NEW ORLEANS — If you’re looking to immerse yourself in the authentic flavor of Big Easy living during Super Bowl week, there’s an abundance of options in and around the city center.
The streetcar lines gracefully navigate to neighborhoods like Uptown, Mid-City, or City Park, while a ferry transports passengers across the Mississippi River to Algiers Point. Additionally, via car, one can easily access local gems such as Esplanade Ridge, the lively shops and eateries along Magazine Street, Metairie Road, and the seafood havens in Bucktown, perched along the shores of Lake Pontchartrain.
In the Lakeview area, you’ll find the talented chef Susan Spicer, a luminary in Louisiana-inspired cuisine who has showcased her culinary skills across various Super Bowl host cities over the last thirty years, participating in the charitable Taste of the NFL event. This year, she returns to her roots in her hometown, and for those eager to savor her cooking, Rosedale Restaurant is the place to be.
With a rich history of working in some of the finest dining establishments in the French Quarter and downtown, Spicer encourages visitors not to overlook the popular attractions within these iconic neighborhoods. “The French Quarter, the CBD, and the Warehouse District have so much that’s captivating, and you can easily lose yourself in the vibrant scene there,” Spicer remarked. “But if you venture a little further out, an entire world awaits discovery.”
Local political commentator James Carville, a native of Louisiana and a New Orleans resident, suggests that newcomers shouldn’t feel guilty about enjoying the French Quarter. Highlighting the iconic lunch scene at Galatoire’s, he describes it as “legendary.”
For those opting to explore beyond the more touristy areas, here are some local favorites to consider:
**Neighborhood Dining Spots**
– **Rosedale**: This restaurant embodies the classic neighborhood dining experience in New Orleans, where culinary standards soar. The casual atmosphere is complemented by a menu that features sandwiches like duck pastrami and po’boys such as cochon de lait. Everything is crafted with care, ensuring that each detail stands out.
– **Clancy’s**: Situated near Audubon Park, this establishment draws in New Orleans’ elite and notable faces like John Goodman and Harry Shearer. Waitstaff dressed in tuxedos serve diners in a lively environment, where friendships often transcend tables and conversations fill the air.
– **Commander’s Palace**: Located across from Lafayette Cemetery in the Garden District, this historic venue is acclaimed as the city’s most recognizable restaurant, with a legacy that includes the likes of chef Emeril Lagasse.
Other neighborhood dining favorites include Gautreau’s, La Petite Grocery, Brigtsen’s, Mr. John’s, and Jacque-Imo’s in Uptown; Café Degas, Mandina’s, and Liuzza’s in Mid-City; Tana in Old Metairie; Station 6 in Bucktown; Rizutto’s in Lakeview; and N7 adjacent to the Bywater Historic District.
**Savoring Po’boys**
Some well-known spots for po’boys include Domilise’s, Tracey’s, and Mahony’s in Uptown, as well as Parkway Bakery and Liuzza’s by the Track in Mid-City, the latter famed for its barbecue shrimp po’boy. In Bucktown/Lakeview, R&O’s is a beloved locale, located right across from the levee by Lake Pontchartrain. Traditionally, a roast beef po’boy is slow-cooked, often referred to as “debris” due to its tender nature, and served drenched in rich gravy. Central Poboys in Jefferson is particularly recognized for its exceptional offerings.
Additionally, several no-fuss seafood takeout spots serve highly regarded shrimp, oyster, and catfish po’boys, as well as seasonal soft-shell crab. Spicer has a preference for the oyster po’boys at Zimmer’s Seafood in the Gentilly neighborhood.
**Indulging in Desserts**
– **Angelo Brocato**: Celebrated for offering some of the finest gelato and Italian pastries in the South, this cherished Mid-City institution recently marked its centennial renovation. It earned acclaim for its 2006 relaunch following Hurricane Katrina and is conveniently located on the Carrollton branch of the red Canal streetcar line, attracting crowds when school lets out.
– **Creole Creamery**: A go-to ice cream haven situated on Prytania Street in Uptown.
– **Sucre**: Another Uptown option on Magazine Street, this spot specializes in French pastries and gelato.
Beignets are a local favorite as well, with **Café Du Monde** being the iconic name, while Morning Call stands as a longstanding competitor, serving delicious beignets at its location at the end of the Canal streetcar line.
**Cocktail Hour Appreciation**
The cocktail scene in New Orleans is taken seriously, home to classic recipes like the Sazerac and Ramos Gin Fizz. When the weather is fine, the boutique hotel bars along St. Charles Avenue draw a crowd.
– **The Columns Hotel**: This historic mansion offers outdoor seating under massive live oaks, providing a picturesque setting as streetcars pass by.
– **Hot Tin**: Located atop the Pontchartrain Hotel, this rooftop bar features stunning views of the New Orleans skyline, extending from the Superdome to the Crescent City Connection bridge.
– **The Paradise Lounge**: Situated in the Hotel St. Vincent on Magazine Street, this inviting bar features dark wood and marble surfaces, creating a great atmosphere for gatherings.
– **Cure**: Nestled in a beautifully renovated building on Freret Street, this establishment is dedicated to crafting exceptional cocktails.
– **Jewel of the South**: A recently introduced venue, gaining recognition for its innovative cocktail offerings and dining experience.
**Live Music Venues**
For live music enthusiasts, **Frenchman Street** is a must-visit, brimming with clubs and bars hosting various styles of jazz, brass, blues, and funk. Notable venues include Snug Harbor, known for its sophisticated jazz performances, alongside DBA and the Spotted Cat, which are all conveniently located within close proximity.
**Tipitinas** is a historic music venue in Uptown, frequented by notable New Orleans artists and big-name musicians alike. For a cozier experience, spots such as the Maple Leaf and Dos Jefes offer intimate settings, while Bacchanal presents a unique rustic vibe deep in the Bywater, complete with outdoor seating and live music.
**Attractions to Explore**
Lastly, for those seeking leisure, **Audubon Park** and **City Park** stand out as cherished public spaces replete with magnificent oak trees draped in Spanish moss. Both parks attract joggers, walkers, and a variety of local wildlife. The parks also house public golf courses and additional attractions—Audubon features a zoo, while City Park showcases the New Orleans Museum of Art, a sculpture garden, paddle boating, and a Children’s Museum.
Other local museum favorites include the Ogden Museum of Southern Art and the National WWII Museum.
Whether you’re in the mood for local cuisine, live music, or simply a leisurely stroll in one of the city’s beautiful parks, New Orleans offers a vibrant scene full of flavor and culture to enhance your Super Bowl experience.
According to residents: A true Super experience in New Orleans goes beyond the French Quarter.
