We know exactly how daunting (but exciting!) it can be arriving to a new city. Like where to grab the best local coffee, who is playing the best live music, and how to get to Bourbon Street... So, we decided to create a comprehensive “Sally Approved” guide for all of our guests!
Here you’ll find the essentials, like groceries, how to get on the Streetcar and the nearest hospital… but also all the fun stuff like where the best brunch spots are, where to watch the game, and who is serving local craft beer!
Simply scroll down this page to view all the categories or click one of the quick buttons below to take you to a specific area.
Eat. Drink.
Play. Explore.
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Everthing you need is right here…
The Essentials
Gettin’ Around
Car Rental
You can rent a car at the airport, or use Turo.com, which is basically like Airbnb, but for cars! Sally has free residential street parking out front and along the whole block.
In busier neighborhoods and main corridors, paid parking meters usually range between $1.50-$4.00 depending where you park.
Uber and Lyft
Uber and Lyft are both available in the city and the best way to get around quickly and safely. We highly recommend using this option if you are coming back to Sally in the evening/when it’s dark.
Streetcar
The closest Streetcar pick up to Sally is on the corner of White and Canal Street, just two blocks away. Streetcars fare is $1.25 and must be paid with exact change when you board. One, three, and 31-day unlimited ride “Jazzy Passes” are also available for $3, $9, and $55 respectively.
Route Planning, Maps and Schedule
Blue Bike Rentals
Blue Bikes is an affordable bikeshare program uniquely designed for New Orleans. The Blue Bikes fleet is comprised of hundreds of pedal-assist e-bikes that make the most out of your movements, allowing you to roll easily through the city!
We love getting around like this because of how convenient the pick-up and drop-off is, especially downtown where parking is limited.
You simply download the app, register and you’re off!
Walking
If you choose to walk, wear comfortable walking shoes! Safety is our top priority so please be aware of your surroundings. Be sure to call a ride share service if you have been out celebrating.
Taxi Contacts
United Cabs - (504) 522-9771 www.unitedcabs.com
Nawlin’s Taxi - (504) 522-9059 www.nawlinscab.com
Groceries and Drug Stores
The closest grocery store is the Big Easy Fresh market, just 5 blocks away which has fresh produce, snacks, hot meals to-go and alcohol. Whole Foods will have a more organic options, but we recommend driving.
*Big Easy Fresh Market
2669 Canal St, New Orleans, LA 70119
*Whole Foods
300 N Broad St, New Orleans, LA 70119
*Canal Street Pharmacy
2525 Canal St, New Orleans, LA 70119
Walgreens
900 Canal St, New Orleans, LA 70112
Rouses Market
400 N Carrollton Ave, New Orleans, LA 70119
Winn-Dixie
401 N Carrollton Ave, New Orleans, LA 70119
Hospitals
We hope you won't need this, but we would feel much better if you knew where these were!
*Tulane Medical Center
1415 Tulane Ave, New Orleans, LA 70112
University Medical Center
2000 Canal St, New Orleans, LA 70112
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Breakfast Brunch + Coffee
* Close to Sally - in the neighborhood, walking distance or a short drive!
*Ruby Slipper Cafe - Just minutes from Sally, they have an outstanding brunch to feed that late-night hangover. Their eggs Benedict selection is unreal and don’t forget to take your mimosa to-go.. there is a reason their hashtag is #thatbrunchlife - They don’t take reservations so go early!
*Coffee Science - Walking distance from Sally that has an amazing assortment of espresso/coffee drinks and breakfast options (you have to try their bagels!). They also have seasonal farmers markets that feature local artists and makers on their back patio.
Hey Coffee Co. - Another great spot for coffee and they have an amazing bagel place next door called Flour Moon Bagels. We recommend getting your drink to-go and take a walk along the Lafitte Greenway Trail.
The Vintage - Known for their beignets, bubbles and bites! It’s has really cool eclectic decor, a full bar, and a great jump off point if you are headed to Magazine St. for a shopping day. We recommend getting the beignet flight - the raspberry stuffed beignet is our favorite.
Piece of Meat - Don’t let the name fool you…this butcher/restaurant has excellent brunch, cocktails and eats. Plus it’s right next door to the Bayou Beer Garden so after breakfast you can head there for some more drinks!
Columns - A hotel and restaurant that we swear by through and through. It boasts eclectic decorating, chic ambiance, and…. amazing Bloody Mary’s. Don’t forget to look up when you get to the main staircase to see the stained glass ceilings! *Reservations recommend for brunch, but also open for dinner service.
Café Du Monde - The most iconic/traditional spot for beignets! There are multiple locations, so be sure to check out the link to see where it makes sense to go. We personally love heading to the one inside City Park, grabbing our treats and taking a walk.
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Casual Day Hangs, Lunch + Breweries
* Close to Sally - in the neighborhood, walking distance or a short drive!
*Katie’s - Located in our neighborhood of Mid-City! Head there for Creole-Italian fare like pizza & po' boys, plus a busy weekend brunch. Did we mention it was featured on Diners, Drive-in’s and Dives?!
*Wrong Iron - A really cool bar located in the heart of Mid City along the Lafitte Greenway. They have over 50 beers on tap, allows dogs(!!), and rotate food trucks. It’s a super cool vibe for a low key hang, plus they have bike parking on the backside lot. You can even reserve a game day table if you are visiting during a televised favorite sporting event!
*Bayou Beer Garden - Just a 15 minute walk from Sally, it’s a great bar scene with indoor and outdoor seating. Don’t let the front fool you, go inside and walk through the building to reveal a massive patio with varied level seating! Pssst… they also play all the big games on their massive outdoor TV’s.
*Mid City Pizza - Located just down the street on Banks, MCP has some excellent New York style, thin crust pizza. Order online and grab it to go, or dine in while enjoying a beer.
*Parkway Bakery and Tavern - We have eaten a LOT of po’boys in New Orleans, and this is one of our favorite spots! Located close to Sally, you can either order online for pick up to eat at the house or check out their spot on Hagan Ave.
Willie Mae’s Scotch House - One of the oldest neighborhood restaurants with THE BEST fried chicken you’ll ever have. The location near Sally is located in the neighborhood Treme on St. Ann Street. If there is a line (which there will be!) it’s worth the wait we promise, but they also do online ordering with curbside pickup!
Urban South Brewery - If you picked up a case of Paradise Park beer at the store… this is their brewery! Located on the Tchoupitoulas St., this place has a really cool industrial feel perfect for a mid-day drink. All their beers on tap and they often feature local food trucks if you want to grab a bite to eat!
Port Orleans Brewing Co. - Just 1-block from Barracuda (see below under Happy Hour), this place has all the local amazing craft beer on tap. They also have indoor-outdoor seating, a large back patio and arcade games! Be sure to check out their extensive event calendar.
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Happy Hour + Dinner
* Close to Sally - in the neighborhood, walking distance or a short drive!
*Vessel - An old church turned restaurant and bar! Very cool atmosphere and great eats.. literally everything from burgers to their scallops and market fish. And, it’s just down the street from Sally off of Canal St.
Carousel Bar & Lounge - Yes.. it’s an actual ROTATING merry-go-round bar located inside Hotel Monteleone! They do not take reservations for the rotating bar top, so go early to snag seats together. Also, their savory beignets are some of our favorite in the city.
Barracuda - A really great neighborhood taqueria featuring a “chip” happy hour in the evenings. They have some of the best spicy margs and tacos in the area, and it’s truly a perfect dinner spot if you have been doing a brewery tour along Tchoupitoulas St.
Coquette - A personal favorite of the owners. Featuring innovative souther cuisine, and international wine list and just an all-around swanky vibe. *Reservations recommended
Le Petit Cochon - Located in the Lower Garden District, this place has AMAZING food, with a chef who focuses on Cajun Southern dishes. *Reservations recommended
Jacques Imos Cafe - If you want TRUE Creole food, this is the place. Alligator cheesecake, fried grits, red beans and rice…the works. Reservations are strongly recommended as they are only open Wednesday-Saturday.
Tableau - A balcony in French Quarter?! Say no more. This is Dickie Brennan’s newest restaurant featuring French Creole cuisine…you’ll feel chic just being there.
Peche Seafood Grill - Amazing seafood from a coal grill & raw bar, plus local brews. The whole fish might look scary, but it’s our favorite on the menu! *Reservations recommended
Jewel of the South - Talk about an instagram-worthy patio! Not to mention some of most innovative food and cocktails we’ve had. It’s a smaller joint, so large parties are not recommended.
Brennan’s - Probably one of the coolest dining experiences we’ve had. Their all pink/green decor (hello Sally inspiration!), sets the tone for their amazing menu. Did you know this is where Bananas Foster was invented? Oh, and it’s flame broiled table-side.
Commanders Palace - If you are looking for that refined dinner (dress code included!), Commanders Palace is it. Since 1893, Commander's Palace has been a New Orleans landmark known for the award-winning quality of its food and it’s service. Reservations are highly recommended as it’s known to be one of New Orleans most recognizable establishments! *Also open for brunch
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Bars + Late Night Music
Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop Bar - Reputed to be the oldest structure used as a bar in the United States… it’s been serving drinks since 1770’s! It still has original dirt floors, operates by candlelight, and has an amazing piano player taking requests all night long.
The Spotted Cat Music Club - If you want to watch live Jazz music, this is the place. Located just off of Frenchman Street (Bourbon Streets younger cooler sister), this place has all the live music you could dream about!
Preservation Hall - Situated in the heart of the French Quarter on St. Peter Street, the Preservation Hall venue presents intimate, acoustic New Orleans Jazz concerts over 350 nights a year! Featuring ensembles from a current collective of 50+ local master practitioners, this is THE SPOT to go if you are looking for that true New Orleans jazz experience. *Tickets are required for most shows.
Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro - For over 30 years, Snug Harbor has provided the best in live jazz & great regional cooking at reasonable prices. Snug is located in three rooms of a renovated 1800’s storefront located in the Faubourg Marigny, just outside the French Quarter.
Three Muses - Local music, cocktails, and amazing comfort food. They have a full music schedule on their website so be sure to check if your fav artist is in town! They are a smaller place so we recommend booking a table on their site.
Mahogany Jazz Hall - A moody jazz club featuring live music, cocktails amid vintage-style surroundings seven nights a week. Be sure to check out their entire drink menu featuring absinthe crafted cocktails!
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Things to do
If you are looking to explore the city, we have included some “must-do’s” in the area plus some specialized itineraries. You’re welcome!
Popular Day Activities
City Park - The Park’s 1,300 acres make it one of the largest urban parks in the United States, and a popular place to fish on the bayou, picnic, play, or just stop in. Their extensive social calendar that can be found HERE.
Suggested Itinerary: Grab a beignet and iced coffee at Cafe Du Monde while you take a walk (or bike!) through the park. It will take about 2 hours start to finish, but is a great activity to do to get your feet moving and see some amazing Spanish moss on the old oak trees!
World War II Museum - Ok, ok.. you probably didn’t come here to go to a museum, but this one is a MUST. If you have ever seen the 9/11 museum in New York, this is right up there with it. It’s breathtaking, informative, interactive and one of the most well-curated museums in the country. Pre-Purchase Tickets Here!
Airboat Tour - Take a tour of the everglades and get the chance to see (and feed!) real gators. We recommend Airboat Tours by Arthur, but there are plenty others to pick from. Most tours are about an hour drive away from the city but totally worth it. They range from 60-90 minutes and start at $50 a person. Tours can be found at: www.airboattours.com
Magazine Street - If you like shopping, this street has some of the BEST local boutiques to window shop, browse or spend your little heart out!
Suggested Itinerary: Start at Vintage on the very east side of the corridor, and make your way down to Shake your Bon Bon, Lucy Rose and other great clothing boutiques. You can shop, eat and explore your way down the entire street on foot! If you get to the very end, be sure to make a reservation at Coquette!
Evening + Going Out
French Quarter - Generally speaking, French Quarter is home to some of the best shops, restaurants and bars in the city. Pop down to Jackson Square and make your way through the streets filled with artists and musicians.
Suggested Itinerary: Take the streetcar directly to Jackson Square (wear comfortable walking shoes!) and make your way to the “first-come-first-serve” seating at the Carousel Bar at the Hotel Monteleone just off of Royal Street.
Bourbon Street - For many New Orleans visitors, Bourbon Street embodies the life of a party town. The street is lit by neon lights, heavy with music and decorated by beads and balconies. Bourbon Street has become a place for revelry of all sorts. Basically, if you want to “hit the clubs” Bourbon street is where it’s at. Keep in mind, Ubers only pick up from outside the “main” drag, so be prepared to get to a pick-up corner if you’re ready to head home!
Suggested Itinerary: Go early and get a dinner reservations at Brennan’s - then you will already be dressed up and ready to walk to Bourbon! If you’re up for it, make sure to get the famous “grenade” drink - a triple tall boozy slushy that you will 100% regret :) End up at Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop Bar for some late night singing and brews.
Frenchman Street - Frenchmen Street is walking distance from Bourbon Street, the hot spot that attracts hordes of people to its dive bars and nightclubs where they can party well into the morning. It’s also just beyond the Bourbon Street and is around a 10 minute Uber from Sally.
Suggested Itinerary: Be sure to go early and check out the Frenchman St Night Market - a place full of local crafters and makers in a full “farmers market” feel. Then you can mosey your way into the Spotted Cat for some live jazz and drinks!
Witches and Brews Ghost Tour - With various tour packages and prices, you will learn about some of the French Quarter’s history and architecture as well as Voodoo Queen, Marie Laveau and the famed St. Louis Cemetery #1, her alleged final resting spot. You will hear chilling stories of horror and the history of why so many ghostly energies linger in the city. Tickets, schedules and packages can be found at: Witches Brew Tours