Check out my Travel Blog Post: New Orleans! I had the privilege of returning to New Orleans after first visiting 7 years ago for another conference. It was just as delicious, if not more delicious than I last remembered. Not only did I return to some of my favorite spots, but I was able to try some new ones that were wonderful as well. Sharing some new and familiar gems with delightful coffee, hearty food, and crafty cocktails.

But first, there’s coffee…

Fourth Wall

Neighborhood: Downtown

• Not being a morning person and having a morning flight, I needed a little caffeine after checking into my hotel. I just happened to stumble upon this adorable café with a charming outdoor garden area where we sipped on a delightful matcha latte and turmeric latte. Both lattes were excellent and it felt great to drink them outside in the middle of February!

Café Bon Ami

Neighborhood: Downtown

• Since I was here for a conference, I needed some caffeine to make sure I was fully “on”. Café Bon Ami is located in the bustling downtown part of New Orleans. They have an assortment of lattes, so I was able to try their iced Sesame latte and cold brew. The sesame latte was well-balanced and adventurous while the cold brew was solid and potent. The interior is modern and minimal offering space to hang out and do work.

French Truck Coffee

Neighborhood: Downtown

• French Truck Coffee is a small chain based in New Orleans but they also have locations in Tennessee! I stopped at their downtown location to quickly grab a cold brew as I was heading towards my conference. I wouldn’t call it vibey but the cold brew was great and it was very quick.

And now it’s time to feast!

Saffron

Neighborhood: Garden District

Vegetarian Options:	★★★★
Vegan Options:	★★★
Affordability:	★★★1/2
Ambience:	★★★★★
Service:	★★★★★
Food Quality:	★★★★★
Overall Rating:	★★★★1/2

• Unrelated to the contemporary Indian restaurant in Milwaukee that is also named Saffron, Saffron NOLA has a similar concept of contemporary twists on Indian cuisine. Saffron has repeatedly been a semi-finalist for the James Beard Awards so you know there’s something special going on. They have an excellent assortment of craft cocktails so I tried the Saffron Nola Old Fashioned because I can’t say no to mango chutney in my old fashioned. It was an excellent and flavorful cocktail with vibrant flavors.

• The cocktail was a lovely start to an incredible meal. I was enamored with their food and it was the best meal I had in New Orleans. I would say their appetizers are more twists on traditional Indian dishes while their Vegetarian plates are more traditional. Lentil pancakes are a must have if you can get it without the crab (assuming you’re vegetarian/vegan). The saag paneer was quite traditional and amazing with a side of their heavenly truffle naan and decadent chili cheese naan. I cannot wait to return!

The Will and the Way

Neighborhood: French Quarter

• Looking for a casual drink in the heart of the French Quarter? Look no further than The Will and The Way! They have a spacious backyard patio and happy hour deals! This cozy neighborhood spot has a wide assortment of craft cocktails that change seasonally. I had a mezcal-infused cocktail that is no longer on the menu but you really can’t go wrong with cocktail here.

Compère Lapin

Neighborhood: Warehouse District

Vegetarian Options:	★★
Vegan Options:	★
Affordability:	★★★1/2
Ambience:	★★★★★
Service:	★★★★★
Food Quality:	★★★★★
Overall Rating:	★★★★

• I adored this charming spot embodying Caribbean and European flavors and twists on NOLA cuisine the last time so I had to return as this chic spot as it’s also from Top Chef finalist Nina Compton. One can get elevated New Orleans classics here but I wouldn’t say that there are a lot of vegetarian options. There are enough for pescatarians though. Like last time, I loved their cocktails, chive bread with sea salt butter (instead of their bacon butter). This time I was able to try their succulent jalapeno and scallion hushpuppies – simultaneously sweet and savory. You can read my more detailed review here.

Bacchanal

Neighborhood: Bywater

Vegetarian Options:	★★★★
Vegan Options:	★★
Affordability:	★★★★
Ambience:	★★★★★
Service:	★★★★
Food Quality:	★★★★★
Overall Rating:	★★★★1/2

• This bar, restaurant, live music venue is an iconic spot in New Orleans for wine, cheese, dinner and everything in between. The one downside is that you have to order food, wine, and cocktails in different parts/floors but it’s worth the inconvenience of waiting in multiple lines. Their garden patio often has live music and is spacious enough to be able to comfortably chill while you’re grazing on cheese. I love the concept of a make your own cheese board that they curate the accoutrements for. We ordered a lively, crunchy salad with a tarragon vinaigrette and some Patatas Fritas with tomato and a garlic aioli to balance out the amazing cheeseboard.

Country Club

Neighborhood: Bywater

Vegetarian Options:	★★★1/2
Vegan Options:	★★
Affordability:	★★★1/2
Ambience:	★★★★
Service:	★★★★★
Food Quality:	★★★★
Overall Rating:	★★★★1/2

• Located in the dynamic Bywater neighborhood, The Country Club is another spot to get specialty NOLA cuisine. The Truffle Mac and Cheese is just as amazing as it sounds with an incredible amalgamation of cheese on noodles baked to perfection. Another hearty appetizer is the Fried Green Tomatoes with a cherry tomato salsa and tomato butter. Since we were a group of four, we were able to order a lot and concluded with a toothsome puttanesca with capers and olives in a sultry red sauce.

I left New Orleans feeling satiated and happy. I look forward to my return when I am trying to escape another cold winter. If you are looking for more recommendations, I have two other New Orleans posts from when I first visited if you’d like to check them out here.