I loved staying in Faubourg Marigny, which is across Esplanade Ave. from the French Quarter. It has some really wonderful, colorful restored Creole-style cottages. It is generally a very quiet neighborhood but within walking distance to the Quarter. You will definitely like the vibe and uncrowded streets.
The lively Frenchmen Street is a great alternative to Bourbon Street, with some outstanding music venues along a three block strip of clubs and restaurants. Don’t miss The Spotted Cat at 623 Frenchmen Street for the best in music.
La Maison Marigny, 4121 Bourbon: I enjoyed staying in this attractive B&B in the Faubourg Marigny area just outside the Quarter. It is quiet and charming and I highly recommend it. It is also highly rated on Trip Advisor and by Travel + Leisure. I stayed in the Owner’s Suite on the first floor which was very large and comfortable. The owners are fun and the breakfasts very good.
Also getting good reviews the Melrose Mansion with 21 guest rooms and suites at 937 Esplanade.
Horn’s: Located at 1940 Dauphine, this is a popular spot for breakfast, lunch or dinner, though it has been featured recently as a favorite breakfast spot by Eater New Orleans.
The Elysian Bar at the Hotel Peter & Paul in Marigny was recently named a Semifinalist for the 2019 James Beard Award for Best New Restaurant. It serves coffee, food and drinks. I am excited to try it on my next trip. The hotel looks wonderful as well. The hotel is located in a former historic church, rectory, school house and convent. It gets great reviews including the NY Times. 2317 Burgundy St.
Just across the street from Marigny, in the St. Roch neighborhood, is the recently opened St. Roch Market. The original St. Roch Market first opened in 1875, as one of the city’s many public markets. The building was destroyed in 2005 by Hurricane Katrina. In 2015, it reopened with 13 food vendors from those featuring coffee, oysters, cocktails, seafood and Creole food to others featuring Korean, Mexican, juice and pastries and baked goods. It has a clean, contemporary design and attracts more locals than tourists. I enjoyed my latte from Coast Roast. 2381 St. Claude Ave.
Just east of Marigny in Bywater you will find many new restaurants, coffee shops, record stores, vintage markets and galleries in the nearby St. Claude Arts District. Here you can find Elizabeth’s at 601 Gallier St. It was just featured as a top breakfast spot though they do serve lunch, dinner and brunch on the weekend. It is on my list for my next trip.
Bywater American Bistro is Chef Nina Compton’s new concept. It is a casual, neighborhood restaurant. It was named a 2019 Semifinalist for the James Beard Award for Best New Restaurant.
I also just read about N7 in Bywater. It is a neighborhood French restaurant and wine bar located in a former tire shop that is covered in old gallery posters and French Maps. It was named for the N7 or the Nationale 7, the highway that once ran from Paris to the border of Italy. The Michelin Guide started by directing people to restaurants along the way. Dishes are often infused with a Japanese touch. Bon Appetit Magazine named it one of America’s Best New Restaurants 2016. It has a lush garden for outdoor dining.
