Top, Best & Fun Rooftop Bars in Paradis

"If Café Amelie is well-known, then Commander’s Palace is downright famous. One of the most storied locations in New Orleans history—the landmarked Victorian mansion, built in the late 1800s, has been in the Brennan family since 1974. It’s hard to go wrong when it comes to mealtimes—we particularly like lunch, when you can order one (or three) 25-cent martinis—but when it comes to romance, dinner is the way to go."

"American , French ,  Cajun"

"(Garden District, Cajun/Creole/American, $$$) I have memories of the turtle soup from when I was a kid, finished tableside with sherry. For lunch, .25 cent martini’s (limit 3)."

"This family-owned, casual neighborhood joint is a top choice for classic, overstuffed po-boys. It has grown in popularity but the friendly staff still takes care of the locals, welcoming tourists like they’re family as well. Shrimps are fried to perfection, roast beef is sufficiently messy and the Barq's (and beer) is served icy cold."

"This Bayou St. John po' boy staple is a favorite among locals and tourists in the know. The fried shrimp is a classic, but it's the Thanksgiving po' boy that has locals lining up around the block on Wednesdays in November. Bonus: An excellent Reuben and gumbo."

"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"

"Starting out in Mid-City in 2008, The Ruby Slipper Café has grown to five locations in the city. But the expansion has not diluted the genius menu that puts a New Orleans twist on breakfast and brunch faves. The bloody Mary is one of the best in the city (yes, there's bacon), and the innovative menu features a lengthy list of Benedicts (cochon de lait, crawfish-and-grits, fried green tomato), sweet offerings (Bananas Foster pain perdu, stuffed French toast) and even lighter offerings (a "skinny" version of their signature migas)."

"The family-owned restaurant with four locations around New Orleans spotlights house signature items like Chicken St. Charles, Eggs Cochon and Bananas Foster Pain Perdu. Prices start around the $9 range, topping out around $15. The spot doesn’t take reservations."

"Service was great.The wait was long, as the location was very popular.My friend and I got two of their signature dishes according to the menu, the Sweet ..."

"Opened by chef Mike Stoltzfus and his wife Lillian Hubbard in December 2008, Coquette is a Garden District stunner, from its gleaming floors and crisp linens to its architectural details and warm exposed brick walls. The Garden District building was built in the late 1880s and has been among other things a residence, grocery store, auto parts store and several restaurants. Chef Stoltzfus, who honed his craft as a sous chef at Restaurant August, proffers innovative southern cuisine with an emphasis on locally sourced product."

"The soft glow from hanging chandeliers and exposed brick walls set the stage for a relaxed, romantic meal. Make a reservation or enjoy an impromptu memorable meal at their 14-seat bar where the beer and wine lists are just as impressive as the always-changing menu. 2800 Magazine St., (504) 265.0421"

"China Orchid in the Riverbend neighborhood has been around for more than 25 years, first opened by the mother of Joe Ming, proprietor of Ming’s in Lakeview. Ming’s mother, Susan, taught him how to cook Chinese food in the kitchen of the family-owned Uptown restaurant, which changed hands in 1992. It’s still a neighborhood go-to for Chinese takeout, with an extensive menu and delivery available."

"Carrollton Ave., (504) 865-1428; www.chinaorchidneworleans.com. An orange peel beef combo platter includes an egg roll, fried rice and egg drop or hot and sour soup."

"Located in The Roosevelt hotel, the Sazerac Bar is an upscale bar originally opened as the Main Bar in 1938. For decades the Sazerac Bar and the legendary Blue Room down the hall were home to the likes of Ella Fitzgerald and Frank Sinatra to name a few. Named after what is widely considered to be the worlds first mixed drink, the Sazerac Bar makes a great place to soak in some New Orleans history over a pre dinner drink."

"You can almost sense the history as you walk into the Roosevelt Hotel’s signature bar. A small seating area gives way to the long, narrow bar room with its dark, African Walnut woods, leather-backed chairs and the striking colorful murals of old New Orleans that frame the entire scene. Even in a city of characterful hotel bars, it stands out, though it’s definitely upscale so you’ll want to dress appropriately."

"Our tour of the best cocktail bars in New Orleans begins at Sazerac. There’s a lot of history at this place, as it’s named after what some consider to be the first real cocktail. The classic Sazerac dates back to the 1830s, and it’s been a go-to cocktail for New Orleanians ever since."

"The Dickie Brennan family of restaurants began in 1991 with the opening of Palace Café. This classic New Orleans restaurant, located at the foot of the French Quarter, serves contemporary Creole food in an upbeat and lively grand café. The restaurant, housed in the historic Werlein Music building is committed to evolving Creole dishes and creating new favorites."

"This classic New Orleans restaurant, located at the foot of the French Quarter, serves contemporary Creole food in an upbeat and lively grand café. As bearers of the torch keeping Creole cuisine alive and vital, Dickie Brennan and Palace Café’s culinary team are constantly evolving traditional Creole dishes and creating a few new favorites."

"Palace Cafe's "Flavor of New Orleans" cuisine is served everyday at an upbeat and lively grand café. It is owned and operated by Dickie Brennan, of the famed New Orleans restaurant family. Open for lunch and dinnerDress code: Dress JeansPhone: +1 504-523-1661"

"Classical shapes, iridescent colors and interior designs are combined to provide a unique approach to an ancient art. The creative force and owner, Mark Rosenbaum, brings to Rosetree an unusually diverse background in glassblowing, glass casting, ceramics and jewelry. The result is an exciting interpretation of the art of glass."

"Since 1983, LeMieux Galleries has been showcasing artists from the Southern US. It’s a mix of pop-surrealist narratives, vibrant colors and remarkable Louisiana landscapes from painters like Thomas Deaton, Kate Samworth and Billy Solitario. Here, you’ll find artwork which captures the rich atmospheres of New Orleans to take home with you. But if you’re not looking to buy, it’s still worth investing an hour or two to see some of the Southern visual culture on display."

"Spillman | Blackwell is an exciting new venue on the block – located on Camp Street in the Warehouse District. Recently conceived by longtime best friends Leslie-Claire Spillman and Amy Blackwell, the gallery showcases a diverse roster of artists who work with a variety of media and processes. Bold surrealist canvases from artists like Ed Smith hang side by side with the abstract creations of Melissa Herington and realist photographs of Spillman herself."

"Famous for its doberge cakes since 1949, Gambino’s Bakery ships cakes (and king cakes during Carnival season) all over the map. Order a half and half (lemon and chocolate) or opt for a chocolate peanut butter cake, or maybe a coconut cream. The designer cakes are swank."

"4821 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, (504) 885-7500; www.gambinos.com. Lemon and chocolate doberge cakes feature six layers of buttermilk cake, buttercream filling and fondant icing."

"This family owned market and bakery in Mid City specializes in Central American pastries like flan, churros, empanadas both sweet and savory — but we’re talking cakes and Norma’s Sweets Bakery has the goods. Call ahead to order the bakery’s specialty — one of the best tres leche cakes around. Beyond moist, tres leches (three milks) is an ultra-light sponge cake soaked in a sweet milk bath."

"Head to the back of the market to the steam table for unforgettable carne asada, yellow rice, roasted pork loin, crisp fried fish, grilled chicken, and chicken mole. Nothing is over $10. Whip up some sangria and have a party."

"On a rainy afternoon in New Orleans, there's no better place to be than the balcony of the historic Prytania Theatre, cooking up some honest to goodness Hollywood romance with your real-life love interest. Opened in 1915, this charming theater is the oldest in the city and the only single-screen left in Louisiana. Couples can share gelato or a freshly made cappuccino during daytime favorites like Citizen Kane or Some Like It Hot or cuddle up for midnight screenings of cult classics like Rocky Horror Picture Show."

"At more than 100 years old, the single-screen theater in Uptown is a step back in time, with red velvet ropes, balcony seating and family-friendly screenings of hand-picked classic films."

"The theatre was originally built in 1906 and completely renovated in 2011. The venue is now used for concerts, plays, films, corporate events, and private parties."

"Established in the French Quarter as an “atmospheric” movie theatre in 1927, the Saenger Theatre fell on hard times by the 1960s and was renovated as a performing arts venue in the late-1970s. Katrina hit the Saenger Theatre hard, but fortunately the building was in the middle of restoration so many of its fittings had been removed as the waterline was above stage level. This brought on another phase of restoration that continued right up until Jerry Seinfeld took the stage for three nights in September 2013."

"New Orleans is a tough city that has been through a lot – and Saenger Theatre is no stranger to those hardships. Originally built in 1927 as an “atmospheric” movie theatre, it has gone through plenty of restorations and hard times before it was finally brought back to life. Although the Saenger has cut its capacity from its original 4,000 seats to 2,600, the theatre is still a must-see locale while in New Orleans."

"With decorative moldings and ornate archways, the interior of the Saenger Theatre replicates that of a grand Italian courtyard, complete with a starry sky ceiling. Having been devastated by Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the theatre underwent a huge restoration project and reopened in 2013 to offer a bustling schedule of live music, lectures, comedy, and more."