Going to New Orleans

[pensodyssey]

Got a super cheap deal, airfare and a week's hotel for 800 bucks-- and that covers me and the lady.  Offseason prices, I guess

If any of yinz have been to NO, let me know if there's anything worthwhile in terms of bars/restaurants.  Basically we're planning just to sit by the pool in the day (we both hate vacations that are work), and go drinking at night.  

[jonzr]

I'd suggest all the bars and all the restaurants.  Really though, I haven't been in almost 20 years.  But I'd still say be wary of the tranny strippers, 'mkay?
 

[otismalibu]

I went there 4 times, back when we lived in AL. Always a good time.

Tagged along with the Mrs. a few years back too...whatever the date was when Troy ran the fuck over Carson.

Eat some muffuletta. Bring a digital camera and always have it with you.

[jonzr]

Bring a digital camera and always have it with you.

That's good advice.  

And frequently yell, "I'm from NYC and crawded eatin' is for stupid rednecks!"

Hey, you might be able to get Shockey's autograph.   HAAAARRRRRRRRRR!

 

[Finnegans Wake]

Eat some muffuletta.

I'll have to remember that.  I always knew it by its shorter name...

[steelerfaninCO]

NO is best enjoyed by vampires. It is also the best looking city from the 2nd story up. Just don't look at the ground.

Penso, a must would be some beignets and people watching at Cafe du Monde.  A paddleboat tour on the Mighty Missip is a decent time and they usually have a wet bar. Bourbon St. is vastly overrated and quite annoying IMHO. But definately take a stroll and view the ghastly karaoke and debauchery going on. Remember there is no open container law in the Quarter, and you can grab adult squishie's everywhere.

Most of the restaurants are OK, especially ones with fresh fish. If you want the super goods, Antoine's, Galatoire's, or Commander's Palace, they won't disappoint you, but can be pricey and reservations are a must. Some have a dress code too. Good music can be found everywhere, but Tipatina's, Howling Wolf, The Maple Leaf, and the House of Blues are good venues.

I know you live in Brooklyn, but be extra on-the-lookout for scammers, pickpockets, and the downright mugging. Do not walk pass I10 on Canal St. Do not stray too far east in the French Quarter or go into Washington park at night. Was just in NYC 2 weeks ago and it is much safer than NO. Granted I was in Mid-Town, but still. Its kinda like Jamaica, stick to the places you should be and you'll be fine.

 

[KeystoneKC]

...and you can grab adult squishie's everywhere.

 

Ya know, I got arrested for doin' just that, back in the 70's.

[pensodyssey]

Thanks for the heads up, everyone.  I've been warned left right and center about how dangerous it is, and, really, we don't intend to go anywhere but the hotel bar and wherever we eat.

Good list of restaurants, sf'inco.  You should have let me know you were in NYC though!

[otismalibu]

We went to Commander's Palace the last time in NO. I think there's a good sized cemetery (I think they're all above ground down there) just across the street. Think we had to cab it there. Was a little under $200 with the tip, for the two of us, but I think we each only had one drink. I don't know how many the Asian chicks put back, but with Penso in the mix, he'll easily be dropping $300 there.

Also went to Brennan's last time, but not for breakfast.

Usually we don't go to the fancier places like that. Plenty o' good eats for much less.

I've not been there post-K, but I never have had any issues in the tourist areas.

Just don't look at the ground.

There is always some nastiness flowing curbside, but I'm sure you're used to that.

Bourbon St. is vastly overrated and quite annoying IMHO.

The first trips, we stayed out late and lit it up pretty good. Last time there was basically a Girls Gone Wild section set up where everyone had their cameras ready and it seemed to be the designated tit flashing area. I think kids younger than 21 can buy beer on the street in NO, even though they can't get into the clubs. So you'll see some puking kids as you wade thru.

[steelerfaninCO]

You should have let me know you were in NYC though!

I had tix to see Ricky Gervais at the WaMu Theater at MSG(the old Felt Forum) and was only there for 2 days. Had no idea it was the freakin All Star game ( Ricky was the 15th) until we landed at LGA and it was mental. I had made reservations at the 21 Club months in advance with no knowledge of all the baseball stuff, and when we get there, there are 3 cops standing out front and a bunch of people, and it turns out the 49 HOFer's are having dinner there! Was like 2 tables away from Micheal Jordan's table....... Next time though Penso, we'll get a pint and talk some beautiful game.