The Best that New Orleans has to Offer
Where Y'at Magazine's writers weigh in on the best things to do in New Orleans. Read on for some of the best kept secrets and hot takes about all things NOLA.Shopping
Best Art Supplier: Mo's Art Supply and Framing
Mo's Art Supply and Framing, located in a tastefully converted century-old church with stained glass windows and in spitting distance from Whole Foods Market, has everything any artist could need: a huge selection of professional artists materials, helpful advice, reasonable hours, friendly service, fair prices, and a sense of community. Love them. —Phil LaMancusa
Best Place for Some Retail Therapy: Fleurty Girl
Having a bad day? Take a trip over to Fleurty Girl and check out their clever and cute t-shirts and socks, home goods, and decor. Whether you just window shop or actually pick up some goodies, Fleurty Girl has just about everything—and hopefully something to make you smile. —Tina Howell
Best Place that Combines Textiles, Local Artists' Works, and Women's Wear: Altar
If you feel bored about your typical 'fit, hit up Altar. You can get caftans, jumpsuits, dresses, capes, tops, bottoms, and more—your whole ensemble. Altar is a woman-owned clothing line made here in the Big Easy that is next level. Check out their chic choices for an invigorated you. —Donald Rickert
Best Pope-Related Jewelry: Pewter Graphic's Cathedral Pin
With the revelation Pope Leo XIV's Creole great grandmother—from the 7th Ward—was baptized in St. Louis Cathedral, the Pewter Graphic's Cathedral Pin by Maurice Milleur has Papal FOPs wearing their hearts on their lapels. Steps from NOLA's iconic church, the 1850 House Gift Shop offers this elegant accessory as a perfect keepsake. Milleur's Fleur de Lis pins are a close second. How does Pope Leo not cheer for the Saints? —Robert Witkowski
Arts & Culture
Best Locally-Owned Gallery Supporting Local Artists for Nearly 30 Years: Le Jardin & Adorn
Sick and tired of corporate-owned businesses taking over the Quarter? Then support a locally owned business that in turn supports local artists. Help keep their doors open. One business that adds to this one-of-a-kind vibe, and is so crucial to the Quarter, is Le Jardin and its adjacent shop Adorn. The gallery's carriage-way courtyard alone makes the visit worth your time. By the way, all the art is local. —Debbie Lindsey
Best Place to Meet Your Potential Future Partner: Pontiff Playground Dog Park
The Pontiff Playground Dog Park, located next to the railroad tracks in Old Metairie, features a dog park with benches, a watering station, and plenty of green space for your dog to revel off-leash while you strike up a conversation with another canine-loving parent. Not only is it a great opportunity for your dog to run free and socialize, it is an outdoor venue for you to build new relationships. —Celeste Turner
Best Sexually Active Billboard: Banana Manor Rug Factory
You've seen it. The Irish Channel wasn't ready and still isn't: the billboard, the body, the bananas. Like Burt Reynolds's Playgirl-inspiring portrait, Scott smiles while wearing only bananas and a tasteful hat. His Tchoup store lets you shop rugs by color, style, and (ahem) size. The advertisement does change seasonally. The July billboard features a hat Rocky fans would appreciate—patriotic AF. —Andrew Marin
Best Street to Be Late: Magazine Street
Despite its 30 mph speed limit for most of the six-mile stretch from the CBD to Audubon Park, you will find yourself behind a rideshare car(s) going 15 mph—or less. Even odds they will stop in the middle of the narrow street—regardless of space to pull over—and completely back up traffic for blocks. —Robert Witkowski
Best Way to Not Give Directions: "Just Follow the River"
Whether it's difficult relatives, annoying tourists, arrogant snowbirds, or you're just in a mischievous mood, the least helpful advice for visitors is to "just follow the river." While it's inherently accurate, Ol' Muddy's meandering curves will absolutely confuse newbies heading Uptown from Bywater—and anywhere in between. Up the ante by telling them to "head west" and watch while they bewilderedly stare at the Westbank as the sun sets behind them. —Robert Witkowski
Nightlife
Best Bar to Eavesdrop with Live Music: Bacchanal Wine
Grab a glass, find a shady seat, and listen as the tables fill with existential dread over exes, career choices, and the rising cost of charcuterie. Bonus points if you can catch a live musician trying to one-up the conversations with their own inner turmoil. —Arielle Gonzales
Best Place for Nostalgic Vinyl Vibes: NightBloom Bar
Step into a time machine where the music is analog and the nostalgia is real. If you're looking for a place where the sound of a needle on vinyl is the only thing louder than your '90s feelings, NightBloom's your spot. Don't forget to bring a record player and your feelings of existential youth. —Arielle Gonzales
Best Place to Host a High School Class Reunion: Lucy's Retired Surfers Bar & Restaurant
Reconnect with old classmates while hanging out on the balcony overlooking Tchoupitoulas Street at Lucy's Retired Surfers Bar & Restaurant in the heart of the Warehouse District. Celebrate the good ole' times while eating delicious plates of "finger food" and sipping killer cocktails. Nothing but good vibes at Lucy's. —Celeste Turner
Best Place to Send Friends Who Say "I'm Down for Anything": The Dungeon
You told them it's a cool dive bar, but they didn't expect the skulls, chains, and a strict no-photo policy. Watch as their bravery fades into confusion, making for the perfect introduction to the weirdest night of their lives: vampires, spooky vibes, and goths, oh my. —Arielle Gonzales
Dining
Best Brunch Spot to Avoid Tourists: High Hat Café
There are no jokes here. This is genuinely one of the most underrated local restaurants to get a quality Southern brunch that doesn't leave you broke and hungry. From the top-tier customer service and in-house-made drinks to the crispy fried chicken and mouth-wateringly good pimento mac and cheese, this café will make you forget all about the overrated tourist hot spots. —Cynthea Corfah
Best Quiet Coffee Shop to Grab an Empty Seat: The Bean Gallery
Flooded with local college students and remote workers, finding a seat at this N. Carrollton Avenue coffee shop is like playing a game of musical chairs. If you're lucky, you'll grab an open spot near the door before staring down the departing cafe-goers to see whose table is next to an outlet you can hop to next. —Cynthea Corfah
Treats & Global Flavors
Best Way to Travel to Cuba Via a Cup of Cortadito: The Flagpole
Wanna escape the drama and run screaming out of the country, but you only have an afternoon off? Who's gonna house sit your dog? Cuban tastes beckon at this outdoor coffee shop—bring the dog. Coffee isn't your jam? Try their all-natural sno-balls with fresh orange/mango juice. Every sip helps keep this corner a portal to a happier world. —Debbie Lindsey
Best Refreshing Taste of New Orleans on a Hot Summer Day: New Orleans Ice Cream
New Orleans Ice Cream is a true taste of the Crescent City, capturing its rich culture and culinary heritage in every bite. Featuring flavors including Bananas Foster, Café au Lait, and Pralines & Cream, each scoop pays homage to the city's iconic desserts. Perfect on a hot summer day, this ice cream reflects the soul, spice, and sweetness of New Orleans. Available at most grocery stores, it's not just a dessert—it's a celebration of New Orleans in a pint: bold, cold, and delicious. —Peter Hinniker
Home & Services
Best Can Recycling Trip: EMR Southern Recycling
Suspicious that them PBR cans are just getting dumped? Gather them up and take them to the real deal EMR Southern Recycling and make a few shekels. Its wondrously repurposed laundry plant is a hotbed of activity and a real eye-opener. We usually take our cans and wait for a picker, but you should drive over and experience the ritual once for yourself. —Phil LaMancusa
Best City Contact: 311
NOLA ain't easy, but sometimes the city gets something right. Calling 311 #3 for non-emergency queries, needs, or requests is highly recommended. Questions/reports about trash pick-up, street light outages, abandoned cars, and more are answered or referred to the proper department. Friendly folks operate this phone-line while delivering satisfaction. Occasionally there's a wait—lots of problems out there—but a pleasant voice is worth the wait. —Debbie Lindsey
Best Place to Ease Tire Woes: Toulouse Tire Shop
There's probably one tire shop in your neighborhood; however, Toulouse Tire Shop, aka "my tire guy," is worth my money and has honest prices. This is the place I go when tires need juice, lugs need to get loose, and when a wheel needs a change in my price range. He's located just behind the Shell Station across Broad Street from the theater. —Phil LaMancusa
