New Orleans: Weekend Guide for Foodies. Plan a weekend in New Orleans filled with incredible food, cocktails, and culture. From Brennan’s brunch to the Sazerac House and haunted tours, this foodie travel guide blends flavor, history, and a hint of Halloween magic.
There’s something about New Orleans that stays with you — a rhythm that hums through the streets and lingers long after you’ve gone. Whether you’re visiting for the food, the music, or the folklore, this city knows how to feed every sense.
I visited during Halloween weekend — a time when the city feels even more alive. The costumes, the cocktails, the history in every cobblestone… it’s a feast for both the curious and the hungry. But no matter when you visit, New Orleans delivers a weekend full of flavor, culture, and soul.
Brunch, NOLA Style
New Orleans might be famous for gumbo and beignets, but the brunch scene deserves its own spotlight.
In New Orleans, brunch is sacred. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience steeped in flavor and tradition.
At Brennan’s, the birthplace of Bananas Foster, I watched flames dance over rum-soaked bananas while sunlight poured across pink walls. At A Tale of Two Sisters, I lingered in a leafy courtyard listening to live jazz between bites of shrimp and grits.
For something more modern, Jack Rose blends art-gallery glamour with Southern comfort. And no trip is complete without a plate of chargrilled oysters from Acme Oyster House or Drago’s—smoky, garlicky, and unforgettable.
If you’re a brunch-and-cocktail enthusiast (hi, Brunchies), this is your city.
I try my best to visit a Black owned business whenever I travel. My sister and I enjoyed our dinner at Morrows, which isn't in the French Quarters, but worth the drive.
Cocktails & Culture in New Orleans
In New Orleans, the word “spirits” means more than one thing.
Start at the Sazerac House, where you can sip your way through cocktail history and learn the story behind NOLA’s most famous drink. Then, make your way to the Carousel Bar, where the bar itself spins slowly under glowing lights — a little whimsical, a little dizzying, completely unforgettable.
The Sazerac House is gorgeous and it offers a free self-guided interactive tour that includes 3 cocktail tastings. Be sure to make a reservation because the tours book out quickly.
If wine is your preferred spirit, stop into Cooper Vine, where they have an extensive wine list and offer wine flights along with delicious bites.
For live music and local flavor, stroll Frenchmen Street, where every doorway seems to hold a band, a cocktail, and a story.
Haunted History & Soulful Stories
Beyond the parades and po’ boys, New Orleans’ haunted history gives the city its texture. At Oak Alley Plantation, Spanish moss sways over a pathway of centuries-old oaks—beautiful and heavy with remembrance. It’s a reminder that this region’s elegance was built on deep, complex roots.
Back in the Quarter, costumed revelers fill the streets for what might be the best Halloween celebration in America. Brass bands lead impromptu parades, balconies drip with cobwebs and beads, and every corner feels like a scene from a Southern Gothic novel.
Even if you don’t visit during Halloween, it’s impossible to ignore the mystique of this city. Take a ghost tour through the French Quarter, and you’ll learn about haunted mansions, lost love, and the infamous Voodoo Queen, Marie Laveau.
And if you want a change of scenery, book a plantation tour and take a short drive outside of the city, where moss-covered oaks line the path to a hauntingly beautiful antebellum home. It’s one of those experiences that reminds you of the city’s complex and layered past.
Where to Stay in New Orleans
For a true New Orleans experience, book a stay in the French Quarter, where you can walk to nearly everything — from brunch to bars to brass bands. If you prefer something a bit quieter but still close to the action, try the Central Business District, home to stylish hotels and easy streetcar access.
Why You’ll Fall in Love With New Orleans
There’s something about New Orleans that stays with you — a rhythm that hums through the streets and lingers long after you’ve gone. Whether you’re visiting for the food, the music, or the folklore, this city knows how to feed every sense.
I visited during Halloween weekend — a time when the city feels even more alive. The costumes, the cocktails, the history in every cobblestone, but no matter when you visit, New Orleans delivers a weekend full of flavor, culture, and soul.
So whether you’re here for a spooky getaway or simply to eat and explore your way through a historic gem, New Orleans will leave you full — of flavor, of stories, and maybe even a touch of mystery.
Plan Your Own Foodie Weekend in New Orleans
Where to Stay: Choose the French Quarter for lively Halloween energy or the Central Business District for chic, walkable calm.
When to Go: Late October is peak season—book early!
Can’t-Miss Experiences:
- Sazerac House Cocktail Museum
- French Quarter Ghost Tour
- Brunch at Brennan’s or A Tale of Two Sisters
- Oak Alley Plantation Tour
- Oysters at Drago’s or Acme
Want more foodie travel guides and cocktail inspiration?
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