Best & Cool Bars in Elmwood

"If you’re off to a slower start or you’re in New Orleans for the weekend, Brunch at Commander’s Palace is unmissable. Located in the Garden District among the houses and mansions of the first Americans who settled the city in the early 19th century, the upper floors of the restaurant offers some clues to its life before it was a world-famous, James Beard award-winning eatery. (Reservations highly recommended!)"

"with a classic movie at The Prytania Theatre (Louisiana’s oldest — and only — single-screen movie house, and the one made famous in Walker Percy’s "The Moviegoer"), followed by brunch at Commander’s Palace. If someone asked me to pick the “most New Orleans restaurant” in all of New Orleans, Commander’s would win that designation in my book, hands down. Many might say Galatoire’s and that is fine."

"Since 1880, Commander’s Palace has been a hot spot in the Garden District winning numerous awards. Customers come back again and again for the award winning food and welcoming atmosphere of this place filled with history. This venue is more than a restaurant, it is a landmark."

"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 is known as a contender for most-loved po’boys in town — especially the always-overflowing shrimp. Pre-pandemic, the line to order wrapped around the entirety of the dining room, but with the addition of a huge outdoor dining area, parking lot pickup, and strict social distancing guidelines, Parkway has worked to establish a comfortable and safe setting for its loyal fans."

"Parkway Bakery & Tavern, a spot to score sandwiches, seafood and desserts in Bayou St. John, is another much-loved go-to, with 4.5 stars out of 1,731 Yelp reviews. Head over to 538 Hagan Ave. to see for yourself."

"If you’re anything like me, your Saturday evening will have ended up on Frenchmen Street…which paves the way nicely for another of New Orleans’ best food traditions: having Sunday Brunch the morning after the night before. The queues outside The Ruby Slipper Café had already put me onto the scent that this might be a good brunch place and after a bit of research, my suspicion was confirmed – this relaxed diner-style place was, indeed, award winning. One of the things that cemented my decision to try this café was the description they have about their name:"

"A post shared by The Ruby Slipper Cafe (@rubyslippercafe) on Jan 5, 2018 at 11:51am PST. A breakfast hot spot, The Ruby Slipper Café provides a cheery atmosphere with fluffy omelettes and tasty Southern brunch fare. The kid’s menu is small but hearty, offering enticing choices such as French toast sticks tossed in sweet cinnamon sugar, buttermilk or cinnamon swirl pancakes, and even watermelon-flavoured pancakes that’ll blow kids minds!"

"The Ruby Slipper Café is a popular spot for breakfast, brunch, and lunch. Its focus is fresh food with a New Orleans twist. The restaurant uses local produce."

"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."

"From its 19th century exterior to its glamorous chandeliers, exposed brick walls, and innovative Southern menu, this Garden District bistro is elegant yet never pretentious. Pull up to the long bar for a drink from the extensive list of wine, cocktails, and beers and a snack like onion dip with trout roe or chicken liver mousse. The concise menu also includes vegetable-forward small plates and larger dishes like smoked beef short rib with fresh turmeric, cashew, and puffed rice."

"This Garden District gem has the vibe of a neighborhood bistro but the menu of a forward-thinking, adventurous kitchen. The small list changes regularly to reflect what’s fresh and local, as well as what creative twists chefs Kristen Essig and Michael Stoltzfus have come up with. Entrées have included black drum in vegetable sauce with fennel sausage, Mexican street corn-style okra and red snapper with butter beans."

"This quaint little neighborhood spot perfectly exemplifies what makes the French Quarter so special: even on its boundary streets, you'll find something to charm and surprise. Though locals usually occupy the tables at Meauxbar each night, these snug yet easygoing quarters welcome all comers. Framed photos, mirrors, burnished wood floors and moody lighting reinforce the bistro concept, and seating is available both at tables and at the bar."

"American , French"

"The Four Seasons made its grand New Orleans debut on August 17, 2021, at the same time unveiling its primary restaurant, Miss River, from Alon Shaya, and its lobby-level Chandelier Bar. It starts at the hotel’s entrance and flows onto a patio, with 80 seats in total — 17 at the bar, 51 in the lounge, and 12 on the terrace. Run by Hadi Ktiri (an alum of Arnaud’s French 75 Bar), Chandelier Bar focuses on Champagne and sparkling wines by the glass and iconic New Orleans cocktails, with a menu of upscale bar bites from Shaya."

"Partners Liam Deegan and John Sinclair have created a low key stylish eatery that is perfect for intimate lunches and sultry suppers. Housed in a building from 1794 that conjures up the Quarter's residential pedigree, the Longway was once home to Boho writers Roark and Mary Rose Bradford, who hosted creative types at their place at all hours of the day and night. The owners wanted that kind of place today, and indeed Longway is inviting, with its lovely back courtyard and relaxed tavern vibe."

"The local Lower Garden District doyens have taken to this whiskey bar in droves. There aren’t many dedicated whiskey bars in New Orleans, so if you’re into brown liquor, this low-ceilinged, windowless room—with more than 300 whiskies, bourbons, ryes, and scotches—is the place to be. You could keep coming for a whole year and never get bored: Selections range from the usual barroom suspects to rare Japanese imports."

"Located in the Lower Garden District, Barrel Proof is the perfect spot if you want to explore your spirit options. With over 300 whiskeys, including international selections from countries such as Japan, France, and India, you’ll find something to your whiskey taste. Barrel Proof offers food selections from local restaurants Matchbook Kitchen (Saturday through Monday) and QuePasta (Tuesday through Friday)."

"If a few days of fried seafood and rich Creole sauces is wreaking havoc on your constitution, head to The Green Fork in the Lower Garden District, a stone's throw from Seed, another healthful eatery. The Green Fork specializes in fresh juices amped up with the likes of bee pollen and hemp protein, all designed to do a body good. Nibble on healthy snack options like kale chips hummus and chick pea salad."

"(601 Decatur St.) If it’s classic New Orleans fare you are looking for with a price that won’t blow your travel budget, this is the place for you. With a wide variety of seafood platters, crawfish (when in season), muffulettas, and traditional po-boys all tastes are sure to be satisfied. And did we mention its perfect location?"

"Cafe Maspero can be a bit of a tourist haven, but for good reason. The food is reliable and affordable, and there's something on the menu for a variety of palates, including both those that love Creole food and those that prefer something less exotic."

"Po’boys (alligator sausage, cochon de lait) and burgers may seem the obvious order at this offbeat roadhouse (bring a tacky ashtray and you can swap it for a drink) on the outskirts of the city. But it was chef Mike Baskin’s daily specials—sherried turtle soup, rabbit with spaetzle—that really got Fieri fired up."

"3449 River Road, Jefferson, (504) 834-4938; www.rivershacktavern.com. A cochon de lait po-boy is topped with pepper jack cheese and jalapeno coleslaw on French bread. Reservations accepted."

"New Orleans has long had a bounty of authentic Vietnamese restaurants, thanks to its vibrant population of Southeast Asian immigrants. But for a long time, you had to cross the river to the West Bank or head to New Orleans East for the good stuff, a bit of a trek if you're visiting without a car. With the recent opening of 9 Roses in the French Quarter, all that has changed."

"620 Conti St., (504) 324-9450; 1100 Stephens St., Gretna, (504) 366-7665; www.ninerosesrestaurant.com. Flank steak, meatballs and vermicelli fill pho served with a basket of bean sprouts, basil and cilantro. Reservations accepted."

"A little more than a year old, Wishing Town Bakery Cafe took over the former Morning Call on Severn Avenue, neighbors to the complimentary Sharetea Nola. While also a bakery, Guangzhou-born couple Vivi and Kevin Zheng version of Chinese specialties are some of the best in town. An extensive array of dim sum and cold noodle salads round out a menu of beautiful cakes and pastries, perfect for a celebration."