'''Uptown''' is a large portion of New Orleans settled in the 19th century after the Louisiana Purchase, upriver from the older parts of the city around the French Quarter and the Central Business District. At the upper end of Uptown is the Carrollton neighborhood. The majority of this historic section of the city escaped the great flood of 2005.
Get in
See and Do
The green Saint Charles streetcar line, with 1920s vintage trolleys, was restored to service for the length of St. Charles up to Carrollton on 23 December 2007. The remaining section of the route along Carrollton Avenue to Claiborne was restored to service in early 2008. Via streetcars, driving or biking, St. Charles Avenue is well worth a look for the mansions of the city's 19th century "millionaire row".
'''Audubon Park''', pleasant park to walk around, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the same fellow who designed Central Park in New York City. Runs from St. Charles Avenue to Magazine Street just below Broadway and the Carrollton neighborhood.
'''Audubon Zoo'''. Very good zoo, see the rare white alligators, at the upper end of Magazine Street. Riverboats connect the Zoo to the Central Business District; also accessible from the St. Charles Streetcar via a shuttle bus that runs back and forth from the main entrance to Audubon Park on St. Charles to the Zoo.
'''The Butterfly'''. A park along the Mississippi River front, on the other side of the Zoo.
'''Tulane University'''
*'''Jazz Archive''', In Jones Hall on Freret Street. New Orleans jazz fans can see a display of photographs and artifacts, and research by reading or listening to interviews with historic jazz musicians.
*'''Middle American Research Institute''' - fans of Pre-Columbian art will enjoy the artifacts on display at one of the city's little known galleries, on the top floor of Dinwiddie Hall, the building on the right (closest to Loyola) as you face Tulane from Audubon Park. Free, but no elevator up the 4 flights of stairs.
'''Garden District''' is a part of town known for the fine mansions. The official historical district is bounded by St. Charles Avenue, Jackson Avenue, Louisiana Avenue, and Magazine Street; historically some definitions have defined the boundaries otherwise, and more equally fine historic mansions can be found nearby outside these boundaries. The name "Garden District" came from early in the 19th century when this area was laid out with fine mansions of businessmen and plantation owners, building a couple of grand houses to the block surrounded by large gardens. In the late 19th century most of the land owners sold off most of the surrounding lots, on which wooden Victorian homes rich in architectural "gingerbread" were built. Thus, despite the name, the "Garden District" is notable more for its architecture than the gardens. Tours of the mansions of Uptown's '''Garden District''' are given by both the Park Service and private companies; there are both walking and bus tours available.
'''Lafayette Cemetery #1''', Prytania & Washington. Historic old cemetery.
'''Latter Branch, New Orleans Public Library''', 5120 St. Charles Avenue. M,W 10AM-8PM; Tu,Th 10AM-6PM; Sa 10AM-5PM.Yes, you can read a book or get a bit of internet time, but this branch of the library is in a 1907 vintage mansion, formerly the home of silent film star Marguerite Clark. This makes it a St. Charles mansion you can see the elegant interior of for free!
Buy
Magazine Street
The six miles of '''Magazine Street''' [http://www.magazinestreet.com/] offers a great variety of local businesses, offering antiques, art new and old, clothing, furniture, and curiosities, with local cafes and restaurants along the way. The greatest concentrations of interesting businesses are in the sections from around Felicity Street to Jackson Avenue, around the intersection of Louisiana Avenue, and Napoleon Avenue to Nashville Street. However other businesses are sprinkled along the route, in some places mixed with mostly residential blocks. There are shops for tastes from elegant to funky and any price range.
A small sample of some of the more interesting unique shops includes:
'''Blue Frog Chocolates''' 5707 Magazine St [http://www.bluefrogchocolates.com/] Variety of fine chocolates, both locally made and from around the world.
'''New Orleans Music Exchange''' 3342 Magazine Street. From new guitars to 80 year old trombones, musical instruments, audio equipment and accesseries.
'''Perlis''' 6070 Magazine Street [http://www.perlis.com/] fine men's clothing. The late Hunter S. Thompson came to town to get a seersucker suit here. Mon-Sat 9a - 6pm.
'''Silk Road Collection''' 3714 Magazine Street [http://www.silkroadcollection.com/] exotic antique east Asian furnishings
Elsewhere Uptown
'''The Rink''' 2200 block of Prytania at the corner of Washington Avenue. A small shopping center in a building originally housing a 19th century skating rink. Notable shops include:
'''Garden District Book Shop''' [http://www.gardendistrictbookshop.com]. Independent book store specializes in local subjects, and usually has a variety of signed copies of books by local authors. Also a small but select case of rare used books.
Eat
Budget
'''Cafe Luna''', 802 Nashville at Magazine. Coffee & tea, sandwiches & pastries.
'''Domilise's Po-Boys''', 5240 Annunciation. Good neighborhood po-boy place has been here for generations.
'''Frankie & Johnny's''', 321 Arabella (''just off Tchoupitoulas''), 899-9146, [http://www.frankyandjohnnys.com]. Local favorite for crawfish.
'''Guy's Po-Boy''', 5259 Magazine, 891-5025. Small traditional po-boy place. Mon-Sat 11a-4pm
'''Joey K's''', 3001 Magazine, 891-0997. Neighborhood po-boys, catfish, and fresh caught fish specials.
'''Juan's Flying Burrito''', 2018 Magazine St. Reasonably priced Mexican.
'''La Divina Gelateria''', 3005 Magazine St., [http://www.ladivinagelateria.com/] Excellent Italian style panini sandwiches served from 11AM to 7PM, and they stay open til 10PM (11PM Friday and Saturday) serving some of the most amazing gelato anywhere.
'''Magazine Po-Boy Shop''', 2368 Magazine Street. Traditional po-boy sandwiches, plus seafood and vegetarian dishes, breakfast omelettes and burritos. M-F 8:30AM- 5:30PM.
'''Mona's''', 4126 Magazine Street. Middle Eastern. Also has branches in Mid-City and Faubourg Marigny.
'''Nirvana''', 4308 Magazine Street, 894-9797, [http://www.insidenirvana.com]. Awesome $10 buffet every weekday lunch, as well as Thursday and Sunday nights. Great food, good value.
'''Stein's Deli''' 2207 Magazine Street [http://www.steinsdeli.net/] Great fresh deli sandwiches. Tu-Fr: 7AM-7PM, Sa,Su: 9AM-5PM, closed Mondays.
'''Taqueria Corona''', 5932 Magazine: cheap good Mexican. Closed for siesta from 2PM to about 5:30PM in the afternoons.
Snacks
'''The Creole Creamery''', 4924 Prytania, tel: 894-8680. Truly good ice cream, from a small cup or cone to a huge elaborate sundae. They also make shakes & malts in the old fashioned soda fountain style, and offer many locally made fresh flavors of ice creams, from standard to distinctive, and even a few sugar free flavors. Open daily Noon - 11PM.
'''La Divina Gelateria''', 3005 Magazine St., [http://www.ladivinagelateria.com/] The gelato here costs a little bit more, but it is some of the most amazing you'll have ever tasted. 11a-9pm; they also serve fresh panini and salads during lunchtime.
'''Hansen's Sno-Bliz''', [http://www.snobliz.com/] Tchopitoulas at Bourdeaux ''a few blocks up from Napoleon''. The Commander's Palace of sno-ball stands; ice shaved microscopically fine flavored with shockingly luscious syrups made fresh every day. A local legend since the 1930s! The building says open 1PM-7PM -- that's most likely to be true Thursdays through Saturdays during the long summer, but don't be surprised if to find them closed even then. If they're not open, content yourself with the next best from Tee Eva's or SnoWizard listed below.
'''Prince Michael Chocolate''' 2045 Magazine Street, tel. 586-7150, [http://www.princemichaelchocolate.org]. Quality chocolate truffles made on premesis. They also serve coffee and some of the richest hot chocolate ever. Wi-fi. M-Sa 11AM-5PM.
'''SnoWizard''', 4001 Magazine (''at Constantinople'') Another excellent sno-ball place, a short walk down from Napoleon. Open during hot weather Sun-Friday Noon - 8pm; Sat Noon - 7pm.
'''St. James Cheese Shop''', 5004 Prytania Street. The staff of knowledgeable cheese mongers will help you fill your cheese needs. They also make tasty lunch sandwiches to eat there or take out.
'''Sucre''', 3025 Magazine Street, [http://www.shopsucre.com/store_menu/index.php] Artisan gelato, cakes, chocolates and pastries prepared daily by an award winning team of pastry chefs.
'''Tee Eva's''', 4430 Magazine St. (''just up from Napoleon Avenue''), tel: 899-8350. Good sno-balls and tasty pies and praline candy. Try the miniature pies (pecan, sweet-potato, or creole cream cheese), just enough for a snack. M-Sa 11AM-6PM.
Coffee Houses
Some local places for a good cup of coffee, some light eats, and pleasant locations with people-watching.
'''CC's''', 900 Jefferson (''at Magazine Street''), has other locations too. Wi-fi.
'''Cafe Luna''', 802 Nashville at Magazine: Coffee & tea, sandwiches & pastries. Locals loved it even more when it was the first coffee shop Uptown to reopen after Katrina. Wi-fi
'''Fuel''', Magazine just up from Bourdeau Street. Wi-fi
'''Mojo coffee house''', 1500 Magazine Street (corner of Race Street), [http://mojoneworleans.com/]. M-F 6:30AM til midnight Sa,Su 7 til midnight. Great coffee! lots of teas, sandwiches, soups, bubble tea and free Wi-fi. Mojo also features organic fair trade coffee.http://img301.imageshack.us/my.php?image=255240204833f4faea91sp9.jpg
'''PJ's''', 5432 Magazine (''just up from Jefferson Avenue''). Small local chain also has location in Carrollton and others around the metro area. Wi-fi
'''Rue de la Course''', 3128 Magazine (''a couple blocks down from Louisiana''). Wi-fi.
'''Still Perkin' ''', 2727 Prytania St, in "The Rink", a small shopping center at the corner of Washington AVenue. M-F 7AM-6PM, Sa,Su 8AM-6PM.
Midrange
'''Cafe Atchafalaya''', 901 Louisiana (''between Magazine & Tchopitoulas''). Seafood and decadent desserts. Look for the giant frying pan on the side of the building and get ready for great eats. An established restaurant for over 30 years, the Cafe came back big after hurricane Katrina with a new owner, a beautifully renovated interior, and full menu of New Orleans classics with an original twist. Come early for brunch on the weekend or stay late in the bar every night.
'''Cannon's''', 4141 St. Charles Avenue, 891-3200, [http://www.cannonsrestaurants.com/].
'''Casamento's''', 4330 Magazine St. (''just down from Napoleon''), tel: 895-9761, [http://casamentosrestaurant.com]. Oysters, oysterloaf. A local tradition for generations.
'''Crepe Nanou''', 1410 Robert (''just off Prytania''). Crepes and other French taste treats, dinner only.
'''Dick and Jenny's''', 4501 Tchoupitoulas St., (504) 894-9880, [http://www.dickandjennys.com/]. A casual fine dining contemporary creole restaurant set in a mid-nineteenth century barge board cottage. Reservations are not taken.
'''Ignatius''' 4200 Magazine St, Cajun, Creole and po-boys, lunch and dinner. Try the roast beef po' boy, it is the bomb.
'''La Thai''' 4938 Prytania (at Robert), tel: 899-8886. Thai
'''Lilette''', 3637 Magazine St., [http://www.LiletteRestaurant.com]. New Orleans Magazine Chef of the Year Chef John Harris cooks you an unforgettable meal in this neighborhood bistro.
'''Martinique Bistro''', 5908 Magazine St. French Caribbean, dinner.
'''Mayas''' 2027 Magazine St., [http://www.mojitoland.com]. Latin American & Carribean cuisine, with Cuban predominating. Dinner Tues-Sat; Lunch Fri-Sat, Brunch Sun.
'''Nirvana''', 4308 Magazine, tel: 894-9797. Indian.
'''La Petit Grocery''', 4238 Magazine, tel: 891-3377. An old neighborhood grocery morphed into a fine restaurant. Veal, pork, duck, etc. Dinner M-Sa 6PM-10PM. [http://www.lapetitegrocery.com/]
''' Reginelli's''', 741 State (''at Magazine''). [http://www.reginellis.com]. Italian & pizza.
'''Savvy Gourmet''', 4519 Magazine, [http://www.savvygourmet.com/] Gourmet food and cooking utensil shop also serves fresh made sadnwiches, salads, and treats at lunch time. tel: 895-2665
'''Semolina''', 3226 Magazine, tel: 895-4260. Nouveau pasta dishes.
'''Voodoo BBQ''', 1501 St. Charles Avenue (''at Melpomene''), tel: 522-4647. Trendy barbecue. 11AM-10PM.
Splurge
'''Clancy's''', 6100 Annunciation St., Popular and local uptown Contemporary Creole bistro. tel 895-1111
'''Commander's Palace''' 1403 Washington Avenue (''just towards the river from Prytania''), 899-9221. One of the most highly regarded traditional upscale restaurants. [http://www.commanderspalace.com/new_orleans/index.php]
'''The Delachase''' 3442 St. Charles (''1 block up from Louisiana Avenue''),895-0858. [http://thedelachaise.com/]
'''Emeril's Delmonico''', 1300 St. Charles Avenue (''a short distance up from Lee Circle''), tel: 525-4937. Celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse's third restaurant in town; he bought out the venerable New Orleans Delmonico's.
'''Gautreau's''', 1728 Soniat St. (''past Napoleon on the streetcar line''), 899-7397, [http://www.gautreaus.net]. Excellent uptown restaurant!
'''Pascal's Manale''', 1838 Napoleon Avenue (''a few blocks back from St. Charles'') 895-4877.
'''The Upperline''', 1413 Upperline (''off Prytania towards St. Charles''), [http://www.uperline.com].
Drink
'''Bulldog''', 3236 Magazine St., [http://bulldog.draftfreak.com/]. One of the city's largest selections of beers on tap and in bottles, also serves burgers and delicious waffle fries (add cheese).
'''The Columns''', 3811 St. Charles Avenue (''off Peniston Street''), [http://www.thecolumns.com/]. Very classy (but not high-hat)! Located on the streetcar line; Has nice patio overlooking St. Charles Avenue and more importantly: free food during Friday happy hour from 5-7pm!
'''F&M Patio Bar''', 4841 Tchoupitoulas (''a couple of blocks up from Napoleon Avenue''), tel: 895-6784. A favorite local dive famous for dancing on the pool table and never closing before 4 a.m. during the week, 6 a.m. Thurs-Sat. Open 7 nights a week.
'''Fat Harry's''', St. Charles Ave. just down from Napoleon, also has greasy pizza.
'''Half Moon''', 1125 Saint Mary St. Laid back dive. Lots of locals. People like to bring their dogs here.
'''Igor's''', 2133 St. Charles, drink and have a burger while doing your laundry in their coin operated machines.
'''King Pin''', 1307 Lyons St, nice laid back bar. Mostly locals. Shuffleboard!
'''Milan Lounge''', 1312 Milan St. Little neighborhood bar. Very friendly bartenders. Chicago Cubs memorabilia all over the place.
'''Ms. Mae's: The Club''', Magazine & Napoleon Avenues. Friendly dive. Open 24/7/365. CHEAP! $1 drinks all the time ($2 doubles!)
'''Parasol's''', 2533 Constance Street. Old Irish neighborhood bar. Also serves po-boys and seafood. Their block party on St. Patrick's Day is always jammed.
'''The Saint''', 961 Saint Mary St.
'''St. Joe's Bar''', 5535 Magazine Street. Just an off-beat little bar that knows how to make good drinks. For something different on hot summer days, try the blueberry mojito.
Live music venues
'''Le Bon Temps Roule''', 4801 Magazine at Bourdeaux. Local acts, good beer and burgers. Soul Rebels Brass Band play every thursday night, it is standing room only and usually packed to the brim so get there early or expect to push your way through a crowd.
'''The Columns''', 3811 St. Charles St., [http://www.thecolumns.com/]. Cool jazz and gypsy swing in an elegant setting.
'''Dos Jefes''', 5535 Tchopitoulas, tel: 891-8500, [http://www.dosjefes.com/]. cigar bar; hot modern jazz in a smoky atmosphere.
'''Neutral Ground Coffee House''', 5110 Danneel St. (''3 blocks back from St. Charles, 3 blocks down from Jefferson Avenue''), tel: 891-3381, [http://www.neutralground.org/]. Coffee House with more than the usual coffee-house folk singers; eclectic line up can also include blues, Cajun, dixieland combos, bluegrass, jug bands, even Hawaiian music. Live music every night.
'''Rosy's Jazz Hall''', 500 Valence Street (''just of Tchopitoulas''), 896-7679, [http://www.rosysjazzhall.com/].
'''Tipitina's''' 501 Napoleon (''at Tchopitoulas'') 895-8477, [http://www.tipitinas.com/]. Legendary Uptown music club with great local and national talent. Take bus/cab/car, but well worth the trouble. "Tip's" has a 2nd location in the French Quarter, too.
Stay Safe
Uptown is a large section of the city. The parts of most interest to visitors are generally some of the safer in the area, but neighborhood conditions can change dramatically within a few blocks. Be aware of where you're going if you venture away from major streets like St. Charles, Prytania, and Magazine. Be cautious if parking on dimly lit side streets at night. If you're unsure of an area ask in advance or play it safe and take a cab.
Sleep
Budget
'''Marquette House''', 2249 Carondelet Street. Hostel, conveniently a block from the St. Charles Streetcar line (Jackson Street stop), dorms USD 25.00, slow Wifi, free parking, phone (504) 523-3014. The place is not clean and the kitchen has two microwaves but no stoves, cutlery or crockery. There is no TV room or lounge area.
Midrange
'''Quality Inn Maison St. Charles''', 1319 St. Charles Avenue, tel: 522-0187. On the streetcar line in the lower part of Uptown, an easy walk from several restaurants.
'''Southern Comfort Bed and Breakfast''' 1739 Marengo Street, tel: 895-3680. Located just two blocks from the St. Charles Avenue Streetcar line and minutes from the French Quarter.
http://www.southerncomfort-bnb.com
'''Creole Gardens Bed and Breakfast Inn''' 1415 Prytania Street, tel: 569-8700. One block from the St. Charles Ave. Streetcar Line. Next to the Warehouse District, and just 12 blocks from the French Quarter. Famous for colorful banana courtyard, kid and pet friendly and great hot breakfast.
http://www.creolegardens.com
Splurge
'''Clarion Grand Boutique Hotel''', 2001 St. Charles St., tel: 558-9966.
'''Columns Hotel''' 3811 St. Charles. Small elegant hotel in a Victorian mansion. Also has a great bar and live music downstairs. http://www.thecolumns.com/
Unclassified
- Garden District Hotel - The Garden District Hotel is located in the heart of the beautiful Garden District of New Orleans on historical St. Charles Avenue ... right on New Orleans' famous streetcar line and just a few minutes' ride to the French Quarter and all major attractions.
- Grand Boutique Hotel - Guests of the Clarion Grand Boutique Hotel will be staying in one of America's most beautiful and historically significant areas, the Garden District - a neighborhood dripping with Spanish moss and Southern charm.
- Maison St. Charles - The Maison St. Charles New Orleans hotel is located only 5 minutes away from the world-famous French Quarter. Our 130 guest rooms and suites are located in historic Creole buildings that surround authentic New Orleans courtyards.
Contact
An hour of internet time at New Orleans Public Library branches:
'''Latter Branch''', 5120 St. Charles Avenue.
'''Napoleon Branch/ Children's Resource Center''', 913 Napoleon Av., ''just back from Magazine Street''.
Wi-fi offered at several of the coffee houses listed above.