Essential New Orleans Classics: Food, Drinks, and Attractions

New Orleans, a celebrated city along the Mississippi River, captivates visitors with its distinctive culinary legacy, iconic cocktails, and alluring attractions. This cultural melting pot seamlessly blends French, African, and Spanish influences, offering an unmatched experience for food and culture enthusiasts. From savoring quintessential dishes like gumbo and jambalaya to indulging in famous cocktails like the Sazerac and Hurricane, New Orleans tantalizes the senses. Visitors can also explore must-see landmarks, including the charming French Quarter, the elegant Garden District, and the lively jazz venues that have solidified New Orleans as a global music destination.

TL;DR

• Savor iconic New Orleans dishes such as gumbo, jambalaya, po’boys, and beignets
• Indulge in classic cocktails like the Sazerac, Hurricane, and Ramos Gin Fizz
• Explore renowned attractions like the French Quarter, Garden District, and live jazz venues

Iconic New Orleans Cuisine

Gumbo

Gumbo, a quintessential Creole stew, is a staple of New Orleans cuisine. This hearty dish is built on a dark roux base, which is a mixture of flour and oil cooked until it reaches a deep, rich color. Gumbo comes in various styles, including seafood, chicken and andouille sausage, and filé powder (ground sassafras leaves). The stew is simmered with a variety of vegetables, such as onions, bell peppers, and celery, and served over a bed of steaming white rice. Some popular spots to try gumbo include Dooky Chase’s Restaurant (2301 Orleans Ave, New Orleans, LA 70119; Tue-Fri 11am-3pm; $11-$25) and Gumbo Shop (630 St Peter St, New Orleans, LA 70116; Sun-Thu 11am-10pm, Fri-Sat 11am-11pm; $8-$30).

Jambalaya

Jambalaya is another beloved rice dish that showcases the Creole and Cajun flavors of New Orleans. This one-pot meal features meat, vegetables, and rice simmered together with a blend of aromatic seasonings. There are two main styles of jambalaya: Creole (red) jambalaya, which includes tomatoes, and Cajun (brown) jambalaya, which does not. Popular proteins in jambalaya include shrimp, crawfish, chicken, and andouille sausage. For an authentic taste of jambalaya, visit Mother’s Restaurant (401 Poydras St, New Orleans, LA 70130; Mon-Sun 7am-10pm; $7-$16) or Coop’s Place (1109 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70116; Mon-Sun 11am-12am; $7-$25).

Po’boys

Po’boys are iconic submarine sandwiches that have been satisfying New Orleans’ hunger since the 1920s. These sandwiches are made with crispy French bread and filled with a variety of ingredients, most commonly fried seafood (such as shrimp, oysters, or catfish) or roast beef. They are typically dressed with lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, and mayonnaise. The po’boy originated as a cheap meal for striking streetcar workers, and today, it remains a beloved and affordable staple. Try a classic po’boy at Domilise’s Po-Boy & Bar (5240 Annunciation St, New Orleans, LA 70115; Mon-Sat 10am-6pm; $8-$20) or Parkway Bakery & Tavern (538 Hagan Ave, New Orleans, LA 70119; Wed-Mon 11am-8pm; $8-$20).

Beignets

Beignets, square-shaped fried dough pastries dusted with powdered sugar, are a sweet treat that no visitor to New Orleans should miss. Café du Monde (800 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70116; Open 24/7; $3-$5), a French Quarter institution since 1862, is famous for its beignets and chicory coffee. The café’s open-air seating and bustling atmosphere make it a perfect spot to enjoy these delightful pastries at any time of day, whether for breakfast or as a late-night indulgence. Other notable places to savor beignets include Morning Call Coffee Stand (56 Dreyfous Dr, New Orleans, LA 70124; Open 24/7; $3-$5) and Loretta’s Authentic Pralines (2101 N Rampart St, New Orleans, LA 70116; Mon-Sun 10am-5pm; $3-$5).

Classic New Orleans Cocktails

Sazerac

The Sazerac, a whiskey-based cocktail, holds the distinction of being the official cocktail of New Orleans. Created in the 1830s, this classic drink is made with rye whiskey or cognac, Peychaud’s bitters, sugar, and a rinse of absinthe or Herbsaint (an anise-flavored liqueur). The cocktail is served in a chilled old-fashioned glass and garnished with a lemon twist. Experience the Sazerac’s rich history and flavor at The Roosevelt Hotel’s Sazerac Bar (130 Roosevelt Way, New Orleans, LA 70112; Sun-Thu 11am-12am, Fri-Sat 11am-2am; $10-$20) or Arnaud’s French 75 Bar (813 Bienville St, New Orleans, LA 70112; Sun-Thu 5pm-10pm, Fri-Sat 5pm-11pm; $10-$20).

Hurricane

The Hurricane, a fruity rum cocktail, was invented at Pat O’Brien’s Bar in the 1940s. This vibrant drink is a blend of light and dark rums, passion fruit syrup, and lime juice, served in a signature hurricane lamp-shaped glass. The Hurricane’s sweet and tropical flavor has made it a favorite among visitors to the French Quarter. Sip on an authentic Hurricane at Pat O’Brien’s Bar (718 St Peter St, New Orleans, LA 70116; Mon-Sun 10am-2am; $9-$14) or try a creative variation at Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar (941 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70116; Mon-Sun 10am-3am; $8-$12), one of the oldest surviving structures in New Orleans.

Ramos Gin Fizz

The Ramos Gin Fizz, a creamy and frothy cocktail, was invented by Henry C. Ramos in 1888. This labor-intensive drink is made with gin, lemon and lime juices, egg white, sugar, cream, and orange flower water. The key to a perfect Ramos Gin Fizz is extensive shaking, which creates its signature smooth and velvety texture. Experience the craftsmanship behind this classic cocktail at The Sazerac Bar (130 Roosevelt Way, New Orleans, LA 70112; Sun-Thu 11am-12am, Fri-Sat 11am-2am; $10-$20) or Arnaud’s French 75 Bar (813 Bienville St, New Orleans, LA 70112; Sun-Thu 5pm-10pm, Fri-Sat 5pm-11pm; $10-$20).

Must-Visit New Orleans Attractions

French Quarter

The French Quarter, the historic heart of New Orleans, is known for its vibrant nightlife, stunning architecture, and rich cultural heritage. Bourbon Street, the most famous thoroughfare in the French Quarter, is lined with bars, restaurants, and live music venues that showcase the city’s lively spirit. Jackson Square, another iconic landmark, features the majestic St. Louis Cathedral and is often filled with talented street performers. Explore the French Quarter’s many attractions, such as the French Market (1008 N Peters St, New Orleans, LA 70116; Mon-Sun 9am-6pm), Preservation Hall (726 St Peter St, New Orleans, LA 70116; Thu-Sun 5pm-10pm; $20-$50), and the New Orleans Jazz Museum (400 Esplanade Ave, New Orleans, LA 70116; Tue-Sun 9am-4pm; $8-$10).

Garden District

The Garden District, a picturesque neighborhood known for its grand antebellum mansions and lush gardens, offers a glimpse into New Orleans’ elegant past. Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 (1400 Washington Ave, New Orleans, LA 70130; Mon-Sun 7am-3pm; Free), a historic cemetery with elaborate tombs and mausoleums, is a must-visit for those interested in the city’s unique burial practices. Magazine Street, a six-mile stretch that runs through the Garden District, is known for its boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants. Take a guided tour with Free Tours by Foot (Mon-Sun 9am-5pm; $0-$25) or Two Chicks Walking Tours (Mon-Sun 9am-5pm; $25-$40) to learn more about the neighborhood’s history and architecture.

Live Jazz Venues

New Orleans is the birthplace of jazz, and the city’s live music scene is an essential part of its cultural identity. Preservation Hall (726 St Peter St, New Orleans, LA 70116; Thu-Sun 5pm-10pm; $20-$50), a legendary jazz venue in the French Quarter, showcases traditional New Orleans jazz performed by some of the city’s most talented musicians. Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro (626 Frenchmen St, New Orleans, LA 70116; Mon-Sun 4pm-12am; $20-$40) is another popular spot, featuring contemporary jazz acts in an intimate setting. Frenchmen Street, located just outside the French Quarter, is a hub for live music clubs and street performances. Some notable venues on Frenchmen Street include The Spotted Cat Music Club (623 Frenchmen St, New Orleans, LA 70116; Mon-Sun 2pm-2am; $5-$10), Blue Nile (532 Frenchmen St, New Orleans, LA 70116; Mon-Sun 7pm-2am; $10-$20), and d.b.a. (618 Frenchmen St, New Orleans, LA 70116; Mon-Sun 3pm-2am; $5-$15).

New Orleans offers an unparalleled experience for those seeking to immerse themselves in a distinctive culinary heritage, vibrant music scene, and captivating history. From savoring quintessential dishes like gumbo and po’boys to indulging in iconic cocktails like the Sazerac and Hurricane, visitors to the city will find a wealth of delectable flavors to enjoy. The must-see attractions, including the charming French Quarter, elegant Garden District, and lively jazz venues, provide a glimpse into the unique culture and spirit that make New Orleans one of the most alluring destinations in the world. Whether you’re a food enthusiast, music lover, or history buff, New Orleans has something to offer everyone, making it a city that truly embodies its nickname, “The Big Easy.”