Best & Cool Bars in Bayou Gauche

"Last on our list of the top 7 bars and restaurants in New Orleans: nestled in the Garden District, Commander’s Palace has been a New Orleans landmark since 1893, known for its award-winning food and its lively atmosphere. With some of the best Creole cuisine in New Orleans and whimsical Louisiana charm, Commander’s Palace is a quintessential New Orleans upscale dining experience. Not to mention they offer 25 cent martinis during lunch with a full entree (limit 3 per person)."

"Known for the award-winning quality of its food and its convivial atmosphere, the history of this famous restaurant offers a glimpse into New Orleans’ storied past and has been the go-to destination for Haute Creole cuisine and whimsical Louisiana charm."

"You can’t miss the grand turquoise Victorian restaurant Commander’s Palace when you’re strolling through the Garden District and it shouldn’t be skipped!. Enjoy a fine Creole dining experience that makes you feel like you’ve gone back in time."

"Only available on Wednesdays and Thursdays, the fresh oysters in Parkway Tavern’s Po Boys are seasoned with garlic and cayenne pepper and then served in classic style on Leidenheimer’s bread. Like many of the best New Orleans Po Boy shops, Parkway Bakery & Tavern is located slightly off the beaten track. However, it’s worth the extra effort to travel to this Mid-City institution by cab/uber or streetcar (Canal St #48)."

"The Po-Boy was invented in New Orleans and is a staple food with local’s so needless to say it’s a must eat in New Orleans. The most popular Po-boy with local’s and visitor’s alike are the shrimp or oyster Po-boy but at Parkway Bakery and Tavern they serve the most unbelievable Surf & Turf Po-Boy’s you will ever have!. Trust us on this one."

"Arguably the most prolific New Orleans brunch spot, Ruby Slipper serves brunch all day long at its four locations around the city. According to the owners, Ruby Slipper was inspired by the strong sense of homecoming they felt when returning to New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina. Ruby Slipper supports local suppliers and composts coffee grinds for local farmers."

"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..."

"Cheery cafe serving signature omelets, Southern brunch fare & cocktails in a relaxed atmosphere. Open for breakfast and lunchDress code: CasualPhone: +1 504-525-9355"

"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."

"The soft glow from hanging chandeliers and exposed brick walls set the stage for a relaxed, romantic meal. Make a reservation or enjoy an impromptu memorable meal at their 14-seat bar where the beer and wine lists are just as impressive as the always-changing menu. 2800 Magazine St., (504) 265.0421"

"Every neighborhood needs a hangout, and the dwellers of the Garden District's elegant mansions tend to spend their time at this fabulous corner...Read More"

"National World War II Museum, 1035 Magazine St., (504) 528-1940; www.ww2eats.com. A Five-Star cheeseburger is topped with Creole smothered onions, bacon and three-cheese sauce. Reservations accepted."

"Located in Mid-City, Mick’s Irish Pub is a laid-back neighborhood bar with pool, ping pong, darts and video games. It’s pet-friendly, and the regulars here rave about the friendly service and original New Orleans vibe. The bar food also can’t be beat, thanks to Rum and the Lash (a tiny kitchen with food from Chef Michael Gulotta of MoPho) that moved here from Finn McCool’s."

"Set in New Orleans and with Bourbon Street reachable within 1.8 km, Royal Frenchmen Hotel and Bar offers express check-in and check-out, allergy-free rooms, a bar, free WiFi throughout the property and a garden. This 4-star hotel offers a concierge service and ticket service. The accommodation features evening entertainment and a 24-hour front desk."

"Peacock Room is the restaurant in the new Kimpton Hotel Fontenot downtown, the the restaurant snagged Chris Lusk, a longtime New Orleans chef who has cooked at Restaurant R’evolution, Cafe Adelaide, and the Caribbean Room, for a menu of dishes like fruits de mer pho made with cashew hoisin, grouper, shrimp ramen, and crab boulettes; chicken and eggplant fricasse with tomato and toasted farro; and black lentil vadouvan curry. The cocktail program is also a standout, curated with hard-to-come-by spirits and cocktails like the Primp and Preen, made with mezcal, white rum, orgeat, fresh citrus and blue curaçao; a Ruby Bridges made with gin, Cynar, citrus, strawberry, and basil; and the Sackcloth and Ashes, with Toki Japanese whisky and Amaro Montenegro (and mysteriously, “umami”)."

"The elegant restaurant in the new Kimpton Hotel Fontenot downtown has a killer cocktail program, thanks to Paula Echevarria, a longtime NOLA cocktail creator and writer. The beautiful bar is curated with hard-to-come-by spirits and serves cocktails like the Primp and Preen, made with mezcal, white rum, orgeat, fresh citrus and blue curaçao; a Ruby Bridges made with gin, Cynar, citrus, strawberry, and basil; and the Sackcloth and Ashes, with Toki Japanese whisky and Amaro Montenegro (and intriguingly, “umami”). Helpfully, each specialty cocktail includes a few adjectives to help anticipate the flavors of the drink."

"Chef Chris Lusk is killing it at the sexy new Peacock Room lounge in the newly opened Kimpton Hotel Fontenot in the CBD. His goal was to cook food that he’d want to eat after some time drinking at a bar — and that mission is accomplished in spades. Add his haute burger to the fancy chef-driven winners in town, an ample house-ground patty topped with bacon, Boursin cheese, crispy shallots, and tomato jam on a brioche bun."

"Low key West Bank sushi spot Daiwa, known for its uni, karaoke rooms, and Hello Kitty aesthetic, opened a second location in Metairie a few months ago. The Vets Boulevard restaurant in a former World of Beer location ups the ante in space and menu, with the option of omakase (chef’s choice) dinners and new specialties featuring less common fish like Japanese striped jack and sardines. Lunch was also just added in August."

"5033 Lapalco Blvd., Suite B6, Marrero, (504) 875-4203; www.daiwasushi.com. Spicy City is a deep-fried sushi roll filled with marinated crawfish, snow crab, cream cheese, avocado and jalapeno and topped with eel sauce and spicy mayonnaise."

"The Orpheum is an immaculately renovated historic theater with just over 1,400 seats to accommodate concerts, films, and private events. Originally built in 1918, the performance art theatre recently celebrated “100 Years on Stage” (1921-2021)."

"The acoustically-pure Beaux-Arts theater has been fully restored following damage from Hurricane Katrina. Location: 129 Roosevelt WayArchitect: G. Albert Lansburgh (restored by Eskew+Dumez+Ripple)Date: 1921Contact: https://orpheumnola.com/"

"Established in the French Quarter as an “atmospheric” movie theatre in 1927, the Saenger Theatre fell on hard times by the 1960s and was renovated as a performing arts venue in the late-1970s. Katrina hit the Saenger Theatre hard, but fortunately the building was in the middle of restoration so many of its fittings had been removed as the waterline was above stage level. This brought on another phase of restoration that continued right up until Jerry Seinfeld took the stage for three nights in September 2013."

"New Orleans is a tough city that has been through a lot – and Saenger Theatre is no stranger to those hardships. Originally built in 1927 as an “atmospheric” movie theatre, it has gone through plenty of restorations and hard times before it was finally brought back to life. Although the Saenger has cut its capacity from its original 4,000 seats to 2,600, the theatre is still a must-see locale while in New Orleans."

"The historic Saenger Theatre in New Orleans is one of the Gulf Coast’s premier live entertainment venues. Heavily damaged by Hurricane Katrina, the ‘Grand Dame of the South’ reopened its doors in September 2013 after an extensive restoration. The 1927 design lives on in this iconic live performance venue."

"Tipitina’s opened in 1977 and has been hosting live music and cajun dancing ever since. It’s one of the best know music clubs in New Orleans and is a favorite venue of many local musicians such as The Radiators, The Neville Brothers,  Galactic, Professor Longhair, and Dr. John."

"Tipitina’s, otherwise known as Tip’s, is a music venue nestled right at the corner of Napoleon Avenue and Tchoupitoulas Street in Uptown New Orleans."

"It takes a legendary performer for people to realize the need for a venue in their honor, and such is the case at Tipitina's.[Learn more]"

"A favorite with the locals, this eatery is the perfect spot to spend a leisurely morning. Beverage selections include a variety of fruit and vegetable juices to Abita root beer to organic coffee. Menu favorites include the muffuletta, filled with ham, cheese, salami, and olive salad, and the huevos rancheros, comprised of chilies, black beans, egg and tortillas in mole sauce."

"Locals love this place because of the tasty food and juices, the charming staff and the cozy atmosphere. The sweet and savory menu caters to everyone and fresh organic juice are always the best accompaniment. Every day, Surrey’s Café and Juice Bar features juice specials, and it is recommended to always ask about the daily special."

"Savory eats fill the menu at this cafe with two Magazine Street locations spanning Uptown and the Lower Garden District. Surrey’s boasts favorites such as Shrimp and Grits and Bananas Foster French Toast. For health-conscious diners, the spot offers fresh squeezed organic juices, gluten-free selections and vegan options."

"A fried chicken plate includes a leg, a breast and a thigh, collard greens with tasso and mashed potatoes with chicken gravy."