Hey y’all! My name is Natalie Allen and I am so excited to be sharing some of my favorite spots in New Orleans. I was born and raised in South Louisiana, and while a lot of my friends and family have stayed local, I gradually made my way west, landing in Los Angeles to pursue a career in dance and fitness.
I teach at a studio in West Hollywood called Pvolve (iykyk) and had the pleasure of training with Lauryn on one of her trips to LA. We got to chatting and when she mentioned she had never been to New Orleans, I started rambling off all of my favorite spots. These places are too good to gatekeep, so here we are.
Hope you love these recommendations.
Your Guide to Food, Fun and Drinks In New Orleans
I might be a little (*very) biased, but New Orleans is home to some of the most amazing cuisine and culture in the world. Sure, Bourbon St., Café Du Monde, and Swamp Tours are great, but there is so much more to explore around the Crescent City. Here are some of my favorites!
Special shout out to Holly Valentino and Olivia Scofield for the assist on this highly curated list.
A couple of things to know before you arrive:
+ You can ask for your drinks to-go. (Yes you read that correctly.) Didn’t finish your drink at dinner? Thirsty from walking around in the hot humidity? You can walk into any bar, order your drink in a to-go cup, and continue exploring the city on foot, OR by horse-drawn carriage around the French Quarter.
+ Any word ending in “-EAUX” has the same sound as the letter “O”.
EX: GEAUX = GO
You’ll see that word everywhere you turn
+ “New Orleans” is pronounced “New OR-LINS” not “New OR-LEENS”
Or if you really want to sound like a local – “Nawlins”
BARS:
One of my favorite places on this earth – wine, charcuterie, tapas, live music, literally what more could you ask for? You enter through the wine shop where you select your wines and someone helps you select cheese/meats that pair well with your selection. You walk out to the back patio where you’re often serenaded with live music. From there you can sit and order tapas, or head upstairs to the bar for a cocktail.
Have dinner downstairs at Jack Rose and then head to the rooftop for drinks and incredible city views.
What’s better than one piano? Two pianos.
This dueling piano bar might be the home of the “Hurricane” cocktail, but take my advice and order the “Cyclone” instead. There are three main areas to hang out – the main bar, the huge outdoor patio, or the piano lounge, so there are plenty of spaces to explore.
CAROUSEL BAR @ Hotel Monteleon
Want to sip a cocktail while slowly rotating (it’s very slow) in a gorgeous hotel bar? The Carousel Bar is for you. You might have to wait to get a seat around the circle, but it’s fun.
THE TCHOUP YARD and/or WRONGIRON
Super cute, chill outdoor beer gardens. Great for big groups or if you’re looking for something more casual.
Known as the oldest bar in the United States – if you’re doing Bourbon St., this is the place to stumble into.
RESTAURANTS:
Classic New Orleans food with an elevated style. Located right on Bourbon St. it’s the best way to check it off your list while by-passing a lot of the tourist trap spots surrounding it.
Frozen drinks are a MUST in New Orleans – these are my favorite frozen margaritas ever and trust me they pack a punch.
Great place for brunch/lunch – LOVE their Bloody Mary’s and the crawfish beignet is insane.
Delicious food and located on the cutest alley with hanging string lights.
*Fun fact, I filmed a scene of a movie in this alleyway*
Best places for Po-Boys. I like fried shrimp or fried oyster OR half & half if you’re a pro.
You have to try their Muffuletta – a sandwich with olive spread and various cold cuts.
Famous for their French 75. They have a fun Sunday Jazz Brunch with a “Pre Fixe” menu if that’s your jam.
LIVE MUSIC:
FRENCHMEN’S ST.
In my opinion, this is the better version of Bourbon St. It’s stacked with bars, restaurants, and the best live music! I love to start at MAISON and then make my way down the street to 30°/-90° and d.b.a but truly you cannot go wrong with any place that catches your eye. They also have a pop up Art Bazar that happens Thurs-Sun evenings. (Double check the times before going because they’re seasonal.) Great opportunity to get a drink to-geaux and walk around!
THINGS TO SEE:
Audubon Park is a great place to walk around (as long as it’s not the middle of summer…if it’s July/August…don’t walk) or getting close to Christmas, they set up lights and you can drive through.
Can get a little touristy because it’s right next to the French Quarter, but another really great place to walk around, get some fun little gifts and bites of food.
This streetcar might not be named Desire, but riding the streetcar is such a fun experience. They have multiple routes you can take – The St. Charles Line takes you by Audubon Park and The Pontratrain Hotel/Jack Rose/ Hot Tin, and the Riverfront Line takes you by The French Market if you’re taking recommendations from above.
Laissez les bon temps rouler
xx Nat
+++
The next time you’re in LA, be sure to hit up Natalie and go to one of her classes. And if you’re wondering what Pvolve is you have to listen to this episode of The HIM & HER Show with the founder and learn WHY this is Jennifer Anniston’s favorite workout.
x, The Skinny Confidential team
+ Check out Lauryn’s and Michael’s travel tips here.
++ For more travel recs, read these posts.
TRAVEL NECESSITIES:
