Stay
New Orleans is filled with amazing music, great people and AMAZING food! I am all about having a place where you can walk to where you need to go! I will say that it can get humid and sticky down by the bayou! The other times i went to NOLA we chose to stay in Airbnbs nearby and a hotel another time. There are many Airbnb options, but for this bachelorette we wanted somewhere low maintenance!
We stayed at the Astor Crowne Plaza New Orleans French Quarter in the heart of the New Orleans’s French Quarter neighborhood near shopping, restaurants, BOURBON street, and Café Du Monde (see below). The Astor has a variety of room layouts, so we picked the most spacious to set up all the BACH gear for a weekend to celebrate our bride! The Astor has a sip a cocktail while in the pool vibe with a side of Lizzo. This is the perfect setting to wait for the rest of the girls to arrive instead of the awkward wait!
Something to keep in mind if you decide that the Astor is for your trip: if you want your room cleaned, you must call and notify the front desk!
Fare + Cocktails
Bacchanal Wine: this hidden gem calls itself NOLA’s Backyard Party. You’ll have to leave the French Quarter, but you’ll be glad you did! That’s exactly what it is! There’s live music, range of food, and wine. I am a charcuterie girl, so I LOVED being able to pick cheeses & meats and seeing the wonderful board they made. The backyard does not do reservations, so if you want a front row seat to be serenaded by jazz, sipping on wine and inhaling a cheese plate go early!
Effervescence: this wine lounge has bites and BUBBLES! This is a perfect place to go for a snack or happy hour. It is located at the very edge of the French Quarter.
Broussard’s: celebrating its 100th year of business this year and they sure know how to throw a party. Broussard’s serves all three courses, but I experienced their brunch. They keep the $14 bottomless mimosas flowing and serve so many brunch favorites LOUISIANA Style. It wouldn’t be Louisiana without someone playing a Bass at the end of the table.
Pat O’Brien’s: known for the best hurricane in New Orleans, but I will let you be the judge of that. The bar dates back to the prohibition and speakeasy days, so if you don’t go for a drink, go for the history!
Tropical Isle’s Bayou Club: The infamous Hand Grenade known as the most powerful drink in NOLA is only sold at two locations in NOLA, so don’t go wandering to the wrong bar. If you like sweet, the hand grenade is for you!
Jack Rose: all my interior decorator friends, JUST GO! The place is filled with art, color, beauty and I could probably talk about that how it looks in 500 words or more! Seeing as I am not here for that, get the ENDLESS SUMMER. It will not disappoint! The cocktails are yummy and the food is beyond it (Lil Wayne reference)! The gumbo is delicious and I wanted to order a second one, but we all have our limits.
Hot Tin Bar: If you go to dinner at Jack Rose, head upstairs and experience the rooftop bar with views of downtown New Orleans and the Mississippi river! Order me a Pink Panther!
Café Du Monde: DO NOT go to NOLA and think that Café Du Monde is hyped up and it’s actually not as good as it is. CAFÉ DU MONDE is amazing. THOSE BEIGNETS! I wouldn’t get them to go. Enjoy them right there while they are warm. If you sit inside make sure to bring cash! The beignets literally have my mouth watering right now. *books flight to New Orleans*
Willie’s Chicken Shack: after a night out, Willie gave us comfort. Do not hold back and order a biscuit, maybe even two because you will not regret it! I ended both nights in New Orleans at Willie’s because the chicken tenders, & biscuits satisfied all of my taste buds. I’m a savory girl and I feel like I need to franchise TODAY!
Above the Grid: I may have a thing for rooftop bars or something. The bar has a view of the Mercedes-Benz Superdome along with the city’s skyline! Located about a mile outside of the French Quarter. After 4 pm, the bar opens to everyone!
Commander’s Palace: is known to be a culinary legend with Creole cuisine. The atmosphere is welcoming and the food is phenomenal! It’s definitely a $$$ on yelp!
Court of Two Sisters: I am not a buffet gal, but this place is a MUST for brunch! The courtyard is beautiful and the buffet food is fresh! Make sure to make a wish at the well! Did I forget to mention it’s a JAZZ brunch?!
Let’s PLAY
Now the food and drinks in NOLA are something to go home and talk about, but don’t you dare go and not do something adventurous! It’s OKAY to be touristy! New orleans is full of history, music, surprises and more history!
Bourbon: If you are in the French Quarter, go to Bourbon. One thing I love about bourbon is the people watching, I mean even during the day time it’s so vibrate and full of life. Take in the musician playing his heart out on the street and tip him. Now it’s not all pretty but it’s all about how you want to experience it!
Frenchmen Street: My sister in law said it best, “Frenchmen street doesn’t get enough credit or attention, but it’s an amazing place full of culture and music!” YASS, just that sis. Frenchmen Street is a few blocks east in the Marigny neighborhood. The Frenchmen Art Market has original art and handmade goods by local artists. What an amazing way to support the locals in NOLA! Explore the jazz scene because you never know what you will find!
New Orleans has Swamp tours, Airboat tours, rum tours, cocktail tours and you need to put a tour on your list! Especially if you are going for a girl’s trip or bachelorette!
For the bachelorette, we did a cocktail tour where we learned the history of cocktails while we sipped and learned the history of cocktails. The word cocktail originated in NEW ORLEANS where Peychaud, an apothecary, served a mixed drink in a French eggcup. Coquetier is the French term for an eggcup. The guests shortened the name to ‘cocktay” which eventually became ‘COCKTAIL!’
A part of my savory, adventurous, sipping, & wannabe Cajun soul lives for New Orleans and I hope you enjoy one or two of places that I mentioned. If you do decide to go tag me! #ATAGnolastyle
At the end of the day, NAWlins BABY
Wife, Daughter, Sister, Friend and the best HYPE girl. In 2016, I went to Thailand and met my husband. Literally, in Koh Phagan, I not only fell in love with this wonderful man, but with all things TRAVEL! February 2020, I started telling my story! I am so HAPPY you are here! LET’S GO ON ADVENTURE!
