Best & Cool Bars in Lower Garden District

"The turquoise and white awning is the first sign of good taste at this flagship of the Brennan family, housed in a gorgeous Victorian mansion in the Garden District since 1880. Sporting a decor that combines whimsy with elegance, Commanders is a dressy spot, no shorts or t-shirts and jackets are preferred - but not required - for gents at dinner. The kitchen, where Emeril Lagasse and Paul Prudhomme started and chef Meg Bickford now presides, delivers Haute Creole specialties including oysters with absinthe and skillet seared gulf fish."

"The Commander’s takeout menu changes daily and rotates classics like turtle soup, lacquered quail, and pecan pie as well as seasonal dishes like duck breast salad and wild Louisiana barbecue shrimp, available in family or individual sizes. Call to order, seven days a week between 11:30 a.m."

"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."

"The Baskin-Robbins of local sandwich makers, this family-run watering hole in Mid-City offers 20 or so flavors of po' boys. “Surf and turf” packs gravy-splashed shrimp and roast beef in a sturdy roll, while “Caprese” is mindful of customers who don’t eat meat. A covered patio in back makes room for everyone, pets included."

"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."

"American , Sandwiches"

"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."

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

"Like many New Orleans restaurants, Coquette is located inside a handsome, historic townhouse, this one in the peaceful Garden District. With two beautiful, wood- and brick-accented dining rooms and an antique, refinished wood bar, the setting alone will impress your date, and the inventive New American fare from chef Michael Stoltzfus is likely to blow them away. With a daily-changing menu that emphasizes local produce such as lima beans, collards and Gulf oysters, Coquette’s fare is predictably delicious but never predictable, featuring unexpected flourishes such as carrot juice in the cachaza-based Tyler’s Ghost cocktail, whipped honey on the hot chicken appetizer, and french fries and stout served alongside donuts and chocolate ice cream on the Late Night Snack dessert plate."

"People hang around the doors of this modest Metairie institution, night after night, the way barbecue lovers flock to the newest and hottest joints in Texas, except that R&O has been around since the ’80’s, that’s how much people love it here, and why shouldn’t they—the roast beef po boys are some of the most distinctive in town, but there’s so much else to eat here, too—shrimp salads, eggplant parmesan lunch specials, thin crust pizza, the works. Fancy it’s not, unforgettable all the same."

"For good reason: They’re reasonably priced, filling and about as egalitarian as a local food can be. Fried seafood po’ boys get much of the love, but consider the unsung hero of po’ boy land: the roast beef po’ boy. Here in the first suburb west of New Orleans proper is R&Os, home of the finest roast beef po’ boy with gravy that can be."

"It’s fitting that Louisiana’s oldest bar is located on its most famous street. Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop, established in 1772 and housed inside a building dating to 1720, sits at the far end of Bourbon Street, where crowds are a little more dispersed and the vibe takes on more of a “neighborhood” feel. Lafitte’s is named for Pierre Lafitte, a blacksmith and brother of pirate and Battle of New Orleans hero Jean Lafitte."

"Enter The Tchoup Yard through the spacious parking lot on Second St., and marvel at this lively outdoor cocktail destination. The relaxed vibe is highlighted by colorful furnishings and a rotating schedule of food trucks on site. While it’s always a good idea to call ahead for reservations, that is especially the case on game days when the yard gets packed with fans."

"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."

"Almost across the street from Willa Jean is The Daily Beet, and we also stopped in here twice for a quick breakfast. Not Creole or Cajun, but if you’re in this area and looking for a healthy cafe serving salads, grain bowls, cold-pressed juices, and smoothies check this place out."

"We were in an Uber on the way to a basketball game, and as we drove by, the word Beet caught my eye. I had to look it up later, and now, it's probably my favorite vegetarian restaurant in New Orleans ... I come here at least once on every trip to NOLA."

"Burger Benedict features a potato latke, a house-ground burger patty, poached eggs, hollandaise, crumbled bacon and green onions. Reservations recommended. Brunch and lunch Wed.-Sun."

"Don’t order sushi for lunch at Conola, only because it isn’t on the menu. But come dinnertime, and the sushi bar is rolling. It’s a bit of a disconnect, since this place is mostly a Creole/American restaurant, but co-chef/owners/spouses Will and Kinsey Varas make it happen."

"At Paris Parker Salon and Spa they devote themselves to their guests’ unique needs by listening to understand, then providing the service, experience and results that revitalize the true essence of every person they touch."

"This wellness spa has been a staple of uptown New Orleans for over 20 years. Belladonna offers professional services that range from skincare experts, body therapists, and more. Book an appointment and arrive 20-30 minutes earlier to enjoy the dry sauna, or sit outside in the shaded garden with a cup of tea and enjoy the sights and sounds of the fish pond and waterfall."

"Don’t let the plain Jane sign outside this Gentilly BYOB scare you away. Good Time sushi and hibachi is a cute little neighborhood sushi place with fresh options and good service. The lunch menu is cheap, cheap, and specialty rolls, like the “good time” and “the tiger,” are generous of portion and fresh."