Shani's New Orleans Recommendations
2025 Edition.
Welcome to Cheaper Than Therapy, a newsletter by Shani Silver.
This isn’t a “best of” New Orleans list. This is a “Shani’s Favorites” list, let’s be clear. I don’t even think it’s possible to write “best of” lists, when experiences are so subjective and everyone has their own preferences. The best we can do is find someone whose taste we align with/admire, and then eat where they tell us to. I’ve lived here for four years, I love and respect this place deeply, and I’m thrilled to share what I love with you.
Living in a city that’s visited frequently by tourists, a city that hosts countless conventions and major events, and a city with a rich history and culture, I want to make sure people I care about have a good time here. You can find recommendations anywhere you like, and if you follow them you’ll probably enjoy yourself. But this is a manageable list of my personal favorites, the ones I’ve acquired as a single, childfree woman living alone on a budget. I think a lot more attention could be paid to our cohort and what it likes, so here you go.
General Rules
Don’t come during hurricane season. I mean, you can if you want, but if you book a trip to New Orleans in August or September that’s your money you’re gambling with, love. Also, regarding the heat, you were warned. If you wouldn’t walk around inside a dog’s mouth don’t come to New Orleans in August or September. Here’s the best part: You don’t have to. The weather can actually be quite pleasant when it’s not the apex of summer. I suggest October/November/December, or March/April/May.
Have an attitude of enjoyment. This is a place of fun, leisure, history, culture, stories, and living life. If you come to New Orleans expecting it to be something other than what it is, you’ll get frustrated. Don’t tell the city how to entertain you, allow it to delight you, just as it is. A good attitude, a little patience, and a healthy curiosity for life will serve you very, very well in New Orleans.
You must leave the French Quarter. The only major tourist mistake you can make is never experiencing New Orleans beyond it. Please branch out, better yet book a hotel outside of the French Quarter, perhaps in the Garden District, which will expose you to more of the city by default and in my opinion the lodgings are more interesting anyway.
Be smart about safety. Don’t walk alone at night, anywhere. Tourists who are alone (especially those who have been drinking) are at risk. If something in the French Quarter feels like a scam, it is. Basically if any stranger approaches you on Bourbon Street, keep it moving. Better yet, avoid Bourbon Street. Stay aware of your surroundings and belongings and you’ll be fine.
Be kind to people in the service industry, remember they don’t work for you, and tip them. Tourism is New Orleans’ biggest industry, respect it please. Be nice to your Lyft drivers as well, and ask them what they love about living here. Don’t get frustrated by traffic, just make conversation, you’ll learn something. Also, if a blocked road is causing traffic, there’s probably a parade happening (kind of our thing). Check your map and see if it’s quicker for you to just get out and walk.
If you want to come for Mardi Gras, book your lodgings OR inquire about a friend’s guest room as early as possible. August would not be an unreasonable time to do this. If you think you can text a New Orleans friend in February about Mardi Gras, they will not text back. From Twelfth Night in early January to Mardi Gras Day which can fall anywhere from mid February to mid March, your New Orleanian friends are, to put it mildly, busy.
Now, onto my recommendations. All the places listed below are VERY Google-able and most are on Instagram. Check out their tagged photos to view sort of a visual menu. I want to be clear that these are a local’s favorites, but specifically the ones she’d want a tourist to enjoy. Yes, I have a favorite local wine shop/bar (two actually), but I don’t feel like you need to go there as a tourist because you’ve probably got that at home. When you come to New Orleans, you should have a memorable experience that you can’t have at home—that’s my point.
Fast Breakfast:
For when you want to go to museums, parks, shopping, river tours, etc. and you just need a lil something before you begin your day.
Ayu Bakehouse: Try multiple pastries and get them to go or sit outside for a minute and get a feel for the neighborhood. *You can also just go to the closest coffee shop/bakery to where you’re staying, pretty much all of ours are divine. My favorite item at Ayu is their vegetarian muffuletta breadstick, and their croissants are heavenly.
Lagniappe Bakehouse: My favorite pastries in the city, period. If you find yourself near here at any time of day, treat yourself. The coffee is really good, too.
French Truck: My favorite local coffee shop, there are many all around the city, and there’s one in the French Quarter so let us please render Starbucks unnecessary. The New Orleans Iced Coffee is my favorite item, I’m sorry if you grow attached to this beverage and purchase seven of them while you’re here. It is sweet, but you can ask for half the sweetness, that’s what I do.
Slow Breakfast:
My personal preference, take your time, enjoy.
Molly’s Rise & Shine: If you can only have breakfast once, make sure it’s at Molly’s. If what you order doesn’t involve a biscuit, get one on the side. Trust me. Their crispy rice salad is one of my favorite dishes in all of New Orleans, by the way.
Bearcat: One of those rare places that’s just as beloved by tourists as it is by locals. Go to the one in the Central Business District, aka CBD. This is an incredibly solid breakfast spot, but Willa Jean or District All Day are great options nearby as well if Bearcat has a long wait.
Shani’s Favorite Restaurants
If you don’t eat any good food while you’re in New Orleans, that was not New Orleans’ fault.
Palm & Pine: It’s rare that I recommend restaurants in the French Quarter, so pay attention when I do. The food here is just so good. I mean honestly what else do we ever really need to know about a restaurant? I love to come here for dinner and sit at the chef’s counter in the back. Whatever their pastry chef is making, cornbread, desserts, etc, order it all.
Mister Mao: This is one of my favorite restaurants anywhere, actually. Just look it up on Instagram, make a reservation, and enjoy. Sit at the chef’s counter if you can, and do not skip the fried chicken OR dessert.
N7: Romantic outdoor vibes and a really special experience overall, this is one you’ll remember for a long time. Foodies, do this. If you want to make a night out of it, head to Saturn Bar around the corner, one of my favorite local dives that usually has really good live music.
Saba: This place is for people who make an entire meal out of dip. I like going for lunch and sitting at the bar with a ridiculous amount of small plates and fresh pita showing up like magic. Their hummus is elite. There’s also wonderful shopping on this part of Magazine street so plan to stroll around a bit. If you find yourself closer to Shaya, feel free to go there instead, but Saba is my preference.
Peche: I go here alone, I sit at the bar, I order smoked fish dip, I leave happy. Raw bar fans shouldn’t skip this place, it’s a local’s go-to. There are tons of incredible bars and art galleries nearby as well. If you’re dining solo, reach out in advance and ask if you can reserve a bar seat.
Cochon: This is where I take out of town guests to give them an experience of local cuisine that doesn’t involve having to wear a dinner jacket. Absolutely spectacular food but definitely not a light menu. Plan to make this your evening because the only place you’re going afterward is bed.
Jack Rose: If you’re on a girls’ trip and someone in your group has a birthday, celebrate it here. This is inside the Hotel Pontchartrain, which also has a delightful rooftop bar you shouldn’t skip at sunset. Come here for dinner with people you like a lot and then catch some live Jazz in the bar up front afterward with the street car passing by in the background. Heaven.
Jewel Of The South: If you’re celebrating something very special during your trip to New Orleans, this is the place to do it. If you’re here solo or with just one person and can’t work in a dinner here, stop by on the early side for a cocktail at their (very small) bar. They’re known for their cocktails, for very good reason, but I also really, really love the food. If you need a splurge, their caviar service is the best. It comes with these perfectly golden little hash brown things instead of crackers, come on.
Parkway: You can waste time listening to everyone in New Orleans fight about where to get the “best” po’boy, or you can just go to this extremely solid option and eat. This is where I go to get po’boys with my friends. It’s worth the Lyft ride and then some. I love the fried oyster option but if they don’t have it when I’m there I’ll get fried shrimp. Use Crystal Hot Sauce with extremely reckless abandon. Eat here before or after checking out City Park and the New Orleans Museum of Art aka NOMA. If the line to order food is super long, you can also order food at the drinks window and most people don’t know that. Don’t say I never gave you anything.
Sylvain: Sitting at the bar and eating a fried chicken sandwich is one of those things that feeds my mood as much as it feeds my tummy. There’s something about sitting at a local’s spot in the French Quarter, watching confused tourists mill about outside, that just makes me feel very lucky to live here and have a local’s perspective. You can experience a little bit of that, if you’d like. For drinks check out their sister spot, The Will & The Way, but do not walk down Bourbon Street to get there, walk down Charters or Royal.
Clancy’s: If you want an old school, white linen, absolutely stellar dining experience, this one is hands down my favorite. Skip all the grand old restaurants in the French Quarter and do this instead, in my opinion it’s some of the best food in the city. (If you must fancy dine in the French Quarter, Arnaud’s is my suggestion.)
***If you are visiting New Orleans with your parents for some reason, take them to Atchafalaya for dinner or brunch. All parents love this place and their food is wonderful.
Shani’s Favorite Bars:
I am not a nightlife person, and this list will be reflective of that. My good times tend to happen before 9pm, it is what it is.
Anna’s: If you’re staying in the Marigny/Bywater check this out, but it’s a very local spot so don’t feel pressured to make a special trip. This is the kind of dive-but-not-really-a-dive bar I need in my life. I love the atmosphere, the drinks are perfect, and there’s always a good crew of people around between this place and Pepp’s Pub across the street (which allows dogs, a strong draw for me). They have really solid rotating pop-up food options upstairs, but if Tacos Para La Vida is there, get the birria pizza, for sure.
Tell Me Bar: It’s not your all night spot, it’s an opener or a closer. Or fuck it, both. This is one of the most stylish spaces in New Orleans with the best staff in the city and a really, really good wine list. There are food pop ups all the time but honestly, I’d do this one before or after dinner and get a full meal elsewhere. It’s going to look like you’re driving to the ass end of nothing on the way here, just trust the process and look for signs that say “wine.”
Fives: Fives is so many of my favorite things all at once. It’s a horseshoe bar, which I’m an absolute slut for, it’s on Jackson Square but it is very much not a tourist spot. They’re known for incredible cocktails and a small but powerful menu, specifically the raw bar. This is another spot I’d say is perfect as an opener/closer. I’ve had a glass of wine here and then walked to Sylvain for dinner many, many times. (It’s literally a three minute walk across Jackson Square, and the French Quarter at sunset is quite charming.)
Swirl: A standout wine shop with spectacular by-the-glass options. My ideal evening is a glass or two here, then walking across the street to Cafe Degas for dinner on their patio. (You must make a reservation.) This is an ideal spot to get a bottle of wine for your hosts if you are staying with friends in the Bayou Saint John area. This is another one where a special trip is not necessary, but go here if convenient.
Shopping:
I don’t know if I’d consider New Orleans a shopping city, but I can assure you that what you find here you will not find in other places, and isn’t that the entire point of shopping when we travel?
Sassy Magick: I know you want the witchy stuff, so let’s start with that. This is my favorite witchy store in New Orleans, I particularly enjoy their variety of tarot decks and books. This is a really solid stop while you’re in town, any of their locations will do.
Dark Matter Oddities: I’m not gonna tell you a damn thing. Just go. Both this place and Sassy Magick are in the French Quarter.
Fifi Mahoney’s: WIGS, Y’ALL. Fifi’s is the go-to spot for costume wigs in New Orleans, and while its French Quarter location might make you think it’s for tourists, locals really do shop here and we’re very grateful for the privilege. The wig designs cover every event and season this city cares about, I own four (or is it five?). This is a fun stop while you’re in the Quarter.
The Collective Shop: This is a MUST when you’re on Magazine Street. Some of my favorite ceramics I’ve ever owned have come from this store, I’ve also bought gifts and incense that I haven’t found anywhere else. Those who collect tree ornaments from their travels will enjoy the ones here SO MUCH MORE than the mass-produced stuff you find in the French Quarter. If you’re looking for a locally owned store with amazing finds that isn’t even remotely tourist-centric, this is your store. It’s on Magazine Street, surrounded by a ton of other local gems.
Hazelnut: I’ve bought more gifts here than I can count. This place is packed and also brilliantly curated. If you’re staying at a friend’s place while you’re here, get them a thank-you gift at this spot.
Elizabeth Chronicles: If you wear women’s clothing this is an essential stop. This place is SO CUTE and everything is very affordable. If you find yourself in New Orleans without the right outfit (for something like a fancy dinner), go here.
Baldwin & Co.: If you’re staying nearby and actually need to get a little work done while you’re here, this bookstore/coffee shop hybrid is ideal. They also have a podcast studio you can rent and check out their events calendar for book signings!
Dirty Coast: If you wear a Dirty Coast tee shirt anywhere in the world I promise you eventually a stranger will come up to you to give you a compliment. You’re not going to understand a lot of the New Orleans inside jokes on these shirts, but if you do find one that resonates with you, get it—you literally won’t find it anywhere else. I’m partial to their Christmas shirt that says “Happy Almost Mardi Gras,” but that’s just me.
Merchant House: If you drove here and have room in your car for vintage furniture and housewares, you really should stop by. If you flew here, you’re going to cry over something you find that you can’t take home. Fair warning. Easily the best curation of vintage furniture in the city. While you’re there, get pizza at St. Pizza and wine at Patron Saint, all are next door to each other and all are outstanding.
Fun Stuff:
Activities that don’t necessarily involve eating or drinking, though eating and drinking is a huge reason to come to New Orleans.
Country Club Pool: $20 cover, no kids allowed, full bar and food menu. I would go here every day in the summer if I didn’t also have to earn a living. If you’re going on a weekend, be mindful that the lounge chairs around the pool fill up quickly. This is an everybody, and every body, pool. I have always felt safe, welcome, and at ease here in a bathing suit. I can also highly recommend the Mister Mao Swim Club, a newer addition to New Orleans and an absolute delight. Best poolside food I’ve ever had.
Jazz On Frenchmen Street: If you only do one thing on this list, make it music. You should walk down Frenchmen street at night and when you hear something you like coming out of any one of the MANY venues you’ll pass by, go inside and enjoy the local musicians of New Orleans. If the art market is open, take a stroll through. Check out Brieux Carre while you’re down there, it’s my favorite local brewery.
Walk down Magazine Street: There are too many good shops, bars, and restaurants to name on this essential stretch of the city. I strongly recommend taking a long walk down Magazine Street starting at French Truck Coffee (as long as it’s not too hot outside but it won’t be because you’re not coming in August or September, right?).
City Park: It’s gorgeous, it doesn’t look like your average park because our trees love DRAMA, and it’s an amazing way to get some fresh air in New Orleans while seeing a space the locals love a lot. Mornings and sunsets here are iconic.
NOMA: While you’re at City Park, check out our art museum. It’s a very nice thing to do. Visiting museums is something I’m much more likely to do as a tourist than a local, and honestly that’s a shame, we’ve got some winners. The Ogden is a museum dedicated specifically to Southern art and it’s one of the most special museums I’ve ever been to. Strongly recommend (grab lunch at Peche after!).
Tourist Stuff You’re Totally Allowed To Do
Loretta’s Pralines: Beignets! Please don’t wait an hour for an overcrowded tourist trap. Go to Loretta’s in the Marigny or the French Market for beignets instead. If you must go to Cafe Du Monde, at least go to the one in City Park, because that way you’ll get to see City Park. Loretta’s however is BELOVED for its beignets and pralines and you won’t have to deal with lines or tourists.
Jackson Square: I mean it’s beautiful and it’s the best photo op in the city. Who am I to roll my eyes at it? If you must eat at a restaurant on the square, make it Muriels, because while it’s definitely a tourist spot, at least it’s also genuinely haunted and a total vibe. Ask if the seance room is open upstairs for photos and general hanging out.
Burlesque: The burlesque is so good here and I am so confident in it that I will literally just tell you to Google it and if you find a show that works with your schedule, I’m certain it’ll knock your socks off.
The Streetcar: It’s not air conditioned, it’s not a smooth ride, but my god I love the charm of this thing. Take it down Saint Charles Avenue to feast your eyes on massive trees and gorgeous homes, and then take it back again, hopping off anytime you see a bar or a restaurant that catches your eye. The fee is $1.25 so you’ll get to use up your loose change.
Arnaud’s French 75: I’m speaking specifically of the bar, not the restaurant (though the restaurant is also wonderful). When you walk in, make a left the host stand and you’ll be in the bar. I like taking visitors here because it’s a beautiful space and a good way to get a little taste of a LOT of New Orleans. There is a slightly hidden Mardi Gras museum upstairs that will take you five minutes to walk through, I highly recommend it. It’s free.
Valuable Information
You don’t have to finish your drink before you leave a place, you can walk around with it outside. Ask the bartender for a “go cup,” they all have them. Just don’t try to take an open drink in a Lyft, that’s rude.
I probably didn’t specifically say this: Always check to see if the place you’re going for dinner takes reservations and if it does, book one. If you suddenly can’t make the reservation, call to let them know.
Inform yourself of any major events such as festivals, major concerts at the Superdome, or parades before you come to New Orleans. This will massively affect your ability to get around in car or Lyft.
People really do live in the charming neighborhoods you’re about to see, including me, so please be respectful of your surroundings and our neighbors.
Ghost tours are very hit or miss, so much so that it isn’t just the company you go with, it’s also the host you happen to be assigned. Grab a big to-go drink before your tour and I doubt you’ll give much of a shit either way.
Don’t buy Mardi Gras beads. We don’t do that. Either catch ’em off a balcony by chance or just come during Mardi Gras and catch more off a float than you’ll have any desire to take home in your suitcase. Also, don’t wear Mardi Gras beads when it’s not actually Mardi Gras season. That is hands down the best way to look like a tourist and a gullible one at that. LASTLY: We don’t show body parts for beads. That’s tourist shit. Stop it.
That is my list! (For now, I am certain it will evolve, as all things do.) If you’re planning a trip to New Orleans and have any specific questions, please leave a comment below and I’ll do my best to help.
This city is far from perfect, but it is precious to me, and to anyone who lives here. I am certain that whether you take my recommendations or someone else’s, your time here will make a lasting impression. Laissez les bons temps, etc.
xo
Shani
PS - If you have any interest in a Mardi Gras-specific list of recommendations and instructions, please let me know.
You just read my mind, as I'm in the midst of planning a birthday NOLA trip next month, which unfortunately is still September (but end of September!? Pray for me!)