Our annual guide to food and drink during the IFT conference is here! Symrise Chef Noah Michaels highlights 51 of the city's best spots to drink, eat and wake up.

1. Where to Eat and Drink in New
Orleans
A Guide to IFT 2019
By Chef Noah Michaels
After several visits, I’ve compiled a great guide of where to eat and drinkon your tripto NOLA. It’s
broken up into twoparts, the best of classic New Orleans and the best of the modern culinary scene so
you can choose your own adventure.
Drink
THE CLASSICS
Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop
Allegedly the oldest bar in America, Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop was opened around 1770 by a French
pirate and blacksmith
941 Bourbon St, New Orleans,LA 70116
http://www.lafittesblacksmithshop.com
The Old Absinthe House
Originallybuilt in 1806, the OldAbsinthe House was destroyed during prohibition and moved
underground toa warehouse. It has since moved back at its original location complete with the
original ornamental absinthe fountains.
240 Bourbon St, New Orleans,LA 70130
http://www.ruebourbon.com/oldabsinthehouse/
Hot Tin
Hot Tin sits on the roofof the PontchartrainHotel and offers stunning views of the city. It’s perfect for
a classic cocktail or a bottle of Champaign on a cooler night after spending all day at the show.
2031 St CharlesAve, New Orleans,LA 70130
http://hottinbar.com/
Carousel Bar and Lounge
The accurately named Carousel Bar is a revolving bar in the Hotel Monteleone and is considered to be
one of the most iconic bars in the world. Sure it’sa littlegimmickybut if you likeVieux Carreor other
classic NOLA cocktails, it’s solid.
214 Royal St, New Orleans,LA 70130
https://hotelmonteleone.com/entertainment/carousel-bar/
Arnaud's French 75 Bar
Arnaud's French 75 originallyopened in 1918 and didn’t even bother to close during prohibition. It
was reopened in 1979 under new ownership and has been serving itssignature cocktail the French 75
the whole time.
813 Bienville St, New Orleans,LA 70112

2. https://www.arnaudsrestaurant.com/bars/french-75/
The Victorian Lounge
If you’ve had enough of the Quarter, head over tothe beautiful, historicGarden District and trythe
VictorianLounge in the Columns Hotel. The space oozes opulence and old worldcharm and has some
great outdoor seating.
3811 St CharlesAve, New Orleans,LA 70115
https://thecolumns.com/
Sazerac Bar
Opened in 1893, the Sazerac Bar was the inventor of the famous Sazerac cocktail and still brings
evokes that classic early turn of the century feel.
130 Roosevelt Way, New Orleans,LA 70112
http://therooseveltneworleans.com/dining/the-sazerac-bar.html
THE MODERN
Sainte Marie
Near the Superdome, Sainte Marie is hugely popular during games but has slowly been upping their
cocktail game with small batch liquors and hand-made mixers. Go for their house made tonicand
barrel aged gin on a hot night.
930 PoydrasStreet, New Orleans,LA 70112
http://saintemarienola.com/menu/cocktails/
Cure
Cure is credited as the bar that sparked the cocktail revolution in New Orleans; it’s in a littlebit of a
fringe neighborhood and a littlebit of a hike so definitely take a cab.
4905 Freret Street,New Orleans,LA 70115
http://curenola.com/
Sylvain
Sylvain is a great bar inside a great restaurant. They make arguably the best Sazarac in town which is
no small feat and it’s uncivilized todrink without at least a littlesomething to snack on.
625 ChartresStreet, NewOrleans,Louisiana 70130
https://www.sylvainnola.com/#drinks-section
Bar Tonique
Bar Tonique is a great cocktail bar that borders on one on those mixology style bars but doesn’t take
itself tooseriously. It also features a noon tofive happy hour.
820 N Rampart St., New Orleans, LA 70116
http://bartonique.com/menu/
Seaworthy
The Seaworthy is a stylish nautical themed bar inside the Ace Hotel. They specialize in Oysters but
have an impeccably crafted cocktails and well curated beer and wine list.
630 Carondelet St, New Orleans, LA 70130
http://www.seaworthynola.com/

3. Barrel Proof
Cocktailsare great, don’t get me wrong but I love Whisk(e)y. Barrel Proof has 300+ of them to choose
from and bring in new LTO “baller” whiskeys every week.
1201 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70130
https://www.barrelproofnola.com/
Bacchanal Wine
Bacchanal is like a wine bar but country style. You buy a bottle of wine in the storeand take it back to
the to the patio area filledwith mismatched furniture while you enjoy live music and breezes off the
Mississippi.
600 Poland Avenue New Orleans,LA 70117
http://www.bacchanalwine.com/
Cane and Table
A great gem hidden in the quarter, this bar focuses on classic rum drinks and provides a nice respite
from the frozen drinks and hurricanes typically found in that area. It’s a great spot to have a few bites
to slow down the evening too.
1113 Decatur St., New Orleans,LA 70130
http://www.caneandtablenola.com/
Parleaux Beer Lab
Parleaux Beer Lab is an experimental brewery in Bywater. Don’t expect and Bud here. Youprobably
won’t even find a DDHIPA (if you have to ask…). Expect sours, barrel aged and oyster stout made with
local oysters.
634 LessepsSt, New Orleans,LA 70117
https://www.parleauxbeerlab.com/
Eat
THE CLASSICS
Antoine’s
Antoine’s is the oldest family owned restaurant in the country and just celebrated its175th birthday.
Oh, and they invented Oysters Rockefeller.
713 Saint LouisSt., New Orleans,LA 70130
http://www.antoines.com/
Gabrielle
Gabrielle was one of the local favorite’s pre hurricane Katrina. This local Treme restaurant closed
post hurricane and only reopened in 2017. It managed tocapture its prior glory once again with
Southern and Cajun classics like stuffed crab and slow roasted duck.
2441 OrleansAve, New Orleans,LA 70119
https://www.gabriellerestaurant.com/
Heard Dat Kitchen
It’s not fancy but ifyou want some down home Cajun classics likefried chicken and fish and red beans
and rice. The chef, Jeff Heard, cooked at Restaurant August before opening something a littlemorefun
so look for a mix of technical precision and great flavor on the menu.
2520 FelicitySt, New Orleans,LA 70113

4. https://www.hearddatkitchen.com/
Galatoire’s
Galatoire’s has been a NOLA staple for over 100 years. Go for classic service and Creolefavorites like
Duck and Andouille Gumbo but make sure to bring a jacket if you go.
209 Bourbon St., New Orleans,LA 70130
http://www.galatoires.com/home
Brennan’s
When Brennan’s reopened in 2014, it was with rave reviews and updated twists on classic dishes. Try
the New Orleans style BBQ’d Lobster, turtle soup or the Bananas Foster. They also serve brunch every
day and would never judge you for ordering a morning cocktail.
417 Royal St., New Orleans,LA 70130
http://www.brennansneworleans.com/
Commander’s Palace
Commander’s helped launch the careers of Paul Prudhomme and Emeril Lagasse and continues to set
the culinary bar withJames Beard winning chef Tory McPhails inventive southern cuisine.
1403 Washington Ave., New Orleans,LA 70130
http://www.commanderspalace.com/
Central Grocery
Central Grocery has been around since 1906 and has perfected sandwich making. Go for a hubcap
sized (literallynot figuratively) muffuletta and take home some of their jarred olive salad for later.
923 Decatur St., New Orleans,LA 70116
http://centralgroceryneworleans.com/
Acme Oyster House
Acme has been serving up fresh oysters since 1910 and shucks almost 10,000 of them every day. Be
prepared towait in line to get in.
724 Iberville St., New Orleans, LA 70130
http://www.acmeoyster.com/
Parkway Bakery and Tavern
Opened originallyas a bakery in 1911, Parkwayhas been serving some of the city’s finest Po’Boys since
1920.
538 Hagan Ave., New Orleans,LA 70119
https://parkwaypoorboys.com/
THE MODERN
Ba Mien
Located in a strip mall in the heart of NOLA’s littleVietnam, Ba Mien features some of the best
Vietnamese in the region.
13235 Chef Menteur Hwy., New Orleans, LA 70129
http://www.bamien.com/
Sylvain
Sylvain gets mentioned twiceon this list for its great cocktailsand also its great Southern with an
Italian twist cuisine.

5. 625 ChartresStreet, NewOrleans,Louisiana 70130
http://www.sylvainnola.com/
Boucherie
Go to Boucherie for meat-centric new style southern food and alcoholic root beer floats.
8115 Jeannette St., New Orleans,LA 70118
http://boucherie-nola.com/
Cochon Butcher
It’s a butcher shop, a sandwich counter and a wine bar. Inspired by old-world meat markets, Butcher
specializes in house made meats, terrines and sausages, the fresh cuts are handpicked and ready-to-
cook items available daily.
930 TchoupitoulasSt., New Orleans,LA 70130
http://www.cochonbutcher.com/
Maurepas Foods
Maurepas Foods serves no nonsense local inspired Southern Revival Cuisine along with interesting
cocktailsin the Bywater neighborhood.
3200 BurgundySt., New Orleans, LA 70117
http://maurepasfoods.com/about/
Turkey and the Wolf
2019 James Beard Nominee, Turkey and the Wolf, isa great fun restaurant specializing in inventive
sandwiches and cool small plates like fried chicken pot pie.
739 Jackson Ave, New Orleans,LA 70130
http://www.turkeyandthewolf.com/
Vessel
Vessel is a recent favorite, serving Southern influenced Mediterranean food in an amazing refurbished
1914 church. They have a serious beverage program featuring 16 different glasses.
3835 Iberville St, New Orleans,LA 70119
https://vesselnola.com/
Coquette
Locavore Southern gem Coquette creates innovative twistson Southern food with fantastic ingredients
paired with great cocktails and flawless service.
2800 Magazine St, New Orleans,LA 70115, USA
https://www.coquettenola.com/
Compère Lapin
You might recognize Chef Nina Compton fromseason 11 of Top Chef but what you might not know is
that she runs a fantastic Caribbean influenced restaurant in NOLA. What makes it reallyinteresting is
that the menu features Cajun/Creolefood (which has strong Caribbean influences) accented with the
flavors of her native Saint Lucia.
535 TchoupitoulasSt, New Orleans,LA 70130
http://comperelapin.com/
Maypop
Maypop is the celebrated new restaurant fromChef Michael Gulotta of MoPho. He broadens his flavor
palette here tothe entire continent of Asia. The menu features Southern classics crossed with the Thai
and Vietnamese flavors that made him famous but also sprinkles in Indian flavors as well.
611 O'Keefe Ave, New Orleans,LA 70113

6. https://www.maypoprestaurant.com/
Marjie’s Grill
This isn’t a fancy spot. They don’t take reservations and the menu changes daily. Marjie’s features
Thai street food with great Louisiana ingredients.
320 S Broad Ave, New Orleans,LA 70119
https://www.marjiesgrill.com/
Saba
Multi award winning Chef Alon Shaya has struck out on his own with Saba. It features the same Israeli
food that made him famous and is also a great place toget some drinks and mezze.
5757 Magazine St, New Orleans,LA 70115
https://eatwithsaba.com/
The Elysian Bar
Starchefs 2017 Rising Star Winner Alex Harrell recently took over the helm at the Elysian Bar after
closing his restaurant Angeline also in NOLA. Not only is he a great chef and a friend of Symrise but
hospitality runs deep in his veins. When you go to Chef Alex’s restaurant, he wants you to feel like
you’re a guest in his home and it often does.
2317 BurgundySt, New Orleans,LA 70117
https://www.theelysianbar.com/
MoPho
MoPho blends Cajun rootswith Vietnamese cuisine with richPhos and Bahn Mi Po’boys. Sneak away
for lunch one day as their lunch menu is moreinteresting. They also have grill nights on Thursdays
and roast whole hogs on Saturdays ifanyone is staying over.
514 CityParkAve., New Orleans,LA 70119
http://mophonola.com/
Wake Up!
THE CLASSICS
Café du Monde
Café du Monde has been serving up itssignature Chicorycoffee and Beignets since 1863 and now has 8
locations around NOLA. Stop by the original, it’s open 24 hours a day.
Original Location
800 Decatur St., New Orleans,LA 70116
(504)525-4544
Riverwalk
500 Port of New OrleansSuite 27, New Orleans,LA 70130
http://www.cafedumonde.com/
Morning Call CoffeeStand
Another great 24 hour Chicory coffee and Beignet spot is Morning Call with a location in CityPark.
Take some to go and stroll around the park.
56 Dreyfous Dr, New Orleans,LA 70124
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Morning-Call-Coffee-Stand/160276734004644

7. THE MODERN
Spitfire Coffee
Spitfireis a great 3rd wave coffee shop located in the Quarter. It opens at 8am and serves delicious
espresso drinks and cold brews.
627 St Peter St., New Orleans,LA 70116
http://www.spitfirecoffee.com/
Cherry Coffee
Cherry Coffee is located within Steins Deli in the Garden District and opens at 7am. They serve
specialty coffees, rotating weekly from roasters all over the country.
2207 Magazine St., New Orleans,LA 70116
https://www.facebook.com/cherrycoffee.nola
Sólo Espresso
Sóloespresso is a specialty coffee shop located in the Bywater/9th Ward. They use Miami based micro
roaster, panther coffee but offer a "guest roaster" every Friday. They open at 8am daily.
1301 Poland Ave., New Orleans,LA 70117
http://www.soloespressobar.com/
Arrow Café
The arrow café is another 3rd wave coffee shop which brews Four Barrel beans from San Francisco.
They open at 8am and are located on the border of the Quarter and Iberville/Treme. They also sell
and rent bicycles to ride around Louis Armstrong Parkwith.
628 N Rampart St., New Orleans,LA 70116
https://www.facebook.com/arrowcafenola
French Truck Coffee
This tiny coffee shop is committedto finding and small batch roasting the best beans so you’ll never
get an old cup of coffee.
1200 Magazine St., New Orleans,LA 70113
https://www.frenchtruckcoffee.com/
Willa Jean
WillaJean is a great bakery and coffee shop serving some of the best biscuits ever. They even serve a
frozen Irish coffee for those who had a great night and need a littlesomething extra.
611 O’Keefe Ave., New Orleans,LA 70113
http://www.willajean.com/
MojoCoffee
Mojo is a mini empire with three locations and several other independent shops serving their coffee.
It’s good stuff too. If you take a tripto the roastery in the morning you’ll be rewarded with the aroma
of roasting coffee while you drink your fresh roast.
1500 Magazine St, New Orleans,LA 70130
https://mojocoffeeroasters.com/
Mammoth Espresso
Mammoth rotates through around 6 different single origin coffees for pour over and espresso drinks.
They also make some modern style coffee drinks like the Metairie Mule; a ginger beer, lime and
espresso concoction.
821 Baronne St, New Orleans,LA 70113
https://mammothespresso.com/

8. Drip AffogatoBar
Dripisn’t strictlya coffee shop, it’s a shop dedicated toAffogatos and other sweet treats. If you suffer
from a rough afternoon and need a pick me up, this is the perfect spot.
703 Carondelet St, New Orleans,LA 70113
http://www.dripaffogatobar.com/
Congregation Coffee
It’s a tripout of downtown, but those who know and travel withme know I’ll drag them 15-30 minutes
out of the way for a good cup in the morning. Congregation is worth the trip. Not only will you get a
great cup but you’ll get to see a beautiful AlgiersPoint.
240 Pelican Ave, New Orleans,LA 70114
https://www.congregationcoffee.com/