Louisiana New Orleans
The city is open for business and crowds and prices are down in this post-Katrina era
The Culture of New Orleans People
Normally when tourists or first-time residents come to New Orleans, they have a difficult time understanding the city. It looks like no other place in the United States. The first puzzling impression usually comes from the appearance of the French Quarter near many of the city's hotels. It is more than just a few blocks of townhouses and cottages standing side-by-side, up against the sidewalk. The size of the district startles even those well traveled in the rest of the nation. Few visitors, moreover, are accustomed to such a melange of people moving at all hours of the day and night in the very center of the city. They quickly learn that bars have no closing hour, that the food is spicy, and that the music is pulsating almost everywhere. And they may also take note that the locals talk funny but seldom have southern accents.
Food and Restaurants
Bacco
310 Chartres St., New Orleans, LA 70130 [Map It]
(504) 522-2426
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Neighborhood: French Quarter
Restaurant/Cuisine Type(s): Italian
Attire: Business Casual
Price Range: $18-$24
Open For: Lunch, Dinner (Call ahead for hours)
Description: Chef Chris Montero serves up fresh local seafood and housemade pastas with Creole Italian flair at this chic eatery owned and operated by Ralph Brennan. Bon Appetit calls BACCO “a gem” and Where New Orleans readers voted BACCO “Best Italian Restaurant” four years in a row.
Bambu
4 Canal St., Harrah's Casino, New Orleans, LA 70130 [Map It]
(504) 525-3689
Neighborhood: Central Business District/Downtown
Restaurant/Cuisine Type(s): Japanese/Sushi
Attire: Casual
Price Range: $18-$24
Open For: Lunch, Dinner (Call ahead for hours)
Besh Steakhouse
512 S. Peters St., Harah's Casino, New Orleans, LA 70130 [Map It]
(504) 533-6111
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Neighborhood: Central Business District/Downtown
Restaurant/Cuisine Type(s): Steakhouses
Attire: Business Casual
Price Range: Over $24
Open For: Dinner (Call ahead for hours)
Description: With 150 seats set amidst blue water-like crystal puddles and a dazzling amber bar, The Besh Steakhouse at Harrah's is not your traditional steakhouse. The restaurant is a combination of Chef Besh's own ideas with traditional steakhouse menu items along with New Orleans influences mixed together. All wine in the cellar is hand-selected. Reservations are recommended.
Brennan's
417 Royal St., New Orleans, LA 70130 [Map It]
(504) 525-9711
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Neighborhood: French Quarter
Restaurant/Cuisine Type(s): French, Cajun/Creole/Louisiana
Attire: Dressy (Jacket May Be Required)
Price Range: $12-$18
Open For: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Sunday Brunch (Call ahead for hours)
Description: Located in the heart of the historic French Quarter within walking distance of most major hotels and attractions, Brennan's sets itself apart from an array of fine restaurants in New Orleans. "Breakfast at Brennan's" is a tradition for local New Orleanians and visitors from around the world, while dinner recenly received the highest rating from the New Orleans Times-Picayune newspaper, 5 beans out of 5. Since 1983, Brennan's Restaurant's 35,000 bottle wine cellar has received the Wine Spectator Grand Award for one of the most outstanding wine lists in the world.
Bubba Gump Shrimp Company
429 Decatur St., New Orleans, LA 70130 [Map It]
(504) 522-5800
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Neighborhood: French Quarter
Restaurant/Cuisine Type(s): Seafood
Attire: Casual
Price Range: $12-$18
Open For: Lunch, Dinner (Call ahead for hours)
Description: This fun restaurant combines quality seafood in a casual family atmosphere, just the way Forrests' best good friend, Bubba, would have done it. Shrimp Cocktail, Shrimp & Pasta, Fried Shrimp, Coconut Shrimp plus Etouffee, Gumbo, Ribs, Steaks and a whole lot more! Fabulous children's menus.
Buffet at Harrah's (The)
8 Canal St., New Orleans, LA 70130 [Map It]
(504) 533-6000
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Neighborhood: Central Business District/Downtown
Restaurant/Cuisine Type(s): American, Cajun/Creole/Louisiana
Attire: Casual
Price Range: $18-$24
Open For: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Call ahead for hours)
Crescent City Brewhouse
527 Decatur St., New Orleans, LA 70130 [Map It]
(504) 522-0571
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Neighborhood: French Quarter
Restaurant/Cuisine Type(s): Microbrewery, Sandwiches/Po-Boys
Attire: Casual
Price Range: $12-$18
Open For: Lunch, Dinner (Call ahead for hours)
Description: New Orleans' favorite restaurant and microbrewery! Our Bavarian Brewmaster prepares four fresh-brewed beers in state-of-the-art brewing equipment you can see behind our bar. A golden Pilsener, a rich Red Stallion and a deep Black Forest are always on tap, along with a monthly specialty brew. We feature traditional and innovative cuisine designed to be served with our hand-crafted lagers. When you're in The Big Easy come see us at the Crescent City Brewhouse! Join us for food so good... you'll forget you came for the beer!
Desire Oyster Bar and Bistro
300 Bourbon St., Royal Sonesta Hotel, New Orleans, LA 70130 [Map It]
(504) 586-0300
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Neighborhood: French Quarter
Restaurant/Cuisine Type(s): Seafood
Attire: Casual
Price Range: $12-$18
Open For: Lunch, Dinner (Call ahead for hours)
Description: This casual street front restaurant on Bourbon offers New Orleans' favorites like oysters on the half shell, seafood platters, roast beef po-boys, and unique Creole dishes, served in a traditional French Quarter atmosphere. From your table, enjoy the tastes, sights and sounds of the French Quarter.
Dominique's
1001 Toulouse St., Maison DuPuy, New Orleans, LA 70112 [Map It]
(504) 522-8800
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Neighborhood: French Quarter
Restaurant/Cuisine Type(s): Continental, Seafood
Attire: Business Casual
Price Range: $18-$24
Open For: Dinner (Call ahead for hours)
Description: This award-winning New Orleans restaurant offers the French Quarter's superlative dining experience. Treat yourself to the region's richest blend of fine cuisine and romantic atmosphere.
Drago's Seafood Restaurant
2 Poydras St., New Orleans, LA 70140 [Map It]
(504) 584-3911
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Neighborhood: Central Business District/Downtown
Restaurant/Cuisine Type(s): Seafood, Cajun/Creole/Louisiana
Attire: Casual
Price Range: $12-$18
Open For: Lunch, Dinner (Call ahead for hours)
Description: “Home of the Original Charbroiled Oyster”. A New Orleans dining institution offering an extensive seafood menu, including signature dishes such as Drago's Original Charbroiled Oysters and Mama Ruth's Gumbo. Reservations aren't needed.
Gordon Biersch Brewery
200 Poydras St., New Orleans, LA 70130 [Map It]
(504) 522-2739
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Neighborhood: Central Business District/Downtown
Restaurant/Cuisine Type(s): Microbrewery, American
Attire: Casual
Price Range: $12-$18
Open For: Lunch, Dinner (Call ahead for hours)
Description: The Gordon Biersch menu consists of appetizers and entrees influenced by a variety of cuisines, all designed to complement Dan's signature lager beer.
Grand Isle Restaurant
575 Convention Center Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70130 [Map It]
(504) 520-8530
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Neighborhood: Central Business District/Downtown
Restaurant/Cuisine Type(s): Cajun/Creole/Louisiana, Seafood
Attire: Casual
Price Range: Over $24
Open For: Lunch, Dinner (Call ahead for hours)
Description: Inspired by the fishing village of the same name, Grand Isle Restaurant features po-boys, fresh seafood, delicious South Louisiana recipes and indisputably the coldest beer in town. It captures the deep flavor and culinary traditions of South Louisiana, harkening back to a 1920s and 30s way of life.
Grill Room (The)
300 Gravier St., Windsor Court Hotel, New Orleans, LA 70130 [Map It]
(504) 522-1994
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Neighborhood: Central Business District/Downtown
Restaurant/Cuisine Type(s): American, Eclectic
Attire: Business Casual
Price Range: Over $24
Open For: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Sunday Brunch (Call ahead for hours)
Description: Designed to excite your senses, the top-rated Grill Room is the place to be with a talented new chef and revamped menu featuring a unique concept of culinary categories sure to tease the palate –Unadulterated, Steakhouse, Indulge and Southern. New Chef, New Tunes, New Attitude.
La Cote Brasserie
700 Tchoupitoulas St., New Orleans, LA 70130 [Map It]
(504) 613-2350
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Neighborhood: Central Business District/Downtown
Restaurant/Cuisine Type(s): Seafood
Attire: Business Casual
Price Range: $18-$24
Open For: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Call ahead for hours)
Description: Award winning, regional creole seafood with oyster bar located on street level in the Renaissance Arts Hotel. Serves Sunday Brunch weekly. Alfresco dining with large picture windows.
La Petite Grocery
4238 Magazine St., New Orleans, LA 70115 [Map It]
(504) 891-3377
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Neighborhood: Uptown/Garden District
Restaurant/Cuisine Type(s): Cajun/Creole/Louisiana, French
Attire: Casual
Price Range: Over $24
Open For: Lunch, Dinner (Call ahead for hours)
Description: A charming eatery in the heart of Uptown, La Petite Grocery caters to the palates of New Orleanians and leisure travelers with its delicious French cuisine. Daily happy hours with an intimate dining experience.
MiLa Restaurant
817 Common St., New Orleans, LA 70112 [Map It]
(504) 412-2580
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Neighborhood: Central Business District/Downtown
Restaurant/Cuisine Type(s): Continental, Cajun/Creole/Louisiana
Attire: Business Casual
Price Range: Over $24
Open For: Lunch, Dinner (Call ahead for hours)
Description: MiLa is the culmination of both the marriage of chefs Slade Rushing and Allison Vines-Rushing and their respective home state cuisines – Mississippi and Louisiana. With a heavy emphasis on provisions sourced from regional farmers, MiLa fuses traditional Southern classics with fresh and surprising ingredients. Dine in an elegant yet relaxed dining room in downtown New Orleans.
Mr. B's Bistro
201 Royal St., New Orleans, LA 70130 [Map It]
(504) 523-2078
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Neighborhood: French Quarter
Restaurant/Cuisine Type(s): Cajun/Creole/Louisiana, Contemporary
Attire: Business Casual
Price Range: Over $24
Open For: Lunch, Dinner (Call ahead for hours)
Description: This clubby, relaxed and comfortable French Quarter bistro specializes in Contemporary Creole Cooking. Hickory Grilled meats, seafood and vegetables dominate a menu lush with local and regional ingredients. Dine on our world famous Pasta Jambalaya and Barbeque Shrimp while listening to live piano music played nightly. Carmelized Tuna and Pepper Crusted Duck are two spectacular dinner entrees not to be missed! Locals know that Mr. B's is the place to B and B Seen!
Mulate's
201 Julia St., New Orleans, LA 70130 [Map It]
(504) 522-1492, (800) 854-9149
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Neighborhood: Arts/Warehouse District
Restaurant/Cuisine Type(s): Cajun/Creole/Louisiana, Seafood
Attire: Casual
Price Range: $12-$18
Open For: Lunch, Dinner (Call ahead for hours)
Description: Mulate's, the Original Cajun Restaurant, features authentic Cajun cuisine and live Cajun music and dancing nightly. Mulate's is conveniently located across the street from the Convention Center and the Riverwalk. Don't miss the Zydeco Gumbo and leave room for the Homemade Bread Pudding!
Olivier's Restaurant
204 Decatur St., New Orleans, LA 70130 [Map It]
(504) 525-7734
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Neighborhood: French Quarter
Restaurant/Cuisine Type(s): Cajun/Creole/Louisiana, Seafood
Attire: Business Casual
Price Range: $12-$18
Open For: Dinner (Call ahead for hours)
Description: Oliviers Restaurant has tempted the taste buds of New Orleans residents and visitors for over 15 years with recipes passed down four generations. Experience traditional and innovative Creole Cuisine at its best, while relaxing in an atmosphere surrounded by the sweet sounds of jazz and light classical music.
Ralph's on the Park
900 City Park Ave., New Orleans, LA 70119 [Map It]
(504) 488-1000
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Neighborhood: Mid-City
Restaurant/Cuisine Type(s): Cajun/Creole/Louisiana, Contemporary
Attire: Business Casual
Price Range: $18-$24
Open For: Dinner, Sunday Brunch (Call ahead for hours)
Description: Recognized by Bon Appetit, Wine Spectator, New York Times and The Washington Post for fine cuisine and an innovative menu. Ralph’s on the Park, owned and operated by Ralph Brennan, offers food fresh from the farms and waters of Louisiana and majestic views of City Park.
Red Fish Grill
115 Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA 70130 [Map It]
(504) 598-1200
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Neighborhood: French Quarter
Restaurant/Cuisine Type(s): Seafood
Attire: Casual
Price Range: $18-$24
Open For: Lunch, Dinner (Call ahead for hours)
Description: Fishing for New Orleans’ deFINitive seafood dining? Fish no further than Red Fish Grill, a triumph of cuisine, style and design. Casual New Orleans seafood dominates the menu with Big Easy favorites like Hickory Grilled Redfish, BBQ Oysters, Double Chocolate Bread Pudding, and a variety of Gulf fish nightly!
Ruth's Chris Steak House
525 Fulton Street, New Orleans, LA 70130 [Map It]
(504) 587-7099
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Neighborhood: Central Business District/Downtown
Restaurant/Cuisine Type(s): Steakhouses, American
Attire: Business Casual
Price Range: Over $24
Open For: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Sunday Brunch (Call ahead for hours)
Sucre
3025 Magazine St., New Orleans, LA 70115 [Map It]
(504) 520-8311
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Neighborhood: Uptown/Garden District
Restaurant/Cuisine Type(s): Desserts/Snowballs, Coffeehouse/Cafe
Attire: Casual
Price Range: $12-$18
Open For: Breakfast, Lunch, Late Night (Call ahead for hours)
Description: New Orleans gets a little sweeter with Sucré, the Uptown sweet boutique. Sucré, the French word for sugar, features an assortment of handcrafted chocolates, fresh gelatos, one-of-a-kind pastry masterpieces and super-premium coffees.
5 Fifty 5
555 Canal St., Marriott Hotel, New Orleans, LA 70130 [Map It]
(504) 553-5638
Restaurant/Cuisine Type(s): Cajun/Creole/Louisiana
Attire: Casual
Price Range: Over $24
Open For: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Call ahead for hours)
Arabesque
127 N Carrollton Ave., New Orleans, LA 70119 [Map It]
(504) 486-7233
Restaurant/Cuisine Type(s): Middle Eastern
Attire: Casual
Price Range: $12-$18
Open For: Lunch, Dinner (Call ahead for hours)
Description: Come join us at Arabesque for great food and hospitality! We have created a beautiful atmosphere to compliment our delicious Middle Eastern, Mediterranean and Latin cuisine.
Attractions
Harrah's New Orleans Casino
8 Canal St., New Orleans, LA 70130 [Map It]
(504) 533-6000, (800) 427-7247
View Website
Hours: 24/7
Cost: Free
Neighborhood: Central Business District/Downtown
American Italian Renaissance Foundation's Museum and Research Library
537 S. Peters St., New Orleans, LA 70130 [Map It]
(504) 522-7294
Hours: Tuesday - Saturday 10am-4pm
Cost: free (donations are accepted)
Neighborhood: Arts/Warehouse District
Amistad Research Center
6823 St. Charles Ave., Tilton Memorial Hall,Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70118 [Map It]
(504) 865-5535
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Guided Tours Available By Appointment With Two Weeks Notice
Cost: Free
Neighborhood: Uptown/Garden District
Anthony Bean Community Theater
1333 S. Carrollton Ave., 4527 Tchoupitoulas St. 70115, New Orleans, LA 70118 [Map It]
(504) 862-7529
Hours: Friday & Saturday 8pm, Sunday 3pm
Cost: Varies by show
Neighborhood: Uptown/Garden District
Armstrong Park/Congo Square
835 N. Rampart St., New Orleans, LA 70116 [Map It]
(504) 286-2100
Cost: FREE
Neighborhood: Treme
Audubon Aquarium of the Americas
1 Canal St., New Orleans, LA 70130 [Map It]
(504) 581-4629, (800) 774-7394
Hours: Open Tuesday-Sunday at 10:00 a.m. Closing times vary by season. Open special Mondays.
Cost: $18.00 for adults: $14.00, seniors (65 & older); $11.00 for children 2-12 Special packages are available for Aquarium, Zoo and IMAX ® visitors
Neighborhood: Central Business District/Downtown
Audubon Insectarium (The)
423 Canal St., Custom House, New Orleans, LA 70130 [Map It]
(504) 581-4629, (800) 774-7394
Hours: 10:00 a.m. until closing. Closing times vary by season. Open special Mondays.
Neighborhood: Central Business District/Downtown
Description: If it walks, crawls or flies, there’s a good chances you will see it on display at the Audubon Insectarium in the Old New Orleans Customs House.
Audubon Park
6500 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70118 [Map It]
(504) 861-2537
Cost: FREE
Neighborhood: Uptown/Garden District
Audubon Park Golf Course
6500 Magazine St., New Orleans, LA 70118 [Map It]
(504) 212-5290, (866) 248-4652
Hours: 7 a.m. - dusk, Tuesday - Sunday; 11 a.m. - dusk, Monday
Cost: $30 Weekday; $40 Weekend Including Cart & Tax
Neighborhood: Uptown/Garden District
Audubon Zoo (The)
6500 Magazine St., New Orleans, LA 70118 [Map It]
(504) 581-4629, (800) 774-7394
Hours: Open Tuesday-Sunday at 10:00 a.m. Closing times vary by season. Closed Christmas, Thanksgiving, Mardi Gras and the first Friday in May.
Cost: Adult admission is $13.00, children ages 2-12 are $8.00, seniors 65+ are $10.00. Audubon Zoo members admitted free.
Neighborhood: Uptown/Garden District
Backstreet Cultural Museum (The)
1116 St. Claude Ave., New Orleans, LA 70116 [Map It]
(504) 522-4806
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m. -5 p.m.
Cost: $5 per person
Neighborhood: Treme
Beauregard-Keyes House
1113 Chartres St., New Orleans, LA 70130 [Map It]
(504) 523-7257
Hours: Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Cost: $5 for adults, $4 for students and senior citizens. Children 6-12, $2. Children under the age of 6 are admitted free.
Neighborhood: French Quarter
Besthoff Sculpture Garden
1 Collins Diboll Cir., City Park, New Orleans, LA 70124 [Map It]
(504) 488-2631
Hours: Wednesday-Sunday 10a.m-4:30p.m.
Cost: Free-Donations appreciated
Neighborhood: Mid-City
Blaine Kern's Mardi Gras World
1380 Port of New Orleans Place , New Orleans, LA 70130 [Map It]
(504) 361-7821, (800) 362-8213
Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m daily
Cost: Adults $18.00/ Seniors $14.00/Children $11.00/ Groups of 10+: Adults $16.25/ Kids $10.00/Seniors $12.50
Neighborhood: Algiers/Westbank
Description: Take a guided tour of our World. Mardi Gras World. Where you might be surprised by almost anything you can imagine. View our exclusive, historic Mardi Gras video. Marvel at the artistry and technology of our signature mega-floats. Enjoy King Cake and refreshments with our compliments. Come peek behind the curtain and see magic come alive. You'll leave with an insider's appreciation of Mardi Gras. This is the one New Orleans experience you'll never forget, no matter how many parades you've seen. Mardi Gras World. Magical memories. A priceless gift for the whole family.
Botanical Gardens (The)
1 Palm Dr., City Park, New Orleans, LA 70124 [Map It]
(504) 483-9386
Hours: Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sundays Noon-5 p.m. Guided tours of the Botanical Garden and garden lectures are available Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Kindergarten through 8th grade field trips are offered Wednesday throug
Cost: Adults and children over 12 are admitted for $5, children 5-12 are $2, and children under 5 years visit free. The Botanical Garden is also free for Friends of City Park members.Group rates and tours are available
Neighborhood: Mid-City
Brechtel Memorial Park Municipal Golf Course
3700 Behrman Pl., New Orleans, LA 70114 [Map It]
(504) 362-4761
Hours: Sunrise-Sunset
Cost: $8 weekdays, $12 weekends & holidays, add $10 for cart use
Neighborhood: Algiers/Westbank
Cabildo (The)
701 Chartres St., Jackson Square, New Orleans, LA 70116 [Map It]
(504) 568-6968, (800) 568-6968
Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 9am-5pm
Cost: $6 for adults and $5 for senior citizens, students, and active military. Children under 12 are admitted free. School groups are free with reservations. Combination tickets for two or more sites in the Louisiana State Museum receive a 20% discount, and gro
Neighborhood: French Quarter
Cascade Stables
535 Calhoun St., New Orleans, LA 70118 [Map It]
(504) 891-2246
Hours: 9:00 - 5:00 PM Tuesday - Sunday
Neighborhood: Uptown/Garden District
City Park
1 Palm Drive, New Orleans, LA 70124 [Map It]
(504) 482·4888
Cost: FREE
Neighborhood: Mid-City
City Park Driving Range
1040 Filmore Ave., New Orleans, LA 70124 [Map It]
(504) 482-4888
Hours: Tuesday-Friday 3pm-8pm, Weekends 9am-5pm. Closed Mondays.
Cost: $10/bucket of balls
Neighborhood: Mid-City
Confederate Museum
929 Camp St, New Orleans, LA 70130 [Map It]
(504) 523-4522
Hours: Call for hours
Cost: $7 for adults, $5 for senior citizens, students, and active military, $2 children under 12 years.
Neighborhood: Arts/Warehouse District
Contemporary Arts Center
900 Camp St., New Orleans, LA 70130 [Map It]
(504) 528-3805
Hours: Gallery Hours are Thursday to Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Hours for performances, special events and evening programs vary.
Cost: Gallery admission is $5 for adults, $3 for students and seniors, and free for CAC members and children 15 and under. Group rates available.
Neighborhood: Arts/Warehouse District
Delgado Community College
615 City Park Ave., New Orleans, LA 70119 [Map It]
(504) 361-6429
Neighborhood: Mid-City
Delgado's Drama Hall
615 City Park Ave., Building 1, 300 West, New Orleans, LA 70119 [Map It]
(504) 483-4512
Hours: Varies by events. One play in Fall and one in Spring. Sunday Matinee.
Cost: Usually $10. Senior discount available.
Neighborhood: Mid-City
Diboll Gallery at Loyola University
6363 St. Charles Ave., 4th floor of the Monroe Library-Loyola University, New Orleans, LA 70118 [Map It]
(504) 861-5456
Hours: Monday - Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday 12 p.m to 4 p.m.
Cost: free
Neighborhood: Uptown/Garden District
