Best & Cool Bars in New Orleans

"Commander's Palace has been around since the late 1800s, but under Ella Brennan’s leadership starting in the 1970s, the restaurant essentially redefined New Orleans cuisine and catapulted into stardom with the help of celeb chefs Paul Prudhomme and Emeril Lagasse. Today, the menu and service are top notch with James Beard Award-winning chef Tory McPhail leading the kitchen and Ti Martin and Lally Brennan running the show. Go for lunch and make sure to end the meal with the bread pudding soufflé and whiskey sauce."

"GQ's Golden Dish Award for Eggs Sardou, Commander’s Palace’s legacy speaks for itself. Located in the Garden District, Commander’s Palace is thought to be the original spot for a jazz brunch and patio dining. For contemporary Louisiana food and alfresco dining, look no further than Commander’s Palace."

"Parkway has been a master of pivots throughout the pandemic, from quickly establishing an efficient curbside service model to adding tenting to let seating spill outside. This patio isn’t the most open-air of the bunch — it’s more of an extension of the restaurant — but it is one of the most protected from the elements; no need to fear a storm spoiling your po’ boys and gumbo here."

"Parkway Bakery & Tavern has been open since 1911 and serving up po’ boys since 1929. After more than 100 years, it remains a family-run business to this day. Founder Jay Nix and Head Chef Justin Kennedy have won several awards and have been featured on television for their exceptionally delicious po’ boy sandwiches, such as the Golden Fried Catfish and Parkway Surf and Turf."

"Heralded as serving the best po’ boy in America, Parkway Tavern has been a New Orleans cheap eats institution for over 100 years. Must-try po’ boys include wild caught Louisiana shrimp, fried to crispy perfection; and surf and turf, layering shrimp, slow-cooked roast beef and gravy. For between $12 and $15, you have a feast for two."

"Ruby Slipper Cafe serves a New Orleans twist on Southern brunch favorites 7 days a week. We are a scratch-kitchen, using fresh ingredients from local purveyors whenever possible. Our coffee Read more..."

"Service was great.The wait was long, as the location was very popular.My friend and I got two of their signature dishes according to the menu, the Sweet ..."

"Opened by chef Mike Stoltzfus and his wife Lillian Hubbard in December 2008, Coquette is a Garden District stunner, from its gleaming floors and crisp linens to its architectural details and warm exposed brick walls. Chef Stoltzfus proffers innovative southern cuisine with an emphasis on locally sourced product and pastry chef Zak Miller does the same, with an emphasis on unexpected twists that elevate dessert into something ethereal. He uses seasonal fruit, fresh herbs and surprising flavors like smoke and heat to bring something special to the table."

"Opened by chef Mike Stoltzfus and his wife Lillian Hubbard in December 2008, Coquette is a Garden District stunner, from its gleaming floors and crisp linens to its architectural details and warm exposed brick walls. The Garden District building was built in the late 1880s and has been among other things a residence, grocery store, auto parts store and several restaurants. Chef Stoltzfus, who honed his craft as a sous chef at Restaurant August, proffers innovative southern cuisine with an emphasis on locally sourced product."

"Longtime Magazine Street stunner Coquette is open for takeout service, Thursday through Saturday from 4 to 8 p.m. Order online day-of here or call the restaurant after 1 p.m."

"Bringing a bar for those who like to mix work and play to New Orleans, the Business Bar opened at the end of February with cocktails, classic gastropub fare, and a vibrant atmosphere. Owners ​Jade Newman and Jessica Robinson are New Orleans natives that founded the restaurant to fill the void for a place that is conducive for people to get work done while enjoying quality food and drinks, even if it’s early (especially given an increasingly remote work reality). Small plates of truffle fries and fried Brussels sprouts, classic Caesar salads with grilled chicken or shrimp, flatbreads, and tacos are all available for takeout, too."

"The new Business Bar on Freret is a bar/restaurant targeted to those who like to mix work and play — here, you don’t have to worry about being a buzzkill by whipping out your laptop, or wrapping up a day of remote work while sipping on a cocktail. Owners ​Jade Newman and Jessica Robinson wanted to combine high-quality food and drinks with such a setting, and the drinks are a highlight indeed: seasonal spritzes, martinis, and frozen drinks, as well as a menu of “rise and grind” cocktails that include caffeinated options. View this post on Instagram"

"A Cowboy burger is topped with bacon, cheddar cheese, an onion ring and barbecue sauce and served with chips or fries."

"This unique New Orleans-infused Mexican food is a rarity among the New Orleans food community. Velvet Cactus is known for refreshing summer dishes, including a delectable watermelon salad perfect for a hot New Orleans day, along with delicious and shareable appetizers and larger entrée dishes. As if the food is not significant enough to peak your interest, the drinks certainly will."

"Velvet Cactus provides a taste of Texas in the heart of New Orleans. With its Mexican-inspired art in neon hues and various outdoor tables, this restaurant and bar steps ahead as one of the most distinct Mexican spots of the city. Under good weather conditions, people can enjoy a margarita in the moonlight at their front patio."

"Tucked into the Bywater neighbourhood of New Orleans, Booty’s Street Food is owned by a travel journalist and serves street food from around the world. The brunch menu changes seasonally, but features traditional breakfast items ranging from Belgian waffles to Japanese ramen. In addition to the constantly-changing menu, Booty’s also has rotating art exhibitions in the restaurant bathrooms."

"Booty’s, brainchild of owners Kevin Farrell and Nick Vivion, made its debut in the burgeoning Bywater neighborhood in 2012, serving craft cocktails...Read More"

"Lakeview's diner institution, unlike a lot of greasy spoons on this list, seems mainly more catered to families and sober people. But don't let that fool you, the breakfast options are astounding from fried chicken and waffles to a slew of egg specialties. Try the Egg Saints #33 with a grilled biscuit, alligator sausage, grilled tomatoes, poached eggs, and homemade country gravy, and save room for the housemade pies."

"A post shared by ~Sara's Photography~ (@saraphotography_05) on Dec 31, 2018 at 9:00am PST. Russell’s Marina Grill opened its doors in 1985 and has been a favourite of locals ever since. Kids will love that this eatery is on the waterfront."

"8555 Pontchartrain Blvd., (504) 282-9980; www.russellsmarinagrill.net. Lemon Dijon-glazed grilled salmon is served atop red quinoa with brown rice, edamame and mixed vegetables."

"New Orleans, Louisiana, isn’t particularly known for being lush with greenery. That’s probably why Louis Armstrong Park is one of the top green tourist attractions that New Orleans has to offer. It’s close to the teeming French Quarter so isn’t far displaced from the cultural aspects of the city, and with a huge 32-acre space, it’s often become the home of events and festivals."

"Armstrong Park’s stunning archway welcomes visitors from the edge of the French Quarter. It’s an eye-catching sight that is hard to miss. But a grand entrance suits the park’s gorgeous grounds and rich history."

"This 1.4-mile, 20-acre urban park on the riverfront offers landscaped gardens, a dog park, walking paths, public restrooms, swings, and panoramic downtown views. Don't miss the David Adjaye-designed Piety Street Bridge, a pedestrian walkway that rises above active railroad tracks to connect the river with the Bywater community. A post shared by BJ Knights (@bj_knights) on Sep 5, 2016 at 8:32am PDT"

"Finally, head to Crescent Park for a beautiful sunset view of the city, and after the sun goes down venture over to Frenchmen Street for some live jazz and blues. While tourists tend to visit Bourbon Street, you’ll see more locals on Frenchmen. For tonight’s live music, check out this listing by the local radio station."

"Located in the French Market District/ Bywater the Crescent Park is another park that people go to. It spans 1.4 miles and has 20 acres of land. It is located near the French market."

"Live oaks, Spanish moss and lazy bayous frame this masterpiece of urban planning. Three miles long and 1 mile wide, dotted with gardens, waterways and bridges and home to a captivating art museum, City Park is bigger than Central Park in NYC and it's New Orleans’ prettiest green space."

"Tucked into the Bywater neighbourhood of New Orleans, Booty’s Street Food is owned by a travel journalist and serves street food from around the world. The brunch menu changes seasonally, but features traditional breakfast items ranging from Belgian waffles to Japanese ramen. In addition to the constantly-changing menu, Booty’s also has rotating art exhibitions in the restaurant bathrooms."

"Booty’s, brainchild of owners Kevin Farrell and Nick Vivion, made its debut in the burgeoning Bywater neighborhood in 2012, serving craft cocktails...Read More"