamese-style restaurant, and San Lorenzo, which serves some of the best Italian food in the city. Paradise Lounge is a gorgeous bar with a vast selection of wine and spirits, and the Chapel Club is a swanky spot for hotel guests only. If the weather is nice, take advantage of the pool or have a drink on one of the hotel’s many verandas. Be sure to pop into By George in the lobby to browse luxury brands such as Loewe, Missoni, and Oliver Peoples. Every month, Hotel Saint Vincent hosts a flea market featuring local merchants, artists, and designers. My ideal Saturday would be spent sifting through stacks of old records and racks of vintage clothing after grabbing a flaky croissant from Elizabeth Street Cafe. I almost never leave the flea market without a bouquet of fresh flowers from Amelia’s Flower Truck. They also have live music, a film photographer, and a resident poet!
Where to Shop: If you’re on the hunt for new or vintage New Orleans apparel, make a pit stop at DNO. Not only do they have an array of colorful “I Love You Louisiana” sweatshirts, but a plethora of posters, books, and trinkets, too. Peony is a charming boutique that sells dreamy women’s clothing, jewelry, and whimsical gifts. Funky Monkey is a thrift store that has the most eclectic costumes and accessories—it’s the perfect place to hunt for Mardi Gras outfits. Sunday Shop is a housewares boutique that has a beautifully curated collection of delicate soaps and scents, as well as pillows, throw blankets and textiles. At the base of Magazine Street stands Merchant House Collective, a two-in-one antique furniture and vintage clothing warehouse that sells pieces sourced from local merchants. Just off of Magazine, The Good Shop has a wide selection of skincare, soaps, and scrubs, as well as a slew of quirky cards and paper goods. The Good Shop prides itself on selling ethical gifts, all of which are locally made. Saint Claude Social Club is the perfect place to shop for colorful jewelry, accessories, and clothing made by New Orleans-based artists and designers. Everything in the boutique reflects the “spirit of the Crescent City.” Right next door is Blue Dream Vintage’s new location! Blue Dream is my favorite vintage store in New Orleans; they have an incredible selection of vintage clothing, jewelry, and accessories, in addition to a wide array of beauty and bath products. Just down the street, Nola Mix Records has every vinyl disc under the sun; I could spend hours thumbing through the stacks of records.
CBD
Where to Eat: The Ace Hotel is probably my favorite spot in the whole city. For starters, the iced matcha from Stumptown, the Ace’s coffee shop, is out of this world. I cannot say enough good things about Josephine Estelle—the JE Breakfast always hits the spot, and I love the fried chicken Milanese sandwich for lunch. For dinner, I usually get the cacio e pepe, but everything on the menu is tempting and you really can’t go wrong. Also associated with the Ace, Seaworthy is a charming oyster bar just a few doors down from Josephine Estelle. Although they’re known for their seafood, I think the burger is the best thing on the menu. Willa Jean serves a serious brunch, along with my favorite fried chicken sandwich in the city. Other menu staples include cornbread, artichoke dip, and of course, cookies and milk. Basic, I know, but they really do live up to the hype. Meril never disappoints; we usually get a bunch of small plates to share. I’d recommend the gulf shrimp tacos, deviled eggs, and Korean fried chicken wings. Sofia and Gianna, both of which serve Italian, are perfect places for a big birthday dinner. If you don’t get the alla vodka from Sofia, you’re doing it wrong. Gianna has a more sophisticated vibe and menu. Try the ricotta lemon ravioli or the lamb & mushroom lasagna. Cochon Butcher—the offspring of the esteemed cajun restaurant, Cochon—is notorious for its specialty sandwiches and small plates, and house-made meats and sausages.
What to Do: Alto is a rooftop restaurant and bar that offers the most magical views of the city. Alto has fire pits for guests to gather around right now, but come May, everyone will flock to the hotel pool to sunbathe and swim. Disclaimer: there is a $25 access fee for non-hotel guests during the weekend, but weekdays are free. Bar Marilou is the swankiest spot in New Orleans. The speakeasy is located on the ground floor of Maison de la Luz, a breathtaking boutique hotel on Carondelet. Bar Marilou has an exquisite cocktail menu and the most intricate food and drink pairings, along with a stunning interior. The Contemporary Arts Center has engaging exhibits and a cool museum store, and it’s only $8.00 for students. If you have time to kill, explore all the art galleries on Julia Street.
Where to Shop: Located beneath the Ace Hotel, Freda is a lifestyle boutique that was originally founded in Marfa, Texas. Freda collaborates with makers from Louisiana and beyond on everything from handmade jewelry and clothing to quirky greeting cards. My favorite part about Freda is their aesthetic—whimsical and free-spirited, yet minimalistic at the same time. Freda is the perfect place to window shop or splurge on a Saturday afternoon. Right next door, Friend is an impressive men’s clothing and accessories store. DNO has a second location, also below the Ace. This store is smaller, but it has the same selection as the one in the Garden District.
French Quarter
Where to Eat: My grandparents took me to Brennan’s for brunch the first time I visited New Orleans. Located on Royal Street in the heart of the quarter, Brennan’s is a New Orleans landmark. The restaurant is famous for its elegant interior, classic Creole menu, and bananas foster for dessert. If you want a big, Southern breakfast—I’m talking eggs, grits, and biscuits galore—French Toast and Ruby Slipper Cafe are the best of the best. For lunch, sit outside at Cafe Amelie or Tableau. Both establishments have charming courtyards and mouthwatering menus full of Louisiana staples. Domenica is an upscale Italian restaurant situated on the ground floor of The Roosevelt Hotel. Try the roasted cauliflower to start, the tagliatelle or rigatoni arrabbiata, and one (or two) of their many craft pizzas. Justine is a French restaurant on Chartes with an ornate interior and divine dinner menu. They have classics like French onion soup, steak frites, and steak tartare, along with a lengthy list of fruity cocktails. Grab a drink (or two) at the Pisco Bar at the boutique Catahoula Hotel, and check out the rooftop terrace afterward.
What to Do: Antique shop on Royal Street or listen to live music on Frenchmen Street. Sift through the stands at the Frenchmen Art Market, Palace Market, and Le Garage. One of my favorite past times is people-watching in Jackson Square. Afterward, stop by Rocket Fizz Soda Pop & Candy Shop to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Where to Shop: Hemline has all the best brands; in addition to their French Quarter location, they have a store on Magazine Street. Krewe is a sunglass brand that originated right here in New Orleans. Visit the flagship store on Royal and try on all the funky shapes, sizes, and silhouettes. Krewe has a second location on Magazine, in the Lower Garden District. Porter Lyons is a jewelry store on Toulouse that has an assortment of delicate necklaces, bracelets, and dainty earrings. Each collection is inspired by a particular culture that the jewelry design reflects. C’mere is a cute boutique on Esplanade Avenue that specializes in miniature handmade food jewelry—I’m talking king cake studs, oyster necklaces, and ramen hoops, all of which are made in-store by Remy, the owner.
Marigny/Bywater
Where to Eat: Elizabeth’s is a funky breakfast joint that has been serving up country classics since 1998. It’s the perfect place for Sunday brunch—Southern staples include praline bacon, banana’s foster french toast, and chicken & waffles. Alma Cafe is a relatively new Honduran restaurant that’s been my favorite since it opened last year; its colorful interior and flavorful menu are perfect for Sunday brunch. Bywater Bakery has the best homemade pastries, coffee, and tea. Make sure to grab a slice of their famous King Cake during carnival season. Dining at the Elysian Bar inside Hotel Peter and Paul is a holy experience. The hotel is housed in an old monastery; guests can dine in the church or outside in the colorful courtyard. To drink, try the Mexican Firing Squad or an Aperol spritz variation, and get the whipped ricotta and fried brussels sprouts to start. At N7, you’ll feel like you’re in France. It’s easy to miss; the quaint garden setup is hidden behind a huge wooden fence. I love the melon salad, seared scallops, and the cheese plate for dessert. N7 also has an extensive wine list and craft cocktails. Paladar 511 and Bywater American Bistro are both great for dinner; Paladar511 has quality Italian food while Bywater American Bistro serves contemporary American fare. The name says it all, but Pizza Delicious has the best pizza in the Big Easy. On a Friday night, Bacchanal Wine and Spirits never disappoints. Enjoy an assortment of meats, cheeses, and wine while listening to live music on the patio or balcony. Saint Germain is another wine bar with great share plates and cocktails.
What to Do: Walk up and over the Rusty Rainbow Bridge at Crescent City Park. Stop by Studio Be, an indoor/outdoor art installation, and marvel at the colorful murals painted in and around the massive warehouses. Located on Chartres Street, Dr. Bob’s is a converted garage studio chock full of eccentric, New Orleans-inspired art—you’ll definitely recognize the infamous “Be Nice or Leave!” sign.
Where to Shop: Euclid Records, Low Timers
OTHER: The Drifter Hotel
