Dining Near the Alder Hotel Uptown New Orleans Archives

October 7, 2024

by FrenchMarket

Must-Try Po-Boys at the Po-Boy Festival

Photo courtesy of Oak Street Po-Boy Festival

One thing New Orleanians can agree on is that the po-boy satisfies hunger like nothing else. The once-humble sandwich has gone high-class, with top chefs serving their inventive takes. But you can still find hearty 12-inch versions spilling fried shrimp and oysters for under $15 in local corner stores.

There is a po-boy for every budget and palate in New Orleans at the 16 annual Oak Street Po-Boy Festival. This year’s fest will be held on Sunday, October 27, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and you can be sure that you will be able to sample the best po-boys the city has to offer.

The Oak Street Fest is held between the 8100 and 8700 blocks of Oak Street in the Carrollton neighborhood. About 40 vendors present more food than you could shake your fork at, with over 60 varieties of delicious sandwiches alone — plus beer, specialty cocktails, and desserts.

And, of course, this being New Orleans, there is live music, with stages set up on side streets to avoid the Oak Street foot traffic congestion of the past years. A second line usually opens the fest at 10 a.m., forming at Oak and Carrollton streets.

As in all past years, admission is free, but you have to get a wristband ($10 this year, online or at the fest) to purchase the po-boys. The event organizers note that while one wristband can buy po-boys for multiple persons, multiple wristbands within a group can cover more vendors in one stop.

Hate the long lines? Get your hands on the po-boys faster by getting a Fast Pass ($25) or a VIP Pass ($125 in advance, $150 the day of the fest). The VIP pass grants access to the Oak VIP lounge with a balcony and a front-row view of the main stage, plus food and drinks, including specialty cocktails.

In the festival’s 16 years of existence, some of the best restaurants in the city have competed in six “Best of” categories. The 2023 winners included:

Best of the Fest: Southerns Food Truck for the grits and grillades po-boy (fried grit sticks, roasted pork and gravy).

Best shrimp: Southerns Food Truck for the Lt. Dan po-boy (fried shrimp with garlic herb aioli and sweet heat sauce).

Best seafood: Seither’s Seafood for Voodoo fish and chips po-boy (blackened redfish with slaw and Zapp’s Voodoo potato chips).

Best pork: Southerns Food Truck for the grits and grillade po-boy (fried grit sticks, roasted pork and gravy).

Best beef: Seither’s Seafood for the killer beef po-boy (sirloin tip with gravy and potato sticks).

Best specialty: Southerns Food Truck for the turf and turf po-boy (braised pork belly, smoked beef rib, onion rings).

To give you just a taste of what to expect, here’s a sample menu from some of the past vendors. And don’t worry, most do come back year after year, so all this deliciousness will be within reach once the next fest rolls around.

The fest regular, the Mid-City-based po-boy king Parkway Bakery & Tavern, has been known to impress with its incredibly popular signature creation, “The James Brown” po-boy — slow-cooked roast beef topped with fried Gulf shrimp smothered in gravy. Metairie’s NOLA Boils & Catering kicked it up one year with an escargot po-boy, while Oceana Grill keeps offering its oyster Rockefeller po-boy (with housemade sauce).

There are plenty of creative concoctions for the adventurous taste buds too, with game, elevated touches, and Asian and Caribbean flavors. In the dessert category, expect items like stuffed beignets and even a PB&J po-boy.

As with any fest, there are an art market and a kids’ area. The festival is rain or shine, and pedestrian- and bike-friendly. Parking options are limited, so if you go, consider biking or taking the St. Charles Avenue streetcar (get off at the Oak Street stop).

We can’t wait to see who wins this year!

Are you visiting New Orleans this fall?

Take advantage of Alder Hotel’s specials, group rates, and best-rate guarantee for greater savings to spend on New Orleans famous cuisine and enjoy everything this magnificent city has to offer. Reserve your room today!

Also, consider booking a guided tour of the famous St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 to experience the hauntingly beautiful past of New Orleans. And, for easy, informative sightseeing, we recommend the City Sightseeing New Orleans city tour on the open-top, double-decker bus. It runs every 30 minutes through the Garden District, French Quarter, and CBD. You can hop on and off anytime!

May 14, 2024

by FrenchMarket

Dining Near the Alder Hotel Uptown New Orleans

Where to Find Snoballs Near the Alder Hotel in Uptown New Orleans

snoballs uptown new orleans
Photo courtesy of Hansen’s Sno-Bliz on Facebook

How do New Orleanians tolerate living in a subtropical climate where highs hover in the 80s or 90s for six months out of the year? Central A.C. is a big part of it — and so are snoballs. These heavenly, frozen concoctions of finely shaved ice and flavored cane sugar syrup aren’t like the coarsely ground sno-cones or “water ices” of the North. They are delicious, which is why colorful snoball stands draw long lines from March through October.

Recent years have seen an explosion in the number of snowball flavors, stuffings and toppings available. There are diet versions and “stuffed” (filled with soft-serve ice cream) versions. There are natural juice snoballs and creamy, evaporated milk-topped treats. In short, there’s a snoball for every palate. Here’s where to find them near the Alder Hotel in Uptown New Orleans.

Hansen’s Sno-Blitz

4801 Tchoupitoulas Street

The grand-daddy of New Orleans snoball stands, Hansen’s has been family-owned since 1939. There’s almost always a line, but it’s more than worth the wait.

Imperial Woodpecker Sno-Balls

3511 Magazine Street

Classic, creamy, sugar-free, and all-natural flavors (strawberry-basil, watermelon-jalapeno) rub shoulders at Imperial Woodpecker.

Plum Street Snoballs

1300 Burdette Street

Pink lemonade, bananas Foster, nectar cream, and vanilla orchid cream are a few flavors you’ll find at this colorful stand with ample outdoor seating.

Red Rooster Snoball Stand

2801 Washington Avenue

Classic snoballs are joined by yakamein, crawfish nachos, seafood plates, po-boys, and more.

Sno-La Snoballs

8108 Hampson Street

Sno-La Snowballs is behind the Original Cheesecake Stuffed Snoball also the creator of the “snoball tasting.” Flavors are decidedly New Orleans, including Bananas Foster and Chantilly Cake. You can also have yours put in the souvenir glass mason jar.

Are you visiting New Orleans this summer?

Happy summer!

January 30, 2023

by FrenchMarket

Dining Near the Alder Hotel Uptown New Orleans Uptown Activities

Late Night Eats Uptown New Orleans

late-night-eats-uptown-new-orleans

Although New Orleans can’t claim, like some other cities, that it never sleeps it surely goes to bed late. This is good news for those of us who want diverse and affordable food options after most restaurants stop serving dinner. Here are our recommendations for the Uptown area of New Orleans, which can hopefully help you make smart and satisfying food choices in the wee hours — whether you want a full decadent meal, a healthy snack to go, or some comfort food.

Bouligny Tavern

3641 Magazine St.

This chic gastropub is located just outside the Garden District on Magazine Street, right next to its sister restaurant, Lilette. There’s a heated patio that’s perfect for winding down with one of the restaurant’s signature cocktails and small plates like a shrimp roll or duck confit.

Open till: Mon.-Wed.: Midnight; Thu.-Sat.: 1 a.m.

Cooter Brown’s

509 S. Carrollton Ave.

Cooter Brown’s has been a Riverbend/Black Pearl college hangout since the 1970s. With its 17 TVs and over 400 beers, including a variety of craft beer on tap, it’s both a destination and an institution. The menu impressively contains everything from the pub grub to raw oysters and specialty po-boys, and the French fries come with many toppings, like roast beef debris gravy and bacon.

Open till: 1 a.m.

Crêpes à la Cart

1039 Broadway St.

Located only a couple of blocks from Tulane University campus, this French-style crêperie offers over 50 kinds of crêpes — both sweet and savory. Breakfast crêpes (topped with egg, cheese, bacon, and other breakfast staples) are served all day. There are also offerings with smoked salmon, all kinds of cheese, and Nutella. You can pick from the extensive menu or build your own crêpe.

Open till: Mon.-Wed., Sunday 1 a.m.; Thu.-Sat. 2 a.m.

Cure

4905 Freret St.

The James Beard Foundation award-winning cocktail bar is a must-stop if you’re serious about your cocktails. In addition to serving all kinds of classics alongside its own versions, Cure also has a range of bar snacks, including elevated small plates.

Open till: Sun.-Thu.: 11 p.m.; Fri.-Sat.: 1 a.m.

Fresco Café & Pizzeria

7625 Maple St.

This pizzeria has a large menu of pizza, stromboli, sandwiches, pita wraps, and sides. One of the signature items are lavash rolls, served with roasted rosemary potatoes, and filled with pulled pork, roasted eggplant, and other goodies.

Open till: 12:45 a.m.

Hoshun

1601 St. Charles Ave.

Hoshun draws on the cuisines of China, Japan, Vietnam, and other south Asian countries. This makes Hoshun’s huge, globe-trotting menu of sushi, pho, General Tso’s chicken, and much more, perfect for late-night dining. Try one of the well-priced combo platters like Hunan steak.

Open till: Mon.-Sun. 12:30 2 a.m.

Raising Cane’s

1406 St. Charles Ave.

Sometimes only fast food would satisfy that late-night craving, and Raising Cane’s St. Charles Avenue location does it well with a quick turnaround and the chain’s specialties like fried chicken fingers, coleslaw, crinkle-cut fries, and Texas toast.

Open till: Sun.-Thu. 11 p.m.; Fri.-Sat. 1 a.m.

The Avenue Pub

1732 St. Charles Ave.

This iconic Lower Garden District pub boasts fireplaces, tin ceilings, a balcony overlooking St. Charles Avenue, a pool table, and sidewalk and patio seating. Expect a lot of craft beer options and creative pub grub. Under new ownership since 2022.

Open till: Food: 11 p.m. daily (the bar is open late)

The Delachaise

3442 St. Charles Ave.

This wine bar is famous for its wines by the glass (350 total, glass and bottle) and its French-inspired but ultimately international fare like housemade pâté and fried frogs legs with remoulade. The space is lovely and romantic, with a spacious patio.

Open till: Mon.-Thu., Sun.: 1 a.m. or later; Fri.-Sat.: 2 a.m. or later

Happy late-night dining!

January 30, 2023

by FrenchMarket

Dining Near the Alder Hotel Uptown New Orleans Things To Do in New Orleans

Coffee, Brunch, Lunch, and Co-Working Near the Alder Hotel Uptown New Orleans

Here at the Alder Hotel, we know you don’t want to miss out on all the great food New Orleans has to offer. Fortunately, plenty of outstanding breakfast, brunch, and just-coffee options are just a short walk from our doorstep. From gluttonous to gluten-free, there’s an option to suit every palate. Here are our favorite picks, plus a few top recommendations on the best spots to co-work while you’re in town.

Coffee

Gracious Bakery + Cafe (4930 Prytania Street)

The award-winning Gracious Bakery + Cafe has another location Uptown, at 2854 St. Charles Avenue, on the corner of 6th Street in the Garden District. All baked goods and breakfast sandwiches are top-notch, and there are house-made granola and house-cured salmon bagels.

French Truck Coffee (4536 Dryades Street)

Sandwiches, toast, pastries, and the best iced cold-drip coffee New Orleans has to offer, all served in a high-ceilinged, Edison bulb-hung space — that’s what you’ll find at French Truck Coffee. There’s no better way to while away a morning, an iced latte in hand.

Humble Bagel (4716 Freret Street)

Humble Bagel’s creations are made in-house daily, from scratch, with high-quality ingredients, and in small batches (the proprietors are big on minimizing food waste and using locally sourced ingredients when possible). The place is open from 7 a.m. till 1 p.m. Thursday through Sunday, or until they sell out. The menu is kept simple — bagels, cream cheese, and breakfast combos like eggs, bacon, and lox — and it’s worth getting up early for.

La Boulangerie (4600 Magazine Street)

Tarts, scones, quiches, and muffins at this French bakery and cafe are almost too pretty to eat, and all menu items are hand-prepared according to traditional recipes. Sit at a sidewalk table with an almond croissant and a cafe au lait and feel like you’ve been transported to Paris.

Mojo Coffee House (4700 Freret Street)

Stacks of local alt-weeklies? Check. College radio on the speakers? Check. Free wi-fi and plenty of table space for settling in and working for the long haul without receiving dirty looks from a barista? Check. Chalkboard menu? Check. This dim, cozy coffee house features all the coffee shop staples, plus its own locally roasted beans. Try the Mojo blend in a cup or take home a bag of beans as a souvenir. Sandwiches and pastries round out the menu. For those mornings when you just need caffeine and a quick bite, nothing beats Mojo.

Raw Republic (4528 Magazine Street)

Raw Republic’s cold-pressed, organic juices are a healthy way to kickstart your day. The bright, modern storefront offers coffee, smoothies, salads, cereal, and grab-and-go vegan fare, too. Though the storefront is tiny, a staircase leads to an upstairs room with balcony seating — perfect for people-watching while sipping your green juice. They also deliver.

The Rook Cafe (4516 Freret Street)

The Rook, a quiet hangout popular with the locals, serves vegan pastries and locally roasted coffee. Free wi-fi and shelves lined with books and tabletop games are also a draw. The cozy coffee shop also hosts frequent gamers’ nights and pop-ups.

Brunch

Another Broken Egg Cafe (2917 Magazine Street)

This is a popular brunch destination on the bustling commercial corridor of Magazine Street with pancakes, brunch specialties like crab cake Benedict and eggs with crawfish and Andouille, signature omelets, and specialty spiked cold brews and Bloody Marys served in mason jars.

Bearcat Cafe (2521 Jena Street)

While New Orleans is known for rich, decadent breakfasts like eggs Benedict (poached eggs, hollandaise and bacon layered over English muffins), not everyone wants heavy meals every day, even when on vacation. Maybe you’re looking for a break from indulgence, or maybe you adhere to a gluten-free, vegan lifestyle. Whatever your dietary requirements may be, you’ll find a delicious meal that satisfies them at Bearcat’s airy, industrial-chic space.

Molly’s Rise and Shine (2338 Magazine Street)

The followup to nationally buzzed-about Turkey and the Wolf is also worth a visit. Only open Thursday through Monday, from 8 a.m. till 2 p.m., Molly’s serves a mean breakfast/early brunch full of items like bagel bites, burritos, the star special, the Grand Slam McMuffin (pork patties, hashbrowns, onions, American cheese), but also lighter fare like the roasted carrot yogurt.

Riccobono’s Panola Street Cafe (7801 Panola Street)

A bright, quaint daytime cafe best known for its hearty American breakfast. Since opening in 1998, Riccobono’s Panola Street Cafe has become a New Orleans fixture, known for some of the best breakfast in the city. Panola serves classics like Eggs Benedict, Crabcakes Benedict, and a host of specialty omelets from open to close (8 a.m. – 2 p.m.), along with hot-plate lunch specials every weekday.

Slim Goodies Diner (3322 Magazine Street)

An inexpensive local hangout with Southern staples and plenty of local color. Some of the house specialties are the inventively named slammers (different kinds of scrambles, from meaty to vegan, served with hash browns). The Creole Slammer, for instance, comes with a biscuit and crawfish étouffée. There’s also a lovely patio.

The Camellia Grill (626 S. Carrollton Avenue)

This legendary New Orleans diner has been serving hearty omelets and pecan pie since 1946. There will probably be a line, but it moves quickly, and you can get breakfast all day.

The Ruby Slipper Cafe (2802 Magazine Street)

This locally owned mini-chain is a must-go for heaping Southern staples like eggs cochon, shrimp and grits, and bacon praline pancakes. It’s got its award-winning formula down with generous portions, killer cocktails, upbeat and quick service, and a down-home vibe. Even if there’s a wait, it will be worth it.

Lunch

Ancora (4508 Freret Street)

Ancora’s pizza is made Neapolitan-style, using wood-burning ovens and without commercial yeast. Ancora makes its own starter, and the dough takes three days to prepare from start to finish, with a crust that is unique to New Orleans. Drinks include seasonal Italian sodas, craft cocktails, and wines from the Campania region of southern Italy. Ancora is located in a renovated building next to High Hat Cafe.

Apolline (4729 Magazine Street)

Set in a renovated double shotgun cottage, Apolline spotlights chef Michael Shelton’s creative use of local ingredients in modern Southern dishes like veal sweetbreads and crawfish bisque. Impress your date with some elevated dining, New Orleans style, or bring the family for brunch/lunch.

Casamento’s Restaurant (4330 Magazine Street)

A staple and a go-to destination for fresh seafood since 1919, Casamento’s is as New Orleans as it gets. Head on over to enjoy the oyster bar nestled inside a small, mosaic-tiled space, but also try any and all of the seafood offerings on the menu. Casamento’s should be on every local’s and visitors’ bucket list.

Cure (4905 Freret Street)

A popular destination for cocktail lovers, Cure is a stylish, upscale lounge located inside a renovated firehouse. There you can sip your Old-Fashioned surrounded by bottles of whiskey from around the world, including the hard-to-find, rare and reserve varieties. The well-reviewed menu offers a rotation of frequently changing cocktails made by seasoned mixologists along with small plates and bar snacks. This would have to be lunch on a later side, as Cure opens at 4 p.m. every day.

Dat Dog (5030 Freret Street; 3336 Magazine Street)

Dat Dog’s both Uptown locations have dog-friendly outdoor seating, great for people-watching too. At both locations, the affordable Dat Dog dishes out a wide variety of meat, fish, vegan and veggie hot dogs, sausages, and other kid-friendly comfort food like burgers and chicken. The dogs and the sausages come with a choice of more than 30 toppings.

Guy’s Po-Boys (5259 Magazine Street)

Guy’s has been a beloved local lunch staple since the early 1990s. It’s often voted among the top five po-boy shops in the city, if not the top. The fried shrimp po-boy is definitely among the best in the city.

High Hat Cafe (4500 Freret Street)

This casual neighborhood eatery on the corner of Freret and Jena streets specializes in the Mississippi Delta and Louisiana staples like catfish, Gulf seafood, and slow-roasted pork served along with a long cocktail menu. Pimento cheese is prominently featured in the house burger, specialty fries, and even deviled eggs. How about a Southern feast of catfish with hushpuppies, braised greens, and black-eyed peas for brunch? Or try the Gumbo Ya-Ya with sweet potato salad. You’ll feel like you’re in an old-fashioned diner, only with a full bar. The tall glass windows offer a prime opportunity to people-watch.

La Petit Grocery (4238 Magazine Street)

La Petite Grocery, the former 19th-century neighborhood grocery, was transformed by owner-chefs Justin Devillier in 2010. A 2016 James Beard Award winner for Best Chef: South, Devillier puts his creative spin on traditional New Orleans cuisine with dishes like blue crab beignets and shellfish stew.

Mint Modern Vietnamese Bistro & Bar (5100 Freret Street)

Mint’s streamlined menu is modern indeed, packed with specialty rolls, several varieties of pho, banh mi, and a kimchi burger. One of the unusual specialty cocktails is Fishy Surprise, which is made with whiskey, Drambuie, grapefruit juice, and fish sauce.

Misa (4734 Magazine Street)

A welcome addition to the increasingly thriving Middle Eastern newcomers on Magazine Street, Misa offers Israeli and Lebanese specialties on its menu and outdoor dining. The small dining room and the patio are both lovely and cozy, and a great way to pass some time people-watching while gorging on lamb kebabs and housemade desserts.

Nomiya (4226 Magazine Street)

Nomiya defines itself as a New Orleans ramen bar and sticks to it by serving the traditional, pork-based tonkotsu plus two more types of broth. The menu is simple: pick your broth and the toppings, and maybe supplement with edamame and pork buns. The mochi ice cream flavors rotate.

Piccola Gelateria (4500 Magazine Street)

In addition to small-batch, house-made gelato and sorbetto in over a dozen flavors, this classic Italian-style gelato shop offers crepes (savory with meat, sweet with Nutella, and vegetarian). Piccola Gelateria sources local milk and cream, and sells its own, custom-blended, micro-roasted espresso. The place opens at noon, and could also serve well as a brunch destination.

Picnic Provisions & Whiskey (741 State Street)

Coming from the people helming Commander’s Palace, including co-founder and owner Tory McPhail, the former executive chef at Commander’s, this casual family-friendly spot serves comfort food cold and hot. Check out the mouthwatering hot fried chicken thighs along with a buttermilk biscuit and Cajun potato salad (crawfish boiled potatoes, sweet corn, chopped egg topped with crushed jalapeño Zapp’s chips). Eat indoors or outdoors, and bring your family and your pup.

Saba (5757 Magazine Street)

Alon Shaya’s Saba is the award-winning chef’s love letter to Middle Eastern cuisine, with a focus on Israeli culinary classics. Everything here, from hummus to labneh to falafel is worth sampling and very sharable. Saba is open for lunch Friday through Sunday.

Tal’s Hummus (4800 Magazine Street)

A great on-the-go option on the bustling Magazine Street, Tal’s is a quick-service-style tiny spot that specializes in Israeli-inspired food such as falafel, hummus, pita sandwiches, platters, kebabs, salads, and more. It’s fresh, quick, delicious, and made to order.

Taqueria Corona (5932 Magazine Street)

Taqueria Corona is a go-to for the whole family if you’re craving well-done classic Mexican food like tacos and burritos. The house margarita is a good deal, and tasty, too. This Uptown sit-down is popular for very good reasons and always seems to be packed, but the service is efficient, so you’ll be seated quickly. Taqueria Corona is not just our lunch recommendation, it’s a great pick for brunch and dinner as well.

Tito’s Ceviche & Pisco (5015 Magazine Street)

Tito’s Ceviche & Pisco is chef Juan Lock’s ode to the Peruvian culinary traditions, including ceviche, the national dish of his home country, and pisco sour, a popular national drink. The menu is laden with traditional Peruvian dishes made with love and fresh, local ingredients. Dine as a family, or bring a date — you won’t be disappointed either way.

The Company Burger (4600 Freret Street)

We also recommend The Company Burger on Freret and Cadiz streets for its solid menu of delicious burgers, fries and milkshakes. The menu keeps it simple with the award-winning lamb, turkey, and beef burgers, plus sides, shakes, and cocktails. The house burger comes with a fried egg, two patties, and bacon. The “not burger” options are also kept simple: hot dogs, and grilled cheese and fried chicken sandwiches.

Best Places for Co-Working Near the Alder Hotel

There’s something to be said for exploring a new city while leaving your everyday life and responsibilities behind. But occasionally, circumstances dictate that you bring your work on the road. It’s not an ideal situation, but it’s a reality for many travelers. The silver lining? At many co-working locations, you can accomplish your tasks while soaking up uniquely New Orleans experiences — and see a side of the city that’s hidden from most tourists. These co-working destinations are less than two miles from the Alder Hotel, and all offer free wi-fi or public computers, along with a little lagniappe of grand, historic settings. The coffee shops and cafes listed above are also a good bet if you want a good, strong cup of locally sourced coffee while you work.

Howard-Tilton Memorial Library (Tulane University, 7001 Freret St.)

The Tulane library offers all the perks of being a student, without the stressful final exams. Situated on Tulane University’s lush, live oak-filled campus, this six-story library is a haven of solitude, and it’s open to the public from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily (after that hour, only library cardholders may enter the building). Visitor computers are available on the first floor of the Research Help Center, but wi-fi is limited to student use only. Head to the third-floor stacks if you’re seeking a quiet study area, or grab a cup of locally roasted coffee at PJ’s on the first floor.

Latter Branch Public Library (5120 St. Charles Ave.)

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this gorgeous 1907 neo-Italianate mansion on St. Charles Avenue would be worth a visit even if it didn’t offer all the amenities of a public library. The limestone building was donated to the city of New Orleans in 1958, and its beauty has been preserved: think chandelier-hung, antiques-furnished reading rooms, Dutch ceiling murals and mahogany paneling. On the more technology-centered side, there’s printing, wi-fi (out-of-town visitors get a free one-hour pass with a valid I.D.), computers for public use, and outdoor garden seating. It’s a way to be productive while experiencing a very New Orleans setting.

Propeller (4035 Washington Ave.)

Looking for blazing-fast wi-fi, free coffee, printing, scanners, copy machines, and a community of like-minded individuals? This 10,000-square-foot, industrial-chic space is the spot. Co-working desks can be rented by the day or month. And if you need to organize a presentation during your visit, there are projector-equipped conference rooms available to rent. Propeller is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., but 24/7 access is available to its members or anyone for a fee.

Stay in touch and save on rates and more at the Alder Hotel by signing up for our email list at https://alderhotel.com/email-offers/. If you find a lower rate on your Alder Hotel room at the time of booking, call 1.888.626.5861, and we will match that rate, too.

January 30, 2023

by FrenchMarket

Alder Hotel Uptown New Orleans Dining Near the Alder Hotel Uptown New Orleans

10 Dishes That Define New Orleans and Where to Try Them Uptown

bread-pudding-uptown-new-orleans

When you think of the must-try food in New Orleans the culinary wonders spread far beyond the French Quarter and the iconic Creole and Cajun restaurants. You can easily find delicious renditions of the New Orleans and southern staples that make the food-bucket lists for very good reasons in many restaurants Uptown. From ambitious newcomers to old-world landmarks — there’s much to recommend for you to try.

There’s a slew of restaurants along the St. Charles Avenue streetcar route, so you can hop on and off the streetcar while sampling your way between Canal Street and the Riverbend. The commercial stretches of Magazine and Freret streets are also packed with restaurants and cafes, many with ample sidewalk and balcony seating. Here’s a list of our favorite dishes that define New Orleans and where to try them Uptown.

Bread Pudding

What do you do with the leftover French bread? You make a classic Creole dessert, the bread pudding!

Where to try it: One of the best places in the city to try it is at Commander’s Palace. This grand dame of Creole cuisine is a beloved landmark that’s been occupying a tree-lined block across the street from Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 in the Garden District. Along with the turtle soup, the Commander’s version of this dish is legendary. Dubbed the “Queen of Creole Desserts,” the Creole Bread Pudding Soufflé is bread pudding whipped into a light fluffy soufflé, served with whiskey sauce added tableside.

Gumbo

One of Louisiana’s most famous dishes, excellent gumbo is easy to find anywhere in New Orleans, it just depends on whether you like your gumbo with darker or lighter roux, and with meat or seafood (or laden with both). Most restaurants include at least two versions on the menu, the meat and the seafood, and tend not to stray too far from the classic Cajun and Creole recipes.

Where to try it: At Pascal’s Manale, for one. This family-owned institution is over 100 years old, and its chicken andouille gumbo is excellent. Going back to Commander’s Palace, its Creole gumbo is exceptional: Rich stock slow cooked with regional ingredients spiked with toasted garlic, Creole seasonings and local hot sauce. Or pair your seafood, or chicken and Andouille gumbo at Frankie & Johnny’s with the restaurant’s famous red beans and rice. The High Hat Cafe also offers great chicken and andouille gumbo ya-ya made with a dark roux (we also recommend you try the fried catfish). Part old-fashioned diner, part neighborhood bar and part Deep South food destination, the High Hat Cafe is located in a once-sleepy neighborhood thoroughfare bordering Tulane University. Now revitalized, the Freret Street corridor is a food and entertainment destination in its own right. Another plus? It’s only two blocks from the Alder Hotel.

Jambalaya

This flavorful one-pot, rice-based dish is right up there with gumbo when it comes to well-deserved international fame, and can be found in many New Orleans restaurants. This staple traditionally incorporates stock, meat, seafood, long-grain rice, and vegetables (the “holy trinity” also used in gumbo — bell pepper, onion and celery). The main distinction is that the Creole version has tomatoes and the Cajun recipe does not.

Where to try it: We highly recommend the Creole jambalaya at Jacques-Imo’s, which comes as an appetizer, but, really, so many restaurants do it really well it’s difficult to single out the true standouts.

Pain Perdu

This breakfast and brunch mainstay means “lost bread,” referring to the dish’s ability to resurrect stale and otherwise lost to most purposes bread. For this version of French toast French bread is soaked in eggs and milk and then fried (sometimes deep-fried) or grilled, which results in a crisp and buttery exterior and a soft and custardy inside.

Where to try it: Surrey’s Cafe and Juice Bar, in the Lower Garden District on Magazine Street, hands down. Surrey’s acclaimed Pain Perdu is part of the full breakfast menu of Southern staples. You can wash down this fluffy, sugar-coated gem with one of Surrey’s incredible organic juices.

Po-Boys

A po-boy is a sandwich (just please don’t call it that) that comes in as many versions as there are ingredients to stuff inside a loaf of French bread. Some of the classics are fried seafood, like oysters or shrimp, but the ingredients vary all the way up to French fries.

Where to try it: Jacque Imo’s, Guy’s Po-Boys, Mahony’s, Domilise’s Po-Boy & Bar, Zara’s Lil’ Giant Supermarket & Po-boys — the list goes on and depends on whether you want to enjoy your po-boy to go or on-premises. The lunch staple Guy’s and Zara’s grocery market are more casual, while the restaurants are sit-down affairs.

Raw Oysters

One of the quintessential New Orleans food experiences is having a dozen raw, and the deals are especially sweet during the happy hour.

Where to try it: Head to the Superior Seafood & Oyster Bar, located in a high-ceilinged, imposing building on the corner of St. Charles and Napoleon Avenues with some of the best views of St. Charles Avenue in the city. The full-service oyster bar doles out raw oysters, which you can enjoy with Superior’s signature frozen pomegranate mojito. Another option is the bucket list, iconic Casamento’s Restaurant, a staple and a go-to destination for fresh seafood since 1919.

Also on the streetcar’s route on St. Charles Avenue, Luke offers a deal on raw oysters for its happy hour (3-6 p.m.), complemented by the French/German menu. If you’d like a really well-made martini with your dozen raw, head to the iconic Pascal’s Manale, and stay for dinner.

Red Beans and Rice

In the past, Monday was traditionally laundry day in New Orleans, and also the day for having red beans and rice. Our laundry schedules aren’t that rigid anymore, but you can still find a delicious plate of beans and rice around town, usually accompanied by a hunk of smoked sausage. While many restaurants still feature it as a Monday special, you can still find it on many menus on any day of the week.

Where to try it: Uptown, we recommend the renditions served up at Joey K’s (as a cup standalone appetizer) at Parran’s Po-Boys & Restaurant.

Snoballs

If you’re here from March through October, no New Orleans visit would be complete without trying a local snoball. These heavenly, frozen concoctions of finely shaved ice and flavored cane sugar syrup are uniquely Southern and come with an explosion of flavors.

Where to try it: Your best options near the Alder Hotel are SnoWizard Snoball Shoppe with a creamy and sweet Mexican vanilla flavor as one of the standouts, or Plum Street Snoballs. Pink lemonade, bananas Foster, nectar cream, and vanilla orchid cream are just a few flavors you’ll find at this cash-only joint with ample outdoor seating. Another New Orleans treat, yakamein, is available alongside classic snoballs at Red Rooster Snoball Stand (open year-round; look for Yet-Ca-Mein on the menu).

Southern Breakfast Staples

This is a loose term for a few of the New Orleans breakfast and brunch staples, including eggs done every which way, plus the ubiquitous shrimp and grits and biscuits and gravy. Many places do all those things right, but a few stand out. For instance, the Mardi Gras sandwich at The Camellia Grill is a must-try. Stuffed with turkey, bacon and corned beef, it’s a meal in itself, and worth joining a fast-moving line of students, visitors and locals waiting for a seat. The classic 1940s diner is also famous for its grilled pecan pie and cherry-chocolate slushies, served by the white-jacketed staff.

Another inexpensive local hangout with Southern staples and plenty of local color, the upbeat Slim Goodies Diner, does many different kinds of scrambles, from meaty to vegan, called slammers. Try the Creole slammer, which comes with a biscuit, crawfish étouffée and hash browns.

A locally owned mini-chain with one location Uptown, Ruby Slipper hits all the right notes when it comes to brunch mainstays but with distinctly Louisiana twists. This brunch queen’s acclaimed house specialty is BBQ shrimp and grits.

Turtle Soup

This Louisiana classic is considered a delicacy in many cultures across the globe. The silky Creole version, served with a touch of sherry (and sometimes with grated or chopped egg, and more sherry tableside), can be found in many classic New Orleans restaurants that serve Creole dishes.

Where to try it: Everything you decide to try on haute Creole menu at Commander’s Palace will be top-notch, but the turtle soup is a must.

We hope you try all these classic New Orleans dishes while you explore Uptown!

January 30, 2023

by FrenchMarket

Alder Hotel Uptown New Orleans Dining Near the Alder Hotel Uptown New Orleans Things To Do in New Orleans

New Orleans Food Bucket List, Uptown Edition

When you think of the must-try food in New Orleans the culinary wonders spread far beyond the French Quarter and the iconic Creole and Cajun restaurants. It seems there’s a handful of new places opening every month, adding to the stellar roster of delicious food you’ll likely won’t find anywhere else. Then there are the old (sometimes decades- or even centuries-old) favorites that make the food-bucket lists for very good reasons. The Uptown area is no exception — from the ambitious newcomers to the old-world landmarks — there’s much to recommend for you to try. Here’s just a sampler of our favorites.

There’s a slew of restaurants along the St. Charles Avenue streetcar route, so you can hop on and off the streetcar while sampling your way between Canal Street and the Riverbend. For breakfast or brunch, try the Mardi Gras sandwich at The Camellia Grill (626 S. Carrollton Ave.), a classic 1940s diner where white-jacketed staff members serve up delicacies ranging from grilled pecan pie to cherry-chocolate slushies. Stuffed with turkey, bacon and corned beef, it’s a meal in itself, and worth joining a fast-moving line of Tulane students, tourists, and locals waiting for a seat.

Another inexpensive local hangout with Southern staples and plenty of local color, the upbeat Slim Goodies Diner (3322 Magazine St.) does many different kinds of scrambles, from meaty to vegan, called slammers. Try the Creole slammer, which comes with a biscuit, crawfish étouffée, and hash browns.

For satisfying lunch options, try the house burger at The Company Burger (4600 Freret St.) or the fried shrimp po-boy at Guy’s Po-Boys. The burger comes with a fried egg, two patties, and bacon. And all hot dogs at Dat Dog (with two Uptown locations, 3336 Magazine St. and 5030 Freret St.) come with a choice of more than 30 toppings. Both locations also have dog-friendly outdoor seating.

For oysters, head to Superior Seafood & Oyster Bar (4338 St. Charles Ave.), located in a high-ceilinged, imposing building on the corner of St. Charles and Napoleon Avenues with some of the best views of St. Charles Avenue in the city. The full-service oyster bar doles out raw oysters, which you can enjoy with Superior’s signature frozen pomegranate mojito.

Another option is Casamento’s Restaurant (4330 Magazine St.). A staple and a go-to destination for fresh seafood since 1919, Casamento’s is as New Orleans as it gets. Head on over to enjoy the oyster bar nestled inside a small, mosaic-tiled space, but also try any and all of the seafood offerings on the menu. Casamento’s should be on every local’s and visitors’ bucket list.

Also on the streetcar’s route, Luke (333 St. Charles Ave.) offers a raw bar complemented by Executive Chef Erick Loos’ Creole-inspired menu that features plenty of seafood and local ingredients. The menu’s seasonal ingredients come from the Gulf and local farms and are highlighted in dishes like BBQ Gulf oysters and trout Amandine. If you’d like a really well-made martini with your dozen raw, head to the iconic Pascal’s Manale (1838 Napoleon Ave.), where oysters are shucked right in front of you.

Everything is worth trying at the James Beard Award winner Chef Donald Link’s wildly popular restaurant Herbsaint (701 St. Charles Ave.). Herbsaint predates Katrina and remains the flagship of the Link Restaurant Group (which runs several businesses including Peche, Cochon and La Boulangerie). Herbsaint has been, and continues to be, on many “Best Restaurants” lists, for reasons that will become clear as soon as you dig into its grilled tuna sandwich, or shrimp and fish ceviche. The French-Southern menu sports some Italian influences (evident in the presence of housemade spaghetti), with a spotlight on local, seasonal produce and sustainably sourced seafood and meats.

For outstanding gumbo and fried catfish head to High Hat Cafe (4500 Freret St.). Part old-fashioned diner, part neighborhood bar and part Deep South food destination, High Hat Cafe is located in a once sleepy neighborhood thoroughfare bordering Tulane University. Now revitalized, the Freret Street corridor is a food and entertainment destination in its own right. Another plus? It’s only two blocks from the Alder Hotel.

For lighter fare, like a well-curated cheese board, perhaps paired with a glass of wine, check out St. James Cheese Company (5004 Prytania St.), also home of the kid-friendly $5 Mini Moo sandwich. Wine and small plates rule at Bar Frances (4525 Freret St.), a lovely bistro with a seasonal menu and a large selection of natural wines, so that’s another solid bet for a great cheese plate. Yet another contender in that category is Cure (4905 Freret St.), a chic, dimly lit craft cocktail bar with a leafy patio and award-winning concoctions.

For something more substantial, the romantic La Crepe Nanou, located on the corner of Robert and Prytania Streets, has a fantastic selection of sweet and savory crepes. Patois (6078 Laurel St.), helmed by Chef Aaron Burgau, puts a local spin on mussels, scallops, and southern staples like seasonal gumbo in a lovely, softly-lit setting.

For authentic Sicilian cuisine by the renowned Chef Nick Lama head to Avo (5908 Magazine St.). The seasonal menu is bursting with seafood (try the charred octopus) and homemade pasta dishes. The interior is gorgeous, but see if you can score a table in the candlelit courtyard.

The grand dame of Creole cuisine, Commander’s Palace (1403 Washington Ave.) is a beloved landmark that’s been occupying a tree-lined block across the street from Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 in the Garden District. Everything you decide to try on Chef Meg Bickford’s haute Creole menu will be top-notch, but the turtle soup and Creole bread pudding soufflé (dubbed the “Queen of Creole Desserts”) are a must.

Set in a renovated double shotgun cottage, Apolline (4729 Magazine St.) spotlights chef Michael Shelton’s creative use of local ingredients in modern Southern dishes like veal sweetbreads and crawfish bisque. Impress your date with some elevated dining, New Orleans style, or bring the family for brunch.

At La Petit Grocery (4238 Magazine St.), the James Beard Award-winning chef and owner Justin Devillier puts his creative spin on traditional New Orleans cuisine with dishes like blue crab beignets and shellfish stew.

If you’re here from March through October no New Orleans visit would be complete without trying a local snoball. These heavenly, frozen concoctions of finely shaved ice and flavored cane sugar syrup are uniquely Southern and come with an explosion of flavors. Your best options near the Alder Hotel are SnoWizard Snoball Shoppe (4001 Magazine St.) with a creamy and sweet Mexican vanilla flavor as one of the standouts, or Plum Street Snoballs (1300 Burdette St.). Pink lemonade, bananas Foster, nectar cream, and vanilla orchid cream are just a few flavors you’ll find at this cash-only joint with ample outdoor seating. Another New Orleans treat, yakamein, is available alongside classic snoballs at Red Rooster Snoball Stand (2801 Washington Ave.).

For more dessert options, we heartily recommend small-batch, handcrafted Italian gelato at Piccola Gelateria (4525 Freret St.), which comes in classic and experimental flavors including bananas Foster, caramelized fig, and pistachio. Finally, Sucre (3025 Magazine St.) cannot be beat for its Parisian patisserie feel and amazing macaroons the whole family could enjoy.

Bon appetit!

breakfast near the alder hotel uptown new orleans

January 30, 2023

by FrenchMarket

Dining Near the Alder Hotel Uptown New Orleans

Where to Get Breakfast Near the Alder Hotel Uptown

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day… and that goes double when you’re vacationing in New Orleans. It offers both an opportunity to recover from the previous night and a chance to build a solid foundation for a busy day. And if you are not an early riser, and depending on how much time you have, breakfast can morph into a lingering brunch! Whether you’re looking to chow down on banana pancakes or sip a cold-pressed green juice, there’s a breakfast or brunch spot for you within a stone’s throw (or a short ride away) of your room at Alder Hotel Uptown.

Another Broken Egg Cafe (2917 Magazine Street)

Bearcat Cafe (2521 Jena Street)

Less than a block off Freret Street and within walking distance of Ochsner Baptist Medical Center and the Tulane and Loyola University area, this full-service cafe offers lunch and breakfast plus sustainable coffee. The menu is mostly comfort food, divided into “Good Cat” and “Bad Cat” sections. The lighter fare is full of gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options like vegan tofu scramble and house-made yogurt. The hearty “Bad Cat” offers items like traditional breakfast fare of the eggs-and-bacon variety, and Southern staples like shrimp and grits.

French Truck Coffee (4536 Dryades Street)