Romantic Restaurants, Getaway Places in Terrytown

"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."

"A favorite for visitors and locals alike, Commander's Palace is a New Orleans landmark known for its award-winning Creole fare and elegant jazz brunch. MoreCallReserveStart Your ReservationWebsite"

"What looks like a castle in the French Quarter is actually the oldest cathedral in North America. This alone makes it one of the best things to do in New Orleans, especially when you head inside. You see, St. Louis Cathedral was founded as a Catholic Parish in 1720 and includes both Renaissance and Spanish Colonial architecture that is totally gorgeous."

"From here, you’ve got Jackson Square literally across the street, or if you walk out and to the right you can go to the French Market. Do both in whatever order you like then head into the center of the French Quarter. Some key points to check out in this small zone are: the artists along the street at Jackson Square, St Lous Cathedral (you can’t miss it), New Orleans Pharmacy Museum, Marie Laveau’s House of Voodoo, and shopping for antiques on Royal Street. Of course, Bourbon street is here too and always popping even in the daytime."

"Jackson Square is pretty famous in New Orleans, Louisiana, and tourists gravitate towards it like nobody’s business in their quest for what to do for fun while visiting. Once upon a time, Jackson Square was a ground for military parades back in the 1720s, somewhat similar to Paris’ Place des Vosges. In 1815, once the Battle of New Orleans drew to a close, the area was renamed to honor General Andrew Jackson."

"Set smack dab in City Park among the Spanish moss-draped oaks complete with Greco-Roman columns and a charming sculpture garden, the grounds alone warrant a visit to this NOLA institution that’s oozing with grandeur. It’s the city’s oldest fine arts institution and boasts a permanent collection of nearly 40,000 pieces. Not only that, but it’s one of the most impressive and revered fine art collections in the whole of the south."

"Having opened in 1911, the New Orleans Museum of Art is the city’s oldest fine art institution. Back then, it had just a few art pieces but has since grown to house over 40,000 objects with a notable collection of French and American art. The museum is also home to the Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden, with over 90 sculptures on display in the 11-acre landscaped garden."

"The New Orleans Museum of Art is known to be the oldest fine arts museum in the city of New Orleans which is perfect for anyone looking for a cheap but immersive experience."

"While most of the restaurants on this list offer a level of intimacy most appropriate for an established pair, Bacchanal—true to its name—is a fun, low-commitment option for a first or second date. Wine lovers, take note: at this hopping Bywater spot, you enter the expertly curated wine shop, select a bottle from a selection of small, Old World–style producers, then head out into the spacious backyard. There, you can camp out at a table, enjoy your personally selected wine and order dishes from the produce-forward menu: think braised butternut squash with fregola sarda and pork belly ramen with mustard greens and shaved turnip."

"Definitely off the beaten path, Bacchanal is a hybrid hang out that attracts artists, foodies and locals to chill, graze and listen to live music on the edge of the Bywater. The vibe is nonchalant whether you nibble cheese and charcuterie in the ramshackle courtyard or tuck into more substantial eats in the gastro pub upstairs. And of course, befitting its namesake, Bacchanal serves a decadent selection of wines by the glass or bottle."

"BywaterAcclaimed wine and cheese shop with live music out backStart your date night off by choosing a bottle of wine and a selection of cheeses together, which the restaurant will turn into an over-the-top board with toasts, pickles, and other accouterments. Then make a beeline for the first table you can find to catch some of whatever local music act is performing that night. Don’t forget to bring extra cash to tip the band."

"One of the oldest po-boy shops in the city, dating back to 1918, Domilise’s sits in a yellow house with a hand-painted sign in the middle of an Uptown neighborhood near the river. It started as a bar and transitioned into a spot for plate lunches for longshoreman and river front workers and finally into one of the most well known po-boy shops in the city. It’s worth the trip to see inside the place alone."

"One of the oldest and most loved of New Orleans’s many old and loved po-boy spots, Domilise’s is open for takeout and is now serving the full menu (including roast beef). Call to order or visit the takeout window Monday through Wednesday from 11 a.m."

"5240 Annunciation St., (504) 899-9126; www.domilisespoboys.com. The Half and Half po-boy includes fried oysters and shrimp, lettuce, tomato, pickles, ketchup and hot sauce."

"This historic French Quarter cottage, with its lovely courtyard and intimate dining space, is a go-to spot for romantic dinners and special occasions. Opened by chef Susan Spicer in 1990, Bayona has risen to institution status alongside the city’s other grande dames. Her first—and best—restaurant features a changing menu of Mediterranean-influenced Southern dishes."

"Order Bayona’s Louisiana Crawfish Boil for those authentic Bayou flavors out in that Big Easy air!. Their patio is a magical place to have lunch, or maybe a bottle of wine with some friends!"

"(French Quarter, New American/Mediterranean, $$$) Grilled Shrimp and Smoked Duck PB&J sandwich. Also, sweetbreads that will change your life or at least my brothers."

"Prince Conti Hotel, 830 Conti St., (504) 577-2237; www.bombayclubneworleans.com. Ginger beer-braised beef short ribs are served with brown butter, ginger-garlic fried rice, caramelized Savoy cabbage and curry-roasted peanut and herb salad. Reservations accepted."

"Despite the eclectic lean of many hotels in NOLA’s Central Business District, you’ll find nothing but elegance at the Windsor Court Hotel. More than half of its 324 rooms are suites, appointed with marble tubs, French doors, and, on higher floors, sweeping views over downtown and the Mississippi River. We doubt you’ll be spending much time in them, however."

"The Spa at Windsor Court is one of the best retreats in town. Intimate and serene, the 4,500-square-foot spa has 10 treatment rooms, including one wet room and one couple's treatment room, a sauna and salon facilities. Guests can use the outdoor pool at their leisure, order from the special spa menu and sip on cucumber-infused water or a glass of bubbly."

"The Octavia Art Gallery focuses on artists whose work is informed by distinct cultural heritage but also vast global perspectives. The staggeringly dynamic paintings pop out from the big white walls as you wander through the brightly lit space on Magazine Street, just off Julia Street. At Octavia Art Gallery, you might catch the exquisite wildlife photography of Joe Zammit-Lucia and the sombre industrial landscapes of Errol Barron."

"One of the city’s most famous photographers, Frank Relle has made a career out of his love of New Orleans architecture, history, and light – or lack thereof, in the last case."

"Take the famous St. Charles Streetcar to Central City to visit the McKenna Museum of African American Art. The museum’s mission is to make African Diasporan fine art available and accessible to visitors of all ages. They work to preserve the culture of the African American community in Louisiana."

"The McKenna Museum is a fine art institution with a direct focus on African Diasporan pieces. In addition to their collection, McKenna offers a range of diverse programming such as guest speakers, workshops and book readings to further their mission and work."

"Pontchartrain Hotel, 2031 St. Charles Ave., (504) 323-1455; www.silverwhistlecafe.com. A pimiento cheese omelet is served with hash browns and hollandaise."

"They continue to make it to the top of the list for their rich chocolate cake, German chocolate cake, and chocolate mousse cake, which all come in a variety of sizes."

"A seafood combination platter includes catfish, Gulf shrimp, oysters, crab cakes, french fries and a side. Reservations accepted. Lunch and dinner Tue.-Sat."

"Grand Isle is the strip of land off mainland Louisiana known for its amazing fishing. Grand Isle Restaurant, with its menu of fresh local seafood and vintage photos channeling the same gulf goodness as its namesake. Situated on busy Fulton Street, Grand Isle spotlights the talent of chef Ryan Haigler, a South Carolina native who's come light years from his Waffle House beginnings."

"3150 Calhoun St., (504) 301-3790; www.moesoriginalbbq.com/lo/nola. Smoked turkey breast is topped with coleslaw, pickles, Alabama-style white sauce and sweet-and-tangy barbecue sauce."