With Mardi Gras just around the corner (February 9!), our sights are set on the hub of the festivities: New Orleans. Ahead of Fat Tuesday, we tapped local lifestyle blogger Juley Le of Upperlyne & Co. to share the inside scoop on where to shop, dine and sight-see on a trip to Nola. Here, her chic recommendations for what to do in the storied city.
The Fashion Girl's Guide To New Orleans
Breakfast
"I almost never make it out of the house on time for breakfast, but when I do I'm grabbing a fresh baguette or croissant from one of the many bakeries or my favorite avocado toast at Toast. Willa Jean makes hearty biscuits, which you have to enjoy with their ever-popular Milk Money Latte."
Toast Willa Jean La Boulangerie Breads on Oak Gracious Bakery Slim Goodies Surrey’s
Coffee
"There is a different kind of coffee shop for every personality in New Orleans. I love to camp out at Mojo to work. When I’m strolling the French Quarter, I have to grab an iced vanilla latte at Spitfire Coffee. The French Truck also makes a mean latte and sells their fresh-roasted coffee beans to take home."
Mojo The French Truck Coffee Spitfire Coffee Revelator Coffee Merchant
Lunch
"If I'm feeling uninhibited, my go-to choice is a burger at Company Burger (Anthony Bourdain's favorite). For the healthier lunches, I'll grab a hearty salad at St. James Cheese Company or a classic sandwich at Stein's Deli."
Company Burger St. James Cheese Company Stein's Deli Il Posto Pizza Delicious Dryades Public Market Cochon Butcher
Snacks
"In the hot summer months, it's all about getting a satsuma snowball (or snow cone) at Hansen's Sno-Bliz or fresh homemade ice cream at Creole Creamery. For the fancier nights, drop by Bouligny Tavern for their mouthwatering gouda beignets. For a mid-day snack, pick up a kougn-amann (the sweet, crunchy cousin of the croissant) at District."
Hansens Sno-Bliz Creole Creamery Bouligny Tavern District Piety Street Sno-balls Sucre Angelo Brocato’s
Dinner
"It is impossible to pick my favorite dinner spot, but my first recommendation is always Cochon for a an elevated Southern family meal in a hip environment. You'll get to try fun and unique foods such as rabbit potpie, fried alligator and boudin. Compere Lapin's food is top notch (best biscuits in the world) and Israeli gem Shaya is a must-visit."
Cochon Compere Lapin Shaya Coquette 1000 Figs Asuka Sushi
Nightlife
"The nightlife is lively but varies depending on your mood and crowd. I love to bar hop with friends. We usually start from my neighborhood wine bar Delachaise, stop by Barrel Proof for whiskey and then head over to Frenchman Street for live music. If the night goes on, it's time to dance it all off at Apres Lounge or Gold Mine, a dive bar with the best old-school hip-hop and '90s music."
Delachaise Wine Bar Barrel Proof Apres Lounge Gold Mine Carassoul Bar Dos Efes Fulton Alley The Columns Hotel Frenchman Street Cane & Table
Photo Ops
"New Orleans is a photographer's and Instagrammer's playground. The French Quarter offers plenty of architectural and historical homes. Take the streetcar uptown to see the historic mansions that line St. Charles Avenue."
Crescent City Park City Park / Botanical Gardens French Quarter shotgun homes The Historic Streetcar
Shopping
"I'm drawn to inviting and casual stores to do my shopping. Billy Reid has my dream Southern wardrobe in a cool renovated shotgun home. Located on Royal Street, Krewe du Optic's flagship store offers their signature sunglasses as well as a micro coffee shop."
Billy Reid Krewe du Optic Goorin Bros Neon Heart Defend New Orleans
Can’t-Miss Activities
"These are some of my favorite activities and spots to visit during a free afternoon."
Frenchman Art Market Prytania Theater Jeremy Davenport at the Ritz Bacchanal Wine Bar Live musicians on Royal Street Ashley Longshore gallery Strolling aimlessly around the French Quarter
Tips For Mardi Gras
"Get the parade tracker app to avoid running into traffic. Decide who makes your favorite king cake (mine is Sucre). Unless you have a balcony in the French Quarter, avoid the crowds—try to book a hotel in the Warehouse District or further away from the French Quarter. Uptown parades are a little less crazy for those who want a more relaxed Mardi Gras experience."
