NOLA | New Orleans Food Guide 😋

NOLA | New Orleans Food Guide 😋 April to May is perfect for a trip to New Orleans—warm weather, lush greenery, and no sweltering summer heat 🌳! I visited a couple of weeks ago, and as someone with a total “Chinese stomach” (who usually craves Chinese food nonstop), I didn’t eat a single bite of Chinese food the whole time—that’s how good NOLA’s eats are! Here’s my roundup 🥳: 1. Ruby Slipper (Local Brunch Chain) A must-try for casual, satisfying brunch—hardly any misses on the menu! Standout Dish: Their omelets are great, but the congee (rice porridge) that comes with them is the real star. It’s creamy, savory, and hits that comforting spot—perfect for anyone missing a touch of home-style warmth 🥚. Pro Tip: Lines get crazy long during peak hours (weekends 10 AM–2 PM). The Decatur Street location lets you join the waitlist online—save yourself the hassle of standing around! 2. Drago’s Seafood (Seafood Lover’s Dream) My top pick for seafood in NOLA—consistently delicious and great value. 🦪 Charbroiled Oysters: Hands down the best grilled oysters I had on the trip! Plump, fresh oysters topped with a cheesy, garlicky sauce—smoky, briny, and totally addictive. A non-negotiable order. 🐊 Blackened Gator Tacos: Unique and tasty! The alligator meat has a mild, slightly sweet flavor—like chicken, but with a firmer texture, and no fishy aftertaste. The blackened seasoning adds a nice kick, and the tacos are packed with fresh veggies. Worth trying for the “NOLA experience.” 🦞 Lobster Marco: Lobster seafood pasta that tastes amazing—rich, buttery sauce, tender lobster meat, and al dente pasta. The only downside? It’s a bit pricey (worth it for a splurge, though!). 3. Felix’s Restaurant & Oyster Bar Their grilled oysters are slightly better than Drago’s (more balanced flavor, less heavy on the cheese)—but there’s a catch: Some oysters had sand in them, which was a bummer. Plus, they’re way more expensive than Drago’s. If you’re set on “the best” oysters and don’t mind the cost/sand risk, go for it—otherwise, Drago’s is a safer bet 🦪. 4. Acme Oyster House (Famous, but Mixed Reviews) This spot is super popular (long lines at mealtimes!), but it didn’t live up to the hype for me. ❌ Chargrilled Oysters: The most well-known dish here, but the cheese sauce is so thick it completely covers the oyster’s natural brininess. Worse, some had sand too. Skip this. ✅ Seafood Gumbo: A classic NOLA dish, and Acme does it right! Hearty stew with tender seafood (shrimp, crab), sausage, and veggies, served over rice. Rich, flavorful, and comforting 🥘. ✅ Jambalaya: Another NOLA staple—spicy rice with sausage, chicken, and seafood, tossed in a savory tomato-based sauce. It’s bold, satisfying, and tastes like a party in your mouth 🍛. 5. Coffee & Sweet Spots ☕ Cafe Beignet: A local chain famous for its beignets—think fried dough dusted with powdered sugar (like a sweet “fried dough stick”). The beignets themselves are just okay (nothing mind-blowing), but the coffee is solid. Bonus: The Bourbon Street location has a live jazz band—super chill vibe for a midday pick-me-up 🎷. ☕ PJ’s Coffee: My go-to for coffee in NOLA! Their brews are smooth, fragrant, and not too bitter. Whether you want a latte, cold brew, or just a black coffee, it’s reliable and delicious. Way better than the overhyped options 👌. 6. Sazerac House (Free Drinks + History) Not a restaurant, but a must-visit for anyone who likes cocktails! It’s a free museum where you learn about NOLA’s cocktail history (it’s the birthplace of the Sazerac, America’s first cocktail!). The self-guided tour has 3 stops, each with a small cocktail tasting. It’s fun, educational, and a great way to try classic NOLA drinks without spending a fortune 🍹. 7. Hot N Cajun Boil House (Seafood Boil Heaven) We loved this spot so much, we went two days in a row! ✅ Cajun-Style Seafood Boil: Fresh crawfish (get it during crawfish season!), shrimp, and crab, tossed in spicy Cajun seasoning. It’s messy, flavorful, and way fresher than what you’ll find in inland cities 🦞. ❌ Louisiana-Style Boil: Avoid this! It’s overly salty and spicy—so much so that you can’t taste the seafood. Stick to Cajun. 📝 Quick Note P.S. There’s no “famous grilled chicken” in NOLA! Don’t waste time looking for it—focus on the seafood, gumbo, and beignets instead 🍗 (or lack thereof)! #GlobalFoodSquad #USAFoodAndTravel #USTravel #NorthAmericanDailyLife #NewOrleans #NewOrleansFood #NewOrleansTravel #NewOrleansGuide