Anniversary Question

Question

My wife and I are coming to New orleans the end of May to celebrate our 45th anniversary. I have been to New orleans a few times over the years but this is her first time. Why we have not been I don;t know because we have been all over the country. We will arrive on a Friday and leave on the following Monday. We have pretty much decided on all the things we are going to do as far as tours and what not. I am not all that sure she will love Burbon St (Hates Vegas strip) but all the other spots I know she will enjoy. We are staying at the Intercontinental Hotel. Breakfast and lunches we will just play on the fly though she wants to go to Mother's for breakfast one of the days. Now the help I need.

Friday night we are having dinner a the Pelican Club, on Saterday our true anniversary we are having dinner at Antoine's and I am stuck on Sunday night. We really like steakhouses if independent the better. We are between the Chop House, Mr Johns, Charlies Steak House, or Crescent City Steaks. Any other suggesions would be much appreciated. As you maybe able to tell we really don't have much of a dinner budget.

Answer

Congratulations on your 45th anniversary! New Orleans is a fantastic place to celebrate such a special occasion. It's great to hear that you've already planned a lot of activities and are looking for a memorable dining experience to top off your trip. You’ve made some excellent choices already, and I’d love to help with your Sunday night dinner decision!

For steakhouses, New Orleans has a number of great options, and I understand you're looking for something a little more independent or local. Here are my thoughts on the places you're considering:

The Chop House – This is a high-end steakhouse with a classic New Orleans vibe. Known for quality cuts of meat and an upscale atmosphere, it's a good choice for a special occasion. It's a bit more modern compared to the other steakhouses but still maintains that New Orleans charm.
Mr. John's Steakhouse – A longstanding New Orleans institution, Mr. John's offers a great variety of steaks and a classic steakhouse feel. It's less crowded than some other options, which might make it a more intimate setting for your anniversary dinner. The service is excellent, and the atmosphere is traditional but relaxed.
Charlie's Steak House – This is one of the city's oldest steakhouses and offers a very traditional New Orleans experience. It's a bit more casual than some of the others but has a strong local following due to its delicious steaks and seafood options. The prices are also very reasonable for the quality.
Crescent City Steaks – This is a local favorite, well-loved for its old-school vibe and simple yet perfectly executed steaks. The steaks here are big and juicy, and the service is top-notch. It’s a bit more laid-back compared to the glitzier steakhouses, and you get a real taste of New Orleans’ culinary history here.

Other recommendations for great steak dinners in New Orleans:

Delmonico – Located in the heart of the Garden District, Delmonico is another classic steakhouse with a more elegant, upscale vibe. It’s part of the Emeril Lagasse restaurant group and has an excellent reputation for its steaks, as well as its amazing sides and appetizers.
GW Fins – Although not a traditional steakhouse, GW Fins offers a fantastic dining experience with a focus on fresh seafood and top-quality steaks. If you’re open to mixing in some seafood, this could be a great option for you.

For a more relaxed atmosphere and a great value, I’d recommend either Charlie's Steak House or Crescent City Steaks. Both offer fantastic food at reasonable prices, and they are beloved by locals for good reason. If you're looking for something a bit more refined for your anniversary, you could go for Mr. John's Steakhouse or The Chop House.

Since you’re staying at the Intercontinental, all of these options are a short drive or a quick cab ride away. Let me know if you need more information on any of these, or if you want to try something else for a more unique experience!

Best of luck with your anniversary trip, and I’m sure it will be a memorable time in New Orleans!