New Orleans: Eats and drinks

Here’s a few of our favorite places to eat, drink, and be merry:

– Jacques Imo’s. When we were going down this past winter several friends suggested it. We finally got to try it this last trip. The food portions are ridiculously large, so get an appetizer and share an entree. Also, you must get one of their signature watermelon mojitos.

Fried green tomato and shrimp remoulade appetizer

– Stanley! Located right on Jackson Square this is an excellent breakfast spot. I think they also do lunch, but I heard their breakfast was spectacular and it was. Also great for people watching.

– Three Muses. Located outside of the Quarter in Marigny it offers small plates and live music. Every local I asked for dinner recommendations suggested this place. We went in February and went again this trip.

Forgive the cell phone picture

– Bon Ton. My parents insisted that we go. Its an institution located in the CBD. Get the bread pudding, you won’t be sorry.

– Coop’s Place. Another local favorite. The rabbit and sausage jambalaya is incredible. I’d never had rabbit before and am really glad I tried it. Since it is more of a local place the beer is really cheap!

– Cafe du Monde. I don’t think you can actually go to New Orleans without a stop at Cafe Du Monde. We went late in the afternoon and enjoyed some iced coffee and beignets as a pick-me-up.

Used without permission of Bryan

– Pralines. Not a place, a delicious cookie type dessert or palate cleanser. I think the best deal is a box for $7.90 (with tax!) at the New Orleans Cooking School. We had to stop and buy another box before we left town.

– Irvin Mayfield’s Jazz Playhouse. One of the more respectable venues on Bourbon. Its located within a hotel and has a swanky jazz club type feel. I ordered a cucumber basil margarita, which is not something I’d normally order. But it sounded really refreshing after a hot afternoon and it was!

– Fritzel’s. Also on Bourbon. Great live jazz, really expensive drinks.

– Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop. The oldest remaining structure in the Quarter is now serving as a bar. A local favorite and just on the edge of Bourbon, it is now our favorite bar. I ordered a sazerac which is a classic New Orleans cocktail involving rye whiskey and simple syrup among other things. Also, not a drink I’d order, but I really enjoyed it as well.

– The Spotted Cat. We heard two awesome bands play at this Marigny venue Thursday evening. We’ll definitely come back.

Where are your favorite New Orleans restaurants and bars?