A Not-So-Standard Guide to Eating, Drinking & Exploring New Orleans 🍹

I’ve long been drawn to the Southern imagery found in literature and film — the wetlands, Black musicians, churches, cemetery culture — and with a desire to escape the Northern chill, I finally made my way to New Orleans. NOLA feels like a city made for tipsy travelers 🥴✨: you can stroll down streets lined with French-style architecture, drink in hand, soaking in the glowing lanterns and nonstop jazz drifting through the air. It’s pure magic. Let’s start with Jewel of the South, ranked #44 this year. I usually prefer to separate dining and drinking, but this spot does both. The French-inspired kitchen serves generous portions — I tried the lobster raviolo and their famous beef tongue. The raviolo was stuffed with shrimp and bathed in a smooth, rich lobster bisque — deeply savory but not heavy. The beef tongue was a standout: seared crisp outside but tender inside, served over barley in a creamy truffle sauce. A must-order! Their cocktails are seasonal — the menu still had Halloween specials when I visited. I started with Wicked Harlot, a pink sparkler that looked great but fell flat: the sharp acidity of the bubbles overpowered the dragon fruit and elderflower. Most of their drinks lean stiff and herbal 🌿 — think chili-infused spirits and bitter liqueurs with smoky, spicy notes. One memorable creation featured duck fat-washed rum with maple syrup and Caribbean bitters. My top picks: Toil & Trouble (if it’s still available) — a fascinating blend of gin, apple, caramel, and pepper — and the timeless Brandy Crusta, a balanced, aromatic classic. While I’m not sure it deserves its Top 50 spot, the food alone is worth the visit. Beachbum Berry's Latitude 29 is your go-to tiki bar 🍍🥥 — all tropical fruit vibes and rums from the Caribbean and beyond. Solid drinks, no major highs or lows. Fit it in if you have time. A few drinks in the first photo are from Café La Trova in Miami — which ranked #88 this year. They focus on classic cocktails with a Cuban/Latin twist 🎺 and a cantinero-style service. It’s a strong option in a tourist-heavy city. Don’t miss their crab cakes — seriously tasty. A flavorful, spirited, and soulful journey — NOLA, you’ve stolen a piece of my heart ❤️‍🔥 #NOLA #CocktailCulture #NewOrleansEats #FrenchQuarterVibes #TravelNOLA