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Best of the Big Easy // July 2026

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Come visit any of our 6 locations: Daisy Dukes 121 Chartres St. French Quarter

Daisy Mae’s 902 Poydras St. Warehouse District

Daisy Dukes Cafe 308 St. Charles Ave. CBD**

Daisy Dukes 2244 Veterans Blvd. Kenner

Daisy Dukes 5209 W. Napoleon Ave. Metairie

**Our St. Charles location balcony is available for your next private event!

Catering and Upstairs Private Event Space Now Available!

DAISY’S GOT A NEW LOOK! Daisy Duke’s Creole Kitchen | 123 Carondelet St. | CBD Best of the Big Easy // July 2026

DaisyDukesRestaurant.com

INSIDE

18 26

JULY 2026 BEST OF THE BIG EASY FEATURES 10 BEST OF THE BIG EASY 18 COOL SPOTS FOR KIDS 20 PUBLIC BELT 24 COASTAL RESTORATION 30 NOLA ROAD SIGNS 34 ADULT PLAY PLACES

ENTERTAINMENT 36 LIVE MUSIC CALENDAR 42 UNCLE SAM JAM 46 LAKESIDE2RIVERSIDE 50 YOUNG INDIE ROCK 52 BILLY REID FROM AMITE 54 MENTAL BREAKDOWN 84 BEST OF THE BIG EASY - WRITER'S PICKS 86 SATANIC PANIC 88 MOVIE REVIEWS 94 WHERE Y'BEEN

BEVYS + BITES 56 BEST OF THE BIG EASY - DINING 60 FOOD NEWS 62 BITES AND BACKSTORIES

64 DINING GUIDE 68 GUSSIED UP 70 BEST BUFFETS 74 JUNEBUG 76 TALES OF THE COCKTAIL PREVIEW 78 COCKTAIL OF THE MONTH 80 BAR GUIDE 82 BAR CRAWLS N.O. STYLE

LAGNIAPPE

74 8

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90 FRENCH QUARTER VIEWS 92 PO-BOY VIEWS

Photos from top: courtesy of Audubon Nature Institute, Travis Hill School, Nathan Schweitzer, Randy Schmidt, The Junebug

26 TRAVIS HILL SCHOOL

INSIDE

// JULY 2026 // BEST OF THE BIG EASY

— Desserts / Tea / Coffee / Wine / Brunch —

27 Publisher/Editor-in-Chief: Josh Danzig Creative Director: Christopher Grim Executive Editor: Burke Bischoff Assistant Editor: Donald Rickert Movie Editors: David Vicari, Fritz Esker Contributing Writers: Violet Bucaro, Rebecca Fox, Emily Hingle, Tina Howell, Peyton Kullander, Phil LaMancusa, Debbie Lindsey, Janay Major, Andrew Marin, Tim McNally, Kim Ranjbar, Kimmie Tubré, Celeste Turner, Robert Witkowski

LETTER

from the PUBLISHER We accept Party Reservation & Catering

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Cover: Best in Show Illustrated by: Christopher Grim

ou, the readers of Where Y’at, have exercised your right to vote for the best that New Orleans has to offer in dining, nightlife, shopping, and more. Enjoy this issue that announces the results, and congrats to all the winners. Don’t miss the always-entertaining “Writers’ Picks” as our staff shares their favorite things about the Crescent City. Highlights of which include “Best Place for a First Date/ Breakup,” “Best RTA Driver,” and “Best Place to Feel Cajun on a Bougie Level.” New Orleans’ celebration of the 250th birthday of our country will be an occasion to remember. Enjoy our previews of Essence Fest and Jefferson Parish’s favorite Independence Day party—the Uncle Sam Jam. Are you eating out this weekend? Rebecca Fox’s look at proper summer attire for restaurant dining will have you rethinking what you wear to brunch. Also, don’t miss Rebecca’s look at the best local buffets. It will have you coming back for more. Tales of the Cocktail returns, and this issue will thirst your quench with all the details. Andrew Marin interviews TOC’s executive director Charlotte Voisey, while Kimmie Tubré explores New Orleans-style bar crawls. Cheers. – Josh Danzig, Publisher

Director of Sales: Jim Sylve Photographers and Designers: Burke Bischoff, Gustavo Escanelle, Emily Hingle, Kim Ranjbar, Robert Witkowski Interns: Ness Newsom, Miles Evans, Davis Hopper, Geordon Collins, Kallie Bourgeois, Vivian Bravo, Brogan Burns, Margeaux Pierson

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Best of the Big Easy // July 2026

Nightlife Best Bar (Bywater/Marigny):

1. Bacchanal Wine: 600 Poland Ave., bacchanalwine.com 2. The Country Club: 634 Louisa St., thecountryclubneworleans.com 3. Anna’s: 2601 Royal St., annasnola.com

Best Bar (CBD/Warehouse District):

1. Ohm Lounge: 601 Tchoupitoulas St., ohmlounge.com 2. The Rusty Nail: 1100 Constance St., rustynailnola.com 3. Lucy’s Retired Surfers Bar & Restaurant: 701 Tchoupitoulas St., lucyssurf.com

Best Bar (Lakeview):

1. Parlay’s: 870 Harrison Ave., parlaysbar.com 2. Lots a Luck Tavern: 203 Homedale St., facebook.com/LotsaLuckNOLA 3. Homedale Inn Bar: 618 Homedale St., facebook.com/homedale.innbar

Best Bar (Metairie):

BEST OF THE BIG EASY

2026

1. Martine’s Lounge: 2347 Metairie Rd., facebook.com/martineslounge 2. The Swamp Room Bar and Grill: 5400 Veterans Memorial Blvd., theswamproom.com 3. Gennaro’s Bar: 3200 Metairie Rd., instagram.com/gennarosbar

PRESENTED BY

Readers' Picks

Best Bar (Mid-City):

Best Bar (French Quarter):

1. Tropical Isle: Multiple Locations, tropicalisle.com Home to the famous Hand Grenade cocktail, Tropical Isle stretches across multiple locations in the French Quarter, hosts nightly live music entertainment, and has one of Bourbon Street’s largest balconies. 2. Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar: 941 Bourbon St., lafittesblacksmithshop.com 3. Boot Scootin Rodeo: 522 Bourbon St., bootscootinnola.com

Best Bar (Uptown):

1. Le Bon Temps Roule: 4801 Magazine St., lbtrnola.com 2. Cure: 4905 Freret St., curenola.com 3. St. Joe’s Bar: 5535 Magazine St., stjoesbar.com

Best Bar (Westbank):

1. Gattuso’s Neighborhood Restaurant, Bar, & Catering: 435 Huey P. Long Ave., Gretna, gattusos.net 2. Old Point Bar: 545 Patterson Rd., Algiers Point, oldpointbarnola.com 3. The Crown & Anchor English Pub: 200 Pelican Ave., Algiers Point, crownandanchor.pub

Best Bar for Hand-Crafted Cocktails: 1. Cure: 4905 Freret St., curenola.com 2. Bar Tonique: 820 N. Rampart St., bartonique.com 3. Jewel of the South: 1026 St. Louis St., jewelnola.com

Best Beer Selection:

1. Avenue Pub: 1732 St. Charles Ave., theavenuepub.com 2. Wrong Iron on the Greenway: 3532 Toulouse St., wrongiron.com 3. Cooter Brown’s Tavern & Oyster Bar: 509 S. Carrollton Ave., cooterbrowns.com

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Photos from top: courtesy of Pal's Lounge, Emma Harlan

1. Pal’s Lounge: 949 N. Rendon St., instagram.com/palsloungenola Pal’s Lounge is a neighborhood bar esteemed for its lively people, pet friendly atmosphere, invariably delicious cocktails, and for often hosting local food pop-ups outside. 2. Wrong Iron on the Greenway: 3532 Toulouse St., wrongiron.com 3. Finn McCool’s Irish Pub: 3701 Banks St., finnmccools.com

Best Casino:

1. Caesars New Orleans: 8 Canal St., caesars.com/caesars-new-orleans 2. Treasure Chest Casino: 4540 Williams Blvd., Kenner, treasurechest.boydgaming.com 3. Boomtown Casino & Hotel: 4132 Peters Rd., Harvey, boomtownneworleans.com

Best Jazz Club:

1. The Jazz Playhouse: 300 Bourbon St., thejazzplayhouse.com 2. The Spotted Cat Music Club: 623 Frenchmen St., spottedcatmusicclub.com 3. Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro: 626 Frenchmen St., snugjazz.com

Best Late Night Bar:

1. The Jimani: 141 Chartres St., thejimani.com 2. Ohm Lounge: 601 Tchoupitoulas St., ohmlounge.com 3. Le Bon Temps Roule: 4801 Magazine St., lbtrnola.com

Best LGBTQ Bar:

1. The Golden Lantern: 1239 Royal St., thegoldenlanternneworleans.com 2. Good Friends Bar: 740 Dauphine St., goodfriendsbar.com 3. Oz New Orleans: 800 Bourbon St., ozneworleans.com

Best Local Brewery:

1. Abita Brewing Company: Multiple Locations, abita.com 2. Second Line Brewing: 433 N. Bernadotte St., secondlinebrewing.com 3. Port Orleans Brewing Co.: 4124 Tchoupitoulas St., portorleansbrewingco.com

Best Music Club:

1. The Fillmore New Orleans: 6 Canal St., thefillmorenola.com 2. Tipitina’s: 501 Napoleon Ave., tipitinas.com 3. Chickie Wah Wah: 2828 Canal St., chickiewahwah.com

Best New Bar:

1. Mélange by Cali Sober: 516 Frenchmen St., melangeonfrenchmen.com 2. Misfit Toys: 410 Bourbon St., misfittoysnola.com 3. Tuff Break Loser’s Lounge: 3021 St. Claude Ave., instagram.com/tuffbreaknola

Best Patio Bar:

1. Wrong Iron on the Greenway: 3532 Toulouse St., wrongiron.com 2. Bacchanal Wine: 600 Poland Ave., bacchanalwine.com 3. Bayou Beer Garden: 326 N. Norman C. Francis Pkwy., bayoubeergarden.com

Best Casino on the Gulf Coast:

1. Silver Slipper Casino: 5000 S. Beach Blvd., Bay St. Louis, MS, silverslipper-ms.com With over 700 slot machines, entertaining table games, and delicious dining experiences, the Silver Slipper has everything you need for an action-packed night of gaming. 2. Beau Rivage Resort & Casino: 875 Beach Blvd., Biloxi, MS, beaurivage.mgmresorts.com 3. Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort: 9380 Central Ave., D’Iberville, MS, scarletpearlcasino.com

Best Dance Club:

1. The Metropolitan: 310 Andrew Higgins Blvd., themetronola.com 2. Ohm Lounge: 601 Tchoupitoulas St., ohmlounge.com 3. Republic NOLA: 828 S. Peters St., republicnola.com

Best Place to Buy Wine/Liquor:

1. Rouses Supermarkets: Multiple Locations, rouses.com 2. Martin’s: Multiple Locations, martinwine.com 3. Total Wine & More: Multiple Locations, totalwine.com

Best Place to Drink Wine:

1. Patrick’s Bar Vin: 730 Bienville St., patricksbarvin.com 2. Bacchanal Wine: 600 Poland Ave., bacchanalwine.com 3. Orleans Grapevine Wine Bar & Bistro: 720 Orleans St., orleansgrapevine.com

Photos from left: courtesy of Silver Slipper Casino, Gustavo Escanelle

Best Dive Bar:

1. Pete’s Out in the Cold: 701 6th St., facebook.com/petesoutinthecold 2. Snake and Jake’s Christmas Club Lounge: 7612 Oak St., snakeandjakes.com 3. Verret’s Lounge: 1738 Washington Ave., facebook.com/verretslounge

Best Dog-Friendly Bar:

1. Pepp’s Pub: 706 Franklin Ave., peppspub.com 2. The Dog House: 2736 Banks St., doghousenola.com 3. Wrong Iron on the Greenway: 3532 Toulouse St., wrongiron.com

Best Gentlemen’s Club:

1. Rick’s Cabaret: 315 Bourbon St., rickscabaretneworleans.com 2. The Penthouse Club New Orleans: 727 Iberville St., neworleans.penthouseclub.com 3. Visions Men’s Club: 4000 Downman Rd., visionsmensclub.com

Best Happy Hour:

1. Felipe’s Mexican Taqueria: Multiple Locations, felipestaqueria.com 2. Pizza Domenica: Multiple Locations, pizzadomenica.com 3. Barracuda Taco Stand: Multiple Locations, eatbarracuda.com

Best Hotel Bar:

1. Carousel Bar & Lounge: Hotel Monteleone, 214 Royal St., hotelmonteleone.com 2. Hot Tin: Pontchartrain Hotel, 2031 St. Charles Ave., hottinbar.com 3. The Polo Club Lounge: Windsor Court Hotel, 300 Gravier St., thewindsorcourt.com/dining/polo-club

Best Irish Pub:

1. Finn McCool’s Irish Pub: 3701 Banks St., finnmccools.com 2. The Boondock Saint: 731 St. Peter St., facebook.com/TheBoondockSaintBar 3. Erin Rose: 811 Conti St., erinrosebar.com

Best Place to Get a Blood Mary:

1. Daisy Dukes: Multiple Locations, daisydukesrestaurant.com Daisy Dukes’ Bloody Marys, with a little bit of Cajun kick and lots of tang, are famous for a reason, and you can even purchase bottles of their Bloody Mary. 2. Ruby Slipper: Multiple Locations, rubybrunch.com 3. Atchafalaya Restaurant: 901 Louisiana Ave., atchafalayarestaurant.com

Best of the Big Easy // July 2026

Best Place to Get a Margarita:

1. The Velvet Cactus: 6300 Argonne Blvd., thevelvetcactus.com 2. El Gato Negro: Multiple Locations, elgatonegronola.com 3. Felipe’s Mexican Taqueria: Multiple Locations, felipestaqueria.com

Best Home & Services Best Bank:

Best Place to Play Bar Games:

1. Metairie Bank: Multiple Locations, metairiebank.com 2. First American Bank and Trust: Multiple Locations, fabt.com 3. First Horizon Bank: Multiple Locations, firsthorizon.com

Best Pool Bar:

1. Lamarque Auto: 3099–3101 Williams Blvd., Kenner, lamarque.com 2. Lakeside Toyota: 3701 N. Causeway Blvd., Metairie, lakesidetoyota.com 3. Bryan Subaru: 8305 Airline Dr., Metairie, bryansubaru.com

1. Emporium Arcade Bar: 2231 St. Claude Ave., emporiumarcadebar.com 2. Lots a Luck Tavern: 203 Homedale St., facebook.com/LotsaLuckNOLA 3. Sea Cave: 3000 St. Claude Ave., instagram.com/sea.cave

1. The Country Club: 634 Louisa St., thecountryclubneworleans.com 2. The Pool Club: Virgin Hotels New Orleans, 550 Baronne St., virginhotels.com/new-orleans 3. The Garden District Hotel: 1525 Prytania St., gdhnola.com

Best Car Dealership:

Best Rooftop Bar:

1. Hot Tin: Pontchartrain Hotel, 2031 St. Charles Ave., hottinbar.com 2. The Pool Club: Virgin Hotels New Orleans, 550 Baronne St., virginhotels.com/new-orleans 3. Rosie’s on the Roof: Higgins Hotel, 1000 Magazine St., higginshotelnola.com

Best Sports Bar:

1. Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux: Multiple Locations, walk-ons.com 2. Cooter Brown’s Tavern & Oyster Bar: 509 S. Carrollton Ave., cooterbrowns.com 3. The Channel: 2604 Magazine St., thechannelneworleans.com

OPEN DAILY 7AM-10PM

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All photos: courtesy of Audubon Nature Institute

Best Upscale Bar:

1. Cure: 4905 Freret St., curenola.com 2. Peacock Room: 501 Tchoupitoulas St., peacockroomnola.com 3. Arnaud’s French 75 Bar: 813 Bienville St., arnaudsrestaurant.com

Best Kids Spot:

1. Audubon Zoo: 6500 Magazine St., audubonnatureinstitute.org/zoo Audubon Zoo offers hundreds of amazing animals from around the world, fun and exciting educational content, and kid-friendly interactive exhibits, making it the perfect place to take your kids. 2. Louisiana Children’s Museum: 15 Henry Thomas Dr., lcm.org 3. Audubon Aquarium & Insectarium: 1 Canal St., audubonnatureinstitute.org/aquarium

Best Law Firm:

1. Redmann Law Firm: Multiple Locations, redmannlaw.com 2. Egenberg Trial Lawyers: 650 Poydras St., egenberg.com 3. Chip Forstall Attorneys: 320 N. Carrollton Ave., chipforstall.com

Best Local Rug Store:

1. Banana Manor Rug Factory Outlet: 3015 Tchoupitoulas St., bananamanor.com 2. We Might be on Fire: wemightbeonfire.net 3. NOLA Rugs: 300 Jefferson Hwy., nolarugs.org

Best Museum:

1. The National WWII Museum: 945 Magazine St., nationalww2museum.org 2. New Orleans Museum of Art: 1 Collins Diboll Cir., noma.org 3. Ogden Museum of Southern Art: 925 Camp St., ogdenmuseum.org

Best Place to See Burlesque/Drag:

1. The AllWays Lounge & Cabaret: 2240 St. Claude Ave., theallwayslounge.net 2. The Country Club: 634 Louisa St., thecountryclubneworleans.com 3. The Original Night Cap: 1300 St. Bernard Ave., dirtydimeproductions.com/originalnitecap

Best Locally Owned Furniture Store:

1. Hurwitz Mintz Furniture: 1751 Airline Dr., Metairie, hurwitzmintz.com 2. Doerr Furniture: Multiple Locations, doerrfurniture.com 3. Floor 13: 341 N. Hennessey St., floor13nola.com

Best Tour Company:

1. Haunted History Tours: 723 St. Peter St., hauntedhistorytours.com 2. French Quarter Phantoms: 718 N. Rampart St., frenchquarterphantoms.com 3. Nightly Spirits: 410 Dauphine St., nightlyspirits.com

Arts & Culture Best Art Gallery:

1. Ferrara Showman Gallery: 400A Julia St., ferrarashowman.com 2. LeMieux Galleries: 332 Julia St., lemieuxgalleries.com 3. Mortal Machine Gallery: 940 Royal St., mortalmachinenola.com

Best Bridal Shop:

1. Town and Country Bridal: 1912 St. Charles Ave., townandcountrybridal.com 2. Unbridaled: 1810 Magazine St., unbridaled.com 3. Bliss Bridal: 3624 Magazine St., beablissbride.com

Best Local Artist:

1. Becky Fos: 2138 Magazine St., beckyfos.com 2. Terrance Osborne: 3029 Magazine St., terranceosborne.com 3. Frenchy: 8328 Oak St., frenchylive.com

Best Record Shop:

1. Louisiana Music Factory: 421 Frenchmen St., louisianamusicfactory.com This independent record shop in the Marigny is known for its collection of local music, as well as its assortment of CDs, DVDs, and musical instruction books. 2. Peaches Records: 4318 Magazine St., peachesrecordsandtapes.com 3. Mushroom New Orleans: 1037 Broadway St., themushroomnola.com

All photos: courtesy of Louisiana Music Factory

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Best of the Big Easy // July 2026

Best Wedding Venue:

1. Balcony Ballroom: 4738 Utica St., Metairie, balconyballroom.com This elegant wedding venue is adorned with breathtaking chandeliers, a seamless blend of rustic and modern aesthetics, and a beautiful balcony overlooking the ballroom floor. 2. Marché: 914 N. Peters St., marcheneworleans.com 3. The Chicory: 610 S. Peters St., chicoryvenue.com

Best Yoga Studio:

1. Swan River Yoga: 2940 Canal St., swanriveryoga.com 2. Live Oak Yoga: 6113 Magazine St., liveoakyoganola.com 3. White Lotus Yoga: 4842 Perrier St., wildlotusyoga.com

Shopping Best Adult Novelty Store:

1. Bourbon Pride: 909 Bourbon St., bourbonpride.com 2. Hustler Hollywood: 111 Bourbon St., hustlerhollywood.com 3. Dynamo: 2001 St. Claude Ave., dynamotoys.com

Best Athletic Club:

Best Bike Shop:

1. GNO Cyclery: 1426 S. Carrollton Ave., gnocyclery.com GNO Cyclery offers comprehensive, high-quality service and expert advice with bicycles set for any activity, ranging from children’s tricycles to bikes ready for a triathlon. 2. Bicycle Michael’s: 622 Frenchmen St., bicyclemichaels.com 3. Bayou Bicycles: 3530 Toulouse St., bayoubicycles.com

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Best Boutique Fitness Studio:

1. Hype Haus: 730 S. Rampart Ave., hypehausfitness.com 2. HOTWORX: Multiple Locations, hotworx.net 3. Orangetheory Fitness: Multiple Locations, orangetheory.com

Best Costume Shop:

1. Uptown Costume & Dancewear: 4326 Magazine St., facebook.com/uptowncostumeanddancewear 2. Miss Claudia’s Vintage Clothing & Costumes: 4204 Magazine St., facebook.com/missclaudiasvintage 3. She Comes in Peace: 2025 St. Claude Ave., shecomesinpeace.com

Photos from top: courtesy of Balcony Ballroom, Geordon Collins

1. New Orleans Jewish Community Center: Multiple Locations, nojcc.org 2. New Orleans Athletic Club: 222 N. Rampart St., neworleansathleticclub.com 3. Ochsner Fitness Center: Multiple Locations, ochsnerfitness.com

Come See Us For Essence Fest 2026!

Neyow’s Creole Cafe 3332 Bienville St. 504-827-5474 neyows.com

All photos: courtesy of Sydni Sanders & Melody Daniels

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Book today for your private party! Best of the Big Easy // July 2026

OPEN FOR DINE-IN AND TAKE OUT!

Best Eyeglass Shop:

1. Art & Eyes: 3708 Magazine St., artandeyesneworleansla.com Arts & Eyes is popular for its unique, custom eyewear providing art-to-wear fashion accessories with designer frames coming in all shapes and styles along with sculpted replacement lenses. 2. KREWE: Multiple Locations, krewe.com 3. Eye Wares: Multiple Locations, eyewaresnola.com

Best Jewelry Store:

1. Mignon Faget: Multiple Locations, mignonfaget.com 2. Aucoin Hart Jewelers: 1525 Metairie Rd., Metairie, aucoinhart.com 3. Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry: 3020 N. Causeway Blvd., Metairie, lmfj.com

Best Mardi Gras Supply Store:

1. Plush Appeal/Mardi Gras Spot: 2812 Toulouse St., mardigrasspot.com Mardi Gras Spot brings the best prices for bulk Mardi Gras beads and trinkets for any event, whether it’s a corporate function, a child’s birthday party, or more. 2. Beads by the Dozen: 333 Edwards Ave., beadsbythedozen.com 3. Throw Dat!: 200 Sala Ave., Westwego, throwdat.com

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Best Men’s Clothing:

1. Perlis Clothing: Multiple Locations, perlis.com 2. Rubensteins: 102 St. Charles Ave., rubensteinsneworleans.com 3. FELLOW: 926 Valmont St. #101, fellowmenswear.com

Best Pet Services:

“Always Hot & Straight from the Pot”

1. Pawlins: 3501 River Rd., Jefferson, pawlins.com 2. Zeus’ Place: Multiple Locations, zeusplace.com 3. Metairie Small Animal Hospital: Multiple Locations, msah.com

Best Pet Store:

1. Jefferson Feed: Multiple Locations, jeffersonfeed.com 2. Petcetera: 3205 Magazine St., petceteranola.com 3. Southern Paws: 633 Toulouse St., shopsouthernpaws.com

Best Smoke Shop:

1. The Ra Shop: Multiple Locations, therashops.com 2. The Herb Import Company: Multiple Locations, herbimport.com 3. Mushroom New Orleans: 1037 Broadway St., themushroomnola.com

Best Spa:

1. Woodhouse Spa: Multiple Locations, woodhousespas.com 2. Earthsavers Spa & Store: Multiple Locations, earthsaversonline.com 3. The Windsor Court Spa: Windsor Court Hotel, 300 Gravier St., thewindsorcourt.com

Best Supermarket:

1. Rouses Supermarkets: Multiple Locations, rouses.com 2. Breaux Mart: Multiple Locations, breauxmart.com 3. Robért Fresh Market: Multiple Locations, robertfreshmarket.com

Thank You For Voting Us

Best Daily Specials! 1500 Esplanade Ave.

Open 11am-5pm Fri - Sun

July 4th Weekend! 16

504-766-8687 @lildizzyscafe504

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Best Thrift Store:

1. Out of the Closet: 2900 Magazine St., outofthecloset.org Out of the Closet provides vintage finds that are both sustainable and fashionable, while also offering free HIV testing to help support the local community. 2. Bridge House/Grace House Thrift Stores: Multiple Locations, bridgehouse.org 3. The Encore Shop: 7814 Maple St., encoreshopnola.com

Best Women’s Clothes:

1. Hemline: Multiple Locations, shophemline.com 2. Lucy Rose: Multiple Locations, shoplucyrose.com 3. Monomin: 2104 Magazine St., monomin.com

Photo: courtesy of Geordon Collins

Best Tattoo/Piercing Parlor:

1. SwampWater Studio: 3933 Toulouse St., facebook.com/swampwaterstudio 2. Hell or High Water Tattoo: 308 Magazine St., hellorhighwaternola.com 3. Downtown Tattoos: 501 Frenchmen St., downtowntattoosnola.com

Best of the Big Easy // July 2026

Be at th e

Hea t:

A Parent's Guide to Kid-Friendly Summer Fun in New Orleans

// KIMMIE TUBRÉ

In the summer, New Orleans turns up the heat, literally.

Dive Into Cool Indoor Adventures On days when the sun is relentless, head straight for the AC. The Audubon Aquarium of the Americas is a guaranteed win. Kids can press up against glass tunnels to watch sharks glide overhead. They can explore touch pools and lose themselves in a colorful underwater world. All in all, they will stay cool for hours. You can also take a ride over to City Park to visit the Louisiana Children’s Museum, where younger kids can splash, build, and explore interactive exhibits

designed just for them. It’s playful, yet educational, and is a lifesaver on brutally hot afternoons. Locals know that when it comes to those summer months, the Aquarium, Children’s Museum, and the Zoo are the holy trinity of kid outings.

Let Them Run Wild in Creative Spaces New Orleans doesn’t do boring—that includes indoor activities, as well. At JAMNOLA, kids can move freely through bright, immersive art rooms that allow them to be one with the art work. It’s colorful chaos in the best way. Older kids and tweens will love the mindbending fun at the Museum of Illusions New Orleans, where puzzles, trick rooms, and optical illusions keep them thinking and laughing.

Burn Energy at Indoor Play Spots Sometimes, kids just need to move and get out of the house. Sometimes, however, the brutally hot outside isn’t an option. Places such bounce houses and trampoline parks offer high-energy fun in a fully air-conditioned space.

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It’s loud, it’s active, and it’s exactly what you need when cabin fever hits. For quieter downtime, local libraries offer storytime, crafts, and a calm, cool reset. When everyone’s ready to sit still, catch a daytime movie at the historic Prytania Theatre on Prytania Street. It’s a classic New Orleans experience that never gets old.

Make a Splash at Water Parks & Spray Grounds If you can’t avoid the heat, embrace it. The Cool Zoo at the Audubon Zoo is a summer must. There are lazy rivers, splash zones, and shaded cabanas for parents to relax under. Over on the Westbank, Parc des Familles delivers a massive spray park perfect for running, playing, and cooling off. Also, don’t overlook Lafreniere Park in Metairie, where the spray park is often free and always packed with families looking to beat the heat without breaking the bank.

Find Shade in New Orleans’ Beautiful Parks Even though it’s summer, the outdoors shouldn’t be completely off-limits. City Park is full of shady oak trees and kid-friendly attractions such as Storyland and playgrounds. For the uptowners, Audubon Park offers wide green

spaces, shaded spots, and several playgrounds that are perfect for a laid-back afternoon. While in Audubon, you can also spend time exploring animals at the Audubon Zoo. Lastly, don’t forget to catch a cool breeze from the river while visiting the new Goldring Woldenberg Riverfront Park with loads of fun for the whole family to enjoy.

All photos: courtesy of Audubon Nature Institute

he city’s well-known reputation for intense, humid weather leaves plenty of visitors struggling to cope, while locals often retreat indoors most days from June through August. Now, let’s add your little ones to the mix. There are so many factors that parents think about when it comes to keeping kids cool during those hot months, but sticking them in front of the air conditioner all season long just won’t cut it. Luckily, there are still plenty of ways to stay cool while experiencing everything the city has to offer. Here’s your ultimate New Orleansstyle list of the best kid-friendly ways to beat the heat while still soaking up everything that makes the city special.

All photos from top: Geordon Collins, Audubon Nature Institute,City Park Conservancy

Cool Off the Sweet Way with Sno-Balls No New Orleans summer is complete without a sno-ball. If you decide to visit a park, you’ll certainly want a tasty treat that will cool your family down. The local tradition is a summertime favorite. The fluffy shaved ice treat allows for your kiddos to drown it in a syrup of their choice, from rainbow, wedding cake, classic strawberry, and much more. Add a little condensed milk or ice cream if you’re feeling fancy.

Escape Into the Arts and History When it’s just too hot to function, go full indoor culture mode. Catch a film at Prytania Theatres at Canal Place, or enjoy a live performance at venues such as the Saenger Theatre. Art lovers can wander through the New Orleans Museum of Art or dive into history at the National WWII Museum. There are many museums and kid-friendly art and culture experiences that are cool, quiet, and calm.

Ride, Roll, or Tour the City (Smartly) Early morning or evening bike rides through shady neighborhoods such as the Garden District or Mid-City can be surprisingly pleasant. You can even opt for a classic horse-drawn carriage ride through the French Quarter for a breezy, relaxed way to see the sights. There are also many city tours that explore everything from history and culture to all things supernatural.

Pick Activities by Age While there were many activities mentioned, remember that not all outings are created equal. Different ages require different things, so here’s a handy breakdown: Toddlers: Louisiana Children’s Museum, splash pads, indoor play gyms Elementary kids: Audubon Aquarium of the Americas, Cool Zoo, JAMNOLA Tweens: Museum of Illusions New Orleans, theaters, arcades, interactive exhibits Also remember that in New Orleans, summer heat is just part of the experience, but it doesn’t have to slow you down. With the right mix of air-conditioned escapes, splashy adventures, shaded parks, and sweet treats, you can turn even the hottest day into something memorable. Because, here, even beating the heat is done with style, flavor, and fun.

Best of the Big Easy // July 2026

Cranes, Trains, and Automobiles

// ROBERT WITKOWSKI

What You [Prb’ly] Don’t Know about the New Orleans Public Belt 20 20

WhereYat.com //// @WhereYatNOLA @WhereYatNOLA //// #WhereYatNOLA #WhereYatNOLA WhereYat.com

All photos: courtesy of Robert Sydni Sanders Witkowski & Melody Daniels

ctivities on the other side of the three-and-ahalf mile wall along Tchoupitoulas Street, stretching from Felicity Street to Audubon Park, is a mystery for many, especially those wondering why there are sudden thundering metallic crashes at all hours near the seven ship-to-shore container cranes towering over Riverside Market.

That noisy insomniac beast is the New Orleans Public Belt (NOPB) tirelessly working around the clock with Port NOLA. Although it is not open to the public, it is owned by the public—initially by the city and now as a political subdivision of the state. NOPB’s extensive 91-mile web of tracks surrounds New Orleans like a belt. It is an intricate workhorse of a railway system that literally helps keep the commerce of the world moving with materials moving between boats and trucks with cranes and trains. “People are surprised by how much we do and how it contributes to the economy,” said NOPB’s General Manager Tomeka Watson Bryant, a proud second-generation railroader who followed in her father’s and uncles’ footsteps.

“Materials we move around are in our day-to-day life, such as drinking water for the Sewer & Water Board and Amazon packages.” Going into its 120th year serving the only deepwater container port in Louisiana, the NOPB is a neutral Class III riverfront railroad carrier stretching 32 miles from Audubon Park downriver to the Industrial Canal, representing a third of its tracks throughout the metro area. The Belt links to six of the largest Class I railroads in North America: BNSF, UP, KCS, CN, NS, and CSX. Connecting with their 132,000 miles of tracks, NOPB ultimately reaches 33 states and Canada. In concert with Port NOLA’s unique location on the Mississippi River feeding into the Gulf, the Belt’s impact is global. “The Port of New Orleans is critical,” Port NOLA’s Kimberly Curth said of the Belt’s significance. “It’s vital to the supply chain—an enormous driver of economic prosperity.”

Tightening the Belt By 1921, NOPB’s impact was undeniable, so Louisiana assumed operations. The Belt’s board consolidated commissioners into a governorappointed, seven-member regional board: four representatives from Orleans Parish, two from Jefferson Parish, and one from St. Bernard Parish, with each serving staggered five-year terms. NOPB’s expansion was exponentially rapid, fueled by the country’s insatiable demand for expedient rail service. This resulted in construction of the Huey P. Long Bridge in 1932 so trains could cross the Mississippi River. In 1946, a foreign-trade zone (FTZ) was established in the port—now with more individual warehouses and sites than any other U.S. port-administered FTZ. By 1956, NOPB tracks extended to Lake Pontchartrain and along both sides of the Industrial Canal.

Sharing interlocking activities, a strategic alignment of Port NOLA and NOPB in 2018 secured the Big Easy as an integrated supply chain hub. While Tomeka Watson Bryant serves as the Belt’s GM, NOPB shares its CEO, Beth Branch, who pulls double duty as Port NOLA’s president and CEO, as well. In the rare instance there is a conflict between the organizations, Branch breaks any stalemate.

Y’all Be Workin’ on the Railroad Handing over 265,000 rail cars in 2025 alone, NOPB positions itself as a “one-stop shop” single point of contact for rail and logistics services in New Orleans. “It’s like a game of train solitaire,” Bryant explained. “We’re a switching railroad and have a list of railcars going everywhere.” The cars are rearranged by “building a suit of railcars” similar to the card game. Like solitaire, it takes some shuffling to get the cars in

All the Belts & Whistles

All photos: courtesy of Robert Witkowski

In 1890, individual trunk railroads served the Crescent City’s riverfront barges and ferried railcars heading west across the river. The city quickly identified needing an impartial, municipally operated, port-based railroad service to bolster the waterfront’s growth. The New Orleans Belt Railroad was formed in the early 1900s with the goal of “providing uniform rail service to all shipping companies in an efficient and cost-effective way.” NOPB’s Board of Commissioners was composed of the mayor and 16 mayoral appointees. Construction began in 1905, and a single locomotive rolled in 1908, moving railcars over 20 miles of track from Monticello Street in Holy Cross to Marigny’s Mandeville Street.

Best of the Big Easy // July 2026

NOPB’s operating income has increased nearly 300% since Port NOLA and NOPB joined forces. In conjunction with the NOPB, Port NOLA generated $100 million in revenue annually over previous years. Beyond revenue, the NOPB is experiencing increases in overall safety, efficiency, and green initiatives. A grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation funded improvements leading to a notable decrease in emissions, including upgrading to solar powered switches. While AI may not ever replace the necessity for hands-on work at the Belt, Bryant noted “it might help with realigning railcars more efficiently” in the future by “reducing the amount of touches.” Bryant confidently reassures fans of the film Unstoppable that a runaway train through New Orleans is “impossible.” The Belt’s Cotton Warehouse Yard along the riverfront in Uptown New Orleans is supported by the Claiborne and France yards serving downtown customers and four storage yards located in the St. Claude, Uptown, and Gentilly neighborhoods.

Vision:

“Advancing global connections and infrastructure to exceed the needs of tomorrow” with the overarching goal of driving economic prosperity, which creates opportunities in, and for, New Orleans.

Conjunction Junction Bryant protects the Belt’s core purpose in bolstering the local economy and noted, “We primarily focus on our local tenants that originate and terminate in New Orleans.”

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NOPB offices are also working museums for the organization. The railyard behind NOPB’s offices is “one of the last true roundhouses,” Mechanical Clerk Scott Richoux boasted. It is one of the original Belt buildings constructed in 1908, still serving as intended. The yard also supports car storage with several vintage train cars and locomotives. Even in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, many employees were reassigned to operations in Houston; however, the Belt was active again within several weeks, with trains running primarily north and west in less than a year, despite destroyed tracks and bridges east of the city. “It was like a giant shook up a snowglobe and stuff landed everywhere, washouts as deep as 20 feet with boats, houses, containers in the way,” Richoux recounted. “It was eerily peaceful, no sounds—no planes, cars, people, just quiet,” he said. With all of the city shut down, Coast Guard ships docked in the river opened their doors to the Belt staff for meals and shelter when needed, but the Belt was hard at work.

All photos: courtesy of Robert Witkowski

the correct order to deliver them on a particular train route, with the locomotive being the ace. Unlike solitaire, the Belt has several hundred players. In NOPB’s Cotton Warehouse Yard headquarters on Tchoupitoulas Street, multiple activities are monitored on more than 20 live streams. The NOPB staff, including almost 40 train engineers and close to 50 conductors, contributes to the port. NOPB’s solitairelike goal is completing lines of interlocking train cars so they can “clear the suit” to make room for more. Thus, many will be relieved to know the monstrous crashing noises are not Jaeger vs. Kaiju battles or massive containers being carelessly dropped but rather the strategic coupling of railcars as they connect to their trains.

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It Starts Today Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana Grows the Coast

e know Louisiana’s coastal wetlands are disappearing every day, every minute. The New Orleans community and nonprofit Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana are working to slow the process of land loss.

Louisiana has lost over 1 million acres of wetlands since 1900, affecting around one-third of Louisiana’s land, two-thirds of local resident areas, and several wildlife habitats, CRCL stated.

With CRCL’s support, local restaurants recycle oyster shells, volunteers plant grasses and native trees, reefs are built, and state agencies fund large-scale projects. Together, these efforts strengthen wetlands and raise awareness around the preservation of Louisiana’s coastline. In their 2024 impact report, 665 tons of shells were recycled, 10,500 grasses were planted, and 3,000 people engaged in supportive efforts. In the 2025 quarterly report, 400 thousand pounds of shells were collected. Since the 2014 launch of the oyster program, nearly 16 million pounds of shells are recycled, spanning 9,000 feet of shoreline. Community reefs are located in Biloxi Marsh, Barataria Bay, Pointe-Au-Chien, Leeville, Plaquemines, and Grand Bayou. Restoration projects, community outreach, advocacy for coastal protection, volunteer work, and educational leadership programs are some of CRCL’s many initiatives. Their efforts have restored approximately 50% of land loss, gained over a million trees, and contributed to substantial dune formation over the organization’s lifetime, CRCL said. Director of Communications James Karst said the community is in a situation “where we needed to do something yesterday, and we won’t start tomorrow.” Frequent hurricanes, time-consuming research, drain-

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ing funds, and expensive projects don’t stop CRCL. The focus is on scientific modeling, troubleshooting potential effects on wildlife and communities, and fighting against lost time. For Karst, the most striking challenge is urgency. Volunteers are the backbone of the restoration, Karst observed. In November 2025, a large group planted grasses at Grand Isle beach with dibble tools in the sand. Those efforts are in place to create an entirely different landscape to expand dunes and grasses. Sand dunes form when winds blow sand into growing grasses, acting as a natural barrier against storm surges. “That's not the kind of thing that the state is equipped to do or the feds are equipped to do. You really need a bunch of volunteers to do that kind of work, and that's really our area of expertise,” Karst said. The payoff is clear in the before-and-after photographs of community projects. “It can be a real gratifying thing to look at something unhealthy, bare, and then to show another picture from just a few months later, showing it filled in and looking like a habitat where creatures can live,” Karst said. “It's really a glorious thing, and the community coming together is what makes that possible.” The history of CRCL goes back over 40 years when it published a call-to-action paper in 1989 titled “Coastal Louisiana: Here Today and Gone Tomorrow?” The paper urged the state to use the river to rebuild wetlands, create a dedicated coastal agency, fund large-scale restoration, and expand advocacy, much of which eventually came to fruition. Today, the 501(c)(3) nonprofit continues to navigate changes with administration, such as the governor’s cancellation of the Mid-Barataria Diversion Project in July 2025, Karst said. The Mid-Breton sediment diversion initiative was also canceled. Karst looks forward to what types of projects will take place in Plaquemine Parish, but for now, that remains pending. “Nobody, regardless of what initials they put behind their name, nobody wants to see Louisiana wash away. So we're fortunate that in a very polarizing time in our history, coastal restoration is not really a polarizing thing, generally,” Karst said.

All photos: courtesy of James Karst

// VIOLET BUCARO

project Karst is looking forward to. Current construction is working to reconnect the Mississippi River and Maurepas Swamp and is expected to be completed within the next few years. He noted, “It’s been disconnected from the river for about a century, and this project is going to restore this natural connection.” Maurepas Swamp is the Hollywood image of a Louisiana swamp. “It’s like our crown jewel. It’s like our Grand Canyon. It’s going to make it much healthier. Trees will grow then again. We’ll see wildlife return.” Every tree planted, every reef built, and every oyster shell returned to water helps to revitalize our state, and the way that is possible is with the help of our people. Every person counts. CRCL wants people to join with their hands, or simply eat a dozen oysters, to support the work. The coastline’s story is still being written, and it isn’t over yet. Louisiana’s coast is under threat, but real change is happening every day, every minute. Events and volunteer opportunities happen weekly. Visit their online calendar to learn more, and follow them on Facebook at facebook.com/CRCL1988.

All photos: courtesy of James Karst

The Mid-Breton sediment diversion initiative was also canceled. Karst looks forward to what types of projects will take place in Plaquemines Parish, but for now, that remains pending. “Nobody, regardless of what initials they put behind their name, nobody wants to see Louisiana wash away. So we're fortunate that in a very polarizing time in our history, coastal restoration is not really a polarizing thing, generally,” Karst said. After Hurricane Katrina, Karst noticed a shift in philosophy around coastal protection. The state enacted the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority. New Orleans started thinking differently about its flooding approach. “If you had come and looked at what was happening in coastal Louisiana just 20 years ago, you would not have seen anywhere near the amount of activity that's now going on,” Karst said. People shifted to “living with water,” pointing to the possibility of retaining water in parks and gardens rather than floodwater only being in the streets and in storm drains, Karst noted. River Reintroduction into Maurepas Swamp is a particular

Best of the Big Easy // July 2026

Interview with Byron Goodwin President and CEO of Travis Hill School

// JANAY MAJOR

Byron Goodwin, president and CEO of Travis Hill School, recently n a country where discussed how their school fills the educational void in the Orleans Parish Jail and the Juvenile Justice Intervention Center. He was able the financial profit of to relay information about the humble beginnings of a school with the mission to “create a transformative learning environment” for incarceration is more their youth. valuable than the societal Where Y’at: Please tell me about yourself and how your life’s journey profit of rehabilitation, there is a led you to Travis Hill. group of people defying the odds Byron Goodwin: I was born in a family of educators. My father and uncle were both educators, and my siblings are all in the education and committing to educating realm. Being that I [have] always been a part of education [with] teaching, mentoring, [I] have always worked with at-risk incarcerated youth in New Orleans. coaching, youth. Growing up, I watched my father be a [role] model for a lot of

All photos: courtesy of Travis Hill School

kids. I felt that my father wasn’t paying enough attention to me

until I got older, and people would share with me how my father changed their life. During the time that I was in this education arena, my younger brother was incarcerated. That pushed me to be a part of this kind of work. We had resources to pay attorneys and support him. I thought about kids who end up in the system with no resources. How can we best help them? Most kids who are jailed struggle with finishing high school, whether it’s the kids not wanting to return or the school not allowing them to return. We originally started with a transition process of helping the kids get back into school after they have been released. We would call the school and home to check on the kids. In 2015 during the consent decree, the [Orleans Parish] school district brought in consultants inside the jails to evaluate the current education system. In 2016, an RFP [request for proposal] was issued [by Break Free Education] to run Travis Hill inside of the jails.

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The current school district still oversees [Travis Hill]; however, everything else is contracted out to provide the education for the youth. WY: Do you still keep in contact with formerly incarcerated youth who graduated from your program? BG: Yes. I keep in touch with both—those who have graduated from the program and those who have gone home and continued their education. I also keep in contact with the youth who unfortunately go into the DOC system. I stay in contact with the wardens of the jails my kids are in. As a matter of fact, we received our first young ladies [who] went into the DOC system a couple of years ago. We definitely do the checkins. Before they were transferred to St. Gabriel [prison for women], I would take the drive to visit them in Baton Rouge. The warden and I talk twice a week. I have kids who are rappers now and some that went to college. It is very rewarding to see how well they do. You know that your work is not in vain. WY: In a world that pushes to demonize youth who have made a mistake, what humanizing message would you give the world?

BG: I would remind the world that a mistake is an action, not an identity. Young people are still becoming who they are. When we choose to see their humanity instead of their worst moment, we create space for accountability and transformation. Every youth deserves a chance to be seen, taught, and believed without being written off. WY: Can you please share with Where Y’at one of your fondest memories you’ve had with one of your students? BG: In 2017, I had a group of kids testing on a Saturday. It was in an open space [juvenile pod in OJC]. After they finished taking their test, they did not want to go back to their pods just yet. I asked them what do they wanted to do. They wanted to play hide-and-seek. Now, imagine a big open space with just desks. There is nowhere to hide. I sat back and watched as they just ran around trying to catch each other. I ordered pizza for them and just watched them have fun for four hours. That moment refined my purpose. That moment was kids just being kids. WY: When you think of Travis Hill’s future, what do you envision? BG: For Travis Hill, I see us standing as the national model [for] equitable trauma informed education and secure care. That can be achieved if we truly invest in our young people. We won’t just change outcomes. We will change the way young people see themselves.

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Best of the Big Easy // July 2026

What' s Behind NOLA's Road Signs? // CELESTE TURNER

rom highways to bridges, Louisiana’s signs honor local legends whose service and stories shaped our communities.

Louisiana’s governor from 1928 to 1932 and as a U.S. Senator until his assassination in 1935. Perhaps less well known is the name behind the Danziger Bridge in New Orleans. Spanning the Industrial Canal, the crossing is named for Alfred Danziger, a New Orleans attorney and civic figure who served as personal counsel to Governor Huey Long and later as executive counsel to Mayor Robert Maestri. Identifying the figures behind Louisiana’s bridges and highways raises a broader question: How many of the state’s roadways bear names of historical significance? Gitlin noted that, as of 2018, the state legislature had passed more than 150 acts dedicating over 200 roads to honor individuals or groups across Louisiana. These commemorations are especially visible

in New Orleans, where major bridges such as the Crescent City Connection and the Claiborne Avenue Bridge, also called the Judge William Seeber Bridge, are familiar fixtures. Still, the stories behind their names remain largely unrecognized, even among lifelong New Orleanians. Like many New Orleans landmarks, these bridges bear names with unexpected origins. So where did the name “Crescent City Connection” come from? “My name is Jennifer Grodsky Cataloglu, and I named the Crescent City Connection when I was 10 years old—a fourth grade student at St. Clement of Rome in Metairie,” said Cataloglu, who now lives in Annapolis, MD, where she works as a dental hygienist and raises two children. Cataloglu’s entry of “Crescent City Connection” won a public naming contest for the Greater

Photos courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Louisiana’s roads don’t just carry traffic—they carry stories. But have you ever stopped to wonder who’s behind the names on our bridges and highways? According to Daniel Gitlin, public information officer for the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD),

honorary dedications, such as memorials and named highways or bridges that appear on signs, are typically established through legislative action. State lawmakers choose the names, and DOTD installs the signs. “Legislators submit a bill with a name dedication, and it must be approved by the legislature to become law,” Gitlin said. “Once passed, DOTD is required to install signage; however, members of the public can submit an idea to a legislator, or a legislator can propose it themselves. Often, family members suggest names in memory of someone who passed away and was influential locally.” One well-known example is the Huey P. Long Bridge, spanning the Mississippi River and linking Elmwood on the Eastbank with Bridge City on the Westbank. Locals remember Huey P. Long as

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New Orleans bridge, leading the Louisiana State Legislature to officially adopt the name for the twin bridges in 1989. “Senator Fritz Windhorst decided that this contest should only be entered by grammar school children in the hopes they would learn how a bill would become a law,” Cataloglu said. “Thousands of students in seven parishes worked on this homework assignment, and 621 classrooms entered this contest.” Inspired by training with her family for the annual Crescent City Classic, Cataloglu proposed the name “Crescent City Connection.” She explained, “I knew the city was crescent shaped, and the bridge connected my Eastbank family to my Westbank family. To me, the twin span was connecting the whole city.” Her entry was ultimately selected as the official name of the twin bridges, and the experience didn’t end there. Cataloglu and her entire fourth grade class traveled to the State Capitol, where they learned firsthand how a bill becomes law. The Crescent City Connection isn’t the only bridge with a story to tell. Known to many locals simply as the vertical lift bridge spanning the Industrial Canal, the Claiborne Avenue Bridge was officially named in honor of Judge William Seeber, who served on the First City Court and played an active role in the city’s judicial affairs throughout the 1940s. That tradition of naming infrastructure continues today. The Louisiana House of Representatives recently passed a bill to name a planned Mississippi River bridge in the Baton Rouge area the “President Donald J. Trump Expressway,” after Donald J. Trump. The bridge would span between the I-10 and LA 70 crossings, linking LA 1 and LA 30, and is projected for completion around 2033. The bill, however, was not picked up in the most recent Louisiana Regular Legislative session. Drive through the city of New Orleans and you’ll see quiet memorials honoring local heroes. Called “memorial guide signs,” they commemorate individuals whose decades of service left a lasting mark on their communities. “A memorial guide sign is a brown sign with white legend placed at appropriate locations,

generally one in each direction,” Gitlin confirmed. “In some instances, it can be a green sign.” Gitlin noted that the “Avery C. Alexander Expressway” sign, for example, can be spotted along the I-10 Expressway at the 17th Street Canal line within Orleans Parish near Lakelawn Cemeteries. This green memorial sign honors Reverend Avery Alexander, a prominent Louisiana civil rights leader remembered for his October 31, 1963, arrest, when he was dragged by his heels up the steps of City Hall while advocating for desegregation. Another green memorial guide sign that stands out along the interstate to and from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport bears the name Henry A. Smith Jr. Memorial Road. This flyover ramp honors St. Charles Parish resident Henry A. Smith Jr., a civic and business leader who devoted 26 years of service to the airport. Other eye-catching, brown memorial guide signs along Louisiana Highways 39 and 46 in St. Bernard Parish honor Lynn B. Dean, a longtime public servant and marine engineer, and Henry Rodriguez Jr., a decades-long elected official who helped guide the parish through Hurricane Katrina and other crises. The list goes on. The next time you’re driving the city’s roads, notice the signs along the highways and bridges named for Louisiana’s public figures. These memorial signs and officially-named spans do more than mark the way, they quietly honor local heroes and keep their stories alive.

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Best of the Big Easy // July 2026

There's No Age Limit on Fun: Play Places for Grown-Ups // EMILY HINGLE

rown-ups can have fun at several funcentric places around the New Orleans metro.

K1 Speed in Elmwood is an indoor electric go From adult-only skating rink nights at Airline kart experience that has tight turns and heartSkate to City Park’s Carousel Gardens Amusement pounding straight tracks where you can really rev Park’s seasonal nighttime events, people from 18 to the engine. The Paddock Lounge is the perfect 100 can let loose their inner child and run wild. place for a post-race beer and stone-fired pizza and Game On Social Hub in Metairie boasts then indulge in some arcade games. 10-minute laser tag games, axe throwing, and The Marigny/Bywater is home to two arcades over 100 arcade games. Check out the augmented that are perfect for spending hours enjoying reality bowling. In Metairie, Surge Entertainment wholesome games. Emporium Arcade Bar is by Drew Brees is steps away from another Drew for adults 21 years of age and older who want a Brees owned entertainment business. Pickle N craft cocktail while challenging others in Skeeball Pins focuses on pickleball, but you can also enjoy or pinball. Sea Cave Arcade is for all ages duckpin bowling, Krazy Darts, padel, axe throwing, seeking retro arcade games in an immersive shuffleboard, and more. Pickle N Pins also atmosphere. Check out their social has a full food menu and bar. media for special nights with NOLA Motorsports is known live performances and for high-powered race car vendors. experiences, but the go karts Head upstairs at Throttle & Swing are at Loft18’s Old just as thrilling. The adultMetairie location sized gas-powered go for virtual golfing karts can get up to 40 and other MPH, while the junior games while karts top out at 25 eating exquisite MPH. You can compete food and against others or just enjoying highuse the extra racing end cocktails. experience to improve The balcony your own times. There are overlooking Metairie also handicap and two-seater Road is perfect for Five O Fore karts available. your in-game breaks Go karts aren’t the only and scoping out your next attraction there. Throttle & Swing also culinary adventure. features an 18-hole mini golf course, which Five O Fore is a towering threegives you plenty of time to sip, craft cocktails story stationary golf facility with a lively vibe, huge delivered to you right on the course. Or, you can screens for sports, and an upscale bourbon lounge. challenge your friends to some arcade games over On Five O Fore’s first anniversary, Manager Lee piping hot pizza. White explained how the entertainment complex

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has grown, saying, “We’ve made a lot of strides. We’ve worked on customer service, improving the kitchen, trying to have that Louisiana flair to our food since this is not a national chain. It’s a locallyowned place.” The “kicked-up bar food” menu is loved by those who come to play or just watch their favorite games on the giant 68-foot screen. “Usually, we do one big section as the main game and six to eight different games on the side, not to mention all the TVs around the bars, and every golf bay has a little TV,” White said. Golfers can play one of numerous games at their assigned bay. Using the Trackman Range system, every ball is monitored for speed, distance, and location, and those metrics come up on the screen. “There are games that are like video games. Or, you can play real golf courses. We’ve started the Fairway VIP Membership program. They get unlimited play, and they get other perks like 20 percent of food and beverage. We have tournaments on Tuesdays and a lot of the VIP members do the tournaments,” he explained. High-tech players may prefer full virtual reality gaming to analog gaming. Be forewarned that there’s nothing passive about free-roaming virtual world gaming places, though. Players are equipped with a helmet that displays a totally immersive realm and a weapon to take down the bad guys before being let loose into a space where they are required to walk around. There’s Another World in Harahan. This virtual reality gaming place lets you enter one of many other worlds to roam and to game. The games range from lighthearted to scary and intense. At Zero Latency in the Warehouse District, you can travel to all sorts of strange and wondrous places once you strap on a helmet and enter the gaming floor. First, you can see your real surroundings through the VR goggles, but, then, your reality turns fully digital.

Owner David Garifo explained, “All of our games are person vs. environment games, except one, Sol Raiders, which is player vs. player and incredible with a large group of competitive people. We hope to start a league night for it soon. This experience, while accessible to teens, was crafted with adults in mind. For many adults, particularly those who have never played video games or stopped at a young age, this is a revolutionary experience.” You don’t have to worry about running into walls or each other. “The software has systems and warnings in place to prevent collisions, particularly with walls, and then you can see each other, including proportional distance, in VR. A lot of games and controllers have gotten very complicated and take practice to master; we eliminate all of that. The games don’t feel childish; it’s a full workout,” he continued. Garifo said it best: “Since when do you have to be a kid to have fun? We don’t think kids should have a monopoly on having a good time, and we’re here to prove it.” Defeat the doldrums of adult life by challenging yourself to some gaming.

Zero Latency

Photos from Top: Andre Courville, Bryce Ell, Selwyn Figg Photography

Emporium Arcade Bar

Best of the Big Easy // July 2026

SUNDAY, JUNE 28 21st Amendment The Funky Soles, Lobelia Jazz Band 30/90 Jeff Chaz Blues Band, Mother Ruckus Apple Barrel Steve Mignano Bacchanal Wine Noah Young Bamboula’s Music Jay Dufour Band, Kat Kiley BJ’s Lounge James McClaskey & The Rhythm Band Blue Crab Rare Groove, Mach-V Blue Nile Street Legends Brass Band BMC Deej Flava, Kim In Da Wind Band Bourbon O Bar Queta Cavalier, Shawan Rice

Pat O’Brien’s Lisa Bittick-Lowe + Matt Hayden + Natalie Mae Polo Club David Boeddinghaus Saturn Bar Anna Laura Quinn & Friends Seawitch Bayou Manouche Snug Harbor Lawrence Sieberth, Charlie Halloran & the Tropicales Spotted Cat Pat Casey & The New Sound Steamboat NATCHEZ Steamboat Stompers, Dukes of Dixieland Three Maries Jazz Club Orleans Rob Espino Duo MONDAY, JUNE 29 Apple Barrel Bar Mark Appleford Bacchanal Byron Asher

Fifty years ago, funk legend George Clinton landed his Mothership at the Municipal Auditorium in New Orleans. Now, he will be celebrating 50 years of the Mothership at this year’s Essence Festival. Sunday, July 5, 6 p.m., $82.25 to $1291.70 essence.com/essencefestival2026

WEDNESDAY, JULY 1 Café Degas Gizinti Trio Classroom New Orleans Fire Chiefs Davenport Lounge Jeremy Davenport Picnic Provisions & Whiskey Mikayla Braun Spotted Cat Chris Christy Band, Marty Peters Tropical Isle Bourbon Dave Ferrato, Mike Lemmler & Mike Barras THURSDAY, JULY 2 Bierstube Schlaraffia Davenport Lounge Jeremy Davenport Peacock Room Da Lovebirds Rock 'n' Bowl Sunpie & the Louisiana Sunspots Spotted Cat Chris Christy Band Vaughan’s Lounge Corey Henry & The Treme Funktet

George Clinton & Parliament-Funkadelic at Essence Fest

Bourbon Street Drinkery Shawan Rice Brass Monkey, Adam Pierce Broadside Big Freedia Buffa’s Some Like It Hot, Pfister Sisters Cafe Negril John Lisi, Ayonna Charese Carrollton Station Dana Ives + Neutral Snap + Bozo Red Celebration Hall Big 6 Brass Band Constantinople Stage Dave Jordan & Rurik Nunan d.b.a Paradise Jazz Band, The Jump Hounds Dog House, Craig Cortello Dos Jefes Tony Testa Favela Chic Christian Coleman & His Band Fritzel’s Jazz Club Fritzel’s All Star Band, Marty Peters Band Hideout Bar Danny Ray & the Electric Barrelhouse Howlin’ Wolf Hot 8 Brass Band Jazz Playhouse Richard Scott & The Twisty River Band Mahogany Jazz Hall Smoking Time, Big Joe Kennedy Maison Jenavieve & the Windin Boys, The Melatauns Maison Bourbon Kid Merv & All That Jazz, The Leroy Marshall Band Maple Leaf Joe Krown Trio Omni Royal Orleans Sugar Bear & The Jazz Cats

For up-to-date listings visit WhereYat.com Le Bon Temps Roulé Nina Hungerland

Steamboat NATCHEZ Steamboat Stompers The Maison Jacky Blaire, Paradise Jazz Band The Rabbit Hole Rebirth Brass Band Vaughan’s Lounge Lil Prince and the Youngbloods

Bamboula’s Music Jon Roniger, Ted Hefko Bourbon O Bar Kid Merv & All That Jazz Carrollton Station Meryl Zimmerman & Friends Da Jump Off Sporty’s Brass Band Dos Jefes John Fohl Favela Chic Josh Benitez Band Fritzel’s Jazz Club Matinee All Stars Band, Richard Scott Mahogany Jazz Hall Jenna McSwain Poor Boys Gumbolaya Saturn Bar BC Coogan Spotted Cat Amber Rachelle, Aurora Nealand Steamboat NATCHEZ Steamboat Stompers The Maison Gene’s Music Machine, Nola Rugcutters TUESDAY, JUNE 30 Audubon Clubhouse Blake Amos Bacchanal Wine Tangiers Combo Bamboula’s Music Catie B, FK-Rrera Bourbon O Bar Shawan Rice Dos Jefes Bryce Eastwood & Jeremie Henen Fritzel’s Jazz Club Colin Myers Orchestra, Richard Scott Mahogany Jazz Hall Kevin Louis and The Home Team Rock 'n' Bowl DJ Nayo Saturn Bar Bloomies + Coward Boy + Roy’s Orb Spotted Cat Chris Christy Band, Smoking Time

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FRIDAY, JULY 3 AllWays Lounge Jerry Giddens Bamboula’s Mark Appleford Banks Street Bar Vacillator + Blood & Earl + Pale Devil Sun Bacchanal Wine Willie Green Blue Nile DJ WestBankRed Brutto Americano Audrey LeCrone Caesars Superdome Cardi B, Latto Café Istanbul S.O.L.O.M. Café Negril Maurice Cade & The E.S.S. Band, Higher Heights Candlelight Lounge Big 6 Brass Band Deutsches Haus Classroom Saengerchor Davenport Lounge Jeremy Davenport Dutch Alley Johnette Downing Favela Chic Jass Hysteria Gasa Gasa Gal Holiday, The Hony Tonk Revue Good Measure Alfred Banks Howlin’ Wolf ZEUS, DJ Say Trell Le Bon Temps Roulé St. Julien X May Baily’s Place Nanci Zee Trio Nacular Art Gallery Maria Taylor Polo Club David Boeddinghaus, Bean N’ The Boys Rock n Bowl The Topcats Saturn Bar Stargazer & The Lilies, Boma Bango Siberia Midnight Papers, Drugstore Lipstick Spotted Cat New Orleans Cottonmouth Kings, Paradise Jazz Band Tipitina’s Brass-A-Holics, Vegas Cola SATURDAY, JULY 4 Bamboula’s Mark Appleford Caesars Superdome Brandy & Monica, Patti LaBelle Café Negril The Rumpshakers, Ado Soul & The Tribe Davenport Lounge Jeremy Davenport Double Dealer Shawan Rice Favela Chic Dead Men Don’t Play Jazz Fillmore Kevin Gates Good Measure Juice

May Baily’s Place Jerry Dugger’s Acoustic Blues Duo Old Point Bar Gal Holiday & The Honky Tonk Revue Polo Club John Royen, Bean N’ The Boys Rock ‘n’ Bowl BRW Siberia Horsetail, Dummy Plug SUNDAY, JULY 5 Apple Barrel Steve Mignano Buffa’s Some Like It Hot Caesars Superdome George Clinton, Big Boi Café Negril Decaturadio, John Lisi & Delta Funk Celebration Hall Big 6 Brass Band Constantinople Stage Lady Parts Howlin’ Wolf Hot 8 Brass Band House of Blues Bobby V Polo Club David Boeddinghaus Spotted Cat Pat Casey & The New Sound MONDAY, JULY 6 Da Jump Off Sporty’s Brass Band Siberia The Pause, Oh Dang Southport Hall The Soap Girls Spotted Cat Amber Rachelle, Aurora Nealand TUESDAY, JULY 7 Rock 'n' Bowl DJ Nayo Spotted Cat Chris Christy Band, Smoking Time The Rabbit Hole Rebirth Brass Band WEDNESDAY, JULY 8 Café Degas Gizinti Trio Davenport Lounge Jeremy Davenport Gasa Gasa Aaniyah Anderson Spotted Cat Chris Christy Band, Marty Peters Tropical Isle Bourbon Dave Ferrato, Mike Lemmler THURSDAY, JULY 9 Bierstube Schlaraffia Davenport Lounge Jeremy Davenport Gasa Gasa Aaniyah Anderson, Sparta Le Bon Temps Roule The Soul Rebels Peacock Room Da Lovebirds Siberia Death Valley Girls, BS Machine Spotted Cat Chris Christy Band Tipitina’s Hatebreed, Devourment Vaughan’s Lounge Corey Henry & The Treme Funktet FRIDAY, JULY 10 Anna’s The Upstairs Tee Na Na Nay Bacchanal Wine Willie Green Bamboula’s Mark Appleford Blue Nile DJ Jess Brutto Americano Audrey LeCrone Café Negril Dana Abott Band, Higher Heights Candlelight Lounge Big 6 Brass Band Carrollton Station The Dirty Rain Revelers Davenport Lounge Jeremy Davenport Favela Chic Jass Hysteria Gasa Gasa Sparta Good Measure CLOUDSAVE

photos: courtesy of Gustavo Escanelle

LIVE MUSICCALENDAR MUSIC CALENDAR

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dianne honore dianne honore thursday & friday friday thursday & 12pm 12pm

Alicia renee Alicia renee aka aka blue eyes blue eyes saturday 2pm saturday 2pm

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Sunday 2pm

Sunrise yoga Sunrise yoga

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ON VIEW NOW–JANUARY 17, 2027 Immerse yourself in the defining moments of the American Revolution through a new augmented-reality exhibition.

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Best of the Big Easy // July 2026

LIVE MUSICCALENDAR Jazz National Historical Park Tom Hook & Wendell Brunious Le Bon Temps Roule The Team Players

French Quarter Ghost Tour

Walking Tour $30 3pm Daily (Only on) (Dec. 26 - Aug 15 & Oct 1 - Nov 30) 6pm + 8pm - Every night

5 in 1 Tour Experience

Walking Tour $30 5:00pm & 7:30pm Daily/Nightly Monday - Sunday

New Orleans Voodoo Tour Walking Tour $30 7:30 - Fri./Sat./Sun.

Haunted Pub Crawl

Walking Tour $30 5:30pm & 8:15pm Nightly

TRUE CRIME TOUR

May Baily’s Place Bayou Manouche Member Bar Galvez Street Night No Dice Shape Shifter Old Point Bar Danny Ray & the Electric Barrelhouse Polo Club David Boeddinghaus, Bean N’ The Boys Rock ‘n’ Bowl Paperchase Southport Hall Rockell Spotted Cat Cottonmouth Kings, Paradise Jazz Band Tipitina’s Honey Island Swamp Band, Deltaphonic SATURDAY, JULY 11 Bamboula’s Mark Appleford Café Negril Decaturadio, Sunny Side Jazz Band Davenport Lounge Jeremy Davenport Esplanade Mall Custom Cruisers Favela Chic Dead Men Don’t Play Jazz Fred Hampton Baby Grendel Good Measure Pocket Chocolate Howlin’ Wolf Hiddany, Abby & the Arsonists Kermit’s Tremé Kermit Ruffins & the Barbecue Swingers Le Bon Temps Roule CLOUDSAVE

Southport Hall Black Sabbath - The Dio Years The Howlin Wolf Hidanny!! & Friends SUNDAY, JULY 12 Celebration Hall Big 6 Brass Band Saenger Theatre Tori Amos Spotted Cat Pat Casey & The New Sound MONDAY, JULY 13 Da Jump Off Sporty’s Brass Band Spotted Cat Amber Rachelle, Aurora Nealand TUESDAY, JULY 14 Rock 'n' Bowl DJ Nayo Spotted Cat Chris Christy Band Spotted Cat Smoking Time Jazz Club The Rabbit Hole Rebirth Brass Band WEDNESDAY, JULY 15 Café Degas Gizinti Trio Davenport Lounge Jeremy Davenport Picnic Provisions Mikayla Braun Spotted Cat Chris Christy Band, Marty Peters The Howlin’ Wolf Aliah Sheffield & Friends Tropical Isle Bourbon Dave Ferrato, Mike Lemmler THURSDAY, JULY 16 Bierstube Schlaraffia Davenport Lounge Jeremy Davenport Peacock Room Da Lovebirds

Walking Tour $30 5:15pm & 7:45pm Nightly

ALL OF THE ABOVE TOURS MEET AT 723 ST. PETER STREET IN THE FRENCH QUARTER

New Orleans Cemetery Tour Walking Tour $30

10:15am & 1:15pm Daily

Departs from Morning Call Coffee Shop, 5101 Canal Blvd.

Garden District Tour Walking Tour $30

New Orleans Vampire Tour Book online for the best deal!

Walking Tour $30

8:30pm Nightly Departs in front of the Saint Louis Cathedral, at the gates of Jackson Square

30th New Orleans International Piano Competition at Loyola University’s Roussel Hall

HauntedHistoryTours.com

Hosted by the Musical Arts Society of New Orleans, 12 of the world’s top emerging pianists will be competing in the semifinals in conjunction with the New Orleans Piano Institute and Keyboard Festival.

No Tours on Mardi Gras Day PRIVATE TOURS AVAILABLE (504) 861-2727

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July 18-26, Times Vary, $20.80 to $416, masno.org/noipc

Photos: courtesy of Scott Myers Photography

10am & 1:00pm Daily Departs from LePitit Blue, 1437 Washington Avenue

Spend a Weekend At the Crossroads! Hear Live Blues every night In clarksdale, ms PHOTO BY RORY DOYLE

Experience over a dozen festivals every year

2026

UPCOMING EVENTS

• 6/19-21 – B.A.M. Fest (Birthplace of American Music) • 8/7-9 – 38th Sunflower River Blues & Gospel Festival • 8/7-9 – Cat Head 24th Anniversary Weekend • 9/5 – 8th Red’s Old-Timers Blues Fest (MLK Park Stage) • 9/25-26 – Mighty Roots Music Festival (Stovall Farm) • 9/26 – 3rd Jessie Mae Hemphill Hill Country Blues Festival at Crossroads Cultural Arts Center • 10/8-10 – King Biscuit Blues Festival (Helena, Arkansas)

• 10/2026 - TBD – Hopson Pumpkin Pickin’ Festival w/music, kids’ activities and more • 10/11 – Clarksdale Super Blues Sunday: Cat Head Mini Blues Fest, Bluesberry Café, Delta Blues, Ground Zero Blues Club, Pinetop Perkins Homecoming, Levon’s, Hooker Grocer, Red’s, and more! • 10/15-17 - 34th annual Mississippi Delta Tennessee Williams Festival • 10/17 - Clarksdale Crossroads Blues Festival • 10/29-11/01 - Hambone Festival

• 10/31 - Cruz’n The Crossroads Car & Truck Show • 12/31 - Celebrate New Year’s at the Crossroads w/multiple shows around town

2027 • 1/29-31 – 17th annual Clarksdale Film & Music Festival • 4/14-18 – 24th Juke Joint Festival & Bonus Events • 4/18 – Cat Head Mini Blues Fest (April edition) 25th anniversary

Be sure to visit The Delta Blues Museum, the first museum in the world dedicated to blues music.

Best of the Big Easy // July 2026

Saturday & Sunday 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM 425 Girod Street

BeMeril.com

LIVE MUSICCALENDAR

Lord Huron at Saenger Theatre Lord Huron will be in NOLA as part of their “Cosmic Selector” tour with The Army, The Navy. The indie band is known for their albums Strange Trails and Vide Noir. Saturday, July 25, 8 p.m., $96.99 to $234.50, atgtickets.com FRIDAY, JULY 17 Davenport Lounge Jeremy Davenport Spotted Cat Cottonmouth Kings, Paradise Jazz Band Miss River The Silver Lining Serenaders Bacchanal Wine Willie Green SATURDAY, JULY 18 Davenport Lounge Jeremy Davenport Le Bon Temps Roule James Jordan and The Situation Loyola University Intl. Piano Competition SUNDAY, JULY 19 Celebration Hall Big 6 Brass Band Chickie Wah Wah High Fade, JT Loux Spotted Cat Pat Casey & The New Sound

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MONDAY, JULY 20 Spotted Cat Amber Rachelle, Aurora Nealand Siberia In The Company Of Serpents Spotted Cat Jenavieve Cooke & The Winding Boys Da Jump Off Sporty’s Brass Band TUESDAY, JULY 21 Ellis Marsalis Center Linda Aubert Gasa Gasa Wombo Rock 'n' Bowl DJ Nayo Spotted Cat Chris Christy Band, Smoking Time The Rabbit Hole Rebirth Brass Band WEDNESDAY, JULY 22 Café Degas Gizinti Trio Davenport Lounge Jeremy Davenport

Gasa Gasa Wombo Spotted Cat Chris Christy Band, Marty Peters Tropical Isle Bourbon Dave Ferrato, Mike Lemmler THURSDAY, JULY 23 Bierstube Schlaraffia Davenport Lounge Jeremy Davenport House of Blues Tomahawk JOLIE Goldfish Le Bon Temps Roule The Soul Rebels Peacock Room Da Lovebirds Siberia Conan, Fauns Spotted Cat Chris Christy Band Vaughan’s Lounge Corey Henry & The Treme Funktet FRIDAY, JULY 24 Bacchanal Wine Willie Green Davenport Lounge Jeremy Davenport House of Blues Rio Da Yung OG Le Bon Temps Roule Aren’t We Smoothie King Center Metro Boomin' Spotted Cat Cottonmouth Kings, Paradise Jazz Band SATURDAY, JULY 25 Davenport Lounge Jeremy Davenport Felix’s Restaurant Lakefront Freddie Blue Le Bon Temps Roule Mike Doussan & Co Saenger Theatre Lord Huron Smoothie King Center Subtronics Toulouse Theatre Alfred Banks

Photos: courtesy of Ben Zucker

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Best of the Big Easy // July 2026

Uncle Sam Jam Celebrates Over 30 Years of

Freedom and Fun // TINA HOWELL

his free, family-friendly event features live musical performances by both local and national artists, good food from local vendors, and concludes with a stunning fireworks show over the park grounds. Organized by Visit Jefferson Parish, the annual event takes place every year on the 3rd of July. With a wide selection of dishes available for purchase from local food vendors, as well as a variety of music from artists of all genres, this festive and fun celebration attracts thousands of visitors from all over the area. Some of the past musical performers on the Al Copeland Meadow Stage have included the Top Cats, Shenandoah, Cowboy Mouth, the Victory Belles, Sara Evans, Don McLean, the Mixed Nuts, Wilson Phillips, the Frontmen, Amanda Shaw, Joe Nichols, the Eli Young Band, Marc Broussard, Thompson Square, Travis Tritt, Ghost Town, the Yat Pack, and more. Violet Peters, president and CEO of the Jefferson Convention and Visitors Bureau (AKA Visit Jefferson Parish), was asked about what Uncle Sam Jam means to the community and what can someone expect who has never attended the event before. “Uncle Sam Jam was established back in the mid-90s, and, of course, it’s a celebration of our country. With this year being the 250th birthday of the United States of America, it’s an extra special Uncle Sam Jam as we celebrate our great country, she said. “So one thing that you can expect if you’re attending for the first time is the fireworks show. As you know, the fireworks become center stage around 9 p.m., and they have really become a tradition for the local community, so we’re promoting it for our visitors to come in. This year, Uncle Sam Jam will be on a Friday, so we’re definitely promoting it for visitors to come and celebrate the birthday of America on July 3rd and spend the entire holiday weekend in our destination doing things they enjoy, which includes eating like a local, going to swamp tours, NOLA

Motorsports, and just enjoying the whole region throughout the holiday weekend.” Uncle Sam Jam brings in thousands of visitors to Jefferson Parish every year. While the actual number does vary every year due to the weather and lineup, Peters says that no matter the variables, when it gets closer to the fireworks show, people come in droves to see it. Peters says that Uncle Sam Jam also brings people together from across the region for day tripping into Jefferson Parish, which helps to support their hospitality community while providing a positive economic impact to local area businesses and tourism in the parish. Over the past 30 years, Uncle Sam Jam has grown exponentially, and, this year, they are adding a new element by incorporating a local craft vendor area, which Peters thinks will really add to the festivities. “I think people enjoy that when they go to festivals,” Peters said. “They will have the opportunity to see things from vendors that are celebrating the season and celebrating a patriotic-themed festival, so I think that it will add an additional element that will be fun for the whole family.” Peter adds that Uncle Sam Jam is truly a tradition. “It’s a tradition that is a staple within our community, and it’s one in which we love to share with our visitors who come here and live like a local with us throughout the event. It’s such a warm environment, and I don’t mean temperature-wise. It’s a warm environment, hospitality-wise. The hospitality is wonderful when you’re attending Uncle Sam Jam. It’s such an inviting event, and it’s a great tradition for our local community and one to share with our visiting community. You can just feel that everybody is there to celebrate. We love our event, we love our country, and we are all friends when we are there together.”

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Photos: courtesy of Alex Clancy, Tina Howell

For over 30 years, Jefferson Parish has celebrated Independence Day with Uncle Sam Jam in Lafreniere Park in Metairie. // TINA HOWELL

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Best of the Big Easy // July 2026

Admission into Uncle Sam Jam is always free; however, there are also V.I.P. Stars and Stripes passes that are available for purchase, which include:

• Parking inside the gates for one vehicle • Four V.I.P. wristbands • Premium viewing area near the stage • Private cash bar

• Private comfort station and restrooms Chairs and blankets are allowed inside the festival grounds; however, no outside food is permitted. General parking passes are available for purchase for $20 and include parking inside of the park for one vehicle. There is also free parking that is available at the Shrine on Airline with a shuttle that runs to and from the Uncle Sam Jam.

The following is a list of items that are and are not allowed inside of the event:

Items Allowed:

• Collapsable soft chairs and blankets • Cameras • Baby blankets and strollers • Umbrellas • Tents (only allowed in designated areas) Items Prohibited:

• No outside food and beverages • No pets are allowed at the concert meadows

during the festival/concert hours, except service animals with credentials

• No ice chests or coolers • No CamelBak backpacks or hydration packs • No skateboards, hoverboards, roller skates, or bicycles

• No glass or metal containers • No video and audio recording equipment • No unauthorized vending or solicitation • No fireworks or explosives • No kites or sky lanterns • No drones or remote-controlled flying devices This year’s Uncle Sam Jam is scheduled for Friday, July 3, 2026, and will feature Grammy-nominated pop group Wilson Phillips, John Waite of the Babys and Bad English, local Louisiana band Bird, and Nashville-based DJ Slim McGraw as musical headliners.

Not Just Your Ordinary Cheap Thrill! Ghosts Vampires History Horrors Tours Nightly 6-8pm

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Photos: courtesy of Alex Clancy

Award Winning Master Story tellers

SUMMER’S MOST IMMERSIVE ExPERIENCE.

Best of the Big Easy // July 2026

LAKESIDE2RIVERSIDE July 10-12 | nolabulls.com

July 10 | af-neworleans.org/bastille-day-fete

San Fermin in Nueva Orleans is celebrating its 20th anniversary. Inspired by a particularly merry Mardi Gras in 2007, the idea of emulating Pamplona’s famous Running with the Bulls festival was born. There won’t be bulls barreling down NOLA’s streets but a feisty posse of roller derby skaters. San Fermin has four main events: the El Txupinazo, or the opening ceremony; the Running with the Bulls; La Fiesta Pantalones, the official post-run after party, and El Pobre de Mi, a Sunday morning recovery brunch featuring the Hemingway look-a-like contest. Tickets range from General Admission to VIP, depending on the event.

Bastille Day will be celebrated in New Orleans with an evening of live music, French-inspired food vendors, fine wines, and a dancefloor. The host, Alliance Française de la Nouvelle-Orleans, has been the leading center for French language in the Gulf region since 1984. While New Orleans will not be boasting military parades and firework displays as they are sure to do in France, our Bastille Day celebration will provide attendees a chance to engage in French culture. Alliance Française invites people of all ages. Tickets online are $15 and $20 at the door. Kids tickets are $10.

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Summer starts in Downtown New Orleans with can’t-miss deals across dining, drinks, activities, services, and retail. From happy hour steals to shopping finds, everything you need for the season is right here.

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Photos from left: courtesy of Gustavo Escanelle, Audoin De Vergnette

Alliance Française’s Bastille Day Fête

San Fermin in Nueva Orleans

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X Games New Orleans 2026 July 24-26 | xgames.com/events/new-orleans-2026 The X Games, the live action sport contest that took over the globe, is coming to New Orleans’ Caesars Superdome. X Games made its name back when Tony Hawk made sports history in the ‘90s landing the first 900. This summer, X Games is launching the MoonPay XGL, a team-based, global league. Athletes will tour the states for a city-based club competition, all fighting for a spot in the championship. Tickets range from GA all the way up to Gold Lounge with field access and other perks. Prices start at $85.

Americas Selection of Bocuse d’Or and Pastry World Cup

Photos from top: courtesy of X Games, CMPatisserie

July 25 & 26 | neworleans.com New Orleans will be hosting the Americas Selection of the Pastry World Cup, the only American city to do so. Contenders from eight countries will converge on the city to push the boundaries of the art of pastry in an international competition. The event brings together industry professionals from all angles, and renowned chefs, restaurateurs, suppliers, and over 150 exhibitors will be there. Teams will compete for a spot in the Grand Final in 2027. The event will be held at the Ernest N. Morial New Orleans Convention Center, placing it at the heart of the coinciding Louisiana Restaurant Association showcase.

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Best of the Big Easy // July 2026

s n a e l r O w e N Creative Underbelly of N

ew Orleans’ alt-rock scene is a romantic social web of independent musicians and venues that dominate the underground.

It’s hard to lump all the city’s alt-subcultures under one umbrella. The mosaic of tight-knit bands traverses many genres and share members. The brute force of DIY philosophy is a "mod podge" of hardcore, grungecore, shoegaze, indie rock, and math rock—it’s a tiring attempt to compose the full list, but it’s all one familial cluster. Here are a few local artists in their 20s describing the scene and the creative strategies that bond them with the city. Evan Hendry is a guitarist in indie-garage band Hotel Burgundy with Jacques du Passage, Josh Rovira, Jonathon Hidalgo, and Jack Bidleman, who have delved into the depths of the New Orleans music underbelly since 2023. Hendry loves the homegrown atmosphere and the unique advantages of being nestled in a small city over larger-city markets. “Playing an empty room means just as much as playing a packed room because you’re participating in art with your friends,” Hendry said. His inspiration is sparked at local shows, as well as his opportunity to play with bands he admires and respects. One of Hendry’s favorite nights was when he shared the stage at one of My Beloved’s first gig—a newly formed group of dear friends at No Dice. Shoulder-to-shoulder with family, loved ones, strangers, and musicians, Hendry described this

night as a surreal snapshot of the alt-rock scene—a full-circle feeling of home and an emotional refuge. “I loved that show so much that I left my guitar at the venue by accident,” Hendry said When first starting out in New Orleans, Hendry learned the significance of simply “being a yes man.” “Yes” in the scene led him to join Jackson Ryder’s new punk band, where Hendry learned to experiment with new techniques and styles. “Everything that Jackson does as an artist also propels me as an artist,” Hendry said. Jackson Ryder, frontman and songwriter of Donny’s Demeanor with Joe Kalb, Rob Florence, and Evan Hendry, has helped put a raw spotlight on New Orleans’ DIY punk operation. Donny’s Demeanor hit the streets of St. Claude in 2025, crashing in with a ferociously raw setlist. For Ryder, the so-called “alt-rock scene” is not a distant subculture, for it’s a crowd of old-head punk veterans and local musicians who move through the same rooms night after night. Donny’s Demeanor’s homegrown style to engineering autonomously, without agents and labels or external production studios, is a mutualistic sentiment among local bands. “We do the work, the whole nine yards, ourselves,” Ryder said. A 17-year-old aspiring rocker emailed Ryder for advice and recognized a version of himself in the

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// VIOLET BUCARO

message. Before Donny’s Demeanor’s conception, Ryder spent years attending shows and was inspired to be a part of them. “I was going to shows five, six nights a week, and one day, when I started writing music again, I had enough friends to play music with,” slowly building relationships with those who would become his band. His advice to younger musicians is rooted less in formal pathways, for the pivotal way to get involved, he told the sweet 17-year-old emailer, is to engage with bands personally. That can mean helping bands load in gear, assisting with sound setup, and simply sticking around outside after shows. Ryder also pointed to the fragile balance local venues navigate, particularly around affordability and sustainability. Still, he emphasized the unique bond between band and bar. “It’s not just for the bands,” Ryder said. “It’s also to support and sustain the bars, too.” Indie-pop band badoutfit, with Zach Smallman, Taylor Law, Liam Reilly, and Mike Tenreiro, have an idea to build their own stage. As graduates of Loyola University with a mission to host an interactive experience, badoutfit hopes to bridge the gap between audience and stage. Frontman Zach Smallman said, rather than a traditional set-and-spectate performance, a

“build a badoutfit event” is a space for creatives to collaborate, even with a printing press. The events aim to establish a creative integration.

“You bring a blank canvas, we bring the badoutfit world and a heat press,” Smallman said. Online, the band extends with a strong identity on social media, collaborating with Creative Director Kayla Mendiola to produce a clear aesthetic.

Photos from top: Sadie May, Dominic Fayard

Alternative Music

“People throw out their hardest and best moves, and if somebody’s on the ground, there’s six people pulling them up,” Gomez said. Gomez’s local shout-outs include Butte, D.sablu, Fake Coffee Club, W9, Days of Grief, Laughing Torso, Laura Fisher, Doctors, and Slowhole. Her venue staples range from Siberia and Saturn Bar to No Dice, BJs, Fred Hampton Free Store, and backyard DIY shows. Founded on friendship, the scene reflects the core of New Orleans’ culture. “What rocks must continue to roll,” Ryder grinned. Even in the underground, the city persists in laissez les bons temps rouler.

Photo: courtesy of Eric King

“Alternative is an understatement.”

Míle buíochas! Best of the Big Easy // July 2026

Designer Billy Reid's

e t i m A n i s Root

illy Reid is a name that way. She was definitely a community leader.” Reid procured fashion from brands such as synonymous with TJCalvin Klein and Guess to fill up the shop, which was in her mother’s former home. Billy Reid’s quality clothing. Magazine Street shop has a similar feel as it

The designer’s commitment to creating sophisticated, contemporary, and comfortable clothing stems from his childhood in the little town of Amite City, LA, which is smaller than four square miles in size. He fondly remembered, “We would drive and make the round at the Sonic, and we get on Highway 51 and go two miles to Hi Ho Barbecue. You could buy beer at Hi Ho, even if you were underage. Then we’d get on Highway 16 on the way to Franklinton and ride those roads back there. That was childhood.” In between riding the roads and going to the Tangipahoa River, young Reid spent time at his mother’s clothing shop in downtown Amite, which he equated to the film Steel Magnolias. “Looking back, it hits me in how it relates to my career. These women would come and hang out. [It] didn’t matter if they shopped or not, but that’s what it’s about. She had a kitchen in the back and had great parties in there. She was a pioneer in

has a full kitchen and photos of his mother and grandmother on the wall. Reid left Louisiana to pursue his passion, which took him all over the nation, before landing in Florence, AL, where his wife Jeanne’s family lived. The musical heritage of the Muscle Shoals region had an effect on his work because he’s a musician in his own right. “I’ve played music all my life. I love music. We were constantly trying to tell the story [of Muscle Shoals Sound Studio and FAME Studios]. We sold records and CDs in the shop that were all Muscle Shoals-based records. There was a radio station here at the time that only played music that had some connection to Muscle Shoals. We kept that going in the store 24/7 really trying to be a part of that story.” The atmosphere surrounding Billy Reid’s styles is imbued with music. His workshop contains concert posters including those from his own music festival Shindig. “Probably one of my biggest heroes is Kris Kristofferson, just for who he was in his life—just his story,” Reid relayed. “I

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think he could take a beat-up t-shirt and make it look sexy and handsome in his own way. He had to be resilient and take criticism from a lot of people questioning his talent. He somehow rose above it and remained a class act throughout.” Reid recalled that meeting Kris Kristofferson at his songwriters’ venue at the Newport Folk Festival was one of the “biggest thrills” of his life. Classic style made subtly unique is what Reid strives to accomplish. “My approach has always been to put in the little details, the nuances that are going to make it ours and put our stamp on that—like a denim shirt. What’s going to make ours different than somebody else’s? For ours, we did that 25 years ago. It’s still the same. It’s different than everyone else’s shirt. I think it’s finding those things that have a lasting interest to it and still be a go-to for somebody in their closet.” Finding new ways to create timeless, yet trendy fashions can be challenging, however. Reid stated that some of his best-selling items have been the same for 25 years, but he needs to “push it” to bring new items to the shelves. He explained, “The biggest thing for me over time is to continually edit myself. We definitely try to make it individualized for ourselves. The majority of the fabrics that we do are completely ours.

We’re not just pulling from stock fabric. We’re making and designing our own textiles, and that’s a big part of helping us create our own point of difference. Where the sustainability lives in that is the fact that style lives with you, and that’s what we try to do.” Despite living and working in California, Texas, New York, and, currently, Alabama, Reid’s Louisiana childhood and continued influence no doubt also lives within his designs. He concluded, “Growing up in South Louisiana, that upbringing is still such a big part of me in all facets of my life. I’m still a diehard Saints fan and LSU fan to a fault sometimes. If anyone asks me where I’m from, I say, ‘I’m from Amite in South Louisiana.’ I’ve been here for 25 years in the Muscle Shoals area, but that’s who I am. Anybody that knows me would know that. It’s just a huge part of who I am as an individual, and it still inspires me, as well.” The future of the Billy Reid brand promises consistent, high-quality clothing with a Southern soul. You may see it pop-up in certain cities as part of a mobile Shindig music event in the future. Right now, you can shop in-store at 3927 Magazine St.

Photo: courtesy of Billy Reid

// EMILY HINGLE

Thank you for voting us Best Women's Clothing Store

Curating your closet since 1994.

FRENCH QUARTER • MAGAZINE • METAIRIE

300 Bourbon 300 Bourbon Street Street

777 Bienville 777 Bienville Street Street Best of the Big Easy // July 2026

Best Places in New Orleans to Have a

Mental

Breakdown

// PEYTON KULLANDER

aintaining emotional stability is hard, and it’s a shame that we humans are expected to keep it together 24/7, even when our heartstrings are being pulled every which way. The St. Charles Streetcar at Midnight

The beauty of the streetcar is that it’s a very romantic place to shed some tears. Also, all of the seats face forward, so you should be able to avoid onlookers. While it’s typically pretty empty at night, if you need more privacy, act like a tourist and gaze out the window at the beautiful mansions passing by on St. Charles. Just don’t let your envy for the well-to-do of New Orleans drive you to an even darker place.

The Walmart on Tchopitoulas

The Tree of Life in Audubon Park The Tree of Life is a very peaceful environment, surrounded with plenty of benches that assure that no bumbling old man will sit next to you. Also, if you need to get some anger out, the tree is just waiting for your fists, but there’s no guarantee that you won’t need a trip to the ER. Additionally it’s far enough from the Fly/Mississippi River that if you do get that urge, hopefully the walk is long enough to calm yourself down before you reconsider all of your life choices.

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Home to the infamous “Wally World” music video and various parking lot dwelling guinea fowl, crying in the sporting equipment aisle of the Tchopitoulas Street Walmart will surely not be in the top five strangest things the workers see that day—or even that hour. While you’re there, pick up some ice cream and cookie dough to take your pity party home and continue the fun.

The Banks of the Mississippi in the French Quarter If you do believe in the healing power of water, the French Quarter is probably the safest place to go because there’s a railing

Photos from top: Courtesy of Audubon Nature Institute, Geordon Collins

Sometimes, we can’t help but let a few tears out or crash out in public. So here’s a list of the best places around the Big Easy to cry, scream, or even punch a tree without too much disturbance.

CATERING OFFERED FOR ALL OCCASIONS

Photos from top: Audubon Nature Institute, Geordon Collins, City Park Conservancy, Jason O’Rear

separating you from oblivion. Watch the Mississippi River’s current wash away all of your woes. Just try to avoid going to Bourbon to get a Hand Grenade as that will only bring more emotional shrapnel to your already precarious situation.

The Back Patio at Ms. Mae’s It’s best to keep your tears to a minimum at Ms. Mae’s, but if you’re the “drown your sorrows in a strong drink” type, you’re sure to find some other patrons willing to indulge you in your misery. And you never have to worry about last call. If you’re awake, Ms. Mae’s is there for you. Ask to bum a cigarette, even though you promised your wife to never smoke again. If your fellow drinkers bring your spirit up, you can close out the night with a game of air hockey or pool.

Louis Armstrong International Airport

Carousel Gardens at City Park Feel your tears fly away as you soar through the sky on Carousel Gardens’ Ladybug Roller Coaster. The suffocating weight of other passengers on the Musik Express will surely get your mind off the suffocating weight of existence for at least the duration of the ride. Take it to the carousel to watch happy families and their children enjoy New Orleans’ premier amusement park to pour salt on the wound and make you feel even worse about yourself.

New Orleans Museum of Art After you’re finished at Carousel Gardens, hit NOMA for some peace and quiet. Loud wailing will not be tolerated there, but if you can keep your composure to a couple silent tears, you can go to Christ on the Cross between the Virgin and St. John the Evangelist to see your own pain reflected and remind yourself that you too have suffered like Jesus. Just don’t let your tenuous mind wander into a full Renaissance painting existential spiral.

While the old airport was possibly one of the worst places to have a mental breakdown, as the worn out surroundings would surely worsen your mood, the new airport has big, tall windows to watch planes take off as you soar through emotional highs and lows. Drinking is also always better at an airport, and time doesn’t exist in that liminal place. If other passengers ask you what’s wrong, tell them your fiance just left for a six-month work assignment in some small European country to garner some sympathy. With this list in hand, feel free to lose your s**t at any of the places mentioned. After letting go of your sanity in public, rather than in the safety of your bed, your shoulders will feel lighter without the weight of social expectation and standards holding you down. Tear this page out to keep in your back pocket in case any emotional disturbances arise and you need a good spot to release your anguish.

1101 N. Causeway Blvd., Metairie Best of the Big Easy // July 2026

Dining Best Bar Food:

1. M.R.B.: 515 St. Philip St., mrbnola.com 2. Cooter Brown’s Tavern & Oyster Bar: 509 S. Carrollton Ave., cooterbrowns.com 3. The Swamp Room Bar and Grill: 5400 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, theswamproom.com

Best Breakfast Spot:

1. Ruby Slipper: Multiple Locations, rubybrunch.com 2. Bearcat Cafe: Multiple Locations, bearcatcafe.com 3. Surrey’s: 1418 Magazine St., surreysnola.com

BEST OF THE BIG EASY

Best Brunch Spot:

1. Bearcat Cafe: Multiple Locations, bearcatcafe.com 2. Ruby Slipper: Multiple Locations, rubybrunch.com 3. Willa Jean: 611 O’Keefe Ave., willajean.com

Best Budget Eats:

1. Melba’s: Multiple Locations, melbas.com 2. Dat Dog: Multiple Locations, datdog.com 3. Anita’s Grill NOLA: 833 Howard Ave., anitasgrillnola.com

Best Gumbo:

1. Neyow’s Creole Café: 3332 Bienville St., neworleans.neyows.com 2. Chef Ron’s Gumbo Stop: 2309 N. Causeway Blvd., Metairie, gumbostop.com 3. Li'l Dizzy’s Cafe: 1500 Esplanade Ave., lildizzyscafe.net

Best Hamburger:

1. Lakeview Harbor: 8550 Pontchartrain Blvd., lakeviewharbor.us 2. Port of Call: 838 Esplanade Ave., portofcallnola.com 3. The Company Burger: 4600 Freret St., thecompanyburger.com

Best Locally Owned Coffee Shop:

1. PJ’s Coffee: Multiple Locations, pjscoffee.com 2. French Truck Coffee: Multiple Locations, frenchtruckcoffee.com 3. CC’s Coffee House: Multiple Locations, ccscoffee.com

Best New Restaurant:

1. Kira: 601 Tchoupitoulas St., kiranola.com 2. Delacroix: 1 Poydras St., delacroixrestaurant.com 3. Sushi by Us: 711 O’Keefe Ave., sushibyus.com

1. Café Amelie: 900 Royal St., cafeamelie.com 2. Bacchanal Wine: 600 Poland Ave., bacchanalwine.com 3. N7: 1117 Montegut St., n7nola.com

Best Oyster Po-Boy:

1. Parkway Bakery & Tavern: 538 Hagan Ave., parkwaypoorboys.com 2. Domilise’s Po-Boy & Bar: 5240 Annunciation St., domilisespoboys.com 3. Acme Oyster House: Multiple Locations, acmeoyster.com

Best Oysters:

1. Acme Oyster House: Multiple Locations, acmeoyster.com 2. Drago’s Seafood House: Multiple Locations, dragosrestaurant.com 3. Felix’s Restaurant & Oyster Bar: Multiple Locations, felixs.com

Best Café:

1. The Vintage: 3121 Magazine St., thevintagenola.com The Vintage is known for its delicious beignets, especially the filled and raspberry options, along with the cozy, old-school atmosphere with ample seating inside and out. 2. Bearcat Cafe: Multiple Locations, bearcatcafe.com 3. Prince Tea House: 3012 N. Arnoult Rd., Metairie, princeteahouse.com

Best Cajun Restaurant:

1. Copeland’s of New Orleans: Multiple Locations, copelandsofneworleans.com 2. Jacques-Imo’s Cafe: 8324 Oak St., jacques-imos.com 3. Cochon: 930 Tchoupitoulas St. Ste. A, cochonrestaurant.com

Best Creole Restaurant:

1. Neyow’s Creole Café: 3332 Bienville St., neworleans.neyows.com 2. Li'l Dizzy’s Cafe: 1500 Esplanade Ave., lildizzyscafe.net 3. Dooky Chase’s Restaurant: 2301 Orleans Ave., dookychaserestaurants.com

Best Daily Specials:

1. Li'l Dizzy’s Cafe: 1500 Esplanade Ave., lildizzyscafe.net Stop by Li'l Dizzy’s for its famously flavorful fried chicken or gumbo and a welcoming and efficient staff ready to create a family-dinner style for reasonable prices and generous portions. 2. Mandina’s Restaurant: 3800 Canal St., mandinasrestaurant.com 3. Joey K’s: 3001 Magazine St., joeyksrestaurant.com

Best Pizza:

1. Pizza Domenica: Multiple Locations, pizzadomenica.com Pizza Domenica features homemade pizza from a custom-made oven shipped from Italy, providing specialty gourmet pizzas cooked in an open kitchen with a fun, casual vibe. 2. Pizza Delicious: 617 Piety St., pizzadelicious.com 3. Forbidden Pizza: 600 Baronne St., forbiddenpizza.com

Best Place to Get a Salad:

1. St. James Cheese Company: Multiple Locations, stjamescheese.com 2. Martin’s: Multiple Locations, martinwine.com 3. Caffe! Caffe!: Multiple Locations, caffecaffe.com

Best Restaurant (CBD/Warehouse District): 1. Sofia NOLA: 516 Julia St., sofianola.com 2. Meril: 424 Girod St., bemeril.com 3. Luke: 333 St. Charles Ave., lukeneworleans.com

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Photos from left: courtesy of Geordon Collins, Randy Schmidt

PRESENTED BY

1. Willie Mae’s NOLA: 898 Baronne St., williemaesnola.com 2. Dooky Chase’s Restaurant: 2301 Orleans Ave., dookychaserestaurants.com 3. Jacques-Imo’s Cafe: 8324 Oak St., jacques-imos.com

Best Outdoor Dining:

2026

Readers' Picks

Best Fried Chicken:

Best of the Big Easy // July 2026

Best Restaurant for a Date:

Best Restaurant (Lakeview):

Best Restaurant for Boiled Seafood:

1. Restaurant R'evolution: 777 Bienville St., revolutionnola.com 2. Brennan’s: 417 Royal St., brennansneworleans.com 3. GW Fins: 808 Bienville St., gwfins.com

1. The Blue Crab Restaurant & Oyster Bar: 7900 Lakeshore Dr., thebluecrabnola.com 2. Velvet Cactus: 6300 Argonne Blvd., thevelvetcactus.com 3. Sala NOLA: 124 Lake Marina Ave., salanola.com

Best Restaurant (Marigny/ Bywater):

1. Paladar 511: 511 Marigny St., paladar511.com 2. N7: 1117 Montegut St., n7nola.com 3. The Country Club: 634 Louisa St., thecountryclubneworleans.com

1. Peacock Room: 501 Tchoupitoulas St., peacockroomnola.com 2. N7: 1117 Montegut St., n7nola.com 3. The Husky: 4510 Freret St., thehuskynola.com

1. The Galley Seafood Restaurant: 2535 Metairie Rd., Metairie 2. Deanie’s Seafood: Multiple Locations, deanies.com 3. Clesi’s: 4323 Bienville St., clesicatering.com

Best Roast Beef Po-Boy:

1. Parasol’s Bar and Restaurant: 2533 Constance St., facebook.com/ParasolsNOLA 2. Parkway Bakery & Tavern: 538 Hagan Ave., parkwaypoorboys.com 3. Short Stop Poboys: 119 Transcontinental Dr., Metairie, shortstoppoboysno.com

Best Sandwich Shop:

1. Stein’s Market and Deli: 2207 Magazine St., steinsdeli.com 2. Francolini’s Italian Deli: 3987 Tchoupitoulas St., francolinis.com 3. Yinzer’s Amazing Cheesesteaks: 1514 Delachaise St., yinzersamazingcheesesteaks.com

Best Seafood Restaurant:

Best Restaurant (Metairie):

1. Drago's Seafood Restaurant: 3232 N. Arnoult Rd., dragosrestaurant.com A visit to Drago’s is not complete without tasting their legendary Charbroiled Oysters from employees with as big of a smile on their face as diners. 2. Chef Ron’s Gumbo Stop: 2309 N. Causeway Blvd., gumbostop.com 3. Vacca Steakhouse: 3524 Severn Ave., vaccasteakhouse.com

Best Restaurant (Mid-City):

1. Mandina's Restaurant: 3800 Canal St., mandinasrestaurant.com 2. Venezia: 134 N. Carrollton Ave., venezianeworleans.com 3. Katie's Restaurant and Bar: 3701 Iberville St., katiesinmidcity.com

Best Restaurant (Uptown):

1. Shaya: 4213 Magazine St., shayarestaurant.com 2. Pascal's Manale: 1838 Napoleon Ave., pascalsmanale.com 3. Clancy’s Restaurant: 6100 Annunciation St., clancysneworleans.com

Best Restaurant (Westbank):

1. Legacy Kitchen’s Steak + Chop: 91 Westbank Expy. #51, Gretna, legacykitchen.com 2. Mosca’s Restaurant: 4137 US-90 West, Westwego, moscasrestaurant.com 3. Cafe 615 (Home of Da Wabbit): 615 Kepler St., Gretna, cafe615.com

1. Felix’s Restaurant & Oyster Bar: Multiple Locations, felixs.com 2. Drago’s Seafood House: Multiple Locations, dragosrestaurant.com 3. Deanie’s Seafood: Multiple Locations, deanies.com

TREATS & GLOBAL FLAVORS Best African Restaurant:

1. Dakar NOLA: 937 Leonidas St., dakarnola.com 2. Addis NOLA: 2514 Bayou Rd., addisnola.com 3. Bennachin Restaurant: 1212 Royal St., bennachinrestaurant.com

Best Bakery:

1. Bywater Bakery: 3624 Dauphine St., bywaterbakery.com 2. Ayu Bakehouse: 801 Frenchmen St., ayubakehouse.com 3. Lagniappe Bakery: 1825 Euterpe St., lagniappebaking.com

Best French Restaurant:

1. Café Degas: 3127 Esplanade Ave., cafedegas.com 2. La Crêpe Nanou: 1410 Robert St., lacrepenanou. com 3. N7: 1117 Montegut St., n7nola.com

Best Ice Cream/Gelato:

1. Angelo Brocato: 214 N. Carrollton Ave., angelobrocatoicecream.com 2. The Creole Creamery: Multiple Locations, creolecreamery.com 3. Lucy Boone Ice Cream: 3918 Baronne St., lucybooneicecream.com

Best Indian Restaurant:

1. Aroma Indian Cuisine: Multiple Locations, aromanolaindiancuisine.com 2. Saffron NOLA: 4128 Magazine St., saffronnola. com 3. LUFU NOLA: 301 St. Charles Ave., lufunola.com

Best BBQ Restaurant:

1. Blue Oak BBQ: 900 N. Carrollton Ave., blueoakbbq.com 2. The Joint: 701 Mazant St., alwayssmokin.com 3. Moe’s Original BBQ: 1101 N. Causeway Blvd., Metairie, moesoriginalbbq.com

Best Beignet:

1. Café Du Monde: Multiple Locations, shop. cafedumonde.com 2. Morning Call Coffee Stand: 5101 Canal Blvd., morningcallcoffeestandnola.com 3. Loretta’s Authentic Pralines: Multiple Locations, lorettaspralines.com

Best Italian Restaurant:

1. Short Stop Poboys: 119 Transcontinental Dr., Metairie, shortstoppoboysno.com 2. Bear’s PoBoys: 3206 Metairie Rd., Metairie, bearspoboys.com 3. Guy’s Po-Boys: 5259 Magazine St., facebook.com/guyspoboysnola

1. Domenica: 123 Baronne St., domenicarestaurant.com Domenica is known for its delicious and authentic Italian food, particularly the lasagna, pizzas, and their fresh, house-made pasta while also praised for the warm and lively environment. 2. Venezia: Multiple Locations, venezianeworleans.com 3. Sofia NOLA: 516 Julia St., sofianola.com

Best Steakhouse:

Best Japanese/Sushi Restaurant:

Best Shrimp Po-Boy:

1. Desi Vega’s Steakhouse: 628 St. Charles Ave., desivegasteaks.com 2. Crescent City Steaks: 1001 N. Broad St., crescentcitysteaks.com 3. GAIA Seafood & Steakhouse: 1820 St. Charles Ave., gaiasteakhouse.com

Best Upscale Restaurant:

1. Restaurant August: 301 Tchoupitoulas St., restaurantaugust.com 2. Emeril’s: 800 Tchoupitoulas St., emerilsrestaurant. com 3. Restaurant R’evolution: 777 Bienville St., revolutionnola.com

1. Mikimoto Japanese Restaurant: 3301 S. Carrollton Ave., mikimotosushi.com 2. Shogun: 2325 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, shogunjapanese18.com 3. Yakuza House: 2740 Severn Ave., Metairie, yakuzahouse.com

Best Caribbean Restaurant:

1. The Daily Beet: Multiple Locations, thedailybeetnola.com 2. Sneaky Pickle & Bar Brine: 3200 Burgundy St., yousneakypickle.com 3. Bearcat Cafe: Multiple Locations, bearcatcafe.com

1. Jamaican Jerk House: Multiple Locations, jamaicanjerkhouse.com Jamaican Jerk House offers delicious, authentic Jamaican food with generous portions and flavorful oxtails, jerk chicken, and Caribbean mac and cheese with a welcoming atmosphere and welcoming staff. 2. Rumba Island Inspired Cuisine & Rum Bar: 5257 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, tasterumba.com 3. Queen Trini Lisa: 4200 D’Hemecourt St., queentrinilisa.com

Best Wings:

Best Chinese Restaurant:

Best Vegetarian Menu:

1. Hooters: Multiple Locations, hootersoflouisiana.com 2. Bayou Hot Wings: 6221 S. Claiborne Ave., bayouhotwings.com 3. Chicken & Watermelon: 3400 S. Claiborne Ave., facebook.com/ChickenandWatermelon

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1. Dian Xin: Multiple Locations, dianxinnola.com 2. Five Happiness Chinese Restaurant: 3605 S. Carrollton Ave., fivehappinessnola.com 3. 9 Roses: 1100 Stephens St., Gretna, ninerosesrestaurant.com

Best King Cake:

1. Dong Phuong Bakery: 14207 Chef Menteur Hwy., dpbakeshop.com 2. Manny Randazzo King Cakes: 3515 N. Hullen St., Metairie, randazzokingcake.com 3. Haydel’s Bakery: 4037 Jefferson Hwy., haydelsbakery.com

Best Latin American Restaurant: 1. El Pavo Real: 4401 S. Broad Ave., elpavorealnola.com 2. Maïs Arepas: 1200 Carondelet St., facebook.com/maisarepas 3. Baru Bistro & Tapas: 3700 Magazine St., barutapasnola.com

Best Matcha:

1. Matcha Magic: 2000 Tulane Ave., itsmatchamagic.com 2. Evolve Coffee + Matcha: Multiple Locations, evolvecoffeenola.com 3. Trumpet and Drum Coffee House: 3642 Magazine St., instagram.com/trumpetanddrum

Photos from left: Gustavo Escanelle, Melody Daniels, Randy Schmidt

Best Restaurant (French Quarter):

LEBANON’S CAFE

MIDDLE EAST CUISINE √ A HEALTHY ALTERNATIVE Great Selection Of Vegetarian Dishes

Lunch & Dinner Daily

APPETIZERS Humus √ Falafel √ Bathenjan Dip (Roasted Eggplant w/ Garlic) √ Vegetarian Grape Leaves

DINNERS Shish Kabob (Chicken, Lamb or Beef ) √ Lula Kabob (Lamb) √ Humus w/ Lamb Meat √ Rosemary Lamb Chops

1500 S. CARROLLTON √ UPTOWN TELEPHONE: 862-6200/862-0768

Best Middle Eastern Restaurant:

1. Lebanon’s Cafe: 1500 S. Carrollton Ave., lebanonscafe.com Lebanon’s Cafe offers authentic and flavorful Mediterranean food, most known for their hummus, lamb chops, and chicken shawarma at a great value, coming from a reportedly friendly and attentive staff. 2. Mona’s Cafe: 3901 Banks St., instagram.com/monascafenola 3. Shaya: 4213 Magazine St., shayarestaurant.com

Best Mexican Restaurant:

1. El Gato Negro: Multiple Locations, elgatonegronola.com 2. Felipe's Mexican Taqueria: Multiple Locations, felipestaqueria.com 3. Juan’s Flying Burrito: Multiple Locations, juansflyingburrito.com

All photos: courtesy of Ness Newsom

Best Pasta:

1. Venezia: Multiple Locations, venezianeworleans.com 2. Domenica: 123 Baronne St., domenicarestaurant.com 3. Pulcinella!: 1300 St. Bernard Ave., dirtydimeproductions.com/pulcinella

Best Restaurant for Dessert:

1. Commander’s Palace: 1403 Washington Ave., commanderspalace.com 2. Emeril’s: 800 Tchoupitoulas St., emerilsrestaurant.com 3. Sucré: Multiple Locations, shopsucre.com

Best Sno-Ball:

1. Hansen’s Sno-Bliz: 4801 Tchoupitoulas St., snobliz.square.site 2. Chance in Hell SnoBalls: 805 Louisa St., instagram.com/chanceinhell_snoballs 3. Pandora’s Snoballs: 901 N. Carrollton Ave., facebook.com/pandorassnoballs

Best Taco/Burrito:

1. Felipe’s Mexican Taqueria: Multiple Locations, felipestaqueria.com 2. Barracuda Taco Stand: Multiple Locations, eatbarracuda.com 3. Tacos & Beer: 1622 St. Charles Ave., facebook.com/tacosneworleans

Best Thai:

1. Thai’d Up NOLA: 1839 Gentilly Blvd., thaidup.co 2. Good Catch Thai Urban Bistro: 828 Gravier St., goodcatchnola.com 3. Thaihey: 308 Decatur St., thaiheynola.com

Best Vietnamese Restaurant:

1. Lilly’s Cafe: 1813 Magazine St., instagram.com/lillyscafenola 2. Pho Tau Bay: 1565 Tulane Ave., photaubayrestaurant.com 3. Dough Nguyener’s Bakery: Multiple Locations, doughnguyenersbakery.com

Best of the Big Easy // July 2026

FOODNEWS

s w e N d o Fo // KIM RANJBAR

High Hat Cafe

// KIM RANJBAR

Feliciana

Hip, hip . . . We’re tipping our hats to local chef Neil McClure, who recently landed a new gig at the High Hat Cafe. McClure is known for past ventures such as his eponymous BBQ spot on Magazine, a stint bringing his barbecue to NOLA Brewing and, more recently, grilling up steaks at Charlie’s. While he’ll mostly be sticking to the established menu at

second location on the Westbank. Owned by Nigel Pais and Kenny Truong, Hibachi Grill offers pop-up favorites including crab and tuna wonton nachos, bang bang shrimp sushi tacos wrapped in tempura fried nori, and steak and shrimp hibachi-style served atop crispy French fries. Marrero, @hibachigrillnola

the Freret Street casual, Carolina-inspired eatery— can’t let go of their fried catfish and drool-worthy BBQ shrimp—McClure plans on adding a few of his own creative dishes in the near future. Congratulations. 4500 Freret St., (504) 754-1336, highhatcafe.com Hell yeah, it’s Tuesday . . . CDMX-inspired Tacos Awiwis recently opened in Covington. A product of Northshore hospitality company Habs Group, the new taco shop took over the former Lee’s Hamburgers to offer up tacos a-plenty. Along with the usual suspects including chicken, al pastor, and top sirloin carne asada, Taco Awiwis—slang for an enthusiastic yes—also features tacos with pork loin cooked “trompo-style,” braised beef cheek barbacoa, and longaniza (sausage). The menu also offers crispy chicharron, quesadillas, and volcanes, a popular Mexico City street food featuring a crispy corn tortilla topped with bubbling hot cheese and your choice of meat. 104 Lake Dr., Covington, @tacosawiwis “I’m sorry, I was thinking about cake” . . . Gentilly food stand 2Potnas, launched by Jared Thomas, has moved to bigger digs on Banks Street. Located in a two-story yellow building once home to Echo Pizza and Domenica Pizza, 2Potnas is serving up the ever-popular, and tasty, smash burger with decor inspired by animated sitcom Bob’s Burgers. In addition to lacy smash burgers and crispy fries, the menu features boiled crawfish when in season, popcorn, sno-balls, and more. Open everyday but Tuesday (but, “I’ll gladly pay you Tuesday…”), 2Potnas is late-night for a burger shop, closing at 10 p.m. If their social media antics don’t pull you through the door, their burgers will keep you coming back for more. 3200 Banks St., @2Potnas Gonna take you all the way . . . On the edge of Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve in Crown Point, popular bayou spot Restaurant des Familles recently re-opened with new

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High Hat Cafe

management. Featuring tall windows looking out onto the wilds of the bayou replete with visiting ‘gators, the restaurant is a local landmark that originally opened in 1993. After changing hands early this year, they finally announced their official grand re-opening under new management a few months ago. Fans will note that all of their favorites are back on the “all-day” menu including duck and andouille gumbo, fried soft shell crab, shrimp Diane with Louisiana shrimp atop angel hair pasta, and boudin-stuffed chicken. 7163 Barataria Blvd., Jean Lafitte, (504) 689-7834, facebook.com/restaurantdesfamilles

New stars on the Northshore . . . BRG Hospitality recently launched Feliciana and Paradise, a restaurant and lounge, respectively, in Covington. The brand new, two-story, mixed-use building replaced the 80+ year-old Star Theater on N. New Hampshire Street. Feliciana is a contemporary-style French bistro with longtime BRG chef Patrick Teagle heading the kitchen. The menu includes moules frites with blue mussels and Chablis, salade niçoise with fingerling potatoes, and extravagant scallops on the half shell served with a satsuma chili crunch. After dinner, guests can repair upstairs to sip on Moviegoers Martini—Nolet’s gin, Bordiga Bianco vermouth, Giffard Abricot du Roussillon, bitters—at the “spirited refuge” Paradise, a boozy homage to former resident and writer Walker Percy. 405 & 411 E. Gibson St., Covington, felicianarestaurant.com, paradisecovington.com

Sushi is always a good time . . . People were pretty bummed out when Gentilly favorite Good Time Sushi shuttered during the pandemic, but they’re back. A brand new building went up in the same location on Elysian Fields Avenue, replacing the “shed-like” structure that once housed the restaurant. In its new, contemporary environment, Good Time Sushi & Hibachi offers twice the space with all of the rolls and hibachi lunch specials that made their restaurant a Feliciana neighborhood favorite. 5315 Elysian Fields Ave. Another bonus for the Best Bank . . . Popular Mid-City restaurant Hibachi Grill is opening a

Photos from top: courtesy of Aaron Santos, Randy Schmidt

egunda parte . . . Any savvy Westbanker knows a delicious deal on Honduran food when they see one, which makes visiting hole-in-the-wall Nany’s Antojitos on Van Trump Street in Gretna a no-brainer. Now, there are two. Under the same ownership, Nany’s Bar & Grill recently opened a hop and a skip away on Kepler Street in the space that formerly housed Caribbean spot Island Paradise Restaurant & Grill. With more space and a bigger kitchen, Nany’s II is offering their hand made baleadas, ginormous breakfast plates (eggs, refried beans, fried plantains, and proteins such as fried chicken, steak, and ham), and weekly specials on chicken wings and margaritas. Can’t miss items include their sopa de gallina asada (chicken soup) and organic coffee. 635 Kepler St., Gretna, (504) 354-1204, nanysbarandgrillres.com

Home of the Crabmeat Beignet

Come See Us This Essence Fest! 2101 N. Rampart St. 504-944-7068 lorettaspralines.com @lorettaspralines

1100 N. Peters, Farmers Market Stall #9 lap@lorettaspralines.com

The egacy Continues!

Bites & Backstories

Pâté at Patois T

// KIM RANJBAR

Only a few blocks from Audubon Park, a century-old, corner store building plays host to Patois, a snug, neighborhood bistro launched nearly two decades ago by Chef Aaron Burgau and then partners Leon and Pierre Touzet. When it opened, one local food writer said it was bound to do well as it is “close enough to Clancy’s to catch its overflow,” but Patois has, rather quickly, garnered its own devoted following. Among Creole-style dishes of pecan-crusted Gulf fish, seasonally-inspired gumbos, and the restaurant’s version of

dirty rice made with farro, French influences shine through from meaty slices of rabbit terrine and smoked fish dip blended with crème fraîche to a classic liver pâté neatly capped in clarified butter. The vernacular of Patois’ menu partly hearkens to a time when Burgau worked at Gerard’s Downtown, a restaurant on Lafayette Square owned and operated by esteemed local chef Gerard Maras. You may remember Maras, a sous chef at Commander’s Palace and longtime executive chef at Mr. B’s Bistro, from PBS’ Great Chefs television series preparing his version of the New Orleans classic BBQ shrimp, a recipe that remains the French Quarter restaurant’s signature dish to this day. “Most people don’t know he invented that dish,” Burgau said. “He created that emulsion for their creamy BBQ shrimp.” While you can’t discount the influence of James Beard award-winner Susan Spicer (Bayona, Rosedale), it was his time with Maras that emphasized Burgau’s skill with French charcuterie from sausages and terrines to pâté. “A lot of our dishes [at Patois] remind me of him,” Burgau said. “He’s influenced a lot of people.” At one time, the kitchen at Gerard’s Downtown housed a veritable who’s who list talented chefs, from John Harris (Lilette), Alex Harrell (Southern Hotel), and Anton Schulte (Bistro Daisy) to Slade and Allison Vines-Rushing (Brennan’s, MiLa) and Tory and Dave Solazzo (Del Porto). “It was kind of

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a dream team,” Maras said. “I used to call it the Zen kitchen. Everybody talked in a normal voice and I had a lot of good people there.” The chef powerhouse, including Aaron Burgau, learned a lot in their brief time at Gerard’s, from making pâtés, sausages, and pickles to preparing trickier dishes such as galantines, which is a lavish French dish of skillfully deboned poultry stuffed with forcemeat, rolled and pressed into a cylindrical shape, and then poached. “Aaron kept a lot of that going [at Patois], the country-style, French pâtés and terrines,” Maras said. “I’m not sure he goes as far as the galantine, but I wanted to show everyone how to make them, because they’re fun and different.” Though Gerard’s Downtown was only open for a few years in the late ‘90s, many people still fondly remember the cuisine, not the least of which was the lagniappe duck pâté that always accompanied the complimentary bread service. “[The pâté] was made with apples, Cognac, Madeira, and a lot of butter. It’s based on a Michel Guérard recipe, so it’s not something I invented. I’ve always been a big fan of his,” Maras said. Michel Robert-Guérard was a famous Parisian-born chef and author known as one of the fathers of nouvelle cuisine. Like Maras, Burgau and his chefs at Patois pride themselves on using locally-sourced ingredients, much of which comes from Inland Foods, a distributor committed to supporting sustainable produce and quality meats from nearby farms. “He’s

using a lot of good farm products like I used to, a lot of ingredients local to the area,” Maras said. While ingredients change with the season, the most recent iteration of chicken liver pâté at Patois includes an infusion of brandy and apples all capped with duck fat or clarified butter. Served in a small glass ramekin, the pâté is served with a tiny dish of berry-rich jam made with blueberries, strawberries, blackberries; whole grain mustard; house made bread-and-butter pickles; and fried Saltine crackers, a Depression-era snack that’s seeing a recent resurgence in fine dining restaurants. On any given weekend, locals, neighbors, and visitors in-the-know pack the small dining room— and flow out onto the sidewalk—on the corner of Laurel and Webster streets, sipping well-made cocktails and sharing dishes of tender gnocchi tossed with Louisiana crawfish and English peas in a creamy velouté or crisp duck confit atop a bed of Vietnamese-inspired slaw dressed in peach nước chấm. Yet, with all its popularity, Patois seems to elude the limelight. “I don’t care about [Patois] being a fancy restaurant, getting all kinds of press and publicity,” Burgau explained, an attitude he shares with Maras. “You know what I want to be? I want to be Clancy’s. Give me Brigtsen’s. Give me Lilette.” While Burgau doesn’t believe his restaurant has reached that level of devotion, many think Patois is already in that number.

All photos: courtesy of Kim Ranjbar

he moreish chicken liver pâté at Aaron Burgau’s flagship, Uptown restaurant traces back to a time when he was the sous under chef/owner Gerard Maras at the fondly remembered restaurant Gerard’s Downtown.

Best of the Big Easy // July 2026

DININGGUIDE Anita’s Grill brings American flavors and a lively atmosphere to the Warehouse District. The menu is packed with Southern flavors. Menu highlights include steak & eggs, a biscuit breakfast sandwich, the hamburger po-boy, and the liver & onion po-boy. 833 Howard Ave., (504) 354-8979, anitasgrillnola.com Bearcat Cafe is a popular destination known for health-conscious options and comfort dishes. The menu offers “good cat” and “bad cat” options, differentiating from healthier to heavier dishes. Options include the “good cat” vegan ranchero and “bad cat” shrimp & grits. Multiple Locations, bearcatcafe.com Commons Club offers a contemporary dining experience inside the Virgin Hotels New Orleans. The menu highlights modern American cuisine with options including Wagyu steak fries and truffle campanelle pasta. It is an ideal spot for brunch or dinner. 550 Baronne St., (833) 791-7700, virginhotels.com Crescent City Steaks is a historic Mid-City steakhouse that’s been around since 1934. Family-owned for generations, it delivers classic steakhouse fare in a nostalgic setting. The menu offers traditional cuts, as well as a bacon-wrapped filet and cowboy rib eye. 1001 N. Broad St., (504) 821‑3271, crescentcitysteaks.com Daisy Dukes Restaurant is known for filling breakfasts, New Orleans favorites, and big portions in an authentic Southern atmosphere. Specific menu options include French toast, breakfast sandwiches, and country fried steak with gravy served with eggs. Multiple Locations, daisydukesrestaurant.com Desi Vega’s Steakhouse is a spot for classic, highquality steaks served in an upscale setting. The restaurant serves traditionally Southern flavors with a modern touch. Be sure to try the rib eye & fries served with whipped bearnaise. 628 St. Charles Ave., (504) 523-7600, desivegasteaks. com Jack Rose offers a vibrant dining experience inside the historic Pontchartrain Hotel. The menu features international-inspired dishes alongside New Orleans classics. Enjoy the fried chicken parmesan, banana leaf wrapped speckled trout, and fettuccine nero. The restaurant also offers brunch options. 2031 St. Charles Ave. Fl. 1, (504) 608-7112, jackroserestaurant.com Legacy Kitchen’s Craft Tavern blends elevated American comfort food with an industrial tavern atmosphere. The menu offers favorites including crawfish & egg beignets, the Bananas Foster waffle with whipped cream and honey butter, and the redfish St. Charles. 700 Tchoupitoulas St. #3612, (504) 613-2350, legacykitchen.com Legacy Kitchen’s Steak + Chop offers delicious steakhouse and plenty of craft cocktails on the Westbank. The restaurant offers hot plate specials from Monday to Friday and menu favorites including chicken & waffle, a “build your own burger,” and trout amandine. 91 Westbank Expy., Gretna, (504) 513-2606, legacykitchen.com

Luke is known for a refined take on French and German-inspired cuisine in a relaxed setting. Known for oysters and classic seafood dishes, menu options include the LA crawfish omelette and the flammenkuchen with Alsatian onion tarte, bacon, and cheese. 333 St. Charles Ave., (504) 378-2840, lukeneworleans.com Moe’s Original BBQ, named in the “Top 10 BBQ Chains in America” by USA Today and the Daily Meal, serves Alabamastyle barbecue in a casual setting. It is popular for its catering packages, hearty quality, and Southern favorites. 1101 N. Causeway Blvd., Metairie, (504) 4073533, moesoriginalbbq.com

atmosphere and quality make it a reliable choice for casual meals. Multiple Locations, aromanolaindiancuisine.com Mantra Original Indian Cuisine offers Punjabi flavors and hospitality with curries, tandoori flavors,

The Vintage

New Orleans Vampire Café brings a theatrical approach to dining with a gothic, vampire-inspired setting and menu. They offer drinks with sangria, vodka pomegranate lemonade, and more prepared in ghastly blood bag packaging. Try the alligator po-boy. 801 Royal St., (504) 581-0801, nolavampirecafe.com

Spudly’s Super Spuds specializes in loaded baked potatoes packed with toppings. Options include the traditional spud with cheese, sour cream, bacon bits, and chives and the Super Duper MKT with crabmeat, shrimp, and crawfish topped with cheese sauce, cheddar, and chives. 2609 Harvard Ave., Metairie, (504) 455-3250, spudlys.com Vacca Steakhouse brings a modern, upscale approach to the steakhouse experience in Metairie. Their dish presentation exhibits attention to detail with steak entrees including the NY strip, rib eye, and center cut filet, served Pittsburgh-style on a sizzling plate. 3524 Severn Ave., Metairie, (504) 318-3808, accasteakhouse.com Vampire Apothecary offers cocktails and cuisine inspired by gothic themes and a rustic atmosphere. Located in the French Quarter, their food options are fresh and health-oriented, including baked salmon, baked oysters, and a poached pear dessert. 725 St. Peter St., (504) 766-8179, vampireapothecary.com

Rivershack Tavern is a restaurant known for its rustic decor, tacky ash trays, and famous “bar legs.” Menu options include the “leaf me alone” house salad, the “double R” sandwich with bacon and ham, and their alligator sausage po-boy. 3449 River Rd., Jefferson, (504) 834-4938, rivershacktavern.com

The Channel features American cuisine with a focus on seasonal ingredients. Its traditional feel enhances a menu featuring seafood and shareable plates. Menu highlights include the Irish club sandwich, fried green tomatoes, and shrimp, fish, chicken, and oyster baskets. 2604 Magazine St., (504) 381-4680, thechannelneworleans.com

CAFÉ and recipes passed through generations. Some of their menu options include chicken entrees, baked breads, lamb and goat entrees, seafood entrees, and vegetarian options. 3116 S I-10 Service Rd. W. E., Metairie, (504) 354-8349, mantraoriginalindiancuisine.com Mikimoto Restaurant offers a menu full of Japanese cuisine including sushi, hibachi, and more. The restaurant is known for its quality ingredients, fresh food, and welcoming environment. As well as sushi, the menu offers sashimi, rice dishes, and udon noodles. 3301 S. Carrollton Ave., (504) 488-1881, mikimotosushi. com Thai’d Up brings Thai flavors to the Gentilly neighborhood. The menu features classic items such as pad Thai, curries, and more prepared with Thai spices. Highlights include the Thai beef jerky, butter Thai shrimp, and the papaya salad. 1839 Gentilly Blvd., (504) 644-5790, thaidup.co

BARS WITH GREAT FOOD

ASIAN

Bamboula’s is a classic spot that combines New Orleans cuisine with live music. Known for its Cajun/Creole cuisine, cocktails, and lively atmosphere, menu options include the Creole jambalaya, Hawaiian burger, and seafood po-boys. The restaurant hosts daily music performances. 514 Frenchmen St., (504) 451-7306, bamboulasmusic.com

Aroma Indian Cuisine offers traditional Indian dishes with a focus on bold spices and authentic preparation, featuring favorites such as curries, biryani, and tandoori specialties. Its welcoming

JB’s Fuel Dock offers waterfront dining with views of Lake Pontchartrain, making it a great choice for sunset views with close friends and family members. The menu leans into seafood favorites,

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Le Bon Temps Roule is an Uptown bar offering live music, drinks, and NOLA bar food. The establishment is open late and is always lively. Be sure to order their smash burgers including the mushroom Swiss or Oklahoma fried onion. 4801 Magazine St., (504) 897-3448, lbtrnola.com

Swamp Room Bar & Grill is a great bar and restaurant to hang out at in Metairie. Not only is it home to the “swamp burger,” the restaurant also offers plenty of creative bites such as red beans & rice balls. 5400 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, (504) 888-5242, theswamproom.com

Rib Room is a classic steakhouse known for its prime rib and elegant atmosphere. Located inside the Omni Royal Orleans, it blends traditional fine dining with a relaxed environment. Dinner options include prime steaks, mustard-fried flounder, and Cajun corn ribs. 621 St. Louis St., (504) 529-7045, ribroomneworleans.com Sala NOLA offers a savory dining experience with coastal Italian cuisine and fresh seafood. Specific menu options include the house-cured salmon board, veal parmesan, and blackened catfish topped with crab meat. The restaurant also offers breakfast and weekend brunch. 124 Lake Marina Dr., (504) 513-2670, salanola.com

po-boys, and casual Italian dishes. 128 S. Roadway St., (504) 510-2260, jbsfueldock.com

Kitchen Table Café is a neighborhood spot in Arabi where classic Southern meals meet a homestyle cooking dynamic. The atmosphere is friendly and relaxed, with live music nightly to go along with some of the area’s best gumbo. 7005 St. Claude Ave., Arabi, (504) 301-2285, facebook. com/kitchentablearabi Prince Tea House offers an elegant, Parisianinspired café experience with a focus on premium teas, brunch, and housemade desserts. Blending Asian and European influences, the menu features tea service and mille crêpe cakes. They also offer an afternoon tea service. 3012 N. Arnoult Rd. Ste. B, Metairie, (504) 330-0360, princeteahousenola. com The Vintage is a cozy wine bar and café known for a relaxed atmosphere, curated wine list, and tapas-style dishes. The menu offers beignets, pastries, flatbreads, and charcuterie. They also offer espresso martinis, beer and wine, and Prohibitionera cocktails. 3121 Magazine St., (504) 324-7144, thevintagenola.com Willa Jean combines freshly baked goods with Southern comfort food in a casual setting. The restaurant offers a range of breakfast and brunch options, along with the city’s best chocolate cookies. Try the fried chicken and tabasco honey biscuit. 611 O’Keefe Ave., (504) 509-7334, willajean.com

CARIBBEAN Jamaican Jerk House brings Caribbean flavors to New Orleans and Metairie with a menu centered on traditional Jamaican dishes. From jerk chicken and curry goat to oxtail pasta, each plate is rich in authentic flavors. Multiple Locations,

Photos: courtesy of Geordon Collins

AMERICAN

ITALIAN Domenica, located in the Roosevelt Hotel, brings Italian flavors to downtown New Orleans with a focus on handmade pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and seasonal ingredients. Options include tutto carne & clam pizza and chicken al mattone with field peas and escarole. 123 Baronne St., (504) 336-6541, domenicarestaurant.com Mosca’s Restaurant is a Westbank institution known for its classic feel, Creole-Italian cuisine, and family-friendly dining experience. It has a longstanding history and unique menu that is for sharing, including the oysters Mosca, baked and topped with breadcrumbs. 4137 US-90, Westwego, (504) 436-8950, moscasrestaurant. com

Venezia is a long-running Italian restaurant known for its extensive menu of pizzas, pastas, and comfort dishes. The atmosphere is casual and family-friendly, making it an ideal spot for relaxed meals in New Orleans and Gretna. Multiple Locations, venezianeworleans.com

LATIN Empanola specializes in handcrafted empanadas filled with savory and sweet options. Its casual setting and to-go offerings make it a convenient and satisfying choice for quick bites and relaxed meals. The menu highlights empanada options including the beef Argentina. Multiple Locations, empanolaempanadas.com

Tacos & Beer offers great tasting Mexican dishes, margaritas, and more in New Orleans, Slidell, and Hammond. Get some friends together and enjoy lots of tacos and mouthwatering fusion dishes such as the Mexican burger and the LA street dog. Multiple Locations, facebook.com/tacosneworleans

MIDDLE EASTERN Lebanon’s Cafe brings authentic Lebanese cuisine to Uptown with a menu full of Mediterranean dishes. It has a casual, welcoming atmosphere, making it a favorite for healthy, satisfying dining. The menu features hummus, falafel, and the safeheh mini pizza. 1500 S. Carrollton Ave., (504) 862-6200, lebanonscafe.com Mona’s Cafe brings Middle Eastern food to Mid-City with a menu focused on fresh, flavorful, and affordable dishes. The menu serves a gyro plate, a chicken shawarma sandwich, hummus dip with peppers, and so much more. 3901 Banks St., (504) 4827743, facebook.com/monasnola

Pizza Domenica serves wood-fired pizzas and Italian-inspired dishes made with fresh, quality ingredients in a casual yet modern setting. The restaurant is known for their creative toppings and shareable small plates with pizza options including the margherita and chicken pesto. Multiple Locations, pizzadomenica.com U Pizza, located in the Lower Garden District, serves creative, New York-style pizzas, sandwiches, wraps, pastas, and more. Pizza options include the BBQ chicken and the Garden District pizza with spinach zucchini and yellow squash. 1513 St. Charles Ave., (504) 381-4232, upizzanola.com

Lebanon's Cafe

Shaya offers modern Levantine cuisine with a focus on fresh flavors and creative presentation. Highlights include their housemade pita, hummus, and variety of small plates. It has a stylish atmosphere that makes it one of Uptown’s most acclaimed dining spots. 4213 Magazine St., (504) 9437231, shayarestaurant.com

NEW ORLEANS CUISINE 3rd Block Depot offers an upscale, modern take on Creole cuisine in the French Quarter. The menu spans from options such as the morning quesadilla and buttermilk pancakes to refined dinner entrées including the chicken & sausage gumbo and blackened redfish. 310 Chartres St., (504) 5524095, 3rdblockdepot.com Charlie’s Restaurant is a neighborhood-style restaurant serving classic American and Southern comfort food in a casual setting. Its friendly service and New Orleans-inspired menu with po-boys and more makes it a local spot for everyday dining. 6129 E. St. Bernard Hwy., Violet, (504) 682-9057 Chef Ron’s Gumbo Stop is a Metairie favorite celebrated for its gumbo and seafood dishes. Their generous portions, absolutely delicious gumbo options, and authentic flavors make it a go to spot for comfort food lovers. 2309 N. Causeway Blvd., Metairie, (504) 835-2022, gumbostop.com Crescent City Brewhouse pairs classic New Orleans flavors with house-brewed beers in a scenic French Quarter setting. The menu features Creole favorites alongside pub-style fare. For drinks, customers can order beer flights, fine wine, and a range of cocktails. 527 Decatur St., (504) 522‑0571, crescentcitybrewhouse.com

FRENCH F RENCH QUARTER LAKEVIEW

Photos: courtesy of Ness Newsom

HISTORIC GRETNA COME TTASTE THE DIFFERENCE

View Full Menu at elgatonegronola com Best of the Big Easy // July 2026

Desire Oyster Bar, located in the Royal Sonesta Hotel, offers a Bourbon Street experience with Gulf oysters and Creole dishes. Desire Oyster Bar features raw oysters, chargrilled oysters, and boiled shrimp in Cajun spices, as well as New Orleans specialties. 300 Bourbon St., (504) 553-2281, sonesta.com

Mother’s Restaurant is a classic eatery known for its hearty, filling Creole cooking and famous po-boys. Visitors can expect a casual, lively setting where there is often a line to get in. The eatery also has fantastic homemade desserts. 401 Poydras St., (504) 523-9656, facebook.com/mothersrestaurant

Galliano puts a focus on Southern Louisiana and Cajun cuisine in an upscale and casual environment. House specialties include the Alligator Creole and Pork Chop Laplace. They also offer an extensive list of craft cocktails. 200 Julia St., (504) 218-5753, gallianorestaurant.com

New Orleans Creole Cookery offers local cooking traditions in a beautiful French Quarter setting. Menu highlights include jambalaya, raw and chargrilled oysters, red beans & rice, catfish Decatur, and crawfish étouffée. 510 Toulouse St., (504) 524-9632, neworleanscreolecookery.com

Li'l Dizzy’s Cafe is a Tremé institution serving classic Creole food in a warm, family-run setting. Known for their fried chicken, Creole gumbo, and other Baquet family recipes, they offer daily specials including red beans & rice on Monday. 1500 Esplanade Ave., (504) 766-8687, lildizzyscafe.net Loretta’s Authentic Pralines is a destination for classic New Orleans sweets and Creole-inspired desserts. The business is known for its sweet praline beignets, crabmeat beignets, and burger beignets, as well as pralines, king cakes, and other sweet treats. Multiple Locations, lorettaspralines.com

Neyow’s Creole Café is a lively spot known for its Creole flavors and warm, neighborhood vibe. Signature dishes such as chargrilled oysters, Southern fried chicken, and hearty seafood plates that draw customers seeking authentic tastes. 3332 Bienville St., (504) 827‑5474, neyows.com Neyow’s XL expands on Neyow’s success with a larger space and a more fine dining menu. Guests can look forward to seafood specialities and craft cocktails. It offers a variety of dishes including steak, classic soups, and the XL burger. 3336 Bienville St., (504) 503‑1081, xl.neyows.com Orleans Grapevine Wine Bar and Bistro combines a romantic ambiance with a menu of American and Creole dishes. The restaurant features a vast wine selection. Menu options include the Cajun surf & turf, roasted duck breast, and blackened crawfish caprese. 720 Orleans Ave., (504) 523-1930, orleansgrapevine.com

Lyons Corner offers American classics with modern New Orleans energy. Menu selections include the lamb lollipops with chermoula sauce and the chicken BLT flatbread. For a pick-me-up, enjoy their iced chai latte or a cappuccino. 537 Gravier St., (504) 527-0006, lyonscornernola.com Mandina’s Restaurant is a Mid-City institution serving Creole-Italian dishes in a familyfriendly setting. Known for its red gravy, seafood options, and large portions, their menu is comforting and traditional. Specific dishes include the Gulf fish meunière, po-boys, and Italian specials. 3800 Canal St., (504) 482-9179, mandinasrestaurant.com Meril offers contemporary New Orleans cuisine in the Warehouse District. The menu offers plates such as Gulf yellowfin tuna bundles, candied pork ribs, and fettuccine with truffle butter. Meril’s new brunch menu includes creative breakfast cocktails. 424 Girod St., (504) 526-3745, bemeril.com Melba’s offers a 24-hour dining experience featuring New Orleans comfort food and other favorites. Known for its po-boys, breakfast plates, and daiquiris, it also delivers classic flavors, a great catering menu, and is devoted to helping the community. Multiple Locations, melbas.com

Parasol's

Parasol’s is a neighborhood staple famous for their roast beef po-boys and Irish pub-like atmosphere. Menu options include the firecracker shrimp po-boy, crawfish bites, and the oyster BLT. The restaurant is an option for casual dining and St. Patrick’s Day. 2533 Constance St., (504) 354-9079, facebook.com/ParasolsNOLA Parkway Bakery and Tavern is a famous destination for hearty po-boys and old school New Orleans vibes. The menu offers overstuffed sandwiches with classic flavors that consistently draw in crowds. Desserts include their poor boy ice cream sandwich. 538 Hagan Ave., (504) 4823047, parkwaypoorboys.com Please U Restaurant is a local diner serving classic New Orleans breakfast and comfort food. The menu consists of hot plates including red beans & rice, gumbo, and seafood platters, as well as hot cakes, chicken & waffles, and much more. 1751 St. Charles Ave., (504) 525-9131, pleaseunola.com

WhereYat.com // @WhereYatNOLA // #WhereYatNOLA

thanks for voting Felipe’s best happy hour and best tacos To celebrate the awards and the World Cup, we’re extending Happy Hour for the rest of the tournament $6 MARGARITAS $3 TACOS | $5 SANGRIA $1 oFF BEERS | $2 oFF WInE

2 to 6 pm + 8 to close every match day *july 4th excluded

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Photos: courtesy of Miles Evans

Lakeview Harbor is a neighborhood restaurant home to Lakeview’s original burger. They offer large portions and consistent quality, making it a good spot for casual dining. Menu options include deepfried potato skins with cheese, catfish po-boys, and chili cheese dogs. 8550 Pontchartrain Blvd., (504) 486‑4887, lakeviewharbor.us

Restaurant Rebirth is the Warehouse District’s only spot for farm-to-table Cajun and Creole cuisine. Their atmosphere is rustic but also elevated, offering Louisiana inspired plates, including a chicken & mirliton rochambeau, paired with wine or craft cocktails. 857 Fulton St., (504) 522-6863, restaurantrebirth.com Short Stop Poboys is a Metairie staple known for overstuffed po-boys served on local French bread. The atmosphere is casual and laid-back, with quick service and generous portions. The menu also includes tasty, must-try gumbo. 119 Transcontinental Dr., Metairie, (504) 885-4572, shortstoppoboysno.com Willie Mae’s NOLA offers famous, hearty Southern flavors and some of the best fried chicken in the country. The menu also includes the Creole butter rotisserie chicken. Visitors can also enjoy an extensive wine and cocktail list. Reservations are recommended. 898 Baronne St., (504) 354-8194, williemaesnola.com

SEAFOOD Briquette offers a polished and inviting dining experience in the Warehouse District, specializing in contemporary and coastal dishes such as blackened redfish. The open kitchen and 18-inch seafood display highlight the day’s freshest seafood offerings. 701 S. Peters St., (504) 547‑6330, briquette-nola.com

Deanie’s Seafood Restaurant is a favorite for fresh Gulf seafood served in large, filling portions. From boiled crawfish to fried seafood platters and other signature dishes, the menu celebrates Louisiana flavors. Try the stuffed crab and broiled stuffed flounder. Multiple Locations, deanies.com Delacroix, located next to Spanish Plaza, features a view of the Mississippi River and an emphasis on fresh Gulf seafood. Specialties include the osetra caviar with housemade ranch dressing and jumbo Louisiana stone crab claws when available.1 Poydras St. Spc. 1005, (504) 655-9002, delacroixrestaurant.com Drago’s Seafood Restaurant is known for originating chargrilled oysters and for seafood dishes that exemplify Louisiana flavors in a lively, welcoming setting. Specific menu options include their original charbroiled oysters, grilled shrimp tacos, and fresh lobster. Multiple Locations, dragosrestaurant.com Felix’s Restaurant and Oyster Bar is a staple known for its fresh oysters and classic Creole dishes. Its vibrant atmosphere adds to its charm, while its menu delivers on the fried seafood and oysters Louisiana is famous for. Multiple Locations, felixs.com Jack Dempsey’s Restaurant is a neighborhood spot in the Bywater known for Creole and seafood dishes including the redfish Pontchartrain. It is family-owned and is a local favorite with recipes that have been passed down for generations. 738 Poland Ave., (504) 943-9914, jackdempseys.net

Photo: courtesy of Deanie's Seafood Restaurant

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Legacy Kitchen’s Tacklebox offers a New Orleans and Louisiana inspired menu in a refined yet casual locale. Shareable options include seafood gumbo, crawfish bread, and oysters, and main dishes include the soft shell crab BLT and the Maine-style shrimp roll. 817 Common St., (504) 827-1651, legacykitchen.com

Deanie's Seafood Restaurant

The Blue Crab Restaurant & Bar combines New Orleans seafood with views of Lake Pontchartrain. Known for its crab dishes and chargrilled oysters, it offers a comfortable atmosphere. The restaurant offers live entertainment, as well as an outdoor patio. 7900 Lakeshore Dr., (504) 2842898, thebluecrabnola.com The Galley Seafood is a neighborhood favorite that offers fresh seafood and classic Louisiana dishes in Old Metairie. Menu highlights include the cheese and crab meat jalapenos, fresh grouper, and their famous soft shell crab poboy. 2535 Metairie Rd., Metairie, (504) 832-0955

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Gussied Up:

// REBECCA FOX

A Summer Attire Guide for New Orleans Restaurants

In New Orleans, the mercury doesn’t just rise in July and August— it settles in for a long, humid stay. the summer wardrobe. Modern constructions have evolved to be lighter and softer in the shoulder, a "hybrid" that breathes in the humidity but keeps the chill off in a heavily air-conditioned dining room. And if you forget your jacket? Bonnie Broel says that the "loaner jacket" culture is still alive and well at institutions such as Galatoire’s. It’s a quirky New Orleans tradition that ensures the dining room maintains its aesthetic integrity, even if a traveler’s luggage didn't make the flight. It isn't about punishing the guest. It's about helping them "look the part" for a world-class experience. Broel was quick to point out that even this tradition is less about strict enforcement and more about the "feeling" of the evening—ensuring every guest feels like they belong in such a storied atmosphere. One of the most profound insights from these interviews is the evolving meaning of "fine dining" in New Orleans. A jacket that was once required is now recommended at locations such as Commander’s Palace. "In New Orleans, fine dining could be an oyster po-boy," LaFleur noted. This creates a unique challenge for the visitor. How do you know when to reach for the seersucker and when to stay in your sundress? LaFleur's advice for the traveler is simple, "The little black dress always works with a strand of pearls, and you could dress it up or down." Perlis suggests checking apps such as Resy or OpenTable, which often feature specific dress code rules for each establishment. But more than that, he emphasizes that the effort is the point. While the world has become less formal, people are still choosing to wear jackets to restaurants because they want to look as special as the meal will be. Beyond the fabric and the fit, there is also a deeper etiquette at play. LaFleur points out a modern "fashion faux pas" that no amount of accessories can fix—the cell phone. "Don’t you go to a restaurant and see six people sitting there, all on their cell phones?" she asked. "Enjoy the moment with those people. Who knows if they’ll be here tomorrow?" This is the true secret of New Orleans style. We don't dress up to impress the strangers at the next table. We dress up to honor the people we are with and the city we are in. We dress up because every meal is a performance and every celebration deserves a little starch. If you find yourself in the Crescent City this summer with nothing but a suitcase full of denim,

don't panic. You have two legendary destinations to get you "gussied up."

• For the gentlemen: Visit Perlis at

6070 Magazine St. This familyowned institution has been the go-to for seersucker and linen since 1939.

• For the ladies: Step into Yvonne

LaFleur at 8131 Hampson St. LaFleur has curated her boutique like a "big closet" since 1969, offering everything from custom millinery to her signature fragrance.

As you prepare for your reservation, remember the collective wisdom of our city's fashion icons. It’s not about the label. It’s about the spirit. Keep your clothes neat and keep your skin hydrated. LaFleur swears by a "hot face cloth," as well as consistent skincare. And, above all, just have fun. In New Orleans, the best accessory you can wear is the joy of being exactly where you are.

Photos: courtesy of WikimediaCommons, Robert Witkowski

n most American cities, this kind of heat is a white flag for fashion, an excuse to retreat into athletic wear. But here, where the heavy scent of night-blooming jasmine competes with the hot afternoon air, we have a different set of rules, despite the temperature. For New Orleans fine dining, the costume is just as important as the cuisine. To be honest, setting out to interview the "Old Guard" of the New Orleans fashion scene, a lecture was expected, as was a list of hard-and-fast rules delivered with a side of traditionalism, but while interviewing David W. Perlis of the legendary Perlis Clothing (a Louisiana tradition since 1939), the incomparable Yvonne LaFleur (the Riverbend’s fashion doyenne since 1969), and the storied Bonnie Broel, something else happened. These legends aren't interested in being the fashion police. They’re passionate about helping you experience cherished moments with those that you love. There is a common misconception among tourists that New Orleans dress codes are about exclusion. Perhaps that was true a few decades ago, but now everyone’s committed to revelry and inclusion. The experts want you to be respectful of your companions and to have fun. "I do think that when you’re having a fine dining experience, it’s probably for a celebration in life, so you want to get gussied up to really make it special," Yvonne LaFleur said, her voice radiating the kind of timeless elegance that has recently made her a viral sensation. "I just feel that dressing is very important. And the more you dress up, the better you feel." It was a sentiment echoed across every interview. Despite expecting talks of social standing, talks of soul emerged instead. As LaFleur put it so simply, "Be comfortable in your own skin." For the uninitiated, the "rules" of New Orleans summer fashion can feel like a secret language, but the core tenets remain—Easter to Labor Day. This is the window for seersucker, linen, and white shoes. For men, Perlis explained that the "sport coat" is the workhorse of

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Best of the Big Easy // July 2026

The Court of Two Sisters

Mantra

Luscious Local Buffets

Greater New Orleans' All You-Can-Eat Evolution

// REBECCA FOX

e live in a city where cuisine is king, and the idea of food sitting under a heat lamp feels like a disservice to our collective palate; however, you might want to reach for your favorite pair of elasticwaistband pants, because the buffet is back with a serious glow-up. We aren’t talking about mystery meat or soggy green beans anymore. The new wave of all-youcan-eat dining in the Greater New Orleans area is about options, theater, and getting as close to the source as possible. Whether it’s a high-tech hot pot experience or a trek for the catch of the day, the value is undeniable, and the quality is catching up to the quantity. One of the most practical ways to utilize this revival is the “tourist hack” at the Court of Two Sisters (613 Royal St.). When friends come to town,

The Court of Two Sisters

we all feel the pressure to showcase the greatest hits of Creole cuisine; however, ordering a $15 bowl

of turtle soup at a white-linen establishment is a massive gamble if your guest has never tried it. Their Jazz Brunch, currently priced at $39 per adult, is essentially the city’s best tasting menu for the uninitiated. It allows visitors to try small portions of turtle soup, duck a l’orange, or jambalaya without the financial commitment of a full entrée. It is an elevated, musical experience in the heart of the Quarter, perfect for when you want that historic, refined atmosphere. If they love a dish, they can go back for thirds. If not, they haven’t wasted a pricey meal and can move right along to the bread pudding. On the other hand, if you want that same wide array of New Orleans staples but with a more relaxed, family-style vibe, Louisiana Purchase Kitchen (4501 Veterans Memorial Blvd.) in Metairie is your go-to. Owner Amy Quinnette emphasizes that they aren’t just opening bags and heating frozen foods. They buy fresh local produce and prepare everything by hand. Quinnette recalls her own childhood, where her dad cooked local food from scratch and red beans were a Monday requirement, and that’s the soul they put into the buffet. The price range there is incredibly affordable, typically landing between $13.95 and $16.95. While they have daily staples such as chicken and sausage gumbo, jambalaya, and a carrot soufflé that has a loyal following, Fridays are the real draw for seafood lovers with seafood lasagna and barbecue shrimp. For those days when you aren’t looking for the full sit-down experience, it is worth noting that they also sell their favorites by the pound. You can grab a quart of gumbo or a side of that famous carrot soufflé to bring home to the comfort of your own dining room. Both the Court of Two Sisters and Louisiana Purchase Kitchen offer that essential sampler experience, but the choice between them really

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comes down to the atmosphere you’re craving: a musical French Quarter courtyard or the cozy, homemade comfort of Metairie. If you’re looking for something even more “boots on the ground,” head toward Belle Chasse to Salvo’s Seafood (7742 LA-23). Manager Amelia Vunjovich reminds us that their secret is simply proximity. They are located close to the shrimp, crabs, and oysters, making the food as fresh as you can get without owning a boat. Salvo’s uses a system where the food is brought directly to your table, with prices ranging from a $19.99 shrimp special to a $50.99 Friday night extravaganza. The new patio built last Lent is the perfect spot to enjoy the spring breeze while you peel. The evolution doesn’t stop at Southern comfort food. International flavors are leading the charge with a focus on made-to-order freshness. At Crazy Hot Pot (5001 Lapalco Blvd. and 3317 Veterans Memorial Blvd.), the dining is an interactive event. For a set price—usually around $25 for lunch and $35 for dinner—you get to be the chef, simmering your choice of Wagyu beef, lamb, and fresh veggies in a bubbling broth right at your table. It’s a tech-forward experience that often includes robot servers and a literal wall of sauce options to customize your meal. For those craving Japanese, Sushi Nami (707

Veterans Memorial Blvd.) has mastered the madeto-order model. For $22.99 at lunch and $33.99 for dinner, you can order unlimited fresh rolls, nigiri, and appetizers. Because everything is prepared fresh as you order it, you avoid the pitfalls of older sushi buffets where rolls would sit out too long. It’s high-quality fish at a price point that makes it easy to try every specialty roll on the menu. International options continue with Mantra (3116 N I-10 Service Rd. W.) and Punjabi Dhaba (3100 General De Gaulle Dr. and 2305 W. Esplanade Ave.). Mantra offers a fantastic authentic lunch spread from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., featuring staples such as butter chicken and dal that stay true to traditional recipes. Meanwhile, Punjabi Dhaba, with locations in both Kenner and the Westbank, is a hidden gem for those who want a punch of flavor, and their daily lunch buffet typically runs from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for approximately $15.99, providing Crazy Hot Pot a perfect midday escape for locals who want a variety of spices without the wait. On the Northshore, Palmetto’s on the Bayou (1902 Esplanade Ave., Slidell) is known for a $39.95 Sunday Champagne Brunch that combines a beautiful waterfront view with a massive spread including a carving station and made-to-order omelets. Whether you’re heading to Slidell or staying local, the buffet landscape in Greater New Orleans is broader than ever. It’s no longer about just filling a plate. It’s about the experience of discovery. From the courtyards of the French Quarter to the docks of Belle Chasse, our region is proving that we’re also the best in buffet. Take the drive, try the soup, and don’t forget to save room for the bread pudding.

Photos from top: courtesy of The Court of Two Sisters, Mantra,Miles Evans

Let's be real. The word "buffet" feels a little dated.

Best of the Big Easy // July 2026

WHERE Y’AT

BEST NEW RESTAURANT

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SOFIA IS A FUN AND FUNKY HIGH-ENERGY RESTAURANT OFFERING AN ELEVATED INTERPRETATION OF TRADITIONAL ITALIAN CUISINE. Restaurant of the Year 2019 (New Orleans Magazine) Best Italian and Best Restaurant 2024 (Gambit) Best CBD/Warehouse District 2020-2024 (Where Y'At Magazine) MODERN ITALIAN. FAMILY-STYLE DINING.

@eatsofianola | 504.322.3216 | sofianola.com Best of the Big Easy // July 2026 516 Julia St New Orleans LA 70130

Facade Forward

A Harmonious Garden Built for Junebug // KIM RANJBAR

Melded together by a trailing fuchsia vine created by local muralist Hilly Landry, the two structures that make up Junebug are one of the newest adaptations to New Orleans’ structural and historical landscape. The dining bar concept grew from the creative minds at Neighborhood Restaurant Group, a Virginia-based company led by Baton Rouge-native Michael Babin. Less than a year after his hospitality group launched the former, now defunct Devil Moon BBQ and its crafted twin Brewery Saint X, Babin wasn’t “diligently looking” for another venture, but he was open to new possibilities. That’s when local architect Megan Bell, who had worked with him on Brewery Saint X, mentioned another project she’d been working on downtown. “We had done a feasibility study for another potential buyer for the Camp Street property just a few months before,” Bell said. A quick Google search on the history of the four-story building on Camp Street immediately reveals its musical history, an aspect that piqued Babin’s interest in the property. “After visiting, I could see its potential, and the history was a really exciting part of it. It was fascinating to learn about what happened there.”

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All photos: courtesy of The Junebug

he Warehouse District bar and restaurant, created by Neighborhood Restaurant Group, is a distinctive assemblage, seamlessly grafting a green space onto the living roots of our city’s musical heritage.

Initially built circa 1830 by Johnathan Chase as a side-hall American townhouse, or “row house,” for residential use, the Camp Street building has over the centuries housed everything from offices for tobacco firm Simon Hernsheim Brothers & Co. to serving as the headquarters for the American Zen Association; however, none of its past tenants are as notable to New Orleans’ cultural and musical history as Cosimo Matassa’s Jazz City Studio. For about a decade, the second floor of the Camp Street building was the third and final home of Matassa’s Jazz City Studio, hallowed ground that witnessed the recording of Aaron Neville’s 1960s hit “Tell It Like It Is” (one of the greatest songs of all times, according to Rolling Stone Magazine), the birthplace of New Orleans funk band The Meters, and a veritable laundry list of talented artists from Dr. John and Allen Toussaint to Fats Domino and The Dixie Cups. Due to financial difficulties, Matassa lost the property to a tax sale and Jazz City Studio was closed in 1978. While a prominent musical history is a boon for any local hospitality concept, Babin’s vision also included an outdoor dining space. Fortunately, the garage next door was also for sale. “We helped them realize their vision for the modifications to the existing restaurant space that was in the ground floor of 748 and for the adjacent building,” Megan Bell, co-founder of Bell Butler Design and Architecture, explained. The architects had to create a completely new facade for the adjoining garage, a structure that only possessed a roof, one brick wall, and a security gate. “There was some debate as to whether or not they should enclose the building, but ultimately the reality of trying to host dining and other events during summers in New Orleans pretty much won the argument for closing it and conditioning it,” Bell laughed.

Formerly home to several restaurants including Phil’s Grill and, for a short run, Rebellion Bar & Urban Kitchen, there were not major architectural challenges to redesigning the space for Junebug. With the addition of the garage space next door, however, they were not only able to create the GreenHouse, a private dining and event venue, but also provide space for their tenant the Secret Spot, a sustainable flower studio owned and operated by Tey Stiteler and her partner Michael Glenboski. “There’s a shared interest,” Bell said. “If [Junebug] has an event, the plant shop is an ideal complement because you have built-in vegetation that dresses up the event in a natural way.” Nourished by the music of Lee Dorsey, Allen Toussaint, and Robert Parker, it seemed like a garden was already preparing the groundwork for Junebug. “When we got into the

Trivia Night every Thurs. 7pm

GAMES ON TV • GAMES ON THE GREEN

courtyard for the first time, there was this old bamboo back there, like 50 feet tall and five inches in diameter. I had never seen that before,” Babin said. “I don’t know if it’s a special type, but we wouldn’t touch it. It’s fantastic.” Working with a “phenomenal local plant guy” named Yuri Hart, founder of Frankly Garden Co., they were able to create a lush, bricked back patio but everything culminated from the wild-growth of bamboo. An old floral mural they discovered on the back wall of the patio only leaned into the botanical impression they were trying to create. With the remnants of Jazz City Studios still living on the second floor, Junebug’s design and operations also offer several nods in its honor. Brass musical notes are embedded into the stone floor, a serendipitous leftover from a previous incarnation. Also, NRG’s designer Rick Singleton’s bespoke lighting incorporates both the musical and horticultural elements with old phonograph horns glowing like flowers unfurling under the sun. “He’s got a great eye, great ideas, and I think he’s a one-of-a-kind lighting designer,” Babin said. “Restaurant projects are generally pretty focused on evening business, and lighting is crucial.” Junebug also features a constant vinyl soundtrack with a collection of nearly 500 funk and soul records from the early to mid-1970s played with two turntables, a tube amplifier, and vintage speakers including a pair of JBL 4312c control monitors and three JBL Aquarius IV omnidirectional floor speakers. “We have an engaged bar team and management team who probably curse my name regularly,” Babin laughed. With its long history, exposed brick walls, flora and faunathemed murals and wallpaper, and musical motifs, Junebug is a space all its own. “Most of our projects are one-of-a-kind things,” Babin said. “When you’re rolling out multiple rotations of a single concept, design only happens once and then you’re just riffing on it, but for us, every project is a fresh start.” Junebug recently tapped Texas-born, New Orleans-raised Chef Kyle Focken to head the kitchen, bringing his own creative flair to the restaurant’s locally-inspired menu.

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All photos: courtesy of The Junebug

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Spark: // ANDREW MARIN

// ANDREW MARIN

A Preview of Tales of the Cocktail 2026

ince New Orleans’ international cocktail festival begins its 25th rendition on July 19, we sat down with Charlotte Voisey, Tales of the Cocktail Foundation’s executive director, to talk about what to expect in that week of seminars, tastings, networking, and special events.

CV: [It was a] fantastic year. Joining the Tales team was instantly rewarding and a learning experience. Tales is a small but mighty team. I’ve attended Tales since 2006 and now stepped behind the curtain to see how it works. The highlight of the year was absolutely Tales itself and seeing many more facets of the foundation and the conference. WYA: Are there any tips for first time attendees or words of encouragement for any newer industry members considering attending?

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CV: Definitely come is the first tip. It’s always worth it—whether the first time or the 20th. Map out your schedule. What are your priorities? What seminars do you want to attend? Who do you want to meet? How might you meet them? Leave time for socializing and for serendipity with the wonderful city of New Orleans. With so much happening, planning your days is the best advice. WYA: Is anything changing? Any new programming or features? CV: Programming will largely look familiar, but the beauty of Tales is the content is always new. New educational topics, new grants. Something uniquely 2026 is our first day is the FIFA World Cup final. Luckily, Diageo, one of our big sponsors, also sponsors the World Cup, so they will likely have something fun happening. Tales is an international event, so it will be exciting to have that overlap of internationality. We’re hoping to have bartenders from those two countries attend also. WYA: Is anything going away? Any features or tech differences changing? CV: The ticketing system has evolved, hopefully seamlessly. We have a new format of cocktail

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workshops that are hands-on experiences that overlap with the education. Direct lessons from an industry leader. How to stir a martini from one of the greats, as an example. WYA: Let’s talk numbers. Do we have an idea of attendance, seminars, CAPS (cocktail apprenticeship program mentees), brand partners? CV: Usually over 25,000 attendees. CAPS will always be around the 70 number. [There will be:] sixty seminars from over 400 submissions, around 290 brand partners, and there will be over 400 events happening Tales week. WYA: Is the venue the same? The Ritz and French Quarter radiating outwards? CV: Yep. Exactly. The Ritz-Carlton remains our headquarters for educational seminars and other events, but events spread out, too. WYA: The Spirited Dinners (where brands partner with local restaurants for food and cocktail pairings) are back as well? CV: Yes, spirited dinners are back, so are some happy hours, guest shifts, etc. WYA: And the Spirited Awards? Same venue? Any new categories? CV: [We’re] super excited to have those back at the Fillmore. A few updates to the ceremony itself. The mission remains the same—celebrate excellence across the globe. We invite the top four nominees for each category to be with us for winner announcements. [There are] no new categories this year.

All photos: courtesy of Gustavo Escanelle

WYA: The executive director role starts way before July. How was your first year as executive director? Do any particular memories stand out?

WYA: We’ve noticed a change to the nominees announcements. CV: Nominees are from eight regions—five in the US and three internationally. We announce the top 10 on social media but are trying to announce inperson moving forward with the key figures from that region. I was in Ghana in April for that reason. We’re hoping, if not next year, then in future years, we can do all regional nominee announcements onsite. WYA: Anything you’re personally excited for this year? CV: Honestly, seeing everybody. There’s so much planning, so many detail-oriented things that people never see. It can get stressful, but it’s completely worth it when you see people start checking in. The community feeling, togetherness, reunion. The collective feeling is my favorite part when we come back to Tales.

All photos: courtesy of Gustavo Escanelle

WYA: This year is “Spark.” Who comes up with the theme, and why that?

WYA: Thoughts on Tales’s unique history with New Orleans? CV: Tales is not Tales without New Orleans. We take a mini version of our education and social moments and move that on tour. Programming and education is great everywhere, but New Orleans is a massive part of Tales, not just its backdrop. New Orleans people make it what it is for us and for everyone that visits. New Orleans will always be the home of Tales. “On Tour,” we just extract some highlights and localize them. WYA: Anything else to highlight about this year in particular? CV: The seminar slate is exciting. We focus a good bit on community. The “Flavors of Immigration” seminar is back and about the incredible contributions of immigrants to the beverage community worldwide but especially in the USA. We take a topic relevant to every industry and specify it to ours. Those contributions aren’t new. They’re consistent and they’re important to us, and we’re including that this year.

CV: We come to the theme as a team and ensure it’s not just one person’s perspective. So many things are sparked at Tales: friendship, inspiration, innovation, and ideas for a new bar or menu. You can be inspired by something that another city is doing for mentorship. Tales doesn’t always provide all the answers, but it does provide the spark people need to make their teams and communities and bars better. We honor that this year. WYA: What are the Tales on Tour locations for 2026? CV: Five cities, all within the U.S. this year. Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles have all happened. Washington, D.C., is in September, and closing out with Miami in October.

Best of the Big Easy // July 2026

Cocktail of the Month:

Two is Better

// TIM McNALLY

he creation and subsequent suggestion of a Cocktail of the Month requires many considerations.

Porn Star Martini The Porn Star Martini was invented by London bartender Douglas Ankrah in 2002 following a trip to South Africa. Originally named “Maverick Martini” after a club he had visited on that trip, he renamed the cocktail because of all the passion fruit in the recipe. Okay, so that explanation is not as good as you thought it was going to be. Right? With this one drink, the maker can meet the usual seemingly contradictory demands of the audience, which is a relatively sweet, fruity cocktail drink but with a structure of tartness.

Ingredients

Ice 2 oz. vanilla vodka 1 oz. Passoã passion fruit liqueur 1 oz. passion fruit purée 1/2 oz. fresh lime juice 1/2 oz. simple syrup Sliced fresh passion fruit, for garnish 1 oz. Prosecco Add all ingredients, except the Prosecco, into a cocktail shaker filled with ice and vigorously shake for at least 20 seconds. Pour shaker contents into a coupe or wine glass. Garnish cocktail with fresh, slightly chilled, passion fruit. The Prosecco then goes into a shot glass and is served alongside the cocktail to be consumed in “down the hatch” fashion, which may indicate that 1 oz. of Prosecco will not be enough. The recipe is courtesy of delish.com.

Tequila Shots The cardinal rule is that when the bell sounds is to be ready to come out fighting. Over the past several years, tequila’s bell has been ringing and the spirit has come out fighting. To be fair, tequila has been around for a long time. Also, to be clear and to provide advance warning, tequila will not be suggested as an ingredient in a cocktail here. Give tequila a fair consideration on its own as you would a fine bourbon or a highend wine. Tequila is a distilled spirit derived from the blue agave plant, a succulent, that finds the appropriate growth setting around the Mexican town of Tequila, about 65 miles northwest of the city of Guadalajara. The Tequila region is in the Jaliscan Highlands near the town of Jalisco. The highlands were first settled 15,000 years ago and are one of

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the most rainprone areas in all of Mexico. The highest natural point is 14,000 ft. above sea level. Originally, the natives created pulque, a sweet spirit that was fermented like beer and not distilled like today’s tequila. Today, the red volcanic soil of the area is ideal for the blue agave plant. It is a massive succulent with the main body of the plant often achieving more that seven-feet in height, simultaneously sending up flowering stalks over 16-feet high. The blue agave contains high levels of inulin, a carbohydrate that enables the blue agave to produce alcohol. That action mostly takes place in the ground at the base of the plant in a large round structure known as the pina. Harvesting usually takes place every six to eight years since that time allows the plant to reach its prime sugar level. The harvest requires the removal of the pina, which is chopped away from the leaves of the agave. Harvesting destroys the structure of the plant, so every plant has only one maturation. Following a series of processes, which result in the spirit tequila, quality levels are defined by aging the liquid. By international laws and agreements, tequila can only be made in the Jalisco region of Mexico, near the town of Tequila, and nowhere else in the world can the name be applied. The distinctive aroma and taste of tequila lends itself to enjoying the spirit on its own. To appreciate tequila, drink it quickly from a shot glass accompanied, maybe, by a lime and a pinch of salt. Keep in mind that tequila offers a high level of alcohol, so use caution.

The grades of tequila are: Blanco, also known as Silver or Plata. Usually colorless but may have a slight tint gained during its short barrel-aging time. More often, this aging step is not a part of Blanco. Joven, also known as Gold. This unaged spirit receives its color from additives, such as a small amount of caramel.

Reposado. This tequila has actually been aged for a short period of time, usually 60 days. The name means “rested.” Anejo, aged for at least one year. Caramel and other additives can legally be included in the spirit. Extra Anejo. A new designation, established in 2006. The minimum ageing in a barrel is three years, and it’s often compared to fine cognac. The pricing can also be comparable. Tequila usually offers a sweet, fruity style—but not overly sweet. If you are trying tequila as a straight shot, it is best to move as far as you can afford up the aging scale. Like most spirits, as tequila ages, it gains structure and depth. Young tequilas are quite harsh. Older tequilas are obviously more expensive, but they present more depth and are worth the added cost. Do your nose and palate a big favor and up your spending considerations.

All photos: courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Obviously first, a “COTM” has to give a significant nod to the month in which it is being featured. The weather, of course, is a big consideration, then the availability of seasonal ingredients. Does the month possess a significant holiday or celebratory moment? This month, however, because we are at the meeting of several seasonal and festival aspects to have a happy cocktail experience, the suggested drink has to meet those combinations of the influences and, respect the traditions of New Orleans and the happy tales of her long history. For those reasons, this “COTM” will be making two suggestions, each with their own valid reasons to be included in the short list. First, let’s bring together some ingredients that have historically proven themselves to be delightful and satisfying. An ingredient that has made a long journey, both in geography and time, is passion fruit. Here is a key ingredient in what is likely New Orleans’ most desired cocktail: the Hurricane. This seemingly random combination of fruit and rum has played a key role in our journey for a very long time. All the while, from the beginning, the Hurricane has been made with passion fruit as a necessary and complementary ingredient.

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BAMBOULA'S 516 Frenchmen St. (504) 451-7306

Providing live music every day, Bamboula's is the perfect place on Frenchmen Street. Try their Oyster Shooter with one raw oyster, vodka, and spicy Bloody Mary Mix.

BOOT SCOOTIN’ RODEO 522 Bourbon St. (504) 552-2510

Boot Scootin' is a lively country bar offering line dancing, a mechanical bull, and games. Enjoy a full bar with beers and specialty drinks for a fun-filled Southern night.

BOURBON STREET HONKY TONK Bourbon Street Honky Tonk blends blues and country vibes. It offers signature cocktails including the Hand Grenade and 727 Bourbon St. Pirate’s Passion, plus some of the best live performances in (504) 523-1960 the Quarter. CRESCENT CITY BREWHOUSE For nightly live music and quality craft beer, be sure to visit 527 Decatur St. Crescent City Brewhouse. The microbrewery also offers tasty Louisiana favorites such as oysters and fried alligator. (504) 522-0571 HIGH GRACE NOLA 733 St. Peter St. (504) 218-5649

If you want a unique drinking experience, check out High Grace NOLA. This 24-hour, upscale dive bar offers delicious craft cocktails such as the Caribbean Port City.

JB'S FUEL DOCK 128 S. Roadway St. (504) 510-2260

JB's Fuel Dock overlooks Lake Pontchartrain and is a former fuel dock turned waterfront bar, offering cocktails, beers, seltzers, and wines. It’s an inviting spot to enjoy stunning lakeside views.

LE BON TEMPS ROULE 4801 Magazine St. (504) 897-3448

Le Bon Temps Roule has been a staple since 1979. This 24-hour bar features live music, signature cocktails, and more. It’s perfect for late-night drinks or a game of pool.

LOTS A LUCK TAVERN 203 Homedale St. (504) 483-0978

Lots a Luck Tavern is a hidden dive bar gem near City Park featuring a backyard courtyard and games. With affordable drinks and a lively crowd, it’s a must-visit.

MARTINE'S LOUNGE 2347 Metairie Rd., Metairie (504) 831-8637

Martine's Lounge is a true Old Metairie gem, boasting a laid-back charm that welcomes both regulars and newcomers alike with low prices, a new pool table, and friendly vibes.

MÉLANGE ON FRENCHMEN 516 Frenchmen St. (504) 451-7306

Mélange sets itself apart by being a cool bar that is completely alcohol free. The spot above Bamboula’s offers NA alternatives, THC beverages, and more.

MISFIT TOYS 410 Bourbon St.

Offering great live music and plenty to drink, Misfit Toys is a truly rockin’ place in the French Quarter. Try one of their “rocktails” including the Velvet 75.

PAL'S LOUNGE 949 N. Rendon St. (504) 488-7257

Pal's Lounge is open daily and offers a relaxed NOLAstyle atmosphere with heavy pours, classic games, and occasional food trucks—perfect for a nightcap or pregame drink.

PARASOL'S BAR & RESTAURANT Parasol's is famous for its po-boys and is a beloved neighborhood dive bar offering diverse beers and cocktails. 2533 Constance St. Try their Frozen Irish Coffee and homemade onion rings. (504) 354-9079 RICK'S CABARET 315 Bourbon St. (504) 524-4222

Rick's Cabaret offers a full wine and beer selection, plus VIP cocktails including Mile High Gin and Unrigged Tequila, making it the ideal place for bachelor or bachelorette celebrations.

RIVERSHACK TAVERN 3449 River Rd. (504) 834-4938

Rivershack Tavern is a mix of a neighborhood tavern, live music club, sports bar, and a restaurant. It offers great burgers and po-boys, a vast beer selection, a wine list, and more.

SADDLE BAR 715 Bienville St. (504) 313-1113

Saddle Bar is a country-themed bar in the Quarter featuring two floors of cocktails and throwback shots, perfect for riding the mechanical rooster or showing off your line-dancing skills.

SAZERAC HOUSE 101 Magazine St. (504) 910-0100

Sazerac House is a historic museum that offers insight into the traditions and culture of the Sazerac cocktail. After wandering through their distillery, make sure to grab a classic Sazerac.

THE BOONDOCK SAINT 731 St. Peter St. (504) 525-4950

The Boondock Saint is a cozy Irish-style pub that offers a wide selection of draft beers and an old-school jukebox, making it perfect for a relaxed and authentic NOLA experience.

THE CHANNEL 2604 Magazine St. (504) 381-4680

This Irish Channel gem serves perfectly poured Guinness and excellent bar food. A favorite hangout for locals, don’t miss The Channel’s lively St. Patrick’s Day block party celebration.

THE JAZZ PLAYHOUSE 300 Bourbon St. (504) 553-2299

The Jazz Playhouse is one of the city’s top jazz clubs. This hotspot in the Royal Sonesta offers jazz-inspired cocktails, flavorful entrées, and a rotating lineup of world-class artists.

THE METROPOLITAN 310 Andrew Higgins Blvd. (504) 568-1702

The Metropolitan is a two-story club with multiple full bars, VIP bottle service, and trendy DJ sets. They offer a calendar of events, so visit their website to see upcoming performances.

THE VINTAGE 3121 Magazine St. (504) 324-7144

The Vintage, located on Magazine Street, serves coffee, beignets, wines, and bubbles, as well as coffee cocktails, local beers, and pre-Prohibition classics—perfect for daytime treats or evening indulgences. Three Maries Jazz Club, located in the Omni Royal, is perfect for people looking for late-night tunes. The club offers snacks and decedent cocktails such as the Caviar and Champagne. Tropical Isle is famous for its iconic Hand Grenade and lively French Quarter bar atmosphere. They serve frozen and classic cocktails, making it the perfect starting point for exploring New Orleans.

THREE MARIES JAZZ CLUB 621 St. Louis St. (504) 529-7045 TROPICAL ISLE Multiple Locations (504) 523-1927

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Best of the Big Easy // July 2026

Where Every Drink Tells a Story Exploring New Orleans, One Bar at a Time

// KIMMIE TUBRÉ

New Orleans is one of the best cities in the U.S. for creative bar crawls. The bar culture itself is unmatched and goes way beyond just hopping between neon-lit daiquiri bars down Bourbon Street.

Haunted Pub Crawls: The Spirits Aren’t Just in Your Glass This haunted city doesn’t just host a plethora of haunted ball crawls—it practically invented them. There’s no secret that paranormal activity is often seen, heard, and talked about in the Big Easy. So, of course, the city is the perfect backdrop for an evening that mixes ghost stories with bar stops inside historic—and allegedly haunted— buildings. On this crawl, you may visit stops such as Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop, noted as the oldest structure used as a bar in the United States. One minute you’re sipping a drink inside, the next you’re hearing about a restless spirit that’s been spotted in the very room you’re standing in. Companies including Crawl New Orleans have mastered the formula, combining theatrical storytelling with lively bar visits and even VIP-style options, if you want to keep the party going.

The Historic Cocktail Crawl (DIY, but Legendary) For a more authentic experience, skip the tour groups and create your own crawl centered around New Orleans’ legendary cocktails. This approach turns your night into a journey through the city’s drinking history. Whether enjoying a Sazerac at Arnaud’s French 75 Bar or a labor-intensive Ramos Gin Fizz from Bar Tonique, each stop should highlight a cocktail that was either invented here or perfected here. Your must-try lineup should also include classics such as Brandy Milk Punch, a refreshing Pimm’s Cup, and the bold Vieux Carré. These drinks

are certainly pieces of the city’s cultural history. No historic crawl is complete without a stop at the Carousel Bar & Lounge. Located inside a historic Hotel Monteleone, this iconic bar literally rotates as you sit and sip, making it one of the most unique drinking experiences in the city.

True Crime Cocktails: Sip while the Stories Get Dark If you like your nightlife with a side of mystery and murder, a true crime crawl might be your perfect match. These experiences blend storytelling with visits to real locations tied to some of the city’s most infamous moments. From shadowy corners of the French Quarter to scandalous tales, these crawls

Throughout the year, for various holidays, the city hosts massive bar crawls packed with costumes, beads, Santa hats, DJs, and more. These events turn the entire night into a moving party, with crowds flowing from one venue to the next. You’ll find themed crawls for occasions such as St. Patrick’s Day, Christmas pop-up bar tours, Cinco de Mayo bar crawls, and even tropical tiki nights in the summer. Many of these experiences include perks such as free shots, drink specials, and access to exclusive after-parties.

Drink Like a Local: The Local’s Version of a Night Out If you’re looking to escape the touristheavy areas, head to one of the city’s popular neighborhoods for a more laid-back, authentic vibe. You can stop by Parasol’s in the Irish Channel or have wine on tap at Bayou Wine Garden in Mid-City. Maybe you want a cocktail from NightBloom in the Bywater or have your drink with live music Uptown at the Maple Leaf? Whatever you decide, this style of crawl focuses on neighborhood bars where the atmosphere is relaxed, the drinks are strong, and the crowds are mostly locals.

VIP Party Crawls: Social, Structured, and High-Energy share stories that feel almost too wild to be true. It’s not only about the drinks. It’s about stepping into the darker side of New Orleans history. Companies including New Orleans Ghost Adventures Tour take groups around the city to sip while hearing about the city’s most notable crimes and corruption.

Maximum Chaos & Fun: Join a Holiday Crawl If you’re in the mood for a holiday spirited affair, New Orleans delivers with holiday themed crawls that feel like mini festivals.

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For those who want a seamless, social night out, VIP crawls offer a more organized approach to bar hopping. These experiences are led by party hosts who guide the group from one venue to the next, making sure everything runs smoothly. Along the way, you’ll enjoy drink specials, skip-the-line access, and a built-in group of fellow partygoers. A popular option is New Orleans Bar Crawl, which combines high-energy fun with a wellplanned route that takes the guesswork out of your night. It’s effortless, social, and perfect for celebrations like birthdays or bachelor parties.

Last Call: One Last Sip In a city that loves alcohol so much they allow folks to take their drinks “to go,” it’s a fact that there are many bar crawls all around the city, some more unique than others. It shows that it’s not only the drinks that make this city special, it’s the uniqueness in the stories behind them. It’s the atmosphere in every bar and the sense that anything can happen once the sun goes down. Every crawl offers a different lens into the city, from exploring its haunted past, its cocktail legacy, or its love for a good party. Now it’s your turn to pick your vibe, grab a drink, and let New Orleans show you how unforgettable a night out can really be. If you’re feeling adventurous, mix and match a few of these crawl styles. After all, in a city like this, one kind of night is never quite enough.

Photos from top: courtesy of Kat Kimball, Ashley Lorraine, Miles Evans

n New Orleans, the bar crawl has evolved into something far more creative and unforgettable. Here, every cocktail seems to come with a backstory. Whether you’re chasing chills, culture, or pure chaos, New Orleans offers bar crawl experiences that go way beyond your typical night out. If you want something unique and fun, here’s your guide to some of the most unique ways to drink your way through the city.

Best of the Big Easy // July 2026

All photos: courtesy of Sydni Sanders & Melody Daniels

Shopping Best High-Fidelity Time Machine: Peaches Records Housed in the old Woolworth’s on Magazine Street, Peaches remains our analog sanctuary. It’s the best spot to get lost in the stacks and soak up pure music history. Whether you’re hunting rare vinyl or just want to feel cooler by association, this is the undisputed, sprawling home of New Orleans’ sonic soul and local music culture. -Rebecca Fox

Best Place to Buy Musical Instruments: Paul Webb’s Bywater Music

Situated deep in Bywater, Paul Webb single-handedly runs his continually busy music store. Webb is a veteran of the local scene and caters those in it. Having what rock musicians usually shop for— guitars, basses, drums, etc.—lately Webb has been building custom boutique guitar amplifiers, which makes his store stand out even further. -Donald Rickert

BEST OF THE BIG EASY

2026

Best Place to Run into Someone You Don’t Want to: Whole Foods on

Magazine Street

You’re sneaking three pieces of the sample cheese, and there’s your ex. You’re eyeing sushi, and there’s your ole boss. You’re palm scanning at check-out with the new creepy biometric system—yikes. But, worst of all, you’re both in Whole Foods, Uptown. -Violet Bucaro

Dining

Best Deli for a “Side of Sass” and a Perfect Pickle: Stein’s Market and Deli Go for the legendary hot pastrami, but stay for the dry wit and inevitable verbal sparring session with Dan Stein. The rumors are true—the NY half sours are the crunchy, salty, garlic-heavy heart of the LGD. It’s the only place where the quality of the food is perfectly proportional to how much the staff tolerates your existence. -Rebecca Fox

Best Place to Feel Cajun on a Bougie Level: Delacroix Restaurant Delacroix Restaurant—it’s giving fish camp, just a little more put together, where you can enjoy boudin, gumbo, fresh seafood, and a riverfront view, all set in full bayou décor without battling mosquitoes or anything creeping through it, with classic Cajun dishes done up a notch. -Carrie Sagen-Severino

Best Place to Not Work From Home and Get a Good Coffee Treat: French Press Coffee French Press Coffee is a great place to escape and get a delicious coffee treat. One of their specialties is the La Freeze, which is available in several different flavors, as well as decaf—wedding cake is a personal favorite. They also offer a variety of pastries, salads, sandwiches, and soup if you’re in the mood for a quick bite. -Tina Howell

Best Real Soul Food: Original Brown Derby #3 You want some real soul food? The not high-on-the-hog, down-home style? Go to Original Brown Derby #3 at 3326 Tulane in the old gas station. Find turkey necks, smothered chicken, pig’s feet, gumbo, smothered okra and sides of greens, mac ‘n’ cheese, red beans, gravy. They also serve a slappin’ good breakfast. Tip the ladies. -Phil LaMancusa

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Best Bar Burger, Especially Really Late at Night: The Swamp Room

Best Place to Lose All Self-Control in Under Five Minutes: Laura’s Candies

A staple in Metairie for over 50 years, the Swamp Room is wellknown for their signature menu item: the “swamp burger.” It’s best dressed and when paired with their ooey gooey cheese fries, making for a great late-night meal after a night of fun, which is often needed long after most area restaurants have already closed. -Tina Howell

You walk in for a praline at this classic New Orleans candy shop known for its pralines and old-school sweets, start pointing at everything in the case one by one, and leave with a bag full of sweets you fully plan to justify later. -Carrie Sagen-Severino

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Photos from left: courtesy of The Swmap Room. Laura's Candies

Writers' Picks

Home & Services Photos from left: courtesy of Stella He, Geordon Collins, Gustavo Escanelle, Pontchartrain Hotel/Hot Tin

Best RTA Driver: Theodore Theodore, RTA driver extraordinaire, turns a bus ride into a pleasant travel. Theo exudes patience, kindness, and good humor. He is vigilant about school zone safety and often waves greetings to folks along the route. He’s an usher/host to riders sporting a wheelchair or walker—gracious and helpful. -Debbie Lindsey

Best Use of “Creative Counting” for Core Strength: Club Pilates

Arts & Culture Best French Neighborhood That’s Not Actually French: French Quarter

What with the price of auto fuel and tariffs on EVs, it’s time to get that two-wheeler out of mothballs, tuned, and back on the street. YEP (Youth Empowerment Program) on 1604 O. C. Haley is the, perhaps, the best tuner in town that one can find. Do it. -Phil LaMancusa

Every room is a setup, every corner works, and with interactive, over-the-top exhibits built by local artists, you’re not just taking photos, you’re part of them. Within about an hour at JAMNOLA, you’ve got a full camera roll of shots that are actually social media worthy. -Carrie Sagen-Severino

Calling the most prominent section of town “the French Quarter” is inaccurate. Most of the architecture dates from when our city was owned by Spain. The influx of European residents were first Italian and even Irish, then came everybody else, with the exception of the French. The truly appropriate name is not recognizable to visitors, which is Vieux Carré (Old Square). -Tim McNally

Nightlife

Best Place to Get a Sun Burn: Jazz Fest

Best Place for a First-Date or a Breakup: Z’otz Café

At Jazz Fest, sunscreen is merely a suggestion. You arrive for music, food, and good vibes, and you leave as a human crawfish. Don’t fret—there’s nothing a good hat or umbrella can’t manage. Of course it’s all part of the experience that we’ve loved for decades, but you can easily see that the sun isn’t an annual headliner. -Kimmie Tubré

Z’otz Café is the go-to for hard conversations. From goth-techno to industrial rock, the vibe is always fascinating. People range from students, bookworms, D&D gamers, and philosophical youngsters smoking on the patio. It’s a comfortable spot to be uncomfortable. Get the spicy chai latte. -Violet Bucaro

This studio is a masterclass in alignment. Instructors including Karen, Lo, Caitlin, and Martin are so knowledgeable, they’ll have you quivering through the “pilates shakes” and leaving convinced you’ve never actually stood up straight a day in your life. It’s the gold standard for a high-I.Q. workout that makes your glutes tight and your posture perfect. -Rebecca Fox

Best Where to Get Your Bike Tuned: YEP

Best Place to Take Pictures You’ll Actually Post: JAMNOLA

Best Place to Argue There’s Real Clubbing in New Orleans: PoorBoy's Many argue New Orleans lacks the poppin’ nightclubs like Europe has. I beg to differ. PoorBoy’s is a classy late-night destination; however, if you go before 2 a.m., you might be stuck with only the live bearded dragon in the back corner—alone. -Violet Bucaro

Best Place to be Publicly Humiliated by a Puppet: The Game

Show Show

There is no greater joy than the chaotic, puppet-hosted absurdity of The Game Show Show. Produced by Bywater Games, it’s the city’s finest hour of interactive madness where you win prizes while a charmingly rude puppet tells you exactly how wrong you are. It’s loud, unhinged, and the most fun you’ll ever have being insulted by felt. -Rebecca Fox

Best Rehearsal Space and Recording Studio: Studio 101 NOLA Slightly hidden in the ArtEgg Studio complex is Studio 101 NOLA, run by D.J. Boudreaux and his wife Ashley. They have a modern, fully-loaded recording studio, and they offer two equipped rooms for rent for rehearsals in three-hour blocks, along with a free half an hour load-in/ load-out, which makes it really a four-hour chunk. -Donald Rickert

Best Spot for Views of a Flat City: Hot Tin

Dramatic views from on high of our city are still possible, even in a place devoid of any hills. The 270-degree view directly of the CBD from the top of the Pontchartrain Hotel, seated on a balcony, is the purpose of Hot Tin. Good cocktails are lagniappe. -Tim McNally

Best of the Big Easy // July 2026

The Devil Went Down to DON’T MISS THE

Louisiana // EMILY HINGLE

In the 1980s and into the 1990s, Americans were told to fear those who watched horror films, listened to heavy metal music, wore dark clothing, or played fantasy games such as Dungeons & Dragons. These alleged “Satan worshippers” were likely to commit horrific crimes and practice rituals that involved animal and human abuse and sacrifice.

his mass paranoia, called the Satanic Panic, was largely media driven, stemming from stories about ritual abuse, real and fantasy, portrayed in the McMartin Preschool Trial and books such as Michelle Remembers. Louisiana’s experience with the Satanic Panic drew national attention. It began when cows were killed at the Allen Ranch near Ponchatoula in April 1988. They bore a large circular hole in the chest area that seemed burned on the edges. A game warden came to take samples from the carcasses for examination, which were inconclusive. The Allens then reached out to journalist HL Arledge of The Ponchatoula Times, who questioned why they thought this was the work of Satanists. Betty Allen Hebert stated, “That game warden told us about kids in a cult, worshipping Satan and killing animals, and then we found where kids painted graffiti in an old shack at the back of the property.” Her mother Rose Allen, however, said, “Kids painted those signs. But they didn’t kill these cattle and cut that kind of hole. My doctor couldn’t cut a circle that precise.”

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The Ponchatoula Times featured a series by Arledge about reports of cult activity in southern Louisiana and how police were training to combat this threat. He wrote in Bayou Justice, “A Livingston Parish sheriff’s deputy provided me with a handbook of satanic symbols. The deputy said Chief Deputy Wayne Sanders distributed the manual after attending training at Louisiana State Police headquarters. When I shared this information in The Ponchatoula Times, Sanders reprimanded the deputy. However, the handbook he provided proved that the symbols found in the shack on the Allen property did not originate with Satanists.” Arledge’s report inspired WWL reporter Bill Elder to create a news special about satanic ritual abuse and crimes, which aired in July 1988. Elder’s hour-long report focused on the Allen Ranch, a woman who escaped from a deadly Northshore coven, and sheriffs, police officers, and priests who were specifically working to combat Satanists and possessed people. After it aired, Tangipahoa Sheriff Eddie Layrisson sent deputies to the Allen Ranch to do a thorough investigation. He held a press conference a week later saying that he believed these cows were killed by wild hounds in the same manner a cow some miles away was killed. The game warden’s examination couldn’t confirm an animal attack, but he suggested that the circular wound could be a shotgun exit wound. The sheriff’s office added that a neighbor dispute could be a motive for the cattle deaths, if it was done by man. Despite these declarations, investigative reporter Geraldo Rivera made his way to the Allen Ranch to profile their story, as well as other Louisiana spots where people believed Satanists gathered to do mischief. The footage was part of Rivera’s two-hour NBC special entitled Devil Worship: Exposing Satan’s Underground, which aired on October 22, 1988. Rivera studied a long-decomposed cattle corpse and said, “One of the ugliest but apparently most common rituals in devil worship is the sacrifice of animals, often involving the removal of organs and the draining of their blood in elaborate ceremonies.

All photos: courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

SAINTS PREVIEW ISSUE

A History of Satanic Panic

A series of cattle mutilations on this Louisiana farm has sent a shiver of fear through this entire community.” Journalist Jay Sharbutt wrote about the impact of the special for the Los Angeles Times on October 27, 1988, noting lackluster, fearful, and comical reactions, pointing out that “the telecast carried only 14 network and local commercials—two of them for the National Enquirer and three for new horror movies. An NBC spokeswoman said the network received a total of 440 calls in

New York and Burbank after the telecast—311 of them complaints and the balance expressions of approval, many from parents concerned about teen-aged Satanism.” Halloween is a popular holiday in the Greater New Orleans area with several haunted houses and other spooky experiences to enjoy. In spite of the Satanic Panic, two popular haunted houses thrilled and chilled those who dared enter in the late 1980s and into the early 2000s. The Westbank had the Chinchuba Haunted House in Marrero, which raised funds for Chichuba Institute for the Deaf until 2008. The Eastbank had Orleans Parish Sheriff Charles Foti’s Haunted House at City Park. Named after horror host Morgus the Magnificent’s TV program, the former House of Shock was not as welcomed when it opened in 1992. “To be fair, we were definitely pushing the envelope. We were extremely unbridled in the early days. We mellowed out over time but still supremely irreverent,” said operator Ross Karpelman as he described the religious and satanic scenes that drew ire from the community. The original House of Shock took place in the backyard of a Metairie home that was near a Catholic church and school. It didn’t take long for concerned neighbors to distribute pamphlets advising people to avoid the evil-looking haunt. “They advised their kids not to go. You know what that does,” Karpelman quipped. The growing popularity of the attraction forced one unknown group into the action of breaking into the haunt to douse props in

holy water. House of Shock outgrew the home and operated from a much larger venue for 20 years until its closure in 2017 and replacement with New Orleans Nightmare Haunted House. The Satanic Panic instilled fear into millions of people, including those who were falsely accused of crimes due to being judged by how they dressed and the music they enjoyed.

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FILM REVIEWS

// FRITZ ESKER + DAVID VICARI

Toy Story 5

ontinuing popular franchises ad infinitum typically leads to bad or mediocre entries over time, but Pixar’s Toy Story franchise continues to buck that trend. After coming to what seemed like a perfect ending to the series in the magnificent Toy Story 3, the filmmakers have gone back to the well two more times. While neither Toy Story 4 or Toy Story 5 reach the heights of the second and third installments, they are still worthwhile entertainments for viewers of all ages. At the start of the newest effort, the toys are still beloved by young Bonnie, but Bonnie feels lonely and friendless because she still plays with toys when seemingly all of the other kids her age are playing with devices. When her parents relent and get her a Lilypad (voiced by Greta Lee), the toys fear they will soon be forgotten or discarded. So, Woody (Tom Hanks), Buzz (Tim Allen), and Jessie (Joan Cusack) team up to try to recapture Bonnie’s love and attention. Toy Story 5 features a good balancing act when dealing with tech. The downsides of devices are

certainly clearly represented here, but the film also makes the point that technology can be used for good or bad depending on what people are putting in it. Lilypad, while an antagonist in the first two-thirds of the film, always does what she thinks is best for Bonnie—even though, sometimes, she is incorrect. Of course, there are also laughs to be had. Conan O’Brien is a welcomed addition to the cast voicing an outdated potty-training device. Also, the venerable trio of Woody, Buzz, and Jessie remain likable, funny heroes. Even though every announcement of a new Toy Story film may make some think that they’re pushing their luck, Pixar is still batting 1.000 with this series. // FRITZ ESKER

The Death of Robin Hood

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Sarnoski’s picture becomes an interesting character study with a hell of a performance from Jackman. There are scenes where Jackman comes off like the Devil himself, but he also gives the character believable tender moments with Margaret (Faith Delaney), the young daughter of his friend Little John (Bill Skarsgård). The movie even has some unpredictable moments, including a third act revelation from Sister Brigid, which most won’t actually see coming. Because of the scenes of extreme gore and murder, The Death of Robin Hood is not for the faint of heart, but this is rewarding for those adventurous enough to ponder a different take on the character than we generally see in the movies. // DAVID VICARI

Photos from top: courtesy of Disney Studios, A24 Films

he greatest Robin Hood movie is arguably 1938’s The Adventures of Robin Hood starring Errol Flynn. It’s sprightly, visually colorful, and a swashbuckling good time. The total antithesis of that fine film is The Death of Robin Hood. The new film stars Hugh Jackman as the title character, is written and directed by Michael Sarnoski (Pig, A Quiet Place: Day One), and is pitch black in tone. Jackman’s Robin Hood is a complete and total villain. He’s a greedy thief and murderer who doesn’t even think twice about killing a child. This Hood is no Prince of Thieves. After a violent confrontation with people seeking revenge on his murderous ways, Robin ends up recuperating from severe wounds on a sanctuary island for orphans and the sick, which is overseen by Sister Brigid (Jodie Comer). While keeping his true identity a secret, Robin, going by the name of Randolph, is befriended by a philosophical leper (Murray Bartlett) and seems to seek some redemption from his monstrous past. Will this past, however, come back to haunt him? The graphic violence in the movie borders on fetishistic, but once the bloodletting settles down,

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uly is that time of year when the heat of summer becomes foremost in my thoughts. It’s when it begins to feel relentless, and I know that a respite, other than a hurricane (not a preferred choice), may not happen until October. My June column spoke of summer’s heat and my tricks and suggestions for surviving it. Now I want to advocate for nature’s vulnerables: bees, butterflies, birds, lizards, and, of course, the outdoor pets and ferals that need our help. Water, fresh water, is crucial to their survival year-round; however, the heat and frequent droughts make this an acute need during summer. I want to start with community cats that are given food. Thanks to all who help. However, an essential water station is often overlooked. I, too, was slow to learn the necessity of a fresh water source. Now when I trek with my tote bag of cat food to feeding spots, I carry a jug of H20. A simple glass or stainless-steel bowl from Goodwill, or a recycled plastic yogurt container, will work. Note that plastic will break down in sunlight after a short while and may leach micro-plastics—yuck—into water, so just hit that recycle bin and replace plastic bowls often. Even your indoor/ occasionaloutdoor pets need fresh water bowls available outside. Your dog’s short romp and bathroom break in your backyard can seem like forever to them when the heat of summer hits. With that, a serious thirst can occur. Also, your outdoor pet cat absolutely needs fresh water, even if they are lazily sleeping all day. Birds are entertaining to feed and watch but take this ritual seriously and provide water. I have tons of little sparrows outside and they now view me as their bartender/barista. Watering my plants, top to bottom, allows them damp soil to muck about in, as well as little drinks of water from leaves. Bees benefit from this, just as butterflies love and need this damped soil and foliage, too. Check out NWF.org for a quick education on butterfly needs. Water needs to be a constant feature, and a bird bath or shallow bowel of fresh H20 is crucial to their health. Make certain the bird water stations are high up so that cats can’t easily surprise attack, and place them in the shade during summertime. In addition to being their server of hydration, I maintain their bird bath “spa” for needed bathing. This water grooming not only offers a cooling off but aids in healthy feathers and wings while offering parasite control. These bird spas don’t need cabanas, tiki lights, or chaise lounges—just fresh water and a safe environment, with a watchful eye out for hungry cats. Oh! I am a true fan of bees. Not just because they provide life for us humans by pollinating and keeping our food chain going strong but because

they are so damn cute. Yes, these wonderful creatures are often vilified because folks fear being stung. I was stung once and that was only because I accidentally grabbed an unsuspecting bee as it rested on my banister. I have gardened among them, gently scooped them out of swimming pools—I am a selfappointed bee lifeguard—and sat watching them do their thing amongst the flowers and have never been attacked, stung, or made fun of by these creatures. Bee fact: Less than half of the world’s bees are capable of stinging. Only female bees sting. I respect the concerns of those with hymenoptera hypersensitivity—commonly called bee sting allergy—and advise learning more about ways to protect yourself and avoid situations that might put one in danger. For much more information on this and the amazing wonders of bees, go to pollinator. org, as well as AAFA for allergy info. I learned much from the two sites listed above, but there’s a wealth of knowledge available out there. Do a little research and you will be fascinated. My Garden of a Thousand Bees is a must-see documentary. Martin Dohrn, a wildlife filmmaker, observed, filmed, and narrates this beautiful, educational, and poignant film observing the bees in his urban garden in Bristol, England, during the coronavirus lock-down. Fresh drinking and bathing water is a must for critters large and small but don’t allow it to turn deadly for them. Bees can’t swim, and if your bird bath doesn’t provide rocks or twigs for bees to crawl out upon, they will perish. Also, containers that fill with rain water must be emptied after rain as lizards are unable to climb out of water-filled buckets etc. Check your dog/cat water bowls for insects and lizards in need of a “lifeguard.” Speaking of bugs, let’s not attract mosquitoes. Even a small bottle cap holds enough water for mosquitoes to breed; therefore, hose the bird baths and water bowls out daily—easy peasy. Trees need our thirst supervision. Full grown trees tend to survive droughts, but young, especially newly planted, trees really are susceptible to a dearth of water/rain. Often, public spaces, parks, and school yards are landscaped with beautiful trees yet irrigation or a watering service is overlooked. Husband and I watched damaged, even dying, trees from lack of watering on the school grounds across the street from us. We and others started toting jugs of water to them and some came roaring back. One we even named Snow White as she was in a state of apparent death. After the kiss of water for a couple of weeks, new leaves popped out all over to replace the 100% loss of foliage. I am humbled by nature and am totally smitten.

“Water is the driving force of all nature.” —Leonardo Da Vinci

Best of the Big Easy // July 2026

PO-BOY VIEWS

’ve read—there I go again—that there are “thousands” of books on how to become a writer. I also uncovered the premise/promise that there are also “thousands” of videos on how to become a writer. One says that you can do it in “three easy lessons.” How do you become a writer? As Jim Tully said, “You will or you won’t.” Who was Jim Tully? A writer’s writer. Have you read him? I’ll bet my copy of Strunk & White you haven’t. I’ve been writing a column in this mag for over 25 years. I average 15 a year. You could do the math if you wanted to, but who does? You know what I do after an article’s been published? No? Well, I send it to my blog. Do you want to read about 25 years of Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest, other holidays, and my warped thoughts? Thanks to Where Y’at Magazine, my blog has a plethora of fodder construed for your perusal, edification, and enlightenment—hundreds in fact. Actually, only two people read my column after my editors approve, refine, and publish it. You and one other person. Less people read my blog. So there you have it. I am a writer. I am published. How do you become a writer? First, you have to want to be a writer, the same as if you wanted to be a puppeteer, poet, painter, piper, pirate, a pawn, or a king—although we don’t put up with kings at our house. You gotta want it. Get on your mark, get set—you know.

// PHIL LaMANCUSA And then what? As one old saw put it, “A man on the street asked me how to get to Carnegie Hall and I told him, ‘Practice. Practice. Practice.’” Find and expand your skill set, read more, build your vocabulary, express yourself succinctly—there, see? Read writers’ stuff and see how they work words, phrases, ideas, thoughts, opinions, dreams, ambitions, pursuits, loves, and concerns. Then, sit down with a blank page. Put your name and date in the top right corner—just joking. Yes, do sit with a blank page and pick a subject, a skill that Ray Bradbury uses—you’ve read him? Okay, here goes. The subject is “the Claiborne overpass that the locals call ‘the Bridge,’ the meaning of meanings in-between the in-between, the walk that I (you) just took today, the perfect July 4th, my perfect grandfather, smelling sleep coming, and/or why does SIRI know the words to ‘Bohemian Rhapsody?’” I’ve written none of these, but I could. You could. One of the side perks of being a writer— besides the money, fame, and women—is your sanctioned right and ability to make shite up. It’s called poetic license. Another is your perfect freedom to “use your voice” or any other voice. Pretty cool. And just like

A.A. Milne or J.M. Barrie, you can make up what you want your writer’s name to be: E.B White, C.S. Lewis, H.G. Wells, J.K. Rowling. Or you can have a nom de plume (pen name) like George Orwell (Eric Blair), Mark Twain (Samual Clemens), Lewis Carroll (Charles Dodgeson), or even Richard Bachman (Steven King). Published writings span a vast array of genres and styles, and you can slip your spoon into any of that soup you hunger for. There’s fiction, of course, but there’s also journalism, opinions/commentary, poetry, nonfiction, and, of course, my favorite—fantasy. There’s a genre for any mental type—maybe not for travel or cookbook writers, though. Journalists are basically researchers and snitches. They like to find things out and report them to the public. News and information is their game, and you’ll see them in the media where they live and breed. The public hangs on their every word, because we all love gossip, truth be told. Opinions are like digestive tracts. Virtually everyone’s got one, and they function each day—one way or another. Ask me anything, and if I don’t have all the facts, at least I can give you an opinion. Anything. Go ahead and ask. Usually, journalists and opinionates

“Long patience and

application saturated

by your heart’s blood. You will either write or you will not.” —Jim Tully

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Write it Or Read it breed together and give birth to people with podcasts. Poets are a different breed altogether. They are folks that have internalized and dwelled on their feelings to such an extent that an eruption like mini-volcano lava spews out in the form of words on paper. Either that or they are snots that want to make fun of everything, as in: “There once was a man from Nantucket”—which can be, in essence, a rhyming sequence that can border on the obscene. Non-fictionalists are those nerds that gotta stick their noses into everybody’s business and report on who, what, where, and how things got done; are being done; or will be done based on the evidence of what evidence they can base things on. How a blind monk in France invented Champagne, how we didn’t win the war and how we didn’t (pun intended), and/or how Gaga got her groove going. In the media, these folks do biopics and documentaries. Finally, my favorite geek—the fantasy writer. Dreamer, imager, word illusionist, conjurer, and the wordsmiths that will relate things that you just know can’t be true but you believe them anyway. Warning: It’s easy to become addicted. Reading is cool and it always will be; however, it’s the writers that have the most fun. “Write. Finish things. Go for walks. Read a lot and outside your comfort zone. Stay interested. Daydream. Write.” —Neil Gaiman

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