This was my first trip to New Orleans and I’ve gotta tell you guys the food was absolutely AMAZING!!! Seriously we didn’t have a bad meal our entire trip. The city is pretty fabulous and super unique. Our quick little 4 day trip was just enough time to win my heart. And even though we left, like 5 seconds ago, I can’t wait to go back already. I’ve got a list of restaurants a mile long that I still need to hit. But until then, enjoy this little collection of gluttony that I’ve curated for you!

New Orleans isn’t just about the food, it’s also about the dranks!!! So be sure to check out some of the authentically NOLA drinks like the world famous hurricane. Pat O’Brien’s is THE place to get your fruity drink fix since the popular cocktail was actually invented here. If you’re feeling particularly thirsty, opt for for the Magnum, a 3-gallon version of this passionfruit boozy beverage. Bring extra straws please!! Stop back in the evening for the dueling pianos show, but be sure to come early. The line will be wrapped around the building.

It only takes about 5 minutes in New Orleans to realize that brunch is kinda a big deal here! And it’s not just reserved for the weekend. You can brunch nearly every day of the week at most places. The Jazz Brunch at the Court of Two Sisters is a fabulous place to start! Make sure to come hungry so you can try a little bit of everything.

Their selection of Cajun and Creole dishes is unbelievable! And since the food is served buffet style, it’s the perfect time to get a little adventurous with the local cuisine. I tried everything from Cajun pasta, to Creole jumbalaya, to crawfish and turtle soup! If you’re a first timer, ask a waiter or a local for the proper crawfish eating techniques.

And whatever you do, don’t skip the dessert table! The Southern Pecan Pie, Bananas Fosters, and Home-Churned French Vanilla Ice Cream with Praline Sauce were all to die for. The courtyard here is one of the prettiest in the city. Ask for a table near the band if it’s available and enjoy a little jazz music while you dine.

If you’re looking for a fun spot to have a drink, the Carousel Bar at Hotel Moneteleone is the place to go! Take a spin on this 25-seat, bright, circus-clad Merry-Go-Round style revolving bar as you enjoy a fancy cocktail. Equal parts whimsy and nostalgia, this unique bar was recently named one of the Top 20 Bars in the World by Vogue Living. If you’re prone to motion sickness, there are plenty of stationary tables to be found here so you can still enjoy the super cool atmosphere.

Sucre is a MUST stop for all you dessert lovers out there! This sweet boutique serves up some of the most gorgeous desserts in town. Here you’ll find an abundance of French macarons, impressive hand-crafted cakes and candies, and the absolute best gelato flavors you could ever imagine, like the Red Velvet picture above. I want to eat this every day for the rest of my life!

This blackberry dark chocolate mirror-glazed dessert was so rich but SO worth it. Everything on it was edible including the white chocolate Sucre logo on top. It was so good that I finished it myself and I have no regrets! Besides vacation calories don’t count, right?

We also sampled the pecan praline cake. This cute little cake was the perfect balance of buttery sweetness. Absolutely delish! And how adorable is that little crock?!? Don’t forget to take a box of chocolates or macarons for the road. You can thank me later!

Head to the Gazebo Cafe for the cool breeze, the jazz band, and the World Famous Ice Cream Daiquiri. The flavors range from Strawberry Daiquiri, to Mudslide, to Dreamsicle. I’ll have one of each please! Make sure to pace yourself. You’ll want to slurp this down but those ice cream headaches are real. Their authentic New Orleans food menu is pretty epic too. The fried alligator should be at the top of your list, if only for the bragging rights. It’s actually really good!

Calling all seafood lovers!! If you’re NOLA bound, then you’ve gotta put Acme Oyster House at the very top of your list. Their Chargrilled Oysters come out sizzling hot and bathing in a luscious bath of herb butter sauce. Hands down the best I’ve ever had! Don’t even waste your time with a half dozen, go big or go home. The line will likely be out the door, but don’t let it scare you off. They’re totally worth the wait!

I found my new summer drink at Crescent City Brewhouse. You can find the Pimms Cup at just about any bar or restaurant in the Big Easy, each with it’s own little twist or added flair. The Brewhouse keeps it simple with your standard Pimms No. 1, lemonade, and cucumber. It’s not the prettiest concoction but it’s unbelievably refreshing!!

If you find yourself on Bourbon Street in need of some grub, skip the hot dog vendors and make a beeline for Crescent City Pizzaworks! This place is proof positive that late night snacking doesn’t mean you should have to sacrifice food quality. The Chicken Bacon Krunch was my favorite, with the Pulled Pork as a (very) close second.

I was on a mission to try a Frozen Bourbon Milk Punch and Dickie Brennan’s Bourbon House makes the best in the city! I had no idea what to expect based on the name alone, but it’s pretty much the classiest milkshake you’ll ever drink. This thick, creamy blend of milk, ice cream, and Old Forester bourbon will put you right where you need to be. I’ll definitely be trying to recreate this one at home! The food is beyond amazing here as well. If you’re feeling fancy splurge on some caviar.

My hubby’s not into seafood like….At. All. If you want to eat burgers like a local head to Faubourg Bistro. This hidden gem of a restaurant is tucked away in the back of 700 Club NOLA on Burgundy Street. It’s easy to miss if you don’t know it’s there. Their food is made from scratch with fresh ingredients. What more could you ask for? The Roasted Beef and Cheddar was absolutely phenomenal. Bistro Burger, Mac and Cheese Bites, Loaded Fries. You really can’t make a bad decision here.

Tujague’s (pronounced Two-Jacks) is not just a local bar it’s a little piece of history. Established in 1856, they hold the bragging rights as the city’s first stand up bar and continue to operate in the same manner today. I kept it traditional and went with a Ramos Gin Fizz, a NOLA original. The bartenders here were top notch and can whip up just about anything you throw at ’em. Dinner here was extraordinary! We ordered Abita Amber BBQ Shrimp and Grits, Tujague’s Famous Brisket, Tournedos of Beef, and the Grilled Pork Chop and tried a little bit of each. I truly had a hard time picking a favorite!

It only takes about 2 seconds on Bourbon Street to spot one of these neon drinks. The Hand Grenade is a fruity concoction that tastes like a melon flavored beach drink, but be careful, this lil guy packs a punch! It’s even touted as New Orlean’s most powerful drink. You have been warned! You can find them at one of the many Tropical Isle locations. When in NOLA….

The Hand Grenade may be the most powerful drink in NOLA, but the Shark Attack is definitely the most fun!!! The Shark Attack is not just a drink, it’s an experience. Think of it as your initiation into New Orleans culture. Seriously you’ll love this one!!

Headed to the Big Easy? Here’s What You Need To Know As A First Time in New Orleans! 

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