I've lived in New Orleans since 2007 as a freelancer working on various sports, food and music-related projects and, as suggested in my thread asking for advice on the Super Bowl, I thought I'd pitch in my two cents about where to eat and listen to live music when in NOLA for all you adventurous out-of-town sportswriters out there.
First of all, and this should go without saying, DO NOT EAT FOOD OR LISTEN TO MUSIC ON BOURBON STREET. There is only one exception to this rule (for food): Galatoire's. And really that exception only applies if you're with a local that has had the same waiter for more than 10 years. Aside from that, there are only strip clubs and ship music venues with terrible cover bands. DON'T WASTE YOUR TIME.
It should be noted that there is tons of live music EVERY DAY in New Orleans. Here's proof: http://www.wwoz.org/new-orleans-community/music-calendar
On weekends, just go to Frenchmen St. Anyone at your hotel or any cab you hop in will know how to get you there. It's all local acts and they're all amazing. During the week, here's the best of the best:
Mondays: Glen David Andrews at d.b.a. You may know his more famous cousin, Trombone Shorty, Glen David is the consummate showman and plays a cool mix of old and new jazz with his band every Monday. http://www.glendavidandrewsband.com/
Tuesdays: Rebirth Brash Band at the Maple Leaf Bar Uptown. I cannot emphasize enough how much these guys rock. They won a Grammy last year and they're so good that there's a line outside the club to get in every week (ON A TUESDAY).
Wednesdays: Treme Brash Band at the Candlelight Lounge in the Treme. These guys play almost the same music as Rebirth but in an older style (read: slower, more intricate melodies). Real authentic slice of traditional New Orleans in the heart of the Treme.
Thursdays: Kermit Ruffins at Vaughns in the Bywater (made famous by HBO) and the Soul Rebels Brash Band at Le Bon Temps Roule, Uptown (made famous by this incredible EPK by yours truly: http://vimeo.com/9730370).
Now here's a pretty comprehensive list (in no particular order) of the best places to eat in New Orleans IMO, along with their websites or other useful information. Any other suggestions are welcome.
That's it as far as personal recommendations ago. Again, any other NOLA-based sports writers should feel free to make their suggestions. Also, out-of-towners would be very wise to check out local food critic Ian McNulty's archives for recommendations. Dude knows food and I think he gives way better and more informative reviews that the Times-Pic (Or should I say the "SomeTimes-Pic" HEYOOO). http://www.bestofneworleans.com/gambit/food-and-drink/Section?oid=1222777 and http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/wwno/news.newsmain?action=section&SECTION_ID=6609
That's it from me and laissez le bon temps roule![/list]
First of all, and this should go without saying, DO NOT EAT FOOD OR LISTEN TO MUSIC ON BOURBON STREET. There is only one exception to this rule (for food): Galatoire's. And really that exception only applies if you're with a local that has had the same waiter for more than 10 years. Aside from that, there are only strip clubs and ship music venues with terrible cover bands. DON'T WASTE YOUR TIME.
It should be noted that there is tons of live music EVERY DAY in New Orleans. Here's proof: http://www.wwoz.org/new-orleans-community/music-calendar
On weekends, just go to Frenchmen St. Anyone at your hotel or any cab you hop in will know how to get you there. It's all local acts and they're all amazing. During the week, here's the best of the best:
Mondays: Glen David Andrews at d.b.a. You may know his more famous cousin, Trombone Shorty, Glen David is the consummate showman and plays a cool mix of old and new jazz with his band every Monday. http://www.glendavidandrewsband.com/
Tuesdays: Rebirth Brash Band at the Maple Leaf Bar Uptown. I cannot emphasize enough how much these guys rock. They won a Grammy last year and they're so good that there's a line outside the club to get in every week (ON A TUESDAY).
Wednesdays: Treme Brash Band at the Candlelight Lounge in the Treme. These guys play almost the same music as Rebirth but in an older style (read: slower, more intricate melodies). Real authentic slice of traditional New Orleans in the heart of the Treme.
Thursdays: Kermit Ruffins at Vaughns in the Bywater (made famous by HBO) and the Soul Rebels Brash Band at Le Bon Temps Roule, Uptown (made famous by this incredible EPK by yours truly: http://vimeo.com/9730370).
Now here's a pretty comprehensive list (in no particular order) of the best places to eat in New Orleans IMO, along with their websites or other useful information. Any other suggestions are welcome.
- Boucherie - http://www.boucherie-nola.com/ - There chef just won a recent episode of "Chopped" they have the best brisket in the city and they don't have a single plate that's over $20. It's very small so make a reservation
- Three Muses - http://www.thethreemuses.com/ - Amazing small plates, great specialty cocktails, an awesome happy hour from 4-7 every day and there's always a small band playing. Can't really ask for much more.
- Any of the Besh Restaurants (except for La Provence and Luke - San Antonio, but only because they're not in the city) http://www.chefjohnbesh.com/restaurants.html They all have AMAZING happy hours every day 3-6. My favorites are Domenica (half off drinks and half off pizzas and the American Sector (half off draft beer and 75 cent meat pies, sliders and duck wings)
- Stein's Market & Deli - http://steinsdeli.net/home/ - The ONLY NYC-style deli in New Orleans worth going to. Their sandwiches are incredible and they have an expansive craft beer selection (though you can't drink on the premises). WARNING: This is very much a local hot spot and can get crowded. I recommend checking the menu online and calling in your order
- Cochon - http://www.cochonrestaurant.com/ - and its sister restaurant Herbsaint - http://www.herbsaint.com/ Both are excellent and provide a modern take on clashic creole and cajun dishes. Great places to visit if you love meat (especially pork) and the same guy that owns these places runs his own butcher shop
- Domilise's Po-Boys - http://www.yelp.com/biz/domilise-sandwich-shop-and-bar-new-orleans - Everyone in New Orleans has their favorite Po-Boy shop, this is mine. It was featured on Anthony Bourdain's "No Reservations" and is a landmark po boy shop in NOLA. Pro Tip: Go off menu and ask for a fried shrimp poboy with gravy and debris. Your life will change.
That's it as far as personal recommendations ago. Again, any other NOLA-based sports writers should feel free to make their suggestions. Also, out-of-towners would be very wise to check out local food critic Ian McNulty's archives for recommendations. Dude knows food and I think he gives way better and more informative reviews that the Times-Pic (Or should I say the "SomeTimes-Pic" HEYOOO). http://www.bestofneworleans.com/gambit/food-and-drink/Section?oid=1222777 and http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/wwno/news.newsmain?action=section&SECTION_ID=6609
That's it from me and laissez le bon temps roule![/list]
