Here is our list of consistently reliable favorites day by day…
Atchafalaya for Jazz Brunch – they’re now serving brunch every day except Tuesday (closed on Tuesday); but the best day to go is Sunday. It is a pretty tough reservation to get so book it early. This place has really nailed the experience – the food, the music, the ambiance are all perfect. And their Bloody Mary bar is delicious – try the green tomato juice if they have it. Our favorite dishes are Grits & Grillades, Shrimp & Grits, The Boudreaux, and Cochon Du L’Eggs.
Sunday – Tipitina’s offers 2 recurring activities on every other Sunday that are really pretty neat. The first is something for the kids called the Sunday Youth Music Workshop from 1pm – 3pm. It involves a revolving list of well known artists from New Orleans who come in and play with any kid that shows up with an instrument and a willingness to get on stage. As a matter of fact, you don’t have to come with an instrument – vocal cords and the ability to play the tambourine or triangle. The second option is the Cajun Fais Do-Do, featuring The Bruce Daigrepont Cajun Band, which starts at 5:30 on Sundays and costs $10 at the door. You get to experience cajun/zydeco music and dancing along with a variety of local fans.
Monday – Monday is pretty mellow here in New Orleans, our recommendation is to grab a bicycle for the day and explore the various neighborhoods – particularly the Garden District and the Marigny/Bywater. Head to the Marigny for lunch, where you can visit Bacchanal – a local favorite for it’s laid back courtyard and live music 7 days a week, including during lunch.
Tuesday – Here in New Orleans, Tuesday’s are known on the music scene as the day to see Rebirth. Head Uptown to the Maple Leaf Bar on Oak Street. Get Uptown early enough to wait for a table at Jacques Imos (If you’re a party of 5 or more, you can call for a reservation!). Enjoy some delicious food at this casual spot, not to mention some strong drinks – then you can leisurely saunter over to “The Leaf” to see Rebirth Brass Band at their standing, Tuesday night gig. It’s a must.
Wednesday – In the Spring & Fall, Wednesday night is host to Wednesday at the Square in Lafayette Square in the Central Business District. It’s a free outdoor concert (weather permitting) that has food booths & a wide variety of drinks. Bring a festival chair and a few of your closest friends or family and enjoy some of our amazingly talented local musicians.
Thursday – Stop by The Ogden Museum for their weekly Ogden After Hours series. They reopen the museum at 5:30 and have live music from 6-8pm along with a local food option and bars on the first floor and the 4th floor. They’ve also got a kids table, with an assortment of arts & craft activities for the kids to choose from. For late night music, swing by Le Bon Temps (or as we like to call it, The Shame Spiral) for The Soul Rebels Brass Band.
Friday – The only place you should make a point to be on Friday is at Galatoire’s for lunch. This is one of those experiences that can only truly happen in New Orleans. Clear your calendar for the entire day, get yourself gussied in your finest duds, and head down to Galatoire’s with your funnest friends. You’ll spend hours drinking, and eating, and laughing, and drinking some more. Finish the afternoon at the Chart Room; a perfect segue after Galatoire’s – bring cash and quarters for the jukebox.
Saturday – Now that you’ve got a raging hangover, make a quick stop at The Remedy Room for an IV drip that is sure to clear out some of the bad toxins in your body. That way you can keep drinking!! Once you’ve visited the Remedy Room, we suggest you make brunch at Elizabeth’s in the Marigny and then get right back to the Quarter. Our favorite early day drinking spot is The Golden Lantern.