Any traveler that considers themselves modestly well-traveled should bask in the sensational sights and tastes that lie beyond the overrated and over-hyped Bourbon Street. Here’s five spots that are a must when you visit NOLA.
- The Loa bar, located inside the International House hotel is the perfect spot to begin or end your evening (depending on how late you plan on partying). The dimly lit lounge is excellently appointed with beautiful red carpet and stools. Plenty of nooks for canoodling are available too. Well made cocktails include house made bitters and syrups.
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Photo credit: Restaurant Revolution
In the heart of the French Quarter and one of the best restaurants in New Orleans is sensational Restaurant Revolution. The modern take on Cajun cuisine. Start with a Espresso Venison Carpaccio with dark chocolate shavings. Follow it with crab beignets or sweetbreads. Most unique is the Triptych of Quail: fried, Boudin stuffed and Absinthe glazed.
- Several blocks away from the touristy Bourbon Street is Frenchman Street. Ask any local where to go to find a good jazz bar, they’ll tell you to head over to Frenchman Street. This is the more sophisticated and well-behaved sibling to Bourbon Street. Here, you’ll find decent restaurants and hear jazz from the bars that line the streets.
- New Orleans is known for their cemeteries. It isn’t morbid. In fact, the St. Louis Cemetery is on the National Register of Historic Places. It was used in the filming of the classic movie, Easy Rider. Lafayette Cemetery was in the film Double Jeopardy starring Ashley Judd. With a rich history and character, visiting one of the famous cemeteries is a terrific way to spend an afternoon in NOLA.
- After hurricane Katrina struck, Chef John Besh began opening his restaurants even in tough times. His restaurants have different pricing levels to accommodate anything from casual to fine dining and are truly incredible. He is probably the most well known restaurateur in NOLA, and a visit to any one of his restaurants is quite memorable.
Photo Credit: Loa Bar at the International House
