The Marigny

The Marigny is my favorite District, as it is the confluence of the French Quarter, great music on Frenchmen Street, cool coffee shops and brunch spots where the River turns, and melding into the Bywater and the newly converted silo lofts. The colors of the gorgeous shotgun houses is perfect for a walking tour of this small yet historic region of the City.

Doors of the Marigny

Typical Shotgun Flat on Royal Street - Marigny

Horn's is an institution in the District, not just for their incredible breakfasts - note that their pancakes and waffles are off the hook - order the Waffles Cochon (Pulled Pork + Chimichurri + Pickled Peppers piled high...yes please!  -  but their lunches, boozy milkshakes, Red Beans and Rice Mondays and Taco Tuesday are also perfect way to start the day, or evening. 1940 Dauphine @ Touro

One block away, Ruby Slipper has five locations within the City, but this one in the Marigny is my choice. Their version of Migas and Bananas Foster Pain Perdu (topped with bacon, of course) are enough reason to roll through! 2001 Burgundy @ Touro

Who Dat! Cafe boasts an incredible assortment of egg dishes, pastries and 'strong-as' coffee for your breakfast needs. Pick up some of their incredible jams and jellies to take home! 2401 Burgundy @ Mandeville

Just on the corner, The Orange Couch has the best coffee and pastries items on 'this' side of the French Quarter. Very cool and funky decor. And they have a Cortado on the menu, so they know their stuff. 2339 Royal Street @ Mandeville

New Orleans Cake Cafe is part bakery and part breakfast joint. Larger portions for not so large prices. Cookies, cakes and bagels also on offer. 2440 Chartres @ Spain

Frenchmen Street for music and art. All that one needs to know when it comes to the local music scene in the City. Yes, of course there is Preservation Hall, Tipitina's and the Howling Wolf, but the clubs on these three blocks - Maison, Blue Nile, the Spotted Cat, d.b.a., Snug Harbor, Apple Barrel, Cafe Negril can not be missed any night of any week. Don't miss the street brass every night at the corner of Frenchmen and Chartres. Frenchmen between Decatur and Royal.

Oh, and be aware of pop-up BBQ on the corner by Washington Square Park Frenchmen @ Royal. During Mardi Gras it was Mr. Joe's Island Grill. Ridiculous!

Get your Brisket here at Mr. Joe's

For original artwork, head to the Frenchmen Art Market in between gigs - open until 1am or midnight on Sundays. I have picked up some prints and framed them in my condo. A must for art buffs and memorabilia hunters alike - best to support the local artists! 619 Frenchmen Street @ Royal

Bargains to be had on Frenchmen Street at lunchtime

Saint Roch Market has been revitalized and re-opened in 2015 as a food and beer hall that reminds me of a less expensive Ferry Plaza in San Francisco. Great breakfasts and coffee (get Coast Roast), lunch areas are packed. On NFL Sunday, Saints games are aired on a pull-down giant screen near the wine and oyster bar in the back. I mean, if you are into that kind of thing. Helpful and friendly staff!
2381 Saint Claude at Saint Roch. Take the new streetcar line there from Canal Street.

St. Coffee is another very good coffee spot towards the Bywater from the above Saint Roch Market. Open only until 5pm, this cool spot boasts excellent coffee and a gallery. Light meals and oh yeah, an incredible apple fritter! 2703 Saint Claude @ Port Street