Trip Report!
New restaurants: Lilly’s on Magazine. Amazing and a new favorite! Bon Ton…so great. Great cocktails and wine list, candied bacon and Caesar salad Apps. Prime Rib was excellent. We went here instead of R’evolution and will be going back.
Vampire Cafe…was not sure what to expect but the food and cocktails were delish and we will go back. Burgers and cocktails were superb.
Other new stuff: JAZZFEST! Amazing. So fun and so much to see. Pearl Jam was a total experience. The Blues Tent was a total favorite. Will DEFINITELY be going next year.
Hottest Hell True Crime Tour. Outstanding. Can’t wait to take another tour with them. Jeremy was fantastic.
We made it to the large Rousseau’s Market. It’s awesome! So now we know where to get a bigger selection of groceries.
Our Every Trip Places: Irene’s. Everything is always outstanding. Cochon Butcher. Head Cheese charcuterie and Pork Belly sandwich. Every trip. Cane and Table. Such amazing drinks and food we went here twice! Clover Grill. The best after drinking food ever. Waking Bakin a favorite. Manolito’s….we’re regulars here when we visit…at least 4-5 visits. Cuban Creations…amazing cocktails and cigars and we always meet new people here! Peaches Records & Nola Records because we’re always looking for new vinyl. Trashy Diva…all three…my FAVORITE stores…especially the Vintage store. Pete the Cat Gallery on Royal. French Truck Iced Oji. Care Amelie. Went here for Brunch and Dinner. A favorite. Haydel’s on Magazine for a round cake and coffee. OMG the BEST cake EVER. Organic Banana for a Flaming Monkey. Cafe du Monde (of course!) Dirty Coast for T-shirts. Latitude 29 amazing drinks and atmosphere.
Other: Emeril’s 34. Jamon Bar. Very good. Gumbo Shoppe. Hadn’t been here in a while but it was an icky rainy day and it’s close. Classic.
Toast. Love their Catfish and grits.
Places we didn’t get to: The Fives. Gris Gris. Turkey & Wolf. Sidecar. Fritzel’s. Cassamento’s. Xian Du.
We never even made it to Frenchman’s this trip!
And the Best: Morning Coffee on my balcony people watching.
It sounds like you had an amazing trip to New Orleans! Thanks for sharing all these great experiences. It's always helpful to have a detailed report like this, especially for food, drinks, and attractions. Let’s break down some of your highlights and add a few suggestions for future trips:
New Restaurants:
- Lilly’s on Magazine: Sounds like a fantastic spot! I’ll have to check it out on my next trip. A new favorite is always a gem.
- Bon Ton: Great to hear! The candied bacon and Caesar salad apps sound incredible. Prime Rib and a great wine list always make for a memorable meal. It's nice that you found an alternative to R’evolution that worked for you.
- Vampire Cafe: The food and cocktails were a pleasant surprise? It’s great when places exceed expectations. Burgers and cocktails are always a good combo!
Other New Things:
- JazzFest: What a blast! Pearl Jam and the Blues Tent must have been amazing. Glad to hear you’re going back next year—there’s always something new to see and do at JazzFest!
- Hottest Hell True Crime Tour: Sounds like an excellent experience. Jeremy must have been an awesome guide. True crime tours often add such an interesting dimension to a city’s history.
- Rousseau’s Market: A great find! It’s always nice to have a good spot for groceries when you're visiting.
Every Trip Places:
- Irene’s: Consistently outstanding is always the mark of a great restaurant.
- Cochon Butcher: You can’t go wrong with a Head Cheese charcuterie and the Pork Belly sandwich. Both are amazing!
- Cane and Table: Twice in one trip, sounds like a must-visit spot! Their drinks and food are top-notch.
- Clover Grill: Always the best after a night out. There’s something magical about late-night diner food.
- Waking Bakin: Such a great spot for an indulgent breakfast. Totally agree!
- Manolito’s: It sounds like you’re practically regulars there. That’s how you know it’s good.
- Cuban Creations: It’s always fun to meet new people in a relaxed, cool setting like this. Plus, the cigars and cocktails make it even more special.
- Peaches Records & Nola Records: For any vinyl lover, this is a must! Always a treat to find new records in a city full of music.
- Trashy Diva: Your love for these stores is clear. They have such a unique selection—especially the vintage items.
- Pete the Cat Gallery: A hidden gem on Royal. A nice place to get unique gifts and artwork.
- French Truck Iced Oji: Their iced coffee is a perfect pick-me-up. It’s always great to support local coffee shops.
- Care Amelie: A go-to for brunch and dinner, sounds like you can’t go wrong with this one.
- Haydel’s on Magazine: The best cake ever! It’s always nice to find a bakery that makes something so delicious you crave it every time.
- Organic Banana: For a Flaming Monkey! That's quite a drink. Always fun to try something new and exciting.
- Cafe du Monde: Of course, no trip to New Orleans is complete without the classic beignets here.
- Dirty Coast: Their t-shirts are great souvenirs—always a fun stop for unique New Orleans-themed apparel.
- Latitude 29: The drinks and atmosphere make it a perfect spot to unwind after a busy day of exploring.
Other Spots You Tried:
- Emeril’s 34: Always a classic with a twist. Their Jamon Bar must have been a great addition to the menu.
- Gumbo Shoppe: Sometimes the rainy days lead to some of the best meals. Classic comfort food that’s perfect for a cozy day.
- Toast: Catfish and grits—what a combo! Such a delicious Southern dish.
Places You Didn’t Get To:
- The Fives
- Gris Gris
- Turkey & Wolf
- Sidecar
- Fritzel’s
- Cassamento’s
- Xian Du
Other Highlights:
It sounds like you were truly able to experience the heart of New Orleans. I totally get what you mean about the best part of your trip being morning coffee on the balcony. People-watching in such a lively city is always an incredible experience.
Thanks again for sharing such a comprehensive report! It’s always helpful for future travelers to get recommendations from someone who’s genuinely enjoyed all the best parts of New Orleans. Enjoy planning your next trip!
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