New York and New Orleans are forever tied for all-time coolest American cities. Between their incomparable eateries, rich histories, and wild reputations, both are cultural capitals with bounties of things to do, see, and of course, drink.
So it makes perfect sense that New Yorkers love taking advantage of good airfares and direct flights down to the Crescent City. And whether it's your first or one of many visits, the key is always to find places a bit off the beaten path to get that real NOLA feel. Ten years after Hurricane Katrina, the city is stronger than ever—here's a rundown of can't-miss destinations that have stood the test of time, along with a few that have opened since:
Eat Like the Cajuns Do
New Orleans dining is synonymous with seafood. In particular, shellfish and catfish, in the form of po-boys, gumbos and—for the indecisive and extremely hungry types—seafood platters that put all the deep-fried local favorites on one plate, with fries. These options will cross the tabletops of virtually every visitor, most likely at one of the Quarter's standards like the Original French Market Restaurant on Decatur Street. Or at the far more upscale, historic Antoine's, birthplace of Oysters Rockefeller in 1889, where they're still rocking both French and English menus.
For another choice, drift over to Joey K's Restaurant in the Garden District. Joey K's is a longtime neighborhood favorite, and not just because it's local resident John Goodman's preferred spot for classic red beans or fresh po-boys. Conveniently situated among the indie shops of Magazine Street, head over there for fried crab claws and all-you-can-eat catfish, or to try daily Cajun specials like a pork chop with white beans, Creole jambalaya or stuffed bell peppers.
Thirst for Music
Much like fried seafood and extreme humidity, no visit to New Orleans is complete without live music. It could be the band, or the Cajun dancing, or the cheap beer, but this city never stops moving once the rhythm is flowing. Since 1977, Tipitina's has been the Big Easy's musical standard, bringing to the stage everyone from Dr. John to the Stooges to George Clinton and many more.
But even Tipitina's started small, and sometimes low-key is just the ticket. To keep the tempo but lose the hubbub, head to Frenchman Street for a slew of live-music choices. There's d.b.a. on one side of the street, playing host to local singers and funky bands like the New Orleans Jazz Vipers. Cross the street to dig deeper into the local brass and jazz sounds of the Spotted Cat Music Club, which presents up to three shows nightly.
Rest Easy
Even if it's straight through the morning, rest does happen eventually in New Orleans. And with nearly 10 million tourists a year, hotels are almost as abundant as restaurants. In the Quarter, the Hotel Monteleone and Royal Sonesta have great locations, but fall a little short on room décor and contemporary flavor. For more modern digs, consider the newly opened Le Méridien New Orleans.
Head three blocks past Canal Street to check into the very new, chic Old No. 77 Hotel & Chandlery. Occupying a refurbished 1854 shipping warehouse (a.k.a. a chandlery), here's where exposed-brick walls and hardwood floors will make New York hipsters feel right at home for sweet nightly rates. And in case the city's radio station WWOZ doesn't do the trick, the hotel offers its own Spotify radio station curated to suit the local mood.
In a city big on both tradition and flair, it's a good spot for a little something different.
Kelsy Chauvin is a writer, photographer and marketing consultant based in Brooklyn, New York. She specializes in travel, feature journalism, art, theater, architecture, construction and LGBT interests. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter at @kelsycc.
