Legends swirled for centuries that this location was used by the infamous Lafitte Brothers, Jean and Pierre, as a base for their privateer operation in Barataria. Philip streets, it was built between 17, making it one of the oldest structures used as a bar in the U.S. Housed in a Creole cottage on the corner of Bourbon and St. Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop (941 Bourbon Street) is a must-stop, period.
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Louis Cathedral (you may have seen it on TV because it’s often used for live broadcasts). The Bourbon & Orleans location has one of the largest balconies with a view of St. Sip your Hurricane in Pat O’Brien’s courtyard (624 Bourbon Street), and make sure your Hand Grenade comes from one of the Tropical Isle locations on Bourbon Street (435, 600, 610, 721, 727 Bourbon Street). Having one of those is pretty much a must if you’re hanging out on Bourbon Street, so do it right by going to the source. Enjoy the old-fashioned yet quirky saloon ambiance.
Sidle up to the classic copper bar and have one of the potent signature absinthe cocktails. The Old Absinthe House (240 Bourbon Street) dates to 1806 and has hosted its share of famous patrons, including Oscar Wilde and Franklin Roosevelt.
Tropical Isle Photo by Cheryl Gerber DRINKING Galatoire’s old-world, decadent ambiance is something to experience.
Since its opening in 1905 generations of New Orleanians have been lining up for the Creole classics like crabmeat maison, duck crepes, foie gras, and turtle soup. This fine-dining institution should be on everyone’s New Orleans bucket list. If you’re going to try just one restaurant on Bourbon St., make it Galatoire’s (209 Bourbon Street). Both restaurants serve traditional Cajun and Creole fare and have samplers that include gumbo, crawfish etouffee, and other local favorites. The specialty burgers at Bayou Burger & Sports Company (503 Bourbon Street) are made with shrimp, alligator and venison, and topped with fried pickles and pulled pork.įor balcony dining with a view of the French Quarter, head to Cornet (700 Bourbon Street) or Pier 424 Seafood Market Restaurant (424 Bourbon Street). The retro diner Clover Grill (900 Bourbon Street) has a huge breakfast menu and only-in-the-Quarter ambiance.
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Want more oysters? The stylish Desire Oyster Bar (300 Bourbon Street) and the casual offshoot of Arnaud’s, the family-friendly Remoulade (309 Bourbon Street), both have oyster bars and the classic New Orleans menu of po-boys, gumbo and jambalaya.įor the pub grub and fast food, anything on the breakfast menu plus those famous little square burgers on steamed buns at the fast-food chain Krystal (116 Bourbon Street) would serve you well. Brennan’s Bourbon House (on the same block) has an oyster bar and a large selection of small batch and single barrel bourbons. Signature dishes include the restaurant’s popular take on jambalaya, the Creole jambalaya risotto and double chocolate bread pudding. Red Fish Grill on the first block off Canal Street offers good happy hour deals and is child-friendly. The two seafood restaurants run by the Brennan family that are located on Bourbon Street would be solid choices for all things Gulf seafood and oysters in particular. Photo courtesey of Bourbon House on Facebook EATINGīourbon Street’s culinary offerings are a mix of high and low, with some local flair thrown in. Whether you’re a visitor or a local, here are some suggestions for your bucket list. And after the current renovation of the eight blocks of the Upper Bourbon (starting from Canal) is over it will be shinier and more walkable than ever. Bourbon Street is home to some of the oldest bars and best restaurants in New Orleans. There’s more to the most visited street in the French Quarter than neon signs and brightly colored drinks in gigantic souvenir cups. The 13-block of Bourbon Street stretches from Canal Street to Esplanade Avenue and is packed with bars, clubs and restaurants. Bourbon Street Street Tiles by Cheryl Gerber