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New Orleans: The Local Way

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Look Past Bourbon

Was the last time you saw this city a vague haze of alcohol induced poor decision making?  Do you even remember getting groped (regardless of your gender) while being shoulder to shoulder with other equally inebriated people in the cesspool of bodily fluids, rain and alcohol that is Bourbon Street?

Well, if you have an open mind, and are willing to wander out past the glaring lights and campy tunes of the French Quarter, you will find the soul that is New Orleans.   The locals rarely tread on Bourbon Street, simply because there are so many other choices that are equally as fun, if not truly better.  Sit back, relax and pick up that beer on your bedside table from the night before and start your adventure via the hair of the dog. 

Get Caught Up

So you think you know this city? Think again. Try some of these reads to gain a better understanding into the psyche of a local.
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Top Local Finds

Whoa. Narrowing this list down is ridiculously difficult. Fortunately, you can visit a bar or restaurant every night and not be finished in a year. So, try a couple of these on for size.
  • The Avenue Pub : On St. Charles Avenue. The owners of this fine establishment were literally the first business open after Katrina with shotguns proudly displayed and a hole in the floor for a toilet. Try the mini tacos and one of their big-ass beers. Mini Tacos are The. Best. Drunk. Food. Ever.
  • Jacques-Imos : Just past the riverbend uptown. Your concierge should know about it. Pre-Katrina, it was standing room only and a two hour wait to get a table at this amazing restaurant. Now you can actually sit down and enjoy some of their Alligator Cheesecake. Amazing.
  • Miss Mae's : Off of Louisiana and Magazine St. Where else can you get $1 drinks 24/7? Locals know it simply as "The Club" Best when observed in the wee hours of the morning.
  • Camelia Grill : Last I heard, this establishment had still not opened, but there was a sign heralding the grand re-opening in March 2007. Their grill is 50 years old and seasons everything to perfection. Rumor has it that the owners were not going to reopen until they received bags upon bags of mail from people requesting that they continue to serve their famous omlettes and Pecan Pie.
  • Frenchman Street : Although not uptown, this street is literally a hop, skip and a step past Bourbon. Some of the city's best musician can be found at late night jam sessions at these bars. And if you are in town for Halloween, forget Bourbon. Much more imaginative and crazy costumes are on Frenchman.
  • Tipitina's : Yes, you might find Justin Timberlake playing in the arena, but Tipitina's is where you will find the best of New Orleans music. A fantastic small venue with the best lineup around. Try to catch the Dirty Dozen Brass Band if you can.
  • The Bulldog : On Magazine Street. If you have been craving a draft beer that you can't seem to find anywhere else, try the Bulldog. Locals strive to be complete a "Tour of Beers" of all 50 draft beers (which do change). As an added plus, you can replace any broken glasses you have with their souvinere pint glasses.
  • F&Ms : Just off of Tchopitoulas. Quite literally, the after hours bar. Things don't usually pick up here until at least 2am. After that point in time, there are usually college co-eds dancing on their pool tables. After about 4am the party moves next door to Grits. If you happen to be at F&Ms and have drunken munchies, they have the best cheese fries in town.

The Hottest Spots in New Orleans

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Sounding Local (not Loco)

Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler! (lay-say ley bonne tom rule-ey)

Here's a short and sweet guide to not sounding like a gawking tourist while enjoying the local digs.
  • Tchopitoulas (Chop-ih-tule-ahs) : Street running parallel to St. Charles, goes by Tipitina's and F&Ms.
  • New Orleans : Pronounce this one Nahlin's or New Orlens, but please don't say Neeew Orleeens. That just sounds like a tourist.
  • Frerret (Fur-et) : Street also parallel to St. Charles, mostly uptown.
  • Neutral Ground : This is what the locals call a median. If you call it a median people will just look at you like you have three heads.
  • Po' Boy : Please do not call this a sub. Or a hoagie. This sandwich has very humble beginnings but has become a New Orleans staple.
  • Mufaletta (Muff-ah-let-ah) : No, this has nothing to do with girl on girl action. This is another staple of New Orleans cuisine. Try one on for size, but you better like salami.

Take Me Back to New Orleans

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