Staff Writers | JAK E CLA PP, KAYL EE P OCH E , SA R AH R AVITS
Contributing Writer | IAN MCNULTY E ditorial Assistant | MADDI E S P INN ER
CREATIVE
Creative Director | DO R A SISON
Traffic Manager | JASON WHITTAK ER P roject Manager | MA R IA VIDACOVICH BOUÉ
Associate Art Director | E MMA DA VIA
Graphic Designer | GAVIN DONALDSON
Contributing Graphic Designers | TIANA WATTS, SCOTT FO R SYTH E , JASMYN E WHIT E , J E FF M E ND E L
BUSINESS & OPERATIONS
Billing Inquiries 1 (225) 388-0185
Advertising Director | SANDY ST E IN B R ONDUM [sstein@gambitweekly.com]
Sales and Marketing Manager
ABIGAIL BO R D E LON ( 504 ) 636 -7427 [abigail.bordelon@gambitweekly.com]
Sales R epresentatives
K E LLY SONNI ER R OD R IGU E Z ( 504 ) 483-3143 [ksonnier@gambitweekly.com]
CHA R LI E THOMAS ( 504 ) 636 -7438 [cthomas@gambitweekly.com]
B E NN E TT G E STON ( 504 ) 483 -3116
[bennett.geston@gambitweekly.com]
ALYSSA HAU P TMAN N ( 504 ) 483 -1123
[alyssa.hauptmann@gambitweekly.com]
LAU RE N CUNNINGHAM ( 504 ) 636 -7426
[lauren.cunningham@theadvocate.com]
and
[clare.brierre@gambitweekly.com]
LION E L NOSACKA [lionel.nosacka@gambitweekly.com]
Welcome to Gambit’s 2025 Best of New Orleans issue, in which we present the results of our annual readers’ poll!
Best Of issues are a time-honored tradition in the alt-weekly world that allow our community to celebrate the best and most beloved small businesses, restaurants, music venues, purveyors of booze and media personalities in New Orleans over the last year.
In addition to your traditional categories, we’ve also included a Staff Picks section, an Outtakes section with some of your more wild, unhinged and hilarious responses, as well as a new Northshore section highlighting some of the best businesses, schools, festivals and attractions the far side of the lake has to offer.
Unlike some Best Of lists, we here at Gambit don’t make the calls – and we don’t sell spots on the list. Instead, we leave that up to you, our gentle, thoughtful and unironic readers. So, if you disagree with a winner, well, you have nobody to blame but yourselves.
Sincerely, we couldn’t do this without you. There’s a LOT of categories to vote in and the fact that most of you take it seriously enough to answer them earnestly means a lot – and says a lot about your love of our community. So, thank all of you for taking time to fill it out – even if your opinions are sometimes wild.
Q. Who chooses the winners?
A. This is literally all your fault. Our staff has nothing to do with the poll aside from putting together the list of categories, tabulating the results and fact-checking addresses, names and the like.
Q. Wait a second, there’s also a staff picks section! Ahh-haha, I knew you were lying!
A. Cool your jets, Rep. Higgins. We said the “poll,” not “staff selections.”
Q. Do people try to cheat?
A. When was the last time somebody didn’t try to cheat a vote in Louisiana?
Q. I read on GeauxChan that all these polls are rigged and papers sell winners to the highest bidder.
A. We’re sure you also read that chemtrails are real and that the Queen of England faked her death just for
a quiet life in Marrero. Don’t believe everything you read on the internet — unless, of course, you’re reading this on the internet.
But seriously, while some other lists may be up for sale, Gambit’s never is. We don’t take bribes. We don’t sell spots on the lists as part of advertising packages. And we don’t mess with who wins, even if we don’t agree with the results.
And so we’re all very clear on this: OUR POLL IS NOT RIGGED. You may not like the fact that a winner successfully got the word out among their loyalists while yours didn’t. That’s called campaigning, not rigging.
Q. Can we recall a winner, andif so, is the recall actually being orchestrated by out-of-state Big Media?
A. No. There is no recall process. We love putting in the hours and hours and HOURS of work necessary to produce the list every year, but we’re not masochists.
Q. Why isn’t Best Podiatrist a category?
A. As we said, the list is a constant work in progress. If you have ideas for good categories — or really any feedback — for next year, hit us up at response@gambitweekly.com.
1. FELIPE’S (301 N. Peters St., 504-267-4406; 411-1 N. Carrollton Ave., 504-408-2626; 2004 Metairie Road, Metairie, 504-676-5574; 6215 S. Miro St., 504-309-2776; felipestaqueria.com)
2. EL GATO NEGRO (81 French Market Place, 504-525-9752; 300 Harrison Ave., 504-488-0107; 301 Huey P. Long Ave., Gretna, 504-3549593; elgatonegronola.com)
This cabernethas adeep garnetcolor yielding aromas of dark chocolate, pomegranate,cedar shavings, blackberry, and leather.The palate exhibits flavors of blueberrycompote, black cherry,espresso, and cigar boxwith bright and juicyfruit forward sensations. The textureis rich and bold with wellstructuredtannins.
PHOTO BY IAN MCNULTY / THE TIMES-PICAYUNE
Best Place to Get Oysters
1. DRAGO’S (Hilton New Orleans Riverside, 2 Poydras St., 504-584-3911; 3232 N. Arnoult Road, Metairie, 504-888-9254; dragosrestaurant.com)
2. ACME OYSTER HOUSE (724 Iberville St., 504-522-5973; 3000 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 504-309-4056; acmeoyster.com)
3. SUPERIOR SEAFOOD & OYSTER BAR (4338 St. Charles Ave., 504-293-3474; superiorseafoodnola.com)
1. CENTRAL GROCERY & DELI (923 Decatur St., 504-523-1620; centralgrocery.com)
2. NAPOLEON HOUSE (500 Chartres St., 504-524-9752; napoleonhouse.com)
3. DIMARTINO’S FAMOUS NEW ORLEANS MUFFULETTAS (1673 Barataria Blvd., Marrero, 504-635-1600; 3900 General De Gaulle Drive, 504-367-0227; dimartinos.com)
Ne wOrlansGifts Iconic
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From indoor cycling, strength classes, abs+stretch,step aerobics,and aprivateinfrared sauna&coldplunge, HYPE HAUS provides atransformativeftness experience and one-of-a-kind instructors that together empower you to become the best versionofyourself!
3. PEPP’S PUB (706 Franklin Ave., 985-326-1975; peppspub.com)
Best Happy Hour
1. FELIPE’S (301 N. Peters St., 504-267-4406; 2004 Metairie Road, Metairie, 504-676-5574; 411-1 N. Carrollton Ave., 504-408-2626; 6215 S. Miro St., 504-309-2776; felipestaqueria.com)
2. SUPERIOR SEAFOOD AND OYSTER BAR (4338 St. Charles Ave., 504-293-3474; superiorseafoodnola.com)
3. CURE
(4905 Freret St., 504-302-2357; curenola.com)
PHOTO BY CHRIS GRANGER / THE TIMES-PICAYUNE
Drink
Best Distillery
1. LULA RESTAURANT DISTILLERY (1532 St. Charles Ave., 504-267-7624; lulanola.com)
2. ABITA BREWING COMPANY (21084 LA-36, Covington, 985-893-3143; abita.com) *We are aware this is not a distillery but we promised y’all it isn’t rigged and this what y’all voted for!
3. SEVEN THREE DISTILLING CO. (301 N. Claiborne Ave., 504-265-8545; seventhreedistilling.com)
Best Late-Night Bar
1. THE SAINT BAR & LOUNGE (961 Saint Mary St., 504-523-0050; thesaintneworleans.com)
2. MS. MAE’S (4336 Magazine St., 504-218-8035; @theclub_msmaes on Instagram)
3. SNAKE AND JAKE’S CHRISTMAS CLUB LOUNGE (7612 Oak St., 504-861-2802; snakeandjakes.com)
3. FLEUR DE LEAF (4713 River Road., 504-505-2413; fleurdeleafwellness.com)
Best Rooftop Bar
1. HOT TIN
(Pontchartrain Hotel, 2031 St. Charles Ave., 504-323-1500; hottinbar.com)
2. ROSIE’S ON THE ROOF AT HIGGINS HOTEL (1000 Magazine St., 504- 528-1941; higginshotelnola.com/new-orleans-restaurants/ rosies-on-the-roof)
3. THE POOL CLUB (Virgin Hotels, 550 Baronne St.,
St . Agnes Church is a beau tif ul, sacred space to celebrate the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony. Our f ai th communi t y would be honored to share in your special day and help you prepare a meaning ful, prayer ful celebration.
St. Agnes Church - Old Jefferson 3310 Jefferson Highway, Jefferson, LA 70121
Since 1995, Southern Animal Foundation (SAF )has been dedicatedtoproviding compassionate, afordable veterinary caretothe pets of NewOrleans and beyond.
As afullservice clinic, adoption center, and no-kill rescue, ourmission is to makesureevery pet, whether owned, abandoned, or rescued, getsthe chance at a healthy, happy life.With theloveofour community and the dedicationof ouramazing team, we're proud to be aplace families can counton.
Thank youtoGambitand to everyone who votedfor us in Best
ENTERTAINMENT
Best PerformerBurlesque
1. TRIXIE MINX (Instagram: @trixienola)
2. BELLA BLUE (Instagram: @bellablueforever)
3. QUEEN VAMPYA (tiktok.com/@queenvampya)
Best Casino
1. CAESARS NEW ORLEANS (8 Canal St., 800-427-7247; caesars.com/caesars-new-orleans)
2. TREASURE CHEST CASINO (4550 Williams Blvd., Kenner, 504-443-8000; treasurechest.com)
3. APPLE BARREL BAR (Adolfo’s Restaurant, 609 Frenchmen St., adolfosneworleans.com)
Best Local Blues Artist/Band
1. THE ANDRE LOVETT BAND (Instagram: @alovettmusic)
2. LITTLE FREDDIE KING (littlefreddieking.com)
3. ERIC JOHNSON (Instagram: @officialericjohnson)
3. TAB BENOIT (tabbenoit.com)
Best Local Brass Band
1. REBIRTH BRASS BAND (rebirthbrassband.com)
2. BLUE TANG PEOPLE (@bluetangpeople)
3. HOT 8 BRASS BAND (hot8brassband.com)
PHOTO BY SOPHIA GERMER / THE TIMES-PICAYUNE
ENTERTAINMENT
Best Local Funk Band
1. DUMPSTAPHUNK (dumpstaphunk.com)
2. GALACTIC (galacticfunk.com)
3. JOSH BENITEZ (facebook.com/babyjoshbenitez)
Best Local Hip-hop Group/Artist
1. SAILEM FROM HELL (Instagram: @sailemfromhell
2. KAYE THE BEAST (Instagram: @kayethebeast)
3. BIG FREEDIA (Instagram: @bigfreedia)
Best Local Movie Theater
1. THE BROAD THEATER (636 N. Broad St., 504-218-1008; thebroadtheater.com)
2. THE PRYTANIA (5339 Prytania St., 504-891-2787; theprytania.com)
3. THE PRYTANIA THEATRE AT CANAL PLACE (333 Canal St., 3rd Floor, 504-290-2658; theprytania.com)
Best Local DJ
1. DJ SOUL SISTER (Instagram: @djsoulsister)
2. PAUL LAKEWAY (Instagram: @paul_lakeway)
3. WARM ADVICE (Instagram: @warm.advice)
PROVIDED PHOTO BY AVERY WHITE
NO CHILD SHOULD BE HOMELESS AND NO CHILD SHOULD GO HUNGRY.
Ye tt ha ti s the un fo rtuna te re alit yf or man yr ig ht her ei nN ew Orleans.
Children who experience homelessness face agreat number of adverseoutcomes, including loweredacademic performance, poorer physical and mental health, and developmental delays.Perhaps mostconcerning of allisthathomelessness in childhoodputs
an individual at greaterriskofexperiencing homelessnesslater in life.
The NOWCS’ newfacilitypromises to be a haven forhomeless familieswithchildren, not simply providingthe food and shelter to meet their mostpressing needs, but alsoawide
array of wraparoundservices thatwilllead to alifetimeofstabilityand self-sufciency. Break this cycle forNew Orleans families today. Makeagifttothe NewOrleans Women &Children’s Shelter’snew facilityand bring them Home at Last.
ENTERTAINMENT
Best Local Rock Band
1. STGMA (Instagram: @stgma_nola)
2. THE RADIATORS
3. THE REVIVALISTS (therevivalists.com)
Best Local Street Performer
1. DOREEN KETCHENS (doreensjazz.org)
2. JOURDAN BLUE (Instagram: @jourblue)
3. THE LOUD MIME (loudmimeshow.com)
Best Local Theater Company
1. THE TENNESSEE WILLIAMS THEATRE COMPANY OF NEW ORLEANS (504-264-2580; twtheatrenola.com)
2. LE PETIT THEATRE (616 St. Peter St., 504-522-2081; lepetittheatre.com)
3. THE NOLA PROJECT (504-302-9117; nolaproject.com)
Best Local Music Artist/Band
1. ROBIN BARNES & THE FIYA BIRDS (robinbarnesmusic.com)
2. ALIZAH STARR (alizahmusic.com)
3. SAILEM FROM HELL (Instagram: @sailemfromhell)
Best Local Traditional Jazz Group/Artist
PRESERVATION HALL JAZZ BAND (preservationhalljazzband.com)
3. LARRY FLYNT’S HUSTLER CLUB (225 Bourbon St., 504-524-0010; neworleanshustlerclub.com)
PHOTO BY MATTHEW PERSCHALL | THE TIMES-PICAYUNE
ThanksFor TheLove!
Thank youfor voting Keesler FederalCredit Union and Jefferson Financial Federal Credit Union as twoofthe Top3 forBestCreditUnion in this year’s BestofNew Orleans.
Soon, we’ll be operating as one,and will continue our shared mission to be the credit union youloveeach and every year.
local life
Best Museum
1. NEW ORLEANS MUSEUM OF ART (1 Collins Diboll Circle, 504-658-4100; noma.org)
2. THE NATIONAL WWII MUSEUM (945 Magazine St., 504-528-1944; nationalww2museum.org)
3. OGDEN MUSEUM OF SOUTHERN ART (925 Camp St., 504-539-9650; ogdenmuseum.org)
Best Art Gallery
1. NEW ORLEANS MUSEUM OF ART
(1 Collins Diboll Circle, 504-658-4100; noma.org)
2. GALLERY B. FOS (2138 Magazine St., 504-444-2967; beckyfos.com)
3. M.S. RAU (622 Royal St., 888-711-8084; rauantiques.com)
Best Assisted Living/ Retirement Community
1. LAUREL SENIOR LIVING (1101 Aline St., 504-350-2244; laurelnola.com)
2. LAMBETH HOUSE (150 Broadway St., 504-865-1960; lambethhouse.com)
3. THE CARROLLTON NEW ORLEANS (701 S Carrollton Ave., 504-380-0067)
Best Dance School/Studio
1. MY FORTE DANCE CENTER (3333 Division St., Metairie, 504-231-6340; Instagram: @myfortedancecenter)
2. DANCING GROUNDS (3705 St Claude Ave., 504-535-5791; dancingrounds.org)
3. DANCER’S POINTE (5101 W Esplanade Ave, Suite 17, Metairie, 504-455-5975)
Best Day Trip
1. BAY ST LOUIS
2. ABITA SPRINGS
3. MISSISSIPPI GULF COAST Honorable Mentions: Jean Lafitte National Park, Ship Island and Avery Island.
Best Dog Park
1. NOLA CITY BARK (10 Magnolia Drive, neworleanscitypark.org)
2. LAFRENIERE DOG PARK (3000 Downs Blvd., lafrenierepark.org)
3. CRESCENT BARK (3800-3898 Chartres St.)
Best Family/Kid Friendly Activities
1. NEW ORLEANS CITY PARK (neworleanscitypark.org)
2. LOUISIANA CHILDREN’S MUSEUM (15 Henry Thomas Drive, 504-523-1357; lcm.org)
3. KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY (8601 Leake Ave., 504-862-0100; 1601 Belle Chasse Hwy., Suite 101, Gretna, 504-207-2007; 3500 N. Causeway Blvd., Suite 350, Metairie, 504-455-0100; kwneworleans.kw.com)
JoinUs
“Always consider the oyster. An oyster leads adreadfulbut exciting life.” -MFK Fisher
Best Kept
Local Secret
1. SYDNEY AND WALDA BESTHOFF SCULPTURE GARDEN (1 Collins Diboll Circle, 504-658-4100)
local life
2. THE FLY (6500 Magazine St.)
2. PANDORA’S SNOWBALLS (901 N. Carrollton Ave.)
3. ALGIERS POINT
Honorable Mentions: My shortcut to the Superdome for games, The Roosevelt Pool and Spa Summer Membership, Book clubs at Blue Cypress, Why would I share that for the tourists?
Best Summer Camp
1. ARDEN CAHILL ACADEMY (3101 Wall Blvd., Gretna, 504-392-0902; ardencahillacademy.com)
2. MOUNT CARMEL ACADEMY (7027 Milne Blvd., 504-288-7626; mcacubs.com)
3. KEHOE-FRANCE SCHOOL (720 Elise Ave., Metairie, 504-733-0472; kehoe-france.com)
Best Jefferson Parish Library
1. JEFFERSON PARISH LIBRARY EAST BANK REGIONAL LIBRARY (4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie, 504-838-1190)
HAPPYHOUR
TUESDAY -FRIDAY 4-6 PM
2. JEFFERSON PARISH LIBRARY OLD METAIRIE LIBRARY (2350 Metairie Road, Metairie, 504-838-4353)
3. JEFFERSON PARISH LIBRARY
— RIVER RIDGE LIBRARY (8825 Jefferson Hwy., River Ridge, 504-736-6455)
Best Orleans Parish Library
1. MILTON H. LATTER MEMORIAL LIBRARY (5120 St. Charles Ave., 504-596-2625)
2. ROBERT E. SMITH LIBRARY (6301 Canal Blvd., 504-596-2638)
YounEmpoweringgLearners Building Strong Foundations
NUR TURE EAR LY EX
1st Course
Crab Ca ke
MangoSalsa
NY Strip(10oz)
Served with Truffle Fries
choice of one
Gaia Exotic Salad Oysters
Char-Grilled (1 Dozen) RockefellerStyle
2nd Course
choice of one
FiletMignon(8oz)
Served with SauteedMushrooms
Atlantic Salmon OR RainbowTrout
Served with Garden Salad
Spaghetti&Wag yu Meatba lls
Served with Garlic Bread
3rd Course
choice of one
Tira misu,CheesecakeorKey Lime Pie
Fr om pr em iu mc ut sg ri lled to pe rfec tion ov er ch ar co al andw oo df ir e, to thef re shest se afoo da nd rawbar de licacies, GA IA de li ve rs aste ak hous e ex pe rience li ke no ot he r.
Pa ir ed with an intern at iona l wi ne se lect iona nd un iq ue ly cr af tedcoc kt ai ls,e very deta il is de si gned to tr an sp or t guests be yond theord in ar y -i ntoat ruec ul in ar yheave n.
(231 N. Carrollton Ave., Suite A2, 504-930-0653; 2268 St. Claude Ave., Suite B, 504-435-2550; 4507 Magazine St., Suite A, 504-814-3175; simplycannabis.co)
2. FLEUR DE LEAF
(4713 River Road, 504-505-2413; fleurdeleafwellness.com)
St Roch: Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays 8:30am-10am
* Children seen by appointment only
Everyone is welcome.
All Insurances welcome. Sliding fee scale based on income available.
Learn More: crescentcare.org | 504- 821-2601
St . Roch: 1631 Elysian Fields Ave. (at N Claiborne Ave)
MidCit y: 2515 Canal St (at N Rocheblave St .)
1. DUCKY’S POOLS, HOT TUBS & LIVING (duckysonline.com)
2. CLEARWATER POOL & SPA (cwnola.com)
3. GREG’S POOLS & SPAS (gregspoolsandspas.com)
3. KINGFISH POOLS (kingfishpool.com)
Best Smoke Shop
1. RA SHOP (Areawide; rashop.us)
2. SIMPLY CANNABIS
(231 N. Carrollton Ave., Suite A2, 504-930-0653; 2268 St. Claude Ave., Suite B, 504-435-2550; 4507 Magazine St., Suite A, 504-814-3175; simplycannabis.co)
3. MUSHROOM NEW ORLEANS (1037 Broadway St., 504-866-6065; themushroomnola.com)
GOODS & SERVICES GOODS & SERVICES
Best Vape Shop
1. RA SHOP (Areawide; rashop.us)
2. SIMPLY CANNABIS
(231 N. Carrollton Ave., Suite A2, 504-930-0653; 2268 St. Claude Ave., Suite B, 504-435-2550; 4507 Magazine St., Suite A, 504-814-3175; simplycannabis.co)
3. NOLA SMOKE & VAPE (4137 S Carrollton Ave., 504302-2177; 3120 Gentilly Blvd., Suite B, 504-381-5497)
2. ACQUISTAPACE’S (125 E. 21st Ave., Covington, 985-893-0593; 631 N. Causeway Blvd., Mandeville, 985-951-2501; acquistapace.com)
3. ARTIGUE’S ABITA MARKET (22069 Highway 59, Abita Springs, 985-892-7300)
Best Northshore Grammar School
1. ST. MARGARET MARY SCHOOL
(1050-A Robert Blvd., Slidell, 985-643-4612; saintmm.org )
2. OUR LADY OF THE LAKE SCHOOL (316 Lafitte St., Mandeville, 985-626-5678; ourladyofthelakeschool.org)
3. LAKE CASTLE MADISONVILLE PRIVATE SCHOOL (235 Highway 21, Madisonville, 985-845-3537; lakecastle.com)
Best Northshore High School
1. MANDEVILLE HIGH SCHOOL (1 Skipper Drive, Mandeville, 985-626-5225; mandevillehigh.stpsb.org)
2. ST PAUL’S CATHOLIC SCHOOL (917 South Jahncke Ave., Covington, 985-892-3200; stpauls.com)
3. FONTAINEBLEAU HIGH SCHOOL (100 Bulldog Drive, Mandeville, 985-892-7112; fontainebleauhigh.stpsb.org)
3. NORTHSHORE HIGH SCHOOL (100 Panther Drive, Slidell, 985-649-6400; northshorehigh.stpsb.org)
Best Northshore Festival
1. ABITA FALL FEST (abitafallfest.com)
2. WOODEN BOAT FESTIVAL (maritimemuseumlouisiana.org/ woodenboatfestival)
3. PONCHATOULA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL (lastrawberryfestival.com)
At DEVOTION STUDIOSour mission is to improve lives through mindful movement. We believe thatmoving with intention has the power to transform us,and sothe world, from theinsideout.
PHOTO BY IAN MCNULTY / THE TIMES-PICAYUNE
Nothshoe
Best Outdoor Dining
1. ABITA BREW PUB
(72011 Holly St., Abita Springs, 985-892-5837; abitabrewpub.com)
2. THE CHIMES (19130 W. Front St., Covington, 985-892-5396; thechimes.com)
2. ST. TAMMANY PARISH LIBRARY SLIDELL BRANCH (555 Robert Blvd., Slidell, 985-646-6470)
3. ST. TAMMANY PARISH LIBRARY MADISONVILLE BRANCH (1123 Main St., Madisonville, 985-845-4819)
Staff PICKS
CLARE BRIERRE
CHIEF BEST OF NEW ORLEANS CORRESPONDENT
Best Scene for Wine and Local Talent
TELL ME BAR
Consider this my love letter to Tell Me Bar. With a divine selection of natural wines and outdoor seating surrounded by lush greenery from the neighboring plant shop, Luna Botanicals, it’s hard to beat the picturesque vibe. On top of that, they host a weekly lineup of local talent, from music by ANTWIGADEE! on Monday evenings to Greta’s Sushi on Thursdays and more. This place almost always has something amazing going on to complement its delicious wines.
Best Asian Fusion to Obsess Over
BAHN MI BOYS
I am Bahn Mi Boys’ biggest fan. My coworkers and friends know I never shut up about this place, especially my beloved pork noodle bowl. From banh mi to po-boys to loaded fries, Bahn Mi Boys never disappoints in quality or flavor. For two years straight, I’ve been in their top 0.01% of orders on Uber Eats, and I wear that as a badge of honor. Don’t forget to check out their Instagram for fun reels featuring their amazing staff, too!
JOHN STANTON EDITOR
Best Friday Night of Drinking and Music
LITTLE FREDDIE KING AT BJ’S LOUNGE
This one shouldn’t come as a surprise to anybody who knows me. Back when I was traveling multiple times a
Best Martini Menu THE HUSKY
The way my jaw dropped when I saw The Husky has a whole section of the menu dedicated to your perfect martini, particularly for a dirty one! Ranging from “standard dry” to “touch of dirty” all the way to “salty bitch,” The Husky bartenders know how to make it just the way you like it, whether you’re a vodka or gin lover. With a moody ski lodge-meets-speakeasy vibe and a great happy hour, it’s a must-try. The whiskey decanter by the bathroom is the cherry on top for this place.
month to cover the border, I not only went directly to my regular barstool at the bar from MSY, I even had my mail delivered there.
As for Freddie, he’s a literal living legend. One of the last of his generation of Delta bluesmen still walking the earth, Freddie remains the King of the Gut Bucket Blues.
While the bartenders and faces in the crowd may have changed over the years, Freddie playing BJ’s is still a magical experience.
Best Place to Get
Some Grub and See Some Bewbs PULCINELLA!/THE ORIGINAL NITE CAP
Bella Blue and her husband Andy Principe are fixtures in the city’s entertainment sector. Blue is a longtime burlesque dancer and outspoken advocate for sex workers and creatives in New Orleans, while Principe made his mark on our dining scene as co-owner of Palm & Pine.
ClareBrierre,inhernatural environment of wine and foliageatTellMeBar PROVIDED PHOTO
John Stanton, left, with noted topiary enthusiast
Olivier ‘You’re a monster!’ Knox PROVIDED PHOTO
Staff PICKS
So it’s fitting that they’d open a spot that brings their two halves together to form a delicious, queer-friendly Voltron on St. Bernard Avenue.
Pulcinella! offers up some of the tastiest Italian food in the city right now, and they keep it reasonably priced so regular folks in the neighborhood can still afford a meal.
The Original Nite Cap, meanwhile, has quickly become a destination for burlesque and drag with an excellent but affordable bar program.
Best Major Event of the Last Year
THE SWIFTIE INVASION
Taylor Swift may not be my cup of tea musically, but she is without a doubt one of the biggest cultural forces on the planet right now. Not only do millions of people enjoy her music, she’s set an example of strength, independence and business savvy for young women (and, frankly, everybody else).
Unlike the NFL, Taylor Swift didn’t demand control of much of the city to come play her sold-out run at the Superdome. She didn’t set up barriers
making it hard for locals to get around – and her fans to explore, nor did she demand millions of taxpayer dollars be spent on her behalf or that poor kids playing buckets on Bourbon Street be arrested.
And also unlike what happened during the Super Bowl, her fans actually didn’t waste their time in lame corporate “experience spaces” that faked New Orleans but actually went out and enjoyed our city and spent millions of dollars at local businesses all over town.
TheSOLVE trial aims tolearn if reducingsaltinyourdiet improves thehealth of your hear tand bloodvessels. Whatisinvolvedinpar ticipating?
•Berandomly assigned to alow sodium diet or your usual diet
•Complete study activities for 1 year and receivegif tcards for par ticipating at study visits
Youmay be eligible if...
•You are40to75yearsofage
•You haveelevated blood pressure or hyper tension
•You can complete closed MRI scans
RAVITS
Best Plant Store to Spend an Afternoon
WE BITE
Several weeks ago, a fellow plant-lov ing friend and I popped into the We Bite plant store at the intersection of St. Claude and Franklin avenues, and we were instantly hooked. The shop has a bit of a Southern Gothic aesthetic, which is fitting for a business specializing in weird, exotic and rare plants, including strange carnivorous types and things that thrive in low lighting. But it also has some more common, low-maintenance house plants, plus everything you need to keep them going, like potting soils, plant food, planters and more.
We Bite hosts workshops, including sessions on how to build terrariums.
And I’d be remiss if I didn’t especially call out Jeff, the weekend employee who always is welcoming and willing to impart his knowledge about all botanical things. Jeff’s enthusiasm is contagious, and that’s a big reason why my friend and I keep going back. Just waiting for him to introduce us to an Audrey III.
Best Place to Go if You Can’t Afford a Trip to Paris
LE PONCE
The owners of Cafe Degas opened Le Ponce less than a year ago, and it is still a bit of a Faubourg St. John hidden gem. The cafe has some of the best-tasting fresh coffee in the city along with customizable breakfast sandwiches and pastries, croissants
Taylor Swift fans PHOTO BY CHRIS GRANGER / THE TIMES-PICAYUNE
Elder Millennial Columnist Sarah ‘Get Off My Avocado Toast’ Ravits PROVIDED PHOTO
SARAH
STAFF WRITER
JAKE CLAPP STAFF WRITER
Favorite New Album: BOYFRIEND’S “IN THE GARDEN”
Boyfriend has always used her provocative alt-pop to fight sexism and challenge gender stereotypes. But with her latest full-length album, “In the Garden,” she aimed for patriarchy’s cornerstone myth: the story of Eve and the Garden of Eden. “In the Garden” is an engaging concept album retelling the story of Eve from a queer, inquisitive angle — with a genre-blurring blend of synth-pop, bounce, funk and hip-hop.
Boyfriend, the stage name for vocalist and songwriter Suzannah Powell, portrays Eve and is joined by an extraordinary cast: Tony-winning actor Billy Porter, who narrates the story; Big Freedia as a fierce, extravagant God; Scissor Sisters’ Jake Shears as a vain Adam; and electro-punk artist Peaches playing the Serpent. “In the Garden” is an equally entertaining, and thought-provoking achievement. Keep an eye out for a concert film of “In the Garden” in the near future.
Favorite Show of 2025
BURNA BOY AT JAZZ FEST
Nigerian pop artist Burna Boy is a superstar in Africa and much of the world, so when he played the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival in April, the Congo Square Stage felt too small. Backed by a squad of percussionists and dancers, there was a lot of energy in the performance, which
and other French desserts. The laidback coffee shop has become one of my favorite spots for a breakfast date or as a quiet place to sit in the cozy courtyard and read and linger for a while.
Best Way to Kick Off a Saturday Morning
A WORKOUT AT BARRE3
One of my favorite ways to start the weekend is to get in a workout at Barre3. There are locations all over town, but I prefer the Lakeview studio because it’s dark and generally not too crowded. A 45-minute class is wellpaced and flies by, leaving me feeling energized and ready for the rest of the weekend.
in his blue period
blended Afrobeat, dancehall, pop, R&B and other styles. It was a great show, and Burna Boy showed a lot of love to New Orleans. With big crowds turning out for both Burna Boy and Seun Kuti this year, there’s certainly a demand to see more Afrobeat and African-based pop artists at Jazz Fest.
Best Example of New Orleanians Taking Care of Each Other
MARLON “CHICKEN” WILLIAMS FEEDING KIDS
This summer, Marlon “Chicken” Williams offered kids ages 2-15 free breakfast and lunch at his Gretna restaurants Chicken’s Kitchen and The Coop. By the end of the summer, he
Jake Clapp
PHOTO BY CHELSEA SHANNON
Chef Joe Turley at Le Ponce PHOTOT BY CHERYL GERBER / GAMBIT
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had given more than 7,900 meals out to local children.
Childhood hunger is a significant problem in Louisiana, especially when summer hits and schools, where kids can rely on a meal, are on break. In recent years, more New Orleanians have started to step up in big ways to help feed food insecure kids during the summer, including Toups’ Family Meal, which returned for its second year of delivering food to families, and restaurants, like La Tia Cantina, that offered free kids’ meal deals.
KAYLEE POCHE STAFF WRITER
Best Tribute of the Year
ROLLING STONES PLAY CLIFTON CHENIER
The Rolling Stones have rarely, if ever, contributed music to a tribute album, so the fact that the rock icons kick off a new album dedicated to Clifton Chenier shows the South Louisiana musician’s cultural legacy. The Stones recorded a cover of “Zydeco Sont Pas Sale” for the album “A Tribute to the King of Zydeco,” released in June to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Chenier’s birth. Along with The Stones, the album features Lucinda Williams, Steve Earle, Taj Mahal, Charley Crockett, Clifton’s son CJ Chenier and others celebrating the zydeco pioneer. Swamp rocker C.C. Adcock was instrumental in bringing the British rockers on board and produced “Zydeco Sont Pas Sales.” And the track was released on a 7-inch vinyl, paired with Chenier’s original, to help raise money for the Clifton Chenier Memorial Scholarship at the University of Louisiana Lafayette.
Kaylee Poche on the set of Inception 2: The Electric Rougarou PROVIDED PHOTO
needed to be warmed — and perfect for eating on the parade route. And don’t sleep on the Asian dumpling, with ground pork, green onions, ginger and oyster sauce.
Best Setting for a Play
CITY PARK’S SCOUT ISLAND
Best Place for a PreParade Snack in the
French Quarter
EMPANOLA
Mardi Gras season is the best time of year, but I’ve always found that parades scheduled during peak dinner time result in a conundrum: Either you find time to eat an early dinner before or you’re hangry during the parade. Enter a third option: the pre-parade snack. Empanola, located right by Jackson Square, is a great spot for a grab-and-go tasty treat. The empanadas are ready pretty quickly — they just
Going in, I didn’t know what to expect when attending “Wonder Wander City Park,” part of the We Will Dream: New Works Festival in April. It was an immersive play in a part of City Park I’d never been to before, and when we got there, we were given headphones with an acorn clipped onto them. We must have been a curious sight to the couple of passersby who weren’t there for the play.
We walked across the bridge along a winding path among the greenery, listening to the imagined conversations of people who roamed the land before us. We saw an enslaved mother and daughter running in the distance, happened upon a duel in the forest and took part in a school field trip. Afterward, folks stuck around to watch an alligator from the bridge. My verdict: more park plays please!
Marlon “Chicken” Chukumerije
PHOTO BY IAN MCNULTY / THE TIMES-PICAYUNE
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P. 131
Best Breakout Single By a Local Artist to Jam to In The Car
LYLA GEORGE’S “DOWN”
When asked on Instagram who one of her favorite up-and-coming New Orleans artists was, singer-songwriter Maggie Koerner was quick to shout out Lyla George. Koerner knows what she’s talking about. In 2024, George debuted her excellent first single on Spotify, “Down,” and the Tulane grad has been playing shows locally and in cities across the U.S., sharing bills with the likes of Koerner and People Museum. Her follow-up single “lovedry,” released in May, shows her softer side.
WILL COVIELLO ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR
Best New Riverfront Development
THE BATTURE
New Orleanians have been enjoying access to the bank of the Mississippi at the Fly for a long time, but the opening of The Batture a few hundred yards upriver is a welcome new recreation spot. The 10-acre space has a pretty, manicured lawn with Adirondack chairs, room for several food trucks or pop-ups, plus some shaded areas with seating. It’s also home to the Crescent City Farmer’s Market on Tuesday mornings, and there are special events in fall, including Halloween festivities and football watch parties.
Best New Public Menace BUBBLES
There are enough things in the French Quarter that one could complain about — say, lack of parking or the odor of stale beer. But you wouldn’t think bubbles would be a problem. Not true for one of the MRB bar’s neighbors, who called the police about the bar’s bubble machine, alleging bubbles might pollute his cocktails or touch his vehicle. Putting that to the test, hundreds of locals gathered on St. Philip Street in May with bubble-makers in hand and rendered a verdict: Bubbles are festive.
Best Taco-Truck Truck NOLA RICO
It’s not hard to find traditional taco trucks or gourmet food trucks in New Orleans, but only a few pop-ups have really tricked out their rides. Donnell Brown’s NOLA Rico pop-up combines Creole and Puerto Rican cuisines in original tacos filled with boiled turkey neck or Puerto Rican-style beef picadillo. The longtime race car mechanic also has the most stylish truck on the streets. Among the many exterior modifications he made to his 1971 Datsun 521 pick-up are lowering it, putting on white wall Chevy Rally tires and customized Schwinn banana seat armrests, and taking a grinder to numerous layers of past paint jobs to get a patchwork of emerald green, red, flat black and more. Brown also made the wooden tabletops running on the sides of the truck under two bistro tiki umbrellas, and he usually sets up JBL speakers to play music while diners pull up stools to the countertops.
Will Coviello, seen here in his happy place: a Labubu FanFic Festival PROVIDED PHOTO
Lyla George PHOTO BY MADDIE SPINNER / GAMBIT
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Best New Festivals COMEDY
As New Orleans’ comedy scene has developed, a few comedy clubs have come and gone. But in the last few years, comedy festivals have debuted despite the changing roster of performance venues. This summer, the fourth edition of the growing LGBTLOL queer comedy festival spread shows
across New Orleans, and it produces the queer comedy programming for festivals elsewhere. The comedy spot Sports Drink launched its Toledano Street Comedy Festival in May with three neighboring venues. And in November, New Orleans will host a large edition of Skankfest, which usually happens in Las Vegas. It’ll feature more than 100 touring comics in a festival environment at Mardi Gras World.
MADDIE SPINNER
PHOTOGRAPHER AND DIGITAL CONTENT PRODUCER
Favorite Third Place
ST. NOIR CAFE
I think many people forget the importance of a “third place,” that place outside of home and work where we can just be. I know I have at times. But lately, one of my favorite spots to hang at has been St. Noir Café in St. Roch, their vibes are truly immaculate. Whether it’s been to catch up with a friend or catching up on work, St. Noir has become such a sanctuary for me to feel right at home. The food and drinks really hit the spot (their matcha has become a new obsession of mine) and their playlists are unmatched. They’ve really nailed that sweet spot between being a cozy neighborhood hang and a quality coffee shop.
Best Place To Get Lost For an Afternoon
EUCLID RECORDS
One of my favorite ways to spend a free afternoon is to stroll down to Euclid Records and dig through their impressive collection of rare finds and new local releases. This two-story
shop is one of the most well-curated and reasonably priced record stores in the city, packed with just about every genre you can imagine. The staff is amazing and are knowledgeable without being pretentious. Plus, the shop is right next to one of my favorite pizza spots, Pizza Delicious, the perfect place to grab a slice after an afternoon of crate digging.
Best Pop-Up Flea Market
‘TIT FLEA
I always underestimate the amount of time I need to make various costumes needed at any given time in a city like New Orleans. And as you know, we don’t play about our costumes. That’s why I always like to visit local markets like ’tit Flea for my last-minute costume needs. The seasonal market takes over the Music Box Village every so often and is perfect for just about any holiday gift or festive occasion. ’Tit Flea has put me on to tons of talented local artists and vendors. Be sure to follow them on social media, @titfleabazaar to stay up to date on their market schedule!
2025 SCHOOL GUIDE
DATE: OCTOBER 13
BY: OCTOBER 3
Maddie Spinner, aka DJ Smoov Jazz 4 Lyfe, on the ones and twos
PHOTO BY BRYCE ELL
St. Noir Cafe
PHOTO BY MADDIE SPINNER / GAMBIT
Best Bar for Day Drinking
1. PAT O’BRIEN’S (718 St. Peter St., 504-525-4823; patobriens.com)
2. BAYOU BEER AND WINE GARDEN (315 N. Rendon St., 504-826-2925; bayoubeergarden.com)
3. THE FRENCH MARKET (518 St. Peter St., 504-636-6400)
PHOTO BY SOPHIA GERMER / THE TIMES-PICAYUNE
The Outtakes
Best Place to Get Married
• Snake and Jake’s.
Best Dog Bar
• I am allergic to dogs. They shouldn’t be in bars.
Best Place to Eat at MSY
• Sandwich u brought from home.
Best Place to Get a Bloody Mary
• I don’t like bloody marys.
Best Place to Get a Mocktail
• Why are mocktails $12?
Best Fine Dining Restaurant
• Jimmy John’s.
Best Food Truck
• The blueish green one next to Lowe’s.
• The Latin one that is always on St. Charles near Peniston.
• The Mexican food truck outside Lowe’s on Jefferson.
Best Kenner Restaurant
• Airport food court.
• McDonald’s.
Best Place to Get Oysters
• Water.
Best Place to GetLive Crawfish
• A ditch.
Best Place to Buy Adult Toys
• Dorignac’s.
Best Place to See Comedy
• City Council meetings.
Best Boxing Club
• I HATE BOXING!!!!!!!!!!!
Best Day Trip
• Mushrooms.
Best Place to Get Waxed
• Not your balls.
• Juan’s Flying Burrito.
Best Adult Recreation Activities
• Smokin’ and tokin’ by the bayou.
• A cold sixer on Bayou St. John.
Best Kept Local Secret
• Where the mayor is.
• I like gerbils.
PHOTO BY DAVID GRUNFELD / THE TIMES-PICAYUNE
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