Despite being an avid foodie, I still have a never-ending list of New Orleans restaurants and bars in the city that I want to try.
With graduation approaching, it sucks to feel like you missed somewhere or something special. If you’re looking for some guidance, this is how I would spend the day before leaving my college years in New Orleans behind me.
Breakfast at Congregation Coffee
My perfect morning naturally starts with a pastry and coffee at Congregation Coffee Roasters. There is a newer location in Uptown, but the original is in Algiers Point — and both are equally as good.
Their coffee is incredibly smooth, and they have interesting flavors to add like honey tahini and pistachio. Their generously-filled almond croissant is one of my favorites. I also love the lemon pinwheel, which has a strong lemon flavor in the curd and fresh berries on top.
Ogden Museum of Art
Next, I would venture over to an art museum. I love the New Orleans Museum of Art and the Odgen Museum of Southern Art both dearly, but NOMA gets much more love than the Ogden.
The Ogden focuses on Southern art, with outstanding permanent and rotating exhibits. They currently have the “Images of Jazz” exhibit featuring 30 striking photographs by Herman Leonard, first self-published in 1998. These photographs span his life’s work of photographing jazz icons.
If you’re looking to save money, they offer free admission with the New Orleans Public Library’s Culture Pass.
Vietnamese food in the suburbs
Any good day revolves around food, and Vietnamese food in New Orleans is great. I find that when you venture to the suburbs or outskirts of town, it gets even better. My favorite vermicelli bowl is at Tan Dinh on the Westbank, which stands out with their sauce options in addition to the traditional fish sauce. I especially love the curry option.
The meal is a huge serving that easily lasts me two meals — and I usually eat my whole bowl at Chipotle, so that’s saying something.
My favorite bahn mi is easily from Dong Phuong Bakery. The combination of sauces packs such great flavor and spice, which doubles with how well-seasoned the filling options are. I’m upset at how far this is, but I always grab the bahn mi when I’m picking up king cake or coming back from the East.
Happy Hour at a hotel bar
It’s a crime that there’s been no drinking involved yet, so let’s get to a happy hour. The list of cool hotels in New Orleans in lengthy — some of my favorites are Hotel Saint Vincent, The Chloe, Hotel Peter and Paul, Columns, Pontchartrain Hotel and The Blackbird.
I love the ambience and design at all these hotels; you’ll want their wallpaper and décor for your own home. With ample seating and great bars, these are all great options for a drink, snack and chat with friends.
Dinner at Bar Pomona
If you’re looking to continue snacking and drinking, Bar Pomona is a little wine bar tucked in the Marigny serving charcuterie-style plates, wine, soft serve and more. Their focaccia is perfectly crispy and fluffy, which is perfect with their caper and dill butter or braised white beans.
Bar Pomona has a great wine and cocktail selection. The soft serve is great to finish off your meal, especially if you get olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt on top.
Show at The AllWays Lounge & Cabaret or movie at the Prytania Theater Uptown
To end the night, here are two great options. The first, a burlesque show at AllWays Lounge & Cabaret is a fantastic experience. The show is around $40, but worth every penny. The drinks are fun and affordable, and there’s lots of bars around to pregame — I recommend the Emporium Arcade Bar across the street.
Alternatively, Prytania’s uptown location has been open for over 100 years and has all the magic to go along with it, down to the beautiful lobby and charming one-screen theater.
If you haven’t seen a film here yet, their 70mm selections are a great place to start. They also host events, one of my favorites being the Rocky Horror Picture Show with the live shadow cast, which is must-see before you graduate.