Best & Cool Bars in Garden District

"1403 Washington Ave., (504) 899-8221; www.commanderspalace.com. Duck fat-seared bluefin tuna is served with Meyer lemon grilled greens and sweet potato boulangere with miso-lemon grass veal bone jus and foie gras ganache. Reservations recommended."

"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, 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."

"Longtime (since 1911) neighborhood hangout with a patio known for classic-style po' boys. Open for lunch and dinnerDress code: CasualPhone: +1 504-482-3047"

"What you're getting: Chicken St. Charles Though the Ruby Slipper has multiple locations around town, it’s best to hit up the Mid City original for a morning meal of fried chicken. Served over a biscuit and topped with poached eggs, the Chicken St. Charles is brought together by a creamy pork tasso sauce. And if that alone doesn’t do it for you, pair it with one of the six other eggs Benedict variations on the menu for just $15."

"This place is popular, so much so that there is a wait as soon as it opens - I think it opens at 7 AM."

"Pastry chef James Kubie does beautifully plated and oh so tasty desserts at this Garden District stunner, including a black tea semifreddo, coconut cake with tamarind, cashew, and sesame, and more incredible wonders that compliment chef Mike Stoltzfus' intriguing Southern menu."

"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."

"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"

"You might not automatically picture burgers and sandwiches when you think of New Orleans, but that’s just because you’ve never been to Faubourg Bistro. The menu is full of well-priced favorites, like a hearty bistro burger and Southern chicken sandwich. They also have more unique offerings like a firecracker cauliflower burger and PB&J chicken wings."

"Bayou Beer Garden is a quaint cottage-turned-bar with a sprawling outdoor courtyard and bridge that connects to sister bar, Bayou Wine Garden. The beer side features a huge beer list, pub fare, TVs, and a front porch and back patio. The casual atmosphere blends well with the food menu, which includes everything from burgers and sandwiches to flatbreads and salads."

"If you just happened by 12 Mile Limit, you’d assume from the nondescript exterior and ordinary interior (low ceilings, pool table) that you’re at a regular New Orleans neighborhood bar. But the owner, one T Cole Newton, is a very respected alumnus of the city’s craft cocktail scene, credited with bringing mixology to the masses in one of the new waves of lower-key cocktail bars that have popped up in New Orleans. The cocktail menu coaxes you in with drinks made from only a few ingredients, but with weird unexpected twists that elevate the selection."

"3524 Severn Ave., Metairie, (504) 455-2266; www.riccobonospeppermill.com. Sauteed veal Josephine is topped with lump crabmeat and shrimp and served with brabant potatoes. Reservations accepted."

"Sneaky Pickle is a restaurant that serves vegan and vegetarian meals made in the New Orleans style. With a relaxed atmosphere and a menu that changes on a daily basis, this café features creative, farm-fresh plates that range from a vegan Reuben sandwich to fried tofu and fried cauliflower buffalo salad. Though it offers both meat and meatless options, Sneaky Pickle is careful to make sure these ingredients never touch; a little gesture that goes a long way with vegans and vegetarians alike."

"They use fresh ingredients from a carefully vetted list of local farmers, and from what I’ve heard their sandwiches are to die for. I sadly didn’t get a chance to visit – this is true of the next two restaurants as well – but I’m still kicking myself about it. Visions of their vegan Reuben made with smoked tempeh, homemade sauerkraut and caramelised onions will probably haunt my dreams until I finally try it."

"We’d give anything to try the Vegan Reuben sandwich or the Smokey Tempeh flatbread with vegan garlic aioli, carmelized onions, and slaw. Oh, and check out this mac and cheese with peas, mushrooms, tomatoes, greens, and cashew chorizo."

"It’s hard to head to the south and not indulge a bit in some soul food, even if you’re vegan. Sweet Soulfood is without a doubt one of the best vegan restaurants in New Orleans, serving visitors plant-based versions of delicious dishes such as jambalaya, rice pudding, and even chicken-fried cauliflower. Best Vegan Food in NOLABest Vegan Restaurants New OrleansLouisiana Vegan FoodNew Orleans VeganVegan Restaurants in NOLA"

"Mid CityThis spot on North Broad Street offers a 100-percent vegan menu with comfort food dishes like okra gumbo, mushroom ragu with grits, collard greens, barbecue cauliflower, stuffed peppers, and bread pudding. The menu changes each day of the week, but the jambalaya and mac ’n’ cheese are available every day. This is a place where meat eaters can also leave satisfied."

"This low-key eatery serves up all things soul food with vegan options. There’s tons of Cajun spice and authentic flavour. Try the jambalaya or the okra jumbo."

"Just minutes from the St. Charles Streetcar is La Macarena Pupuseria and Latin Cafe - a colorful, eatery specializing in pupusas and other El Salvadoran cuisine. While it is known for its delicious pork-stuffed pupusas, flautas and specialty chicharron, La Macarena’s menu also includes a number of delicious plant-based Salvadoran specialties. Their Vegan Bliss Brunch comes complete with a vegan pupusa, tamale, black bean tostada and Mayan seasoned veggies."

"This brand-new café in historic Algiers Point—just a short ferry ride across the Mississippi from the French Quarter and the seen-better-days Café du Monde—fuses Seattle expertise and New Orleans flair in a classic corner storefront that invites lingering. (There are snacks.) Ask about the house beer, brewed in collaboration with local startup Urban South. congregationcoffee.com"

"The fine folks on the West Bank of the Mississippi River need great coffee, too. Fortunately, Congregation Coffee — in Algiers Point — is there to make sure that happens. Gretna entrepreneur Leigh Isaacson is a fan."

"This chain has two New Orleans locations, and the menu offers a wide variety of options from omelettes to benedicts. The spot also offers a kids menu and vegetarian dishes. Prices top out at around $12."

"And with delicious food options like the Mexican food at Juan’s Flying Burritos and the sweets at Sucre, Magazine Street has plenty of places to relax and refuel. Alternatively, take the St. Charles streetcar back towards the French Quarter, getting off at Lee Circle in the Central Business District to visit NOLA’s top-rated WWII Museum on the other end of Magazine Street."

"Next up is the Garden District's Sucré, situated at 3025 Magazine St. With 4.5 stars out of 822 reviews on Yelp, the chocolatier and shop, which offers desserts, macarons and more, has proven to be a local favorite."

"Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Infrogmation of N... used under CC BY-SA 4.0. Come to Sucré for their cupcakes, chocolates, gelatos and their tasty banana fosters."

"About Crawfish: Known as Crawdads and Crawlers, Crawfish (cray-fish) are one of the coolest things to eat in New Orleans. They are only in season from February-June otherwise they would be higher on our list. These mini-lobsters are delicious and you can literately buy them by the bucket full."

"But they had preconceived notions about what an alligator would taste like. They were so nervous but ate it anyway!. I think it was pretty good and on the salty side!"

"An Ultimate seafood platter includes fried shrimp, oysters, fish, Cajun-seasoned fries and a biscuit. Delivery available in the French Quarter and CBD."

"The Bearcat Cafe in Uptown lets you decide by indicating healthy or less healthy items on the menu. This modern sit-down cafe offers an array of fresh breakfast and lunch options. There are also selections of coffees from Equator Coffee Co, a wide variety of loose-leaf teas, and house-made bottled beverages."