A guide to my favorite New Orleans Haunts in 2024

Photo by Sarah Antell, @LensGoblin

It was Wednesday night, and as the plane descended I began to notice the familiar glow of a city I left too soon-the place I feel the most connected. I stepped off the plane, and the familiar bustle of the airport hugs my senses like a friend that never guilts you for being away. 

It's been a year since I last saw New Orleans, but only the tightness in my chest gave away that I had been gone. The potholes, the aged buildings- everywhere I looked, I drank in the cityscape like a drinking man's first sip of vice.  It had been a year, but I was home. 
~
I had the absolute pleasure of spending a week in my old home, New Orleans. It was such a lovely experience to sink into the city like an old, familiar armchair for a short time, and I'd love to share a few of my old haunts with you. While the places I'm about to list aren't tourist attractions per se, they are places I love for various reasons. Dear reader, if you've never been to the Big Easy, or you're looking for new places to explore, incorporating a couple of these during your visit may prove to be enjoyable. 

Briefly, I'd like to add that I'm not partnered or sponsored by any of these locations or businesses. I just genuinely love them, and frequently recommend them. 

Food & Drink

I think everyone knows that New Orleans isn't just for drinking-it's a gastronomical Mecca. Having the privilege of living there meant I got to experience all kinds of cuisine-from cheap & delicious street tacos to high-brow omakase experiences. Here are just a few of my standouts.

Seasonal Doberge cake from Debbie Does Doberge.

Debbie Does Doberge

Okay, so Debbie Does Doberge is technically located in Kenner, but it's very close to New Orleans, and even CLOSER to the Louis Armstrong International Airport. I used to work for Baker Bar  (R.I.P.), a restaurant in the Garden District that was owned by DDD. I had a wonderful time working for them, and I had the opportunity to take photos of many of their cakes & dishes.  They have a lot of flavors, and if you're wanting to travel with them, just freeze your cake overnight! 

If you don't know what a Doberge cake is, it's a Nola classic birthday cake. Layers of pudding rest in between thin layers of cake, and have a poured fondant (think like a pourable icing) draped on top. It's best served directly from the fridge, and you'll never need to worry about if your cake is moist or not. This treat is quite rich-so the krewe at DDD also has petit four versions of many of their flavors, called Dobites.  

If you can't make their bakery & restaurant location in Kenner, don't worry! Their website, debbiedoesdoberge.com/ , has a list of locations across the Greater New Orleans area where you can pick up some goodies!

Sarah's Picks: Nectar Snoball, Wedding Cake, Sweet Potato Spiced Latte

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Budsi's Authentic Thai

 Listen, there are a lot of Thai places in the Nola area. I'm an avid lover of Thai food, and after trying many, many places, Budsi's stands out at the best Thai food I've ever had, ever. Run by a husband and wife, Budsi's makes authentic Thai street food. It's fresh, the flavors are well-rounded and vibrant, and every time I visit I get so excited about my food that I forget to snap a photo. 

I started going to Budsi's in grad school-my hair salon (She Comes in Peace, a hair salon that's part salon, part boutique, and part art installation) was in New Orleans, and after sitting in the salon chair for hours, I'd be super hungry. My stylist recommended it, and it was perfect: close to the salon, and not busy during the off hours when I'd come in after my appointment. After graduating and moving properly to New Orleans, it was a staple that I would visit weekly for lunch. There's just something about their fresh, simple dishes that never gets old. I make it a point to go at LEAST once every time I'm in New Orleans. 

This unpretentious spot is a favorite by locals who know; nestled on a residential corner between the French Quarter and the Marigny, this restaurant has a small but mighty menu of the classics done right-and fast. Order at the counter, grab a boozy Thai Tea, and find a table. In minutes, you'll be greeted with steaming dishes that are casually but beautifully presented. 

Sarah's Picks: Pad See Ew (with extra chili vinegar!), Mushroom Larb

Crawfish Etouffee Fries from Dat Dog

Dat Dog

 Truly one of the best places to cure a hangover. With multiple locations across New Orleans, You'll be able to get your hot dog fix here, for sure. Of course, Dat Dog has all the classics, but that's not why people love Dat Dog. Boasting a large menu full of non-traditional hot dog choices (Etouffee Dog? Gator Sausage?) Dat Dog can truly fulfill any hot dog dream you may have. Create your own abomination, or select from their menu of tried and true dogs, you really can't go wrong here. 

With the gourmet dog gaining popularity quickly in many cities, it's easy to find a locally-inspired hot dog. Dat Dog is my favorite so far, of specialty dog joints in the country. It's not pretentious, there are multiple locations, and it's both great as prep for pre-drinking or for your hangover cure. 

Sarah's Picks: Bacon Werewolf, Crawfish Etouffee Fries

Empanadas from Empanola

Empanola

Sometimes, you're so exhausted after work that the thought of cooking makes you want to pass out. That's how I first found Empanola, a small shop on Magazine Street that specializes in empanadas. With both a standard menu and a few rotating flavors, Empanola is a one-stop shop for your quick meal needs after an afternoon of shopping at the many boutiques and vintage stores along Magazine St. 

If you're looking for a quick bite in the Garden District, this little gem won't disappoint!

Sarah's Picks: Pizza Pepperoni, Spinach & Artichoke

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Snake & Jake's Christmas Club

This is probably the only dive bar I've ever felt comfortable in. Located on a residential street and tucked away from major roads, you'll really only find locals at this spot. If you're wanting to make friends at a chill, casual spot, Snake's is a great spot. So dark you're almost blind & filled with vintage Christmas memorabilia, there's a cozy atmosphere that greets you once you enter the building. A late night staple, Snake's opens at 7 and stays open until....I've seen it close around 8 am. Whenever the vibe's right to close, I guess. 

Drinks are cheap, the people are kind, and it's a perfect spot to build community. You'll have to see it for yourself.

Le Parisien sandwich from La Boulangerie

La Boulangerie

 I have many fond memories of grabbing a Le Parisien sandwich & a glass bottle Coke, and heading down to the pond at Audubon Park. Everything at La Boulangerie is good, from their entrees to their breads and baked goods. A light & airy restaurant on the quiet part of Magazine St., La Boulangerie boasts a large assortment of award-winning baked goods & sandwiches. I have never met anything from this place that I have not liked. While their sandwiches aren't the New Orleans standard Poboy or Muffuletta, the Le Parisien is my favorite sandwich, hands down. It's truly simplicity at its finest: Salted butter, Comté cheese, butcher ham, and a layer of cornichons lie between two halves of a house-baked baguette. This sandwich doesn't need anything else, the quality of their ingredients shine. A perfect morning stop, grab a coffee and croissant to start your day off right.

Despite their beautiful interior, what really stands out about La Boulangerie is the quality of everything they produce-You can truly tell that their staff have high standards for their work, and it shows in both presentation as well as flavor. 

Sarah's Picks: Le Parisien, anything in the pastry case

Magnolia flower, New Orleans

Shopping & Things to do

There are countless small businesses to peruse, from locally-designed clothing to the many, many antique shops with treasures from yesteryear. In addition to what you might see in the French Quarter, I strongly suggest shopping along Magazine Street for lots of vibrant and creative locally-made goods. 

Bolt Balm glitter gel from Elektra Cosmetics

Elektra Cosmetics

 When you're in New Orleans, glitter is the real neutral. 

​You really can't deny the quality of Elektra Cosmetic's bolt balms, they're bright, shiny, and last until you decide to take them off. Because of the sheer amount of joy it brings, I now always keep a bolt balm (and hand sanitizer) in my purse, even when I'm not going out. You'd be shocked at just how many people have asked me where I got my glitter, and are thrilled when I offer to put some on them. You'll find any color you could ever want at their Glitter HQ, or at any of the places they've set up a stand (French Market, Disco Warehouse, local festivals). 

If you're looking to get your glitter fix (Hair & skin safe) and you can't make it down to Nola, no worries! Their website is elektracosmetics.com/, where you can find all the glitter. 

A bit of a side note, If you're having trouble taking off your glitter, you can either use the included sticker (use the sticky side!) or a lint roller to roll the glitter right off!

Sarah's Picks: Opal Unicorn, Fire Opal, and April Showers

Glass beads hanging from trees, New Orleans City Park Sculpture Garden

City Park & Audubon Park

I've found that New Orleans' parks are largely overlooked by tourists. Sure, there's plenty of museums and restaurants and tours to take, but if you need a moment of peace, look no further than my two favorite parks in the city: Audubon Park & City Park. Walking amongst the Live Oaks, grabbing a coffee & beignet from Cafe Du Monde, or settling in for a quiet picnic can be a great way to just...exist in the city. 

Audubon Park boasts a nicely-paved circular path that you can walk, bike, or roller skate; it also hosts a golf course and the Audubon Zoo.  

City Park is larger, and as such has more attractions and paths than Audubon. It hosts the Art Museum, the Botanical Gardens, a Cafe Du Monde location, a small theme park, and the free to visit Sculpture Gardens. Please note that both parks will host seasonal events (my favorite is the winter celebration & drive through lights at City park!) that will sell out, so if you're looking for a nice themed-date night or a family night out, make sure to keep on top of those dates!

Both parks are gorgeous, and worth a visit. I hope you enjoy exploring them!

Sarah's Picks: Immerse yourself in a world of plants at the Botanical Gardens, then grab a snack at Cafe du Monde for a picnic by the pond!

~


Slow Down Nola

Located on Magazine St, Slow Down Nola is a boutique & vintage store that emphasizes sustainable fashion & uplifts local artists. A treasure trove of goodies, it's truly the perfect place to find a memorable souvenir or new closet staple. While their stock consists mostly of wearables, they also have some cosmetics, trinkets, and art to adorn your space. 

I love to pick up fun socks, silly hair accessories (think things like Crawfish Claw hair clips), and other pieces that bring joy to my life whenever I'm in New Orleans. I always am in a better mood when I put on a piece from Slow Down Nola!

Sarah's Picks: Any hair accessory, the sticker booth 

The Krewe at the Fringe + Co. Barbie Event, 2023

Fringe + Co. 

Have you ever wondered what the locals wear when it's time to celebrate? Look no further! Fringe + Co. is a locally made,  Women & LGBTQ+-owned shop that truly believes in all that glitters. From their caftans to their matching sets, Fringe + Co is fun, shiny, and has a plethora of quality pieces for your collection. 

While their warehouse is only open to the public once a year, you can find them online at fringe-co.com/ or pop-ups around the Greater New Orleans area. 

Sarah's Picks: Copper Iridescent Sequin Long Caftan, Fringe Jackets

Street Tiles in the Garden District

Dear reader, the time spent in the Crescent City is ultimately yours. If you're visiting, and you find one of these spots, I hope you enjoy them just as much as I do. If you live in Nola, I hope that you may come to love these places as much as I have, and that find your community. I know I did.