Summer is here! As the days get longer, the possibilities for fun and festivities are endless; especially in our beautiful city. While you stop and smell the magnolias, you might be thinking how to treat your special someone to a beautiful evening out. Whether it's a first date, a friendship date, or a romantic anniversary, here are our recommendations for the perfect New Orleans date.
Tourist Staycation
Whether you’re a born and bred local or a first time visitor, everyone has a soft spot for the French Quarter. Start the day at Jackson Square to see the street performances and check out the vendors selling incredible artwork. Just a few blocks over is the French Market: an open air market to shop local treasures, tourist fare, and hidden gems. Need an afternoon pick me up? Cafe Du Monde is the perfect afternoon break for a cafe au lait and beignets to fuel the rest of your day. If you feel so inclined, take a stroll down Bourbon St. for some people watching and a daiquiri to cap off the day.
Picnic in Audubon Park
Soak up the sun and enjoy some quality time outside with a homemade picnic in the park. Audubon Park in Uptown New Orleans is 350 acres of spacious land with stunning Spanish Moss and a view of the Mississippi River at nearly every corner. We love hanging out by the Tree of Life in the middle of Audubon for the cool shade or the park benches near the entrance. Head over to St James Cheese Company to customize a cheese board and grab a bottle of wine or Picnic Provisions and Whiskey for an elevated version of classic picnic fare. Get a blanket, sunscreen, and maybe some bug spray and you’re ready for a lovely afternoon date!
Happy Hour and a Show
What’s the best time of the day? Happy Hour! There’s no better time to grab a quick bite and catch up over drinks than the early evening. For a casual vibe, head over to Wrong Iron in Mid-City or Copper Vine in the Lower Garden District. If you’re feeling more upscale, Cure in Uptown or Seaworthy in the CBD have incredible cocktails and barfare. If you don’t want the night to end quite yet, we recommend finding some live music to accompany your evening. Come down to Bayou Bar in the Pontchartrain hotel Wednesday through Saturday evening for some drinks and killer live performances. If you want options, Frenchman Street in the 7th ward has plenty of jazz bars for you to explore. If music isn’t your scene, check out Prytania Theatre to catch a movie in an intimate old-school setting.
Dinner and Drinks
The classic date night: a nice dinner, a beautiful bar, maybe a slow dance if you feel so inclined. If you want a simple but refreshing night, we’d start at Shaya on Magazine St for some small plates to split. For a nightcap, pick from an international selection of wine at Bacchanal to sip and enjoy live music. If you’re feeling a little more luxurious, Bywater American Bistro or Paladar 511 are incredible restaurants sure to impress. For post dinner drinks, end the night at Hot Tin for carefully curated cocktails with the best view in the city.