Coop's Guide to New Orleans

“America has only three cities: New York, San Francisco, and New Orleans. Everywhere else is Cleveland” Tennessee Williams

With no disrespect to Cleveland, I feel this. There’s truly no city in America, or anywhere else in the world, like New Orleans. It’s where we go when we need a trip that feels like escaping to a

Below, please find a list of all my favorite places, as well as a suggested itinerary.

Stay

Hotel St. Vincent - A fantastic way to get out of the French Quarter. This feels like the spiritual successor the Ace, but one that matured a bit with me and values a slightly more upscale and chill vibe. Absolutely fantastic pool, though the lounge chairs are a bit limited and therefore competitive (some folks get there at 8am to start reserving).

Coffee and Breakfast

I’m past the age of making breakfast/brunch a destination. I’m usually looking for something quick, but substantial, to fuel me for whatever morning adventures we have planned.

San Lorenzo at Hotel St. Vincent
To that end, on our last trip, this is where we ate 4/4 of our breakfasts.

Willa Jean
Might be a little long in the tooth these days, but a great place to soak up the booze 

Cafe du Monde
A New Orleans institution for their beignets. Not exactly what I would call breakfast, but widely popular. Avoid the one in the French Quarter and head to the one in City Park, combined with a visit to the New Orleans Museum of Art. Hits just as well as a mid afternoon snack.

Lunch

Turkey and the Wolf - one of the best lunches you’ll ever have. Fried Bologna sandwich is a top 5 sandwich of my life. Find someone to go splitty/split on the burger (Closed Mon/Tues)

Po Boys

Parker’s and Domicils - Widely regarded and debated as the two best po boys in the city. We had both and our verdict is: Yes. They’re both incredible. 

Mothers Po Boys - Centrally located in the CBD, usually a very long line. I believe its possible to order ahead

Kiler Po Boys - Po Boys with a bit of a bann mi twist

Cochon Butcher - Good spot for lunch if you need a break from Po Boys

Dinner

• Mosquito Supper Club - This is my favorite meal in New Orleans
• Hungry Eyes - Turkey and the Wolf folks are trying dinner. Amazing martinis. Dinner was really good too. 80s vibe wasn’t for me, but the food and drink made up for it
• St Pizza just opened and is getting amazing reviews. We drove past and saw lines out the door. Owner owns a great wine bar Patron Saint next door Closed on Mondays

Drinks

Jewel of the South
I advise avoiding Bourbon street, and the French Quarter in general, but Jewel of the South is a great exception to the rule (and its 20 feet from the edge of the Quarter.) Just rated one of the best cocktail bars in America

Bar Tonique
Near Jewel of the South. Located on the fringe of the French Quarter, what appears to be a dive bar from the outside is one of the more impressive cocktail bars I’ve ever stepped foot into.

Bacchanal Fine Wine & Spirits
Get here early on a Friday evening and stake out a table outside, then spend the evening drinking wine and listening to music until its time to head to dinner.

Parleux Beer Near Bacchanal. Huge backyard (not really a yard). Decent beers. Good to combine with Bacchanal if you’re over there

Urban South - Favorite brewery in New Orleans. Combine with a Turkey and the Wolf trip

Compere Lapin + Peacock Room - Both good cocktail options if you find yourself in the CBD

Nightlife

Blue Nile or anywhere on Frenchman’s Street for music

See who’s playing at Tipitinas

Culture / Sightseeing

Sample itinerary

Friday

🛬 Get a Friday morning flight that puts you in around lunch, grab a Lyft (they’re very affordable down here) to your hotel.
🏨 Get checked in at Hotel St Vincent and drop your bags in your room, but don’t linger.
🥪 Enjoy a short walk down Magazine Street and then cut over to find yourself at Turkey and the Wolf. You absolutely cannot skip the fried bologna sandwich.