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Places to visit when in NOLA
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items I spent a few days in NOLA for Essence Fest and here are a few places I had the chance to visit and enjoyed my time at.
Map
A historic Black-owned hotel with affordable prices and a music venue where the greats use to play. The hotel was very homey, and the staff were so hospitable. I enjoyed the pool and the shower got hot like I like it at home 🤗 I was able to also att...
Dew Drop Inn Hotel & Music Venue
This restaurant should be a must visit! It’s in Mid-City so a little further out from downtown but easy to get to by bus and it’s not far from Dee Drop Inn. The restaurant is run by a nonprofit that supports high school students to gain career skills...
Café Reconcile
A distillery that goes through the history of NOLA’s widely known cocktail, the Sazerac. They offer free tours where you can can get 3 complimentary drinks and also offer various cocktail classes. It was very interesting to read the history of the dr...
The Sazerac House
I know everyone raves about the original beignets from Cafe du Monde, but my opinion is that Cafe Beignet is better. They’re slightly fluffier and have just the right amount of sweetness and powdered sugar without being overpowering. There are also s...
Cafe Beignet Canal St.
A very beautiful park dedicated to the late great Louis Armstrong. The park has a canal running through it and plenty of sculptures of famous musicians and the history of jazz in NOLA. It’s a beautiful park to walk around and get some fresh air and t...
Louis Armstrong Park
Essentially a dive bar that was recommended to me by a local so naturally, I had to see about it. A chill place to escape the heat and get a drink. They also have a happy hour from 12-5 which is not common so it would be worth the stop during then
Bar Tonique
Highly recommended by multiple locals and they are absolutely correct. This is a must visit when in New Orleans. It’s in Mid-City but the trolley will take you right there from downtown. The stuffed crab was soo good and I was a fan of the carrot sou...
Neyow’s Creole Café
A cute night cap spot in downtown. They do have some food items but mainly known for their desserts and cocktails. My friend and I ordered gelato and one of their affogato creations and they were perfect to end the night off. We both got tiramisu gel...
Drip Affogato Bar
A new Black-owned coffee shop in downtown New Orleans! They got me immediately with the Ultimate Banana Pudding Latte. I unfortunately couldn’t try it at the time, but my friends had the matcha version which they loved so I’d say the latte would’ve b...
BMP & GRND
A great Creole spot that you can miss if you don’t look for it. The Carjillo drink and Shrimp Po’ Boy I ordered were both delicious! The ambience of the place is also open and inviting and we received great service while there. We missed it, but they...
3rd Block Depot
The infamous tourist attraction for beignets when you hear about New Orleans. Granted, they are decent beignets and the atmosphere of the place is nice to visit (I just like other beignets better). They’re cash only and honestly a must visit at least...
Cafe Du Monde
A lowkey pizza spot, but it’s actually really good. I know a lot of people don’t come to NOLA for pizza, but if you want a cheaper lunch/dinner option, this is a solid choice. One slice is pretty big and filling and they multiple unique pizza options...
Forbidden Pizza
If you’re looking to try multiple food/drink options and do a little shopping, then I’d recommend visiting the French Quarter Market. I can’t remember the names of the business but I got some boudin balls and shrimp fried rice when I visited and they...
French Quarter Market
A new Black-owned hotel in downtown New Orleans. The lobby alone is beautifully designed from the furniture to the art pieces. I can’t speak to their prices but I’d recommend looking into them as a hotel option
The Monarch Hotel