5 Go To Places in NOLA Right Now

It’s New Orleans. We don’t eat to live here, we live to eat. So when we get approached with the same question of “Where should I go?” all the time from visitors, it’s no surprise that question is a loaded one. We don’t have a top 3 favorite spots –  we have a top 50 favorite spots and it changes every month! But fret not, we’ll be damn sure to tell you about them.

In week 4 of our 5 go-to spots in NOLA series, we’ve got haute cocktails, Asian fusion and fab brunch picks on deck to please any picky out of towner or indecisive babe who’s looking to get outside of the French Quarter dining scene this weekend. 

Dinner: Coquette

2800 Magazine Street

Coquette is a local’s Magazine Street staple that is always at the top of our list for a nice dinner with friends or a romantic date night. With a rotating menu full of creative, seasonal dishes it’s a spot that simply doesn’t go out of style. If you’re feeling adventurous, be sure to stop in for No Menu Tuesday at least once in your New Orleans dining career.

Happy Hour: Seaworthy

630 Carondelet Street

Tucked at the bottom of the Ace Hotel, this unassuming oyster bar feels like a luxe NYC hideaway on the inside and offers a picturesque courtyard for casual post-work happy hours. Our favorite drink, quite possibly ever, is a standout on the cocktail list. Stop in for a Holy Water, a dozen oysters and thank us later! Happy hour is Monday – Friday, 4-6 p.m.

best happy hours new orleans

Lunch: MayPop

611 O’Keefe Avenue

NOLA meets Southeast Asia at the new-ish, elevated sister restaurant of MoPho. If you’re craving something out of the ordinary, or have a palate for unique flavors head down to this CBD hot spot or catch Dim Sum on the weekends. You won’t be disappointed.

best lunch new orleans maypop restaurant

Brunch: Cavan

3607 Magazine Street

Cavan’s gorgeous patio outside of a classic 1800s mansion makes this Garden District gem the perfect setting for a boozy brunch with your babes. Brunch is served Friday – Sunday and offers a menu full of classic breakfast favorites alongside hearty hangover cures like fried oyster sandwiches and double stacked burgers. While the food is fantastic, Cavan’s killer brunch cocktail menu really steals the show with Rosé Sangria, Micheladas and Mai Tai’s that will make you forget all about your boring mimosas.

Late Night: D.B.A

618 Frenchman Street

If a little live music and dancing is up your alley, head to the Marigny to catch a show at D.B.A., a Frenchman St. music club where you’ll find a mix of locals and tourists alike.

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Sara, Contributor

While originally from upstate New York, Sara came to NOLA for law school and got sucked in by this crazy city. Five years later she’s an official adopted New Orleanian. She’s an avid traveler, runner, and beignet lover (of course!) You can follow along with all of her travels and misadventures here.