The Bourbon Street Survival Guide

The Best Bourbon Has to Offer

“Hurricane” Flickr Photo Courtesy of _MVI

So you’re goin’ down to Bourbon Street to have yourself a good time eh? Bourbon Street can be a lot of fun, and you certainly have your choice of bars and restaurants to pick from. I recommend doing exactly what most people do, start off on one end, and work your way to the other, and start early with a good dinner so you’re not drinking on an empty stomach.

My first recommendation is to go the extra mile and try out some of the fine dining around the Canal side of the French Quarter. Here are a few listings for restaurants I would highly recommend:

Bourbon House
144 Bourbon St

-Excellent seafood and a really great atmosphere!

The Louisiana Bistro
337 Dauphine St
louisianabistro.net‎

- I actually used to wait tables here, so I can personally tell you this tiny, and often overlooked restaurant offers what could probably be the most unique, and romantic dining experience of all. Chef Mars is an incredibly creative food artist with a knack for invention, an out of this world sense of humor.

Less Expensive:

Bubba Gumps Seafood Company
204 Decatur St

-Ok, so this might be a national chain, but it made the list because local or not, this restaurant has just about the best bowl of crawfish and shrimp ettoufee I have ever tried! I’ve been to Bubba Gumps elsewhere, but its just not the same. Other reasons I highly recommend are the affordable prices, and the balcony seating area which offers a great view of Decatur and the Mississippi River.

Lunch:

The Gazebo Cafe
1016 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA‎

- This is an outdoor Cafe right outside the French Quarter that sells some of the best, and most economic fried gator tail I’ve ever found. They also have live music daily, sometimes with Prince Albert the Dogman and the Billy-yo Brothas, and they sell a traditional Mint Julip made with real mint leaves they actually grow in their own personal herb garden.

7 Safety Tips

Toast to Better Times – New Orleans, Louisiana (Yes, they really do sell beers this big!)

1. Stay in well lit areas, and avoid empty streets.

2. Go with a group, always stick together with your friends, and never leave anyone behind.

3. If parking is a problem, park in a relatively safe area like Uptown or Lakeview, and ride the street car into the French Quarter, or pay for parking. Don’t risk a late night walk through any dangerous neighborhoods. North (Lakeside) of Rampart Street and South (Riverside) of the I-10 to Rampart can be a really bad spot.

4. If you parallel park in the French Quarter (trust me on this) check the parking signs at least three times before leaving your car there. The signs can be pretty confusing at times and you certainly don’t want to have your car impounded.

5. If it’s not Mardi Gras locals generally do not wear beads. Walking around in an unsafe place with Mardi Gras Beads on is like carrying a big sign to muggers saying “Hey, I’m a tourist!”.

6. Drink to your heart’s content, and drink anywhere you want, but don’t go overboard. Alchohol poisioning is a very dangerous thing and can even take your life. If a friend of yours gets sick, starts vomiting, and passing out. Don’t hesitate to get them medical attention.