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Off-topic TalkWhere overpaid, underworked S2000 owners waste the worst part of their days before the drive home. This forum is for general chit chat and discussions not covered by the other off-topic forums.
If you're into more "family oriented" stuff, the Aquarium is a good stop. There's an IMAX 3D theater with some really kick-ass films. I was there this past weekend and saw a show about the international space station...very cool. Also, the D-Day Museum is a cool joint, though it can be a little draining emotionally. Oh, and you HAVE to go to the Cafe Du Monde for some beignets....mmmmm, beignets .
I was down there for a Bachelor Party a couple of years ago and we ate at Dickie Brennan's steakhouse in the Quarter - it was incredible. But then again, I don't remember having a single bad dinner there!
I used to live there and never had a bad meal. Local treats, all off the beaten track but still in the FQ:
*the best of local music selection: music store across from House of Blues,
*the poshest cocktal: carousel bar inside the Hotel Monteleone (the bar revolves under a blue velvet star-studded sky)
*most exquisite food: Peristyle (the most exquisite food currently being served in NO)
*the best po'boy in the quarter: Verdi Mart at the corner of Gov. Nicholls and Royal or Decatur. -- get the All That Jazz.
*best drink: The Separator at Good Friends -- Burgundy and St Anne. this is a gay bar, so don't go if you have a problem with that. These are nice guys, and I spent many a safe afternoon there playing darts upstairs (I'm a girl). Also, the afternoon bartender up there makes a mean key lime martini.
*Darts and beers: Fahy's pub on Burgundy (west end of FQ)
*Pool and beers: Keuffers on Chartres (west end of FQ)
*Best historic tavern and piano bar: Lafitte's Blacksmith shop on Bourbon (east side down around Ursilines) The piano guy's a hoot, and the crowd's as friendly as they come. Sit close and sing along.
Better than average creole food: The Gumbo Shop (On St Peter, I think)
Good Muffalatta and Artichoke dip: Napoleon House on Royal west of St Louis Cathedral
Those are my recommendations. And don't be shy about hitting the tourist spots: Pat O'Brien's, Cat's Meow, Acme Oyster House. Just promise me you won't eat at K Paul's.
Chekc out Citysearch.com for good tips, too. And don't let anyone spook you about the crime. It's not that bad. Just stay in the FQ, where there are other people, and don't walk north of Burgundy.
And don't let any guy bet you $10 he can tell you you "Where you got your shoes" because the answer is "on your feet."
Definately do the Natchez river boat. It's cheap, its a 2 hour ride and takes you down the Mississippi. I learned a lot on that tour. Very interesting view of the Domino sugar plant, the plantations, and one of the battle sights ( I forget which).
Also cool is take the trolley all the way out to the end and ride it back. Its like $3 I think. You'll see Tulane and Loyola University and that area is beautiful. Really nice old houses.
Just be careful with the hurricanes, you dont want to end up like this guy. I took this pic of a kid in the room next to ours last March. This is about 8 at night 3 floors above Bourbon St. Must've been a good afternoon!
Well, I'm the freak of the bunch, so I'll give you my recommendations.
In the daytime you need to head to Royal street in the French Quarter, it has all the coolest antique shops and art galleries. Also, if you're an Anne Rice fan, she lives on First street in the Garden District (which I adore) and right down from her house is The Garden Bookstore on Prytania and my favorite cemetery...Lafayette. Magazine street has a lot of cool shops as well, worth your time if you are into antiques like I am.
For the nightlife, check out club 735 for the coolest dancing, and the Shim Sham as mentioned before.
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