Having lived in New Orleans for 30 months after Katrina, I'll pass on some things I think might make for a great stay. First of all, there are many hotels on St. Charles Avenue, (Best Western, The Columns,) come off the top of my head, but ther are many more. I like this location becuase it's cloers to Audobon Park, and there are many palces along Magazien St and The Garden District to visit, eat and shop. The kicker though is the Streetcar that runs along St. Charles. You can still get to French Quarter in 10 minutes, and the cars run pretty much all the time. Also the St. Charles Tavern (1400 Block approx.) on St Charles has good food, resonable prices, and is open 24-7-365.

Posted By Jim Loftus on October 24, 2009, 12:09 PM

Ignatius at 4200 Magazine St is a small, fairly inexspensive and very good restaurant. Two or more members of my group of six ate 4-5 meals there over 5 days in Dec 2007.

Posted By Richard on October 24, 2009, 3:57 PM

New Orleans has many good restaurants to try, but as a native, my favorite places for anyone who wants really good food are Al Copeland's Social City on Veterans Blvd. in Metairie and also the Cheesecake Bistro by Al Copeland. You can't go wrong with either one of these two. The entrees are moderately portioned and the desserts are heavenly. Try it for yourself. Whenever I am in town I make it a point to go to either and I have to bring back Cheesecake.

Posted By Linda on October 24, 2009, 10:37 PM

A lot of new breakfast places are open now. Eventhough you can't beat fresh beignets and cafe au lait at Cafe du Monde, I suggest Stanley's and Fat Hen Grill for a change of pace.

Posted By Laura on October 25, 2009, 12:06 PM

The best places to save and stay in New Orleans are the following St Vincent's Guest House (for $22 per person per night) and AAE Bourbon House Hostel New Orleans (from $33/person/night). See HostelsClub site for this B&B and hostel.

Posted By Bianca on October 26, 2009, 9:38 AM

I went to graduate school at Tulane and there are two restaurants that come to mind...but I can't remember exact addresses of either. One was Jacques Imo's that was near the Garden District. Jacques is a real person and you walk through the kitchen to your seat. EXCELLENT food!
The other is a hole-in the wall Middle Eastern place called Lebanon's near the La Madeline bakery in uptown, right off the streetcar line. Haven't been back since Katrina...

Posted By Bonnie on October 26, 2009, 10:47 AM

Gotta try Deanie's in Bucktown. Saw it on Travel Channel's "Man Vs. Food". Known for barbecued shrimp which isn't really barbecued - it's sauteed. It's a bit out of the way but well worth the effort.

Posted By John Culclasure on October 26, 2009, 11:43 AM

The Hotel Monteleone is special. Fresh flowers in the lobby and a carousel bar that spins ever so slightly. Truly wonderful staff and great location in the quarter.

For the more budget-minded I recommend the Prince Conti hotel and St. Marie's, both in the quarter. Small, boutique hotels with service oriented staff. My wife and I stayed at the Prince Conti in April for less than $72.00 per night. Great martini bar on the premises too.

Try Penelope's in the quarter for fine food served in an old house. Excellent breakfasts and lunches at moderate prices. Suggestion: Split a meal with someone, they're huge.

Posted By Charlie B. on October 26, 2009, 11:56 AM

Acme Oyster House off of Bourbon St.great atmosphere...If you're squeemish about eating raw oysters...try their Oyster Po Boy.

Posted By Harry on October 26, 2009, 12:07 PM

Each December, I meet the women in my family down in New Orleans for a long weekend, in which we try to eat as much as humanly possible while enjoying all that the Big Easy has to offer.

Our favorite restaurant the past few years has been Bayona; Susan Spicer is a genius and we are never disappointed. La Petite Grocery was also wonderful last year and we plan on returning. We make an annual visit to Galatoire's as well, because it is such a uniquely New Orleans experience.

We stay at The Windsor Court Hotel, and have always been pleased. In December, they decorate the hotel for Christmas with a large tree and train set; they also have a full tea that is booked well in advance.

Ah, New Orleans. Just thinking about it makes my mouth water. Enjoy!

Posted By Anna on October 26, 2009, 12:17 PM

Not that it's a place to stay or eat, but I think everyone should go to Mid-City Lanes Rock N' Bowl at least once. The Zydeco is fabulous and gives you a deep feeling that you're really hanging out with the local crowd.

We have stayed at the French Market Inn a few times - and the rooms without windows are really trippy. The best airconditioning EVER is a real plus on a hot summer night!

Mr. B's and Dickie Brennan's are on our list as tried and true favorites.

Posted By Deb on October 26, 2009, 12:18 PM

Every time I go to New Orleans, I have to stop at the Gumbo Shop on St. Peter's St. The crawfish etouffee is amazing! I also enjoy Croissant d'Or, a great coffee shop on Ursulines. And don't miss the WWII Museum.

Posted By Joanne on October 26, 2009, 12:21 PM

Second on Stanley's...when I'm out of town I just check the webcam out of homesickness. Breakfast the best. Try EAT on Dauphine, good neighborhood and BYOB as it across the street from a school. Bayona rates high with me. Food great and wonderful atmosphere. It has to be within walking distance. Herbsaint worth the drive.

Posted By Janet D on October 26, 2009, 12:22 PM

Ha! Copeland's? Do you know the food at Copelands is made mostly in a factory. I would not recommend this unless you are not actually in New Orleans and want New Orleans food.

My friend lives across from St. Vincent's Guest house. Beware: this place is frequented by women of the night. This often causes the police to be called at all hours. It is cheap and a good location if you can handle the rest.

Try le Richlieu for a reasonable place to stay. For great food there are so many options. During the day try Mena's on Chartres for a great inexpensive po-boy. The service industry folks frequent it and the shrimp po-boy is great.

Try Gott Gourmet on Magazine street for Breakfast and Lunch. Don't forget to go to La Divina gelateria before heading back downtown. While you are up town grab some croissants from La Boulangerie. Very authentic. If you can't make it uptown go to Croissant D'Or in the quarter. MMMMmmm.

Posted By MsAnnaNOLA on October 26, 2009, 12:44 PM

For 30 years we have stayed at the Provincial Hotel in the French Quarter, a few blocks from Jackson Square, next to Ursaline convent. It is a perfect place--quiet, on-site parking, all rooms are different, and convenient to everything! Locally owned, they remember returning guests--same bellman, same reception employees. Rooms are clean, lots of antique furniture--real atmosphere. And great food at Stella's.

Posted By mspeed44 on October 26, 2009, 1:24 PM

Herbsaint is currently our favorite restaurant though Bayona's is also excellent. The Richelieu is a very nice,friendly hotel with its own outdoor parking lot making it easy to get to during your stay. Also a great location, in the Quarter close to the river.

Posted By John Daigle on October 26, 2009, 1:46 PM

Le Pavillion on Poydras St. is my favorite hotel in New Orleans. We go to N.O. every December. This hotel is superb (and even said to be haunted!) and we love it. It is beautifully decorated for the holidays and offers peanut butter and jelly sandwiches with milk and hot chocolate each evening in the lobby. That was fun! Another hotel that is beautiful to see is the Fairmont Hotel with their Angel Hair Lobby. The hotel decorates it's block-long lobby with flocked Christmas trees and a breathtaking canopy of white angel hair dotted with over 70,000 twinkling lights and glittering ornaments. It is located on Baronne St. There's no place I'd rather be during the holidays than N.O.!

Posted By Tisha Goble on October 26, 2009, 1:51 PM

We just got back from a week in New Orleans and have 5 recommendations. First - a delightful place to stay - The Lamothe House Hotel on Esplanade - at the quiet end of the French Quarter. We were bumped to this location after booking at a sister hotel with insufficient space. It's not a place we would have ever selected on our own, but after staying there, it would be our hotel of choice if we ever to return. It's like entering a time warp and staying with gracious (and wealthy) hosts who haven't redecorated in the last 100 years. Lots of picturesque photo nooks, victorian antiques, continental breakfast in the huge dining room, a comfortable bed, our own balcony, and friendly , helpful staff all made this a memorable stay. If you're looking for shiny, new, cookie-cutter elegance in your accomodations..... stay elsewhere. But if you've wandered the streets of the French Quarter wishing you could glimse the inside of the homes behind the architecture that make New Orleans famous, consider LaMothe House. It's an inexpensive way to not only glimse, but live for a few days in the charm and hospitality that make New Orleans an enduring tourist destination.
Second - an entertaining, educational place for lunch - The New Orleans School of Cooking. If you try for a walk-in without previous reservations, chances of success are slim. But if you're wise enough to make reservations in advance or lucky enough to enroll as a walk-in, this is the place for the best - and by far the most entertaining lunch in town. By enrolling for the 10 am to 12:30 cooking class, participants get an overview of the history of New Orleans and it's cuisine, a tutorial on how to make a menu of Louisiana favorites, recipes to take home, and the opportunity to eat the fruits of the cooking class. The menu and the instructor varies by day. This was so fine that we attended four sessions so we could learn all the menus.
Third - Dinner in the French Quarter without going broke - Remoulade on Bourbon Street - This is an Arnaud's spin-off with a pub atmosphere rather than the elegance that has secured Arnaud's reputation. Oysters Arnaud, their signature appetizer of 5 baked oysters with different stuffings, is on the menu at Remoulades and deserves its legendary status. The rest of the menu was delicious and affordable too.
Fourth - A snack to remember - French Quarter Pizzaria and Bar at 201 Decatur- We found 'debris cheesy bread" as one of the offerings from this easily missed treasure at their booth in Lafayette Park for a benefit concert. It was fabulous enough that we sought the place out for a repeat experience. The meals ariving for the tables around us looked large and luscious but it's worth a visit to this place for the "debris alone".
and Fifth - An Easily missed jewel - You can't eat here and you can't sleep here, but The Southern Food and Beverage Museum located at the far end of Riverwalk Marketplace was delightful beyond expectations. A large infusion of nostalgia, interesting exhibits, and a delightful gift shop with a bargain table of old cookbooks rated high on our list.
For a this visit, a 5 day Visiticket Power Pass allowed us to thoroughly enjoy the French Quarter. Next time, we'd probably stay longer and get a car and explore the swamps and plantations and communities outside of New Orleans.

Posted By Ellen Zepp on October 26, 2009, 2:19 PM

One of the best truly New Orleans experiences is Mandina's on Canal. Their turtle soup with sherry and French bread is to die for. I also agree that Rock'N'Bowl is the best musical experience for the "real" New Orleans. I should know, I was a music critic there for eleven years.

Posted By Beth Sager on October 26, 2009, 2:21 PM

Visit the "Big Easy" often, for pleasure and business, staying at the Le Pavillon Hotel, is just the best. Ed Morin and his staff are top notch, ask him the story behind the peanut butter sandwitch.

Posted By Arthur Potter on October 26, 2009, 2:46 PM

A fun place for jazz on Bourbon Street is Fritzel's. We loved the laid back atmosphere and world class music. Don't miss Grayline's Super City Tour. It is the best overview of the city.

Posted By Sam on October 26, 2009, 3:06 PM

IF you like oysters on the half shell, try the charcoal-broiled ones at Drago's. They're delicious and different...worth a visit.

Posted By helen on October 26, 2009, 3:07 PM

We have stayed at many places in New Orleans over the years and have always chosen to stay in the French Quarter. It is so great to step out of the hotel and explore. We always try to find a quiet area, however. To explore other areas of NOLA we hoof it or rely on the St Charles Street Car.

Last month we stayed at the Dauphine Orleans and enjoyed its typical NOLA feel. Stay in one of the cottages or carriage houses for a real New Orleans couryard. If you visit during the hot months, the pool is great. The Provincial is also a great family find tucked in a quieter area away from Bourbon Street. For a real splurge, The W in the quarter is fabulous, though a little bit pricier.

As for food, The French Market for breakfast or a snack is always a must. Commander's Palace for lunch cannot be beat for food and service, and a stroll through the Garden District and Lafayette Cemetary afterwards helps the digestion. My latest favorite is Jacques Imo's on Oak St... it's fabulous. And don't forget Mother's on Poydras for a down home southern meal.

Posted By Steve on October 26, 2009, 3:17 PM

New Orleans is my favorite city! I have only been once since the storm but am making every effort to get a visit in some time in 2010!

My favorite place is the Coffee Pot Restaurant on St. Peters. Namely the food is fantastic but it has a great atmosphere and the friendliest staff in the Quarter.

Next on my favorites list is Jacques-Imo's! What I would do for drum fish with corn remoulade... One of the best meals I have ever eaten. The corn muffins are scrumptious. I am making myself hungry.

My favorite dinner spot in the quarter is Olivier's. It is elegant and sophisticated and great food.

My favorite high end dining is K-Pauls... It really is best all around!
Laissez le bon temp roulet!!!

Posted By Felicia on October 26, 2009, 3:51 PM

I second Jaques Imos....

alligator cheesecake and crawfish etouffee..

delicious!!!!

Posted By holeen on October 26, 2009, 4:00 PM

Commander's Palace in the Garden District; Broussards in the Quarter - splurges but worth it. The turtle soup at both is a MUST and the redfish broussards is a classic.

Cooter Brown's is an awesome sports bar with a huge muffelatta and great oysters if you don't want to wait in line at the famous Camellia Grill (it's just across the street). Plus it's named after a famous man who refused to take a side during the civil war, so he avoided fighting by staying drunk the entire war. Now people in the South often say, "I'm as drunk as Cooter Brown" to describe their state of intoxication.

Acme has the best oysters in town. Not sure about raw ones? DO IT. If you really can't handle it (though you should - you are in NOLA!) then get the chargrilled. Amazing. And don't forget to try the peacemaker poboy. There are no words. Also, if you are a party of two or three, I highly recommend sitting at the bar and chatting it up with the shuckers. Those guys have some GREAT stories.

A fun "local" bar is Erin Rose - right next to Broussards, just off of Bourbon in the quarter. Great for an Abita and the bartenders are awesome. I guess that doesn't fall under the "eat and sleep" category, but it deserves a shout out.

The Bulldog. You HAVE to go here if you like dogs and beer. The best one is the one on Magazine St - it's a short 10 minute walk from Commander's Palace (I did it in stilettos). Go in the afternoon to hang out with a bar full of pups, or at night to try a huge selection of beers. You won't be disappointed. Great patio, too.

Old absinthe house - come on, it's new orleans, you have to try absinthe (it's legal now, don't worry). Right on bourbon in the quarter.

Oh, and for those who have said Deanie's in bucktown, yeah that's the original one, but there's one in the quarter too (but go to bucktown if you have the time to spare). Also, Mother's really is great for breakfast. And I feel like coffee and beignets at Cafe Du Monde goes without saying....worth the long wait in line (but if you go around 8-9am, you will sit right away).

As for a hotel, I recently stayed at the Bienville House on Decatur. We got a great deal - $85/night (plus tax). They are pricey during Mardi Gras (obviously) but otherwise, a gorgeous hotel in the quarter (with free breakfast, but you don't need that when you are just blocks from everything).

And finally, if it's your first time or your 101st time, you have to get a hurricane at pat o'brien's. It's their signature drink!

Posted By JBH on October 26, 2009, 4:03 PM

Cafe Oceana on Conti, and The Absinthe House. Great food, better atmosphere, best waitstaff.

Posted By Raquel on October 26, 2009, 4:30 PM

Two places to eat for those on a budget: Central City Grocery at 923 Decatur in the French Quarter. It is an olf Italian grocery store that serves the mufaletta sandwich--olive salad, meat and cheese on French bread. Get it to go, and go to the river and watch the river traffic.
Take the streetcar up to the Camelia Grill for breakfast. It is a diner that has been dresssed like a mansion on the ouside. Great omelettes and pecan waffles. It makes a great start for the day and then get off at Audobon Park, Tulane and see the Garden District homes nearby. There also is a great cemetary on Prytania Street, which runs parallel to St. Charles Avenue. Bon appetit
Eileen

Posted By Eileen Morgan on October 26, 2009, 5:05 PM

Eat New Orleans at the corner of Dumaine and Dauphine in the French Quarter is a great neighborhood place. I go there every time i'm in New Orleans. Friendly staff, delicious cajun food, and BYOB put this place on my short list.

Posted By jarredz97 on October 26, 2009, 5:08 PM

All of my recommendations are in the French Quarter…

Where to Sleep: Hotel Provincial on Chartres. Great location (in the Quarter but quiet), comfortable rooms, reasonable rates.

Where to Eat Breakfast: Croissant d'Or on Ursulines, just around the corner from the Hotel Provincial. Delicious pastries!

Where to Eat Dinner: Orleans Grapevine Wine Bar & Bistro on Orleans Ave. I make a point of eating here at least once each visit. It's small and has a warm, casual atmosphere. Wonderful food and staff.

What to Do: French Quarter Culinary History and Tasting Tour. Absolutely the best tour I’ve taken in New Orleans. On the day that I did the tour, we did tastings at Napoleon House, Old Coffee Pot, and Tujague's, among others, but the highlight was a tour of Antoine's, including the kitchen.

Posted By Krista on October 26, 2009, 5:20 PM

Did no one mention the Clover Grill? If you're watching your budget or if you just want an unbeatable breakfast any time of the day, you won't find better. Their hamburgers, cooked under hub caps, are the best I've ever had. Not sure who are more fascinating -- the staff or the customers -- but either way, you won't be bored. Just a little diner, but not like any other diner you know. And the location is great -- corner of Bourbon and Dumaine, just a few blocks from the noisy part of Bourbon Street. One caution: they don't allow dancing on the tables.

Posted By Dave on October 26, 2009, 5:49 PM

On our 3 trips to New Orleans, we stayed at the Hotel Villa Convento on Ursuline Street in the French Quarter, kitty corner to the old Ursuline Convent. It's historic NL, with a variety of rooms, and we always stayed in a balcony room ($99 regular rate) where we could sit outside and watch the horse-drawn carriages clop by, and inhale the mouth-watering smells emanating from the Croissant D'Or Patisserie across the street. Central to everything - a great hotel and location.

Our favorite upscale restaurant was Stella!, on Chartres St. What a find! Fabulous food, moderate fine dining prices (this was before Katrina and their renovation - more pricey now, but very much worth a splurge!) In early 1995, we ate there 3 times because of their delectable special - fresh pompano. The award-winning, innovative chef/owner of Stella! now has a Stanley! on Jackson Square (all-day breakfast and lunch, burgers, sandwiches, home-made ice cream, soda fountain, and scaled down prices.) Looking forward to visiting here on our next visit.

Posted By Janelle on October 26, 2009, 6:25 PM

My favorite place to stay is CORNSTALK GUEST HOUSE on Royal Street. Second favorte, Place D'Armes, half a block from Jackson Square. Favorite place for dinner: TUJAGUE'S on Decatur Street, and of course, CENTRAL GROCERY for a muffaletta (but take it to Jackson Square or sit by the river to eat).

Posted By Jeanette on October 26, 2009, 6:25 PM

My wife and I love NOLA! We have stayed at the Place de Armes many times. They have a great little courtyard and pool. It also has the perfect French Quarter location--literaly steps to Jackson Square and St. Louis Cathedral. The place also offers hot summer rates and offers a nice contenental breakfast each morning.

We have eaten many places in and around the Quarter and we discovered a little Italian place on the quiet side of Bourbon St. called Luna's. It was outstanding and the staff was super.

Mufalettas are awesome at both the Central Grocery and Frank's . They are very close to each other on Decater. The big difference, as I recall is one on toasted bread (Franks) and the other does not toast..both are excellent with the subtle difference.

Two things I would do again...I would take a cooking class. They offer up great meals along with history lessons and recipes with generous portions...and whisky, at 10:00 am. I know this sounds lame, but the food court at the end of the Riverwalk Mall is an outstanding one. There is a huge variety of choice...from pizza to sushi to turkey legs to chinese to anything else imaginable as well as many choices of slushy drinks and beers. It is a very nice alternitive to a sit down restaurant...trust me on this, it's pretty good!

Posted By Rich Rybicki on October 26, 2009, 6:33 PM

When my daughter and I traveled to New Orleans we stayed at The Ambassador on Tchoupitoulas Street. We were just two blocks from the French Quarter, about three blocks from Bourbon Street and from the convention center, and only one block from Harrah's. It's a very nice hotel made out of a former warehouse so it has brick walls and wrought iron beds and best of all it was inexpensive. Also, our hotel housed Azul, a cuban asain restaurant and bar.

Our favorite restaurant was Mulate's at 201 Julia Street (wonderful food and a fun atmosphere with live Cajun music and dancing). Another favorite for the wonderful food was the Gumbo Shop at 630 Saint Peter Street near Jackson Square. Both restaurants were very reasonably priced.

Of course if your on Bourbon Street you must stop in at Pat O'Brien's for a Hurricane.

We enjoyed these locations so much that when I returned for an international conference a few years later I returned to everyone of them. I even arranged to have one of the conference meetings at Mulate's and it was a great hit with everyone.

Posted By Lois on October 26, 2009, 7:14 PM

I agree that Mena's is a good cheap eat. Try it for breakfast. Country Flame is a good cheap Mex-Cuban dive. Mother's is a real one-of-a kind dive-worth trying the food there.

Dickie Brennan's, Commander's Palace, Red Fish Grille are my favorite Brennan family restaurants. Try Cochon and Herbsaint, as well. You can check lots of reviews at Yelp.com.

I stay at the Holiday Inn on Royal St. Not fancy, but good location. I love the Monteleone, but it gets pricey.

Posted By Docbart on October 26, 2009, 9:49 PM

Oh how I love New Orleans pronounced NuAwlins by the locals. I grew up in Biloxi,Ms in the 60s and N.O. was my destination when I skipped school.Central grocery and Progesso accross from the Cafe DuMonde' for a hot muffalatta take it under a huge Bananna tree in Jackson square and watch the colorful people as they stroll by.The Cornstalk Hotel on Royal is very quiet and decorated in beautiful antique furniture evey room is different.It gets its name from the wrought iron fence along the front of the hotel.Mulates is wonderfully cajun the food and the dancing it is down by the aquarium which in itself is a wonderful experience.Then the river boat ride down to the Zoo lots of fun.In December in City Park the lights in the Oaks is a memoriable time take a tour in a carriage.Breathtaking!Down in the French Market the French Market Bar and Grill is an outdoor place with good N.O. music the same band for years it is across from Jimmy Buffets.Food is good and resonable.Acme oyster house is a culinary delight and very resonable.To anyone planning to visit N.O. enjoy the ambiance and the food is a once in a lifetime experience.Gotta Love NewOrleans!!

Posted By Maxine on October 27, 2009, 8:18 AM

New Orleans is a great city, lived there for years in the 70's, a vistor regularly since. Tony Angelo's out near the lake is a great place, cheap and excellent, a local tradition. Bayona is great, Brightson's is great, Camellia Grill is the classic New Orleans diner, MR. B's is always a winner, the Bon Ton Restaurant on Magazine Street is a classic, and Commanders Palace is a great great restaurant. The turtle soup and bread pudding are untouchable. Stay away from Emeril's restaurants, there all are way overated.
For music, New Orleans has the one of the greatest "Caberet" singers / piano players in the world, his name is Philip Melancon. He plays often at The Columns Hotel, The Bombay Room inside the Conti Hotel, as well as other venues. He used to play at The Bayou Lounge at the Ponchatrain Hotel for 10 or so years prior to Katrina. He is a national treasure, go, you will be taken away. Same with the Mid-City Rock and Bowl, a great experiance of New Orleans music. Also check out the clubs on Frenchman Street like DBA and Snug Harbour, a great treat.
Enjoy America's greatest treasure, the city that time forgot, New Orleans.

Posted By John Bougae on October 27, 2009, 9:35 AM

Where to Stay: New Orleans’ finest small hotel

Built as a series of private homes by Joseph Soniat Dufossat in the 1930s, the elegant, Creole style Soniat House is a must-stay hotel in New Orleans. The three neighboring townhouses, with their lacy ironwork galleries, gracious carriageway, courtyards, and spiral staircases, bring you the authentic beauty of this vibrant city that I frequent as least twice a year.

The interiors are furnished with handsome fabrics and wallpapers, bedsteads were carved by New Orleans’ finest cabinetmaker, and antiques from France, England, and Louisiana can be found throughout the rooms of the hotel. My favorite is that the conveniences of modern living – from bath-side telephones to wi-fi – discreetly enhance the period accommodations.

The addictive daily breakfast is served by courtly porters: hot tender biscuits from a Soniat family recipe accompanied by preserves. Absolutely delicious and comforting enough to make you feel at home.

The hotel's rates are the best value around and for me, I prefer quality over quantity. It's the icing on my visits to New Orleans and I love every moment of my stays there.

Soniat House- 1133 Chartres Street, New Orleans, LA. 70130, 800 544 8808

Posted By Sue on October 27, 2009, 5:54 PM

I second the nod to Mother's on the corner of Poydras and Tchoupitulous just outside the quarter. We eat there for breakfast every time we are in NO... No cookie cutter food or atmosphere here! The debris biscuits are one-of-a-kind and reasonably priced for NO - about 5 bucks. The atmosphere is singular, too, with just enough confusion to make you wonder how anyone ever gets the right order, and an unpretentious and warm staff that help you feel right at home no matter how far away you live. Don't be scared off if you see the line out the door... It won't take long to get to the front and it will be worth every minute of wait!

Posted By Trace on October 27, 2009, 8:56 PM

Favorite sweets? Brocoto's a must for anything italian, Antoines's for Baked Alaska (forget the dinner), Commander's Palace for the soufle bread pudding (forget the dinner), Praline's = Aunt Sally's in the flea market area has several flavors (sell both traditional and creamy),Best Roast Beef PoBoy = Two Tony's at 150 Old Hammond Highway, also great reasonably priced italian. Best seafood = Drago's, 3232 N. Arnould in Metairie, Best Chinese = Five Happiness, 3604 S. Carrollton, Mother's is good for biscuits and red beans and rice. Good/reasonably priced place to stay near the quarter = Astor Crowne Plaza on Canal St., If in N.O.during Christmas, a must is a walk through the Roosevelt Hotel. Also a walk through the rose garden at CityPark during Christmas in the Oaks. Also, walk through the flea market in the french quarter any time of year. Take the streetcar to Magazine street for boutiques and antique shopping. Lots of little eateries there too. Also, take the streetcar down St. Charles Avenue to see the homes and hop off at Audubon Park for a break. Can continue down to Carrollton Avenue and get off for a bite at Camellia cafe. Be sure to try the orange freeze.a few blocks down Carrollton is Oak Street (to the left) has nice little shops, bars and eats. Hop back on the streetcar continuing down Carrollton to go to Brocoto's for ice cream or canolli before returning.

Posted By Faye on October 28, 2009, 12:37 AM

The Royal St Charles is a really nice boutique hotel one black from the French Quarter and it's only $99 a night! There is also a jazz bar on the lobby level with live music on the weekends. Also right outside the front door is the Historical Street Car Line, so you can travel downtown and see all the great mansions in the Garden District. And if you are looking for a really good burger or tuna steak in the middle of the night, The Alibi on Ibberville is the place to be! They serve 150 types of beer, and the food is excellent.

Posted By English Guillory on October 28, 2009, 3:23 PM

I LOVE New Orleans and miss it very much since my relocation post-Katrina.

If you like a good po-boy. You can get a really good, hearty one at a very reasonable price at the gas station/convenience store/deli -- Danny and Clyde's. There are several throughout the city ... or at least there was when I lived there. I love their shrimp and oyster po-boy (yes, you can order a combination). Tastes great and you can't beat their prices!

Posted By Kay King on October 29, 2009, 1:35 PM

Oh, I forgot one! If you like Middle-Eastern food, gotta try Mona's Middle Eastern Cafe. Pre-Katrina there was one near UNO and one in Mid-City on Banks Street; and they were in the process of opening a third location -- I think on Carrollton Ave., toward the river. (Sorry, been away too long.) After Katrina, the Carrollton location was the only one open for a while.

I like the Mid-City location best. It has reopened but I'm not sure about the one near UNO.

Posted By K King on October 29, 2009, 1:44 PM

Thank you, thank you, thank you. We have to go to a work-related conference in NOLA in November (hit me, beat me, make me go). What a treasure trove of information.

Posted By Tom B. on October 29, 2009, 4:41 PM

My personal favorite is Parkway Bakery and Tavern. It was voted the best Po' Boy for 2009 (and many years prior). It's not in the prettiest part of town, but it is so worth it. The bread melts in your mouth.
http://www.parkwaybakeryandtavernnola.com/

Posted By Katie on October 29, 2009, 6:09 PM

New Orleans is my favorite city and I try and visit at least once a year. My favorite place to eat is Angeli's on Decatur. The "Virtuous Angel" pizza is the best I've ever had and the place has huge windows on Decatur street so you can watch a never-ending flow of interesting folks go by.

Stanley's serves the best New Orleans style breakfast I've ever had, and great Mimosas to go along with it.

The Clover Grill has waffles so huge and buttery you could have a heart attack right where you sit. They are so fantastic though, and the other patrons and staff so much fun that you would die quite happy.

A new addition to my favorites list is El Gato Negro. Wonderful Mexican food, huge portions, and the best fresh fruit mojitos ever. They are located across the street from the flea market. They have a few tables outside and you can sip your blackberry, strawberry, or pineapple mojito and watch all the action.

Posted By Shari on November 1, 2009, 12:40 AM

Coop's on Decatur Street. Hands down -The best homestyle cajan food in the quarters.

Posted By REBII on November 1, 2009, 7:00 AM

My husband and I stayed at La Pavilon for several days. It was elegant, historic, and relatively reasonable. Camelia Grill and Acme Oyster House(sit at the bar here to be on the web cam!) are musts! Also, I ate one of the best reubens ever at La Pavilon's restaurant! Brennans for brunch is a treat to save up for-well worth it.

Posted By terri on November 2, 2009, 7:44 PM

My best recommendation,having lived there pre-Katrina, is the Royal Street Courtyard, a bed & breakfast in the Marigny. The owners, Philip Lege and David Smith are wonderful hosts and make everyone feel as if they are truly guests in their home. The courtyard is lush and beautiful and includes a hot tub. A big front porch full of rocking chairs is a ringside seat for the colorful neighborhood characters, mostly artists.

Posted By Sharon on November 2, 2009, 9:12 PM

We were in New Orleans in September and we loved Mulates on Julia St. Loved the food, loved the band, loved the dancing.

Posted By Christine on November 3, 2009, 2:53 PM

Acme Oyster House, super seafood. Mr. B's Bistro on Royal Street has the best bbq shrimp on the PLANET. And a visit to the Crescent City is not complete without beignets at Cafe du Monde!

Posted By Imani on November 3, 2009, 4:28 PM

Pascal Manale's for the barbeque shrimp and turtle soup.

Posted By Don on November 3, 2009, 7:10 PM

Stay at the Monteleone: great location on Royal St, it's haunted. Ypu must have atleast one meal at Antoine's even if it can be pricey. Arnaud's is excellent. The Bourbon House has the world's best spinach salad.

Posted By Helen Bledsoe on November 5, 2009, 3:56 PM

jazz on Bourbon Street is Fritzel's. This is my best fun place.

Posted By parkinson's treatment on November 8, 2009, 7:54 AM

Place to stay, only the finest at the Orient-Express Hotel Windsor Court where the sheets are pure heaven.
Not far from there, is Restaurant August... Sublime.

Posted By Hank on November 8, 2009, 10:58 AM

For late night drinks - Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop at the far end of Bourbon is awesome. A piano bar that has been there since 1722, it is one of the oldest structures in the Quarter. If you go, walk down Bourbon until you think you've gotten out of the party area. It's just past the corner of Bourbon and St. Phillip.

Posted By Nancy Wakeman on November 8, 2009, 11:23 AM

People keep mentioning Commander's Palace, but its very expensive. A great way to try it is at lunch, where they have a prix-fixe for $29. They used to have $.25 martinis, but I don't know if they still do that.

Another great place, where the locals go, is Frankie and Johnny's on Arabella and Tchoupitoulas Uptown. AMAZING poboys, gumbo, shrimp, crawfish. Looks like a total dump, but completely worth it.

A good budget tip for New Orleans is to eat out at lunch. The portions are dinner-sized, less expensive, and will keep you full for a long time till you're ready for a snack, preferably at one of New Orleans' excellent ethnic restaurants (I second Lebanon's!).

Posted By Allison on November 9, 2009, 3:08 PM

Whenever I visit New Orleans I always call the same company for my accommodations. New Orleans Fine Hotels has several hotels in and around the French Quarter. The agents I speak with on the phone are always happy to give me the best suggestions on rates and any special promotions that are going on so I always get a great hotel deal. As far as food goes I love eating at Cuvee and Herbsaint!

Posted By Richard on November 9, 2009, 4:34 PM

For restaurants, it doesn't matter. They're all great. NOLA is a food city and people simply won't return to poorly run places. If you go to one that is famous for its chef, you will pay a premium for the "name brand" but the food really won't be that much better than anyplace else.

For hotels, the Roosevelt on Barrone (just off Canal) went through a complete renovation and opened this summer. It is a beautiful hotel that dates back to the 1920's. Being a Waldorf-Astoria, it can be pricey, but I've been there three times since the reopening and have never paid more than $130 for a room. Try a Sazerc cocktail in the bar.

Rent a car and travel a little bit out of the city and see the bayou country. Read the story in Budget Travel from a couple of months back about the town of Breaux Bridge - a great travel gem about 90 miles from New Orleans.

Posted By Steve on November 11, 2009, 8:58 AM

Frank's on Decatur was mentioned earlier - we liked the muffaletta and roast beef sandwiches, and ate the leftovers of our daughter's fettucine Alfredo later, as it was too good to leave on the table. We ended up eating at the out-of-Quarter locations of Acme Oyster House and Cafe du Monde, both out in Metairie, and were extremely pleased with both, though drive-through beignets probably lack some of the Quarter patina. The Gumbo Shop was decent, and their chicken and andouille gumbo tasted like mine. (I use the recipe from the Paul Prudhomme cookbook.) All were reasonably priced, and Frank's service was particularly helpful and friendly.

A local told me that a place in Metairie called Bozo's has fine seafood and is a place locals rave about - anyone care to confirm or deny this?

Posted By Mike on November 12, 2009, 12:57 PM

Janita's on St. Charles - the Avenue Pub - is a great inexpensive place for a bite. The Adult Grilled Cheese and St. Chuck Duck sandwiches are to DIE for. And you have to try the homemade! guacamole - no out of the package stuff here. Plus they have over 30 beers on tap that change frequently.

Posted By Kate on November 12, 2009, 4:49 PM

I can vouch for Bozo's. Been one of our favorites since the 70's. Really good fresh seafood, small oyster bar and friendly locals place.

Posted By Diane Romer on November 14, 2009, 10:26 AM

We recently stayed at Place D'Ames and loved it. There is a pool and beautiful little courtyard and it's location in the Quarter can not be beat. We tried Napoleon House for a casual dinner in their small outside courtyard. The food was wonderful. As always Bayona is the best. We braved a rain storm and a foot of water in the streets to get there....and it was worth it. I love New Orleans.

Posted By JoAnn on November 16, 2009, 12:52 PM

My wife have stayed in almost every hotel in the French Quarter and most on Canal.. We always come back to the Monteleone. It's still family owned and the staff has been there forever and they always remember you. The whole place has undergone a major renovation and all the rooms are beautiful with antiques and reproductions. Get a riverview room. And go see Marvin and Debbie in the Carousel Bar. It really hops, especially on weekends and game days.

The concierge desk is great...very friendly and seem to be able to arrange anything with no problems.

EAT IN THE QUARTER! Stanley's for breakfast, Muriel's for brunch or dinner, Acme Oyster for lunch. If you must go out of the Quarter, go to Drago's or Upperline for dinner.

Posted By greg stidham on November 16, 2009, 3:59 PM

Try The Olivier House, a great little guest house just 1/2 block off Bourbon on Tulouse. Then circle the block around to St.Louis for Brunch at Petunia's. The best Bloody Mary's in town along with plate sized omelets.

Posted By Butch on November 16, 2009, 11:52 PM

My husband and I love the following:
Club La Pension
Le Richelieu
Johnny's Po Boys
Praline Connection
Cafe Du Monde
Court of Two Sisters
Red Fish Grill -- best bread pudding
Southern Candymakers
Mothers

All in all, everywhere we have eaten was wonderful, but I would go to Praline Connection every day just to eat their cabbage. Best food ever.

Posted By Cooper on November 21, 2009, 10:17 PM

Was in New Orleans for a meeting in Sept 2009 staying at the Intercontinental Hotel on St Charles. A great hotel. Unfortunately booked late and was unable to stay there the night before the meeting. Booked on-line for Place d'Armes ($50 /night prepaid,nonrefundable) in the French Quarters - a nice, quiet little hotel with a great staff (arrived after being at work and travel over 24 hours and they checked me in hours earlier than their posted check-in time). Just a block toward Cafe du Monde is a great restaraunt Muriel's, a fantastic fixed 3 course menu for $29 - great food , huge portions and a wonderful staff.

Posted By Doc on November 24, 2009, 3:47 PM

New Orleans is made for food and restoring body and soul! From Sept 09. Food: Stella!(fabulous 'investment grade' dinner and cocktails you will remember for years)next to Provincial close to Jackson Square on Chartres. Also encountered Voodoo BBQ in the Garden District. Despite certain franchise elements, bbq meat and sides were tasty and went down well with a beer.

Sleeping in the Quarter: I like Place d' Armes (good value, lots of charm, not too sure about air conditioning if hot); Hotel Dauphine (a collection of vintage buildings, A/C & enclosed parking!); Hotel Provincial (good value, close of most everything in the Q, had enclosed parking, public computer access, and charm both in people and in place). All 3 had basic continental breakfasts, too. I'd return to any of them.

Posted By D Trail on November 24, 2009, 8:14 PM

I visit NOLA at least twice a year and the first place I go after I drop my bags is to Coops' on Decatur Street. It's a small local bar, but the food is FANTASTIC! they have a fabulous chef! Great bartenders and fabulous local conversation. I am a pure Creole woman, and I'm here to tell you their Gumbo is perfect! Go every day and try a new dish every day. you'll love this place.
Also, go to Frenchmen Street and to The Praline Connection - the best food and the best pralines. Order the fried chicken livers for your appetizer, wow!

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