Bachelorette guide to New Orleans
New Orleans is the prime spot for debauchery. Not Vegas (though it’s a close second), not LA, not Nashville. NOLA is truly the best spot to be as naughty as possible. This list isn’t exclusive to bachelorette parties, but this is a list of my favorite spots in NOLA that would be great for a bachelorette party or girls weekend.
Where to Stay
There are lots of hotels to choose from in New Orleans… Depending on where you want to stay and your budget, I’d recommend the following:
The Chloe - off St. Charles in the Garden District. It is so gorgeous, has a great bar and pool area, and is perfectly located!
Virgin - I’ve stayed here and LOVED it! Pretty inexpensive, rooftop bar and pool, bars and restaurants throughout the property, and a quick walk to the French Quarter.
Where to Eat
New Orleans has some of the best restaurants in the world, and it can be overwhelming to decide where to eat.
For a more party vibe:
Justine - In the French Quarter, this sexy and fun French restaurant has an insane burger and mac and cheese and makes my favorite French 75 in New Orleans. Go for brunch or dinner - you can’t go wrong.
Salon Salon - in the CBD, this place is so sexy! Set up like a lounge, it is perfect for mingling and have small plates and cocktails. The interior is red and like a library, so I’d lean into that theme.
Val’s - $6 margaritas from 4-6 and located on the ever-growing Freret - be sure to come here for your classic margaritas and Mexican food. They have a big patio with a DJ sometimes in the warmer months.
For a special vibe:
Jewel of the South - Located in the French Quarter and rated a top 50 restaurant bar in the world, Jewel of the South is a must! They also offer 50% off caviar on Wednesdays if you are in town on a Wednesday. They have a gorgeous patio to sit at as well.
Mamou - Mamou was written up in the New York Times lovingly and has since been almost impossible to get a reservation. We went for a glass of champagne and snacks before a dinner reservation somewhere else and we loved it so much.
n7 - A French and Japanese fusion restaurant virtually hidden in a residential neighborhood, n7 is beloved by locals and was gatekept for years from tourists. Seemingly located in someone’s yard, this restaurant is a hidden gem and adored by everyone who visits. I recommend the soy sauce creme brulee to finish the evening.
Brasa - an Argentinian steakhouse located inside the Shops at Canal Place, they have a life-changing pornstar martini on the menu and an incredible short rib mac and cheese…
Casual fare:
Dat dog - best after a happy hour at Cure or after dancing on Frenchman St, be sure to get a dog after a few drinks. I get a Guinness sausage with sauteed onions, cheddar cheese, and spicy creole mustard.
Latitude 29 - who doesn’t love a tiki bar!!!!! I LOVE their Missionary’s Downfall and burger. Be sure to get your last tiki drink in a go-cup to take on the way to your next stop.
Domenica - half-priced pizza happy hour from 3-5!!! I love this Neapolitan pizza spot in the CBD (in The Roosevelt Hotel)
Shaya - a hummus happy hour and tapas galore, this spot on Magazine Street is a must-visit. They make their own pita bread for their hummus in a giant wood-burning oven in the middle of the restaurant. I recommend their lamb ragu hummus, the ikra, and the lamb kebabs.
La Boulangerie - the best breakfast/brunch. Also located on Magazine Street, I love coming here almost every morning for the cheese straw, the parfait, a mimosa, and a latte. Don’t be discouraged if there is a long line! It goes quickly and is absolutely worth a wait.
Barracuda - my favorite Mexican restaurant in New Orleans, it is a bit off the beaten path but definitely worth a stop. Their barbacoa and veggie tacos are what my dreams are made of.
Bars
Cure - a multi-time James Beard award winner for cocktail service, they have my favorite cocktails in all of New Orleans. Go during happy hour to get a great deal, and be sure to get the caviar ($50) to split :)
Vessel - this bar is a former church-turned-bar and is absolutely stunning. Come here for the late night pics for the bride in her veil <3
Elysian - in Marigny, this gorgeous hotel bar is part of Hotel Peter and Paul. With a stunning interior and beautiful courtyard, you can’t go wrong here.
Chloe - another hotel bar, they have a beautiful pool you can get a day pass to and rent a cabana! They have a great margarita and good snacks. Would be a great mid-day relaxation spot.
Columns -right next door to the Chloe, add this to a bar crawl of gorgeous hotel bars. Get the hot honey goat cheese dip here and a fruity cocktail.
St. Vincent - I love coming here for a boozy poolside brunch. They have a great breakfast menu, great coffee, and a gorgeous courtyard! They have multiple bars and restaurants on-site and a great shop in the lobby.
Sylvain - I always stop here in the French Quarter for their cornbread and their cocktails. It’s located right next to Jackson Square, so odds are you’ll be near it at some point. Their happy hour is 2:30-4 on Fridays-Sundays.
Bacchanal - about a 15-minute Uber outside of downtown New Orleans, this is a wine-lovers dream! Set in a backyard essentially, this spot is great for a day-time wine down in the warmer months. They have small plates and cheese to order as well :)
Things to Do
Royal Tours - a small-scale and intimate tour company in New Orleans, they offer so many tour options for your group. Tell them Jordan sent you :)
Sazerac House - this museum is FREE and I cannot believe it! It shares the history of alcohol and bitters in New Orleans and you even get little cocktail samples throughout the tour. It is a great way to escape the heat and try some new cocktails without fully committing.
Century Girl Vintage - this shop has an AMAZING curation of girly vintage finds from past decades. They even have an entire bridal suite!
What to Avoid
Hotel Monteleone and the Carousel Bar - the drinks are so bad and it’s a hot spot for tourists to be drugged. Just avoid.
Bourbon Street - I wouldn’t outright avoid it, but I’d go during the day instead.
Court of the Two Sisters - overrated, not great food, and overrun with tourists.
Vampire Bar - awful drinks, smells of cat piss in the stairway (cute cats though!), and the cover is ridiculous.
If you want access to my Google Sheets with all of my favorite bars and restaurants, with links to their menu and happy hour info - email me :) I’m selling it for $5!