Best Nightlife 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."

"One of the city’s most celebrated delicacies is also a New Orleans cheap eats score in this bustling Uptown spot. Beloved for many reasons, including its 25-cent oysters, the Blind Pelican features a courtyard that’s an ideal setting to while away an afternoon. And, over-the-top generous happy hours from 4 to 8 every single day of the week make that an easy goal."

"UptownWhat you’re getting: 25-cent raw oystersThe Blind Pelican has one of the best oyster happy hours in town, serving up cool bivalves on the half shell for only a quarter apiece. If you don’t want to do the math, we’ll do it for you: for five bucks, you can have *20* raw ones. You have to buy a beverage to indulge, but c’mon..."

"This is right across the street from Auberge New Orleans, so the host recommended it for lunch. It also is most famous for its $0.25 oysters. There was a weird moment where it was closed after I visited along with some drama."

"Wine Institute New Orleans (W.I.N.O) advertises itself as a triple threat: wine bar, wine school and wine store. The wine bar uses a state-of-the-art wine serving system made by the Italian company Enomatic, which allows you to taste wine by the ounce, then decide to have a glass. Pay by the ounce upfront, then begin sampling away from different regions, years, etc."

"This self-service wine bar/shop features 120 options on tap, which are available in 1-, 2- or 4-ounce pours. Small dishes and cheese plates are also available. Don’t miss happy hour, where you can score 25% off all wines on tap."

"Casa Borrega is an eclectic historic property that serves authentic Mexican food and specialty Latin cocktails. The refurbished restaurant celebrates Mexican cooking and culture and expresses so through the restaurant décor and the menu. The menu includes popular Mexican dishes, with heavy pride on the borrego de oro taco, made with a slow-cooked lamb leg, and enchiladas de polo con mole, topped with homemade rich mole sauce."

"A casual, eclectic Mexican restaurant on Oretha Castle Hailey, Casa Borrega is nearly always full of people eating, drinking and lettin’ the good times roll. Out back, you’ll find a colorful courtyard and there’s often a band keeping the energy level high."

"1719 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd., (504) 427-0654; www.casaborrega.com. Gordita de huitlacoche o flor de calabaza is a masa pastry stuffed with Mexican corn truffle or squash blossoms, lettuce, pico de gallo, crema and queso fresco."

"French QuarterWhat else do you need to know about The Dungeon other than it’s nickname is “The Dungeon”?. If bikers and emo kids are your thing, this is definitely the darkly lit, sometimes-scary night scene for you. Note: it only opens after midnight, and the metal is, well..."