I had the pleasure of bringing in 2016 in New Orleans, Louisiana (my plans for 2017 weren’t nearly as exciting). A group of my friends decided to visit Nola for New Year’s Eve this year and asked me for some food recommendations. They enjoyed the places I suggested so much that I thought I’d share them with all of you lovely Surviving on a Shoestring subscribers. Bon appetit et laissez bon temps rouler!

*Listed in no particular order

1. Drago’s, 2 Poydras St, New Orleans, LA 70130 *Menu
   • What to Order: Charbroiled Oysters & Seafood Pasta
   • This place has the best charbroiled oysters I’ve  ever tasted. It was also where I first tried these delicious, buttery, garlicky creations. Because this restaurant is so popular and does not accept reservations there is usually a wait, but it is definitely worth it
     
2. Acme Oyster House, 724 Iberville St, New Orleans, LA 70130 *Menu
   • What to Order: Chargrilled Oysters & Craw Puppies
   • This is another popular Nola restaurant, so be prepared for a wait. The atmosphere is very casual but the food here is tasty. My friends and I ordered our weight in chargrilled oysters and demolished them in record time.
3. Cafe Beignet, 334 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70130 *Menu –vs– Cafe Du Monde, The Outlet Collection at Riverwalk, 1 Poydras St #500, New Orleans, LA 70130
   • What to Order: Beignets
   • I tried beignets from both restaurants so you don’t have to; you’re welcome. I can’t say either taste better,  but I enjoyed the beignets from Cafe Beignet more than the ones from Cafe Du Monde. They were slightly more crisp on the outside but soft on the inside.
     

     
4. NOLA, 534 St Louis St, New Orleans, LA 70130 *Menu
   • What to Order: Shrimp and Grits or Miss Hay’s Vietnamese Poboy
   • So for some reason I thought Emeril was from New Orleans. But apparently he’s from Massachusetts. Who knew? Anywhosal, this famous chef has several restaurants in New Orleans. Don’t let the high price range symbol on Yelp dissuade you. I went to the restaurant for lunch and all the entrees offered were under $20. Service here is impeccable and the food is flavorful.
     

     
5. Tropical Isle, 600 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70130
   • What to Order: Hand Grenade
   • States don’t designate a state drink, but if they did there’s no doubt the hand grenade would be Louisiana’s. This bar is the originator of that iconic, sour drink. These beverages are so sweet you won’t notice how much alcohol you’ve consumed until it hits you and you’re dancing in the street. Be sure to have 1 or 5 to take your Bourbon Street experience up a notch.
6. Willie’s Chicken Shack, 630 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70130 *Menu
   • What to Order: 2 Piece Mix
   • A visit to New Orleans isn’t complete without a late night trip to Bourbon Street. Before chugging a couple hand grenades it’s best to get some food in your stomach. Willie’s is both affordable and delicious. The chicken combos are big enough to split with a friend or someone you’ve just met while out partying. Be sure to try the honey glazed biscuits.
7. Dat Dog, 601 Frenchmen St, New Orleans, LA 70116 *Menu
   • What to Order: Duck Sausage
   • Frenchman is to locals what Bourbon Street is to tourists. Hot dogs may not seem that gourmet, but this establishment changes that misconception. Think of it as a Chipotle of hot dogs. You pick the sausage base you’d like then pile on as many toppings as you want. If the thought of building your own hot dog doesn’t interest you there’s an option of getting a dog made “Chef’s Choice” so that it’s fully dressed for you.
     

     

Let me know if I’ve missed any of your favorite restaurants below.