Best & Cool Bars in Jean Lafitte

"This Garden District beauty made famous by renowned restaurateur Ella Brennan (who employed both Paul Prudhomme and Emeril Lagasse during her tenure) is known for its twenty-five cent martinis at lunch. Chef Tory McPhail also offers an affordable three-course prix-fixe special for about $35 or so, a steal for this landmark."

"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."

"Located in the Garden District, Commander’s Palace is one of New Orleans’ finest and most famous restaurants. You’ll need to plan ahead, as Commander’s Palace does have a dress code, and reservations are needed."

"Expect a long line: Parkway is the go-to spot in New Orleans for delicious, authentic po'boys. The generous shrimp po'boy is always a solid pick, but the roast beef and surf and turf options are also outstanding. Come on Monday or Wednesday for the famed oyster po'boy."

"The beloved Parkway reopened in May with a limited takeout menu of its favorite po-boys, sides, and desserts. Call for parking lot pickup, Wednesday through Saturday from 11 a.m."

"American , Sandwiches"

"Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account. It's a beautiful day to enjoy our BEAUTIFUL outdoor seating area!. Welcome to this cheery cafe that has been serving tasty Southern brunch fare in a laid-back atmosphere."

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

"Irish ChannelChandelier-adorned bistro known for innovative Southern cuisineThere are few things as sexy as feminism, so head to Coquette to enjoy the makings of a badass woman-run kitchen. Though chef Kristen Essig also recently opened the neighborhood restaurant Thalia, her Irish Channel mainstay is the better option for impressing a date. Beginning your meal with the $40 Pappy Old Fashioned (proceeds go to a local food bank) is a nice way to start."

"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"

"1915 Pratt St., Gretna, (504) 362-2010; www.tonymandinas.com. Veal Classico is Italian-seasoned breaded veal topped with crabmeat and Alfredo sauce served with angel hair pasta. Reservations accepted."

"Just over the mighty Mississippi River from New Orleans lies the quiet town of Gretna, home to the old-school Sicilian-style Tony Mandina’s Restaurant. Folks line up here for the m..."

"True to its name, Gumbo Shop serves up several types of classic gumbo laden with meat and seafood. What makes it stand apart from many other excellent restaurants in the French Quarter that serve up mouth-watering gumbo is that it also has gumbo z’herbes. Gumbo z’herbes is not easy to find on the New Orleans restaurant menus, so unless you venture out to Tremé to sample Leah Chase’s legendary version at her restaurant, Dooky Chase’s, the Gumbo Shop might be your only chance to try this veggie version within the confines of the French Quarter."

"It wouldn’t be a visit to New Orleans without a bowl (or two, or three) of the city’s signature dish. Gumbo represents New Orleans in more ways than one, from its many-layered flavors and textures to the blend of cultural cooking styles that contributed to its creation. While there are certainly favorites like jambalaya and red beans and rice on the menu, it’s all about the gumbo."

"A classic upscale steakhouse in Old Gretna since 1963, the dinner menu here brings the prices one would expect in such a setting, but the weekday lunch specials bring two-course meals of stunningly high quality for $10.95. Choose from a starter of excellent turtle soup, seafood gumbo, soup of the day, or a fresh salad, followed by six entrees that include slow-cooked boiled beef brisket with cabbage, carrots, new potatoes, and horseradish sauce; and a boneless pork rib-eye glazed with Steen’s cane syrup and fig reduction with yam mash, and haricots verts. 1036 Lafayette St., Gretna, 367-0935, theredmaple.com."

"1036 Lafayette St., Gretna, (504) 367-0935; www.theredmaple.com. Grilled redfish Pontchartrain is topped with crabmeat and served with sherry mushroom cream sauce and haricots verts. Reservations recommended."

"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."

"Bayou Beer Garden is a large space where most people find themselves outside on two large decks, with multiple seating options for large and small groups. During crawfish season, plates of potatoes, crawfish and corn are given out, and the area can get rather packed. Menu items include both small bites and heftily portioned choices to fill you up."

"The name of this sugarcane plantation on the west bank of the Mississippi in St. James Parish comes from the graceful 240-metre alley of southern live oaks running from the riverside to the Greek Revival house. These were planted in the early 1700s, a good century before the house was built, and their twisting branches form a beautiful shade canopy. The house went up in 1837 and has a colonnade with 28 imposing Doric columns, mirroring the 28 oaks in the alley."

"Famed for the 300-year-old allée of live oak trees dripping with Spanish moss that flank its main entrance, Oak Alley Plantation has more to offer visitors than a quintessential view of a Southern plantation. Highlights include numerous exhibitions exploring the complexities of Southern and Louisiana history, 1,300 acres (526 hectares) of grounds, and the historic house itself—all within easy driving distance of New Orleans.More"

"Features an impressive collection of original paintings, works on paper, and sculpture by some of history’s most revered artists. Representing over five centuries of fine art, we specialize in original works from the old masters to the modern masters, as well as a select group of renowned contemporary artists."

"The gist: While this petite pastel café serving pastries, meat pies, coffee, and espresso drinks has yet to reopen its dine-in space, the porch is open and offers both spacious seating and excellent neighborhood people watching. The food: The sweet and savory pastries are baked from scratch daily. Expect cakes topped with buttercream and cream cheese frosting alongside vegan oatmeal cookies, kolache, meat hand pies, and sausage rolls."

"Formerly a filling station, this renovated cottage has a unique pitched purple roof. Inside, you’ll find a lovely exposed wood ceiling, concrete floors, and a surprisingly airy layout, thanks to architect Gunner Guidry. A post shared by David (@davidnola) on Jan 10, 2018 at 11:13am PST"

"The Station is a laid-back environment with good coffee and equally tasty homemade food to pair. Get to this industrial-chic and whimsically decorated coffee shop early to avoid a line. Take a seat outside on the patio for relaxed sipping."

"Dorgenois Street, Dwight Henry’s Buttermilk Drop Bakery and Cafe is a place where you can get warm, melt-in-your-mouth glazed donuts, golden brown apple fritters the size of baseball gloves, and his award-winning fried buttermilk drops with a delicious sugar glaze. Crunchy on the outside and cake-like in the center, buttermilk drops are a unique local favorite. Dwight’s bakery sells them every day beginning at 6 a.m."

"Soul food and tasty king cakes are just two of the mouthwatering options you can indulge in at The Buttermilk Drop. While their breakfast and lunch food is truly superb, they serve some of the best donuts in New Orleans, too. Their speciality is, of course, the buttermilk drop."

"The addictive, crisp on the outside, tender on the inside buttermilk drops are the draw here, and you should have a couple, but you would be a fool to pass on the breakfast platter with fried catfish for $5.50."

"With a variety of crispy toasts for you to try (avocado’s our favorite), savory grain bowls, salads, cold-pressed juices, and smoothies, The Daily Beet’s tasty, fresh vegetarian creations can be found downtown on Girod or in a brightly lit stall in St. Roch Market. The only thing that’s more pleasing than the delish food is the collection of bright and beautiful photos on The Daily Beet’s Instagram. Stay in the neighborhood a while and try out another incredible restaurant for dinner."

"Conveniently located in New Orleans Central Business District, the Daily Beet serves a variety of cold-pressed juices, smoothies, and light breakfast bites. Try their house acai bowl topped with goji berries, coconut flakes and a drizzle of honey, or opt for something more savory with their avocado toast made with cherry tomatoes, sea salt and chili flakes."

"7724 Maple St., (504) 518-6735; www.facebook.com/catalinosllc. Kak’ik is Guatemalan turkey stew made with tomatoes, onions and cinnamon served with corn tortillas and rice."