The French Quarter is the oldest neighborhood in New Orleans, and it’s where travelers fall in love with the city. Today we’re highlighting our favorite 16 French Quarter Businesses to Scout — it’s the weekend, get out there and support local! 

EAT AND DRINK

1. Brennan’s (417 Royal Street): Voted one of the best restaurants in the world by Condé Nast Traveler, this New Orleans classic offers an innovative Creole menu and a sophisticated atmosphere. Be sure to check out their seasonal offerings. Fun fact: Brennan’s is the birthplace of Bananas Foster.

2. Justine (225 Chartres Street): Justine is Mia and Justin Devillier’s second restaurant, and it is consistently a top favorite for visitors and locals looking for Parisian-inspired food and an opulent ambiance. The food is as delicious as you’d expect from James Beard Award winner Justin Devillier, and its singular decor instantly tells you you’re in for an unforgettable meal.

3. Sylvain (625 Chartres Street): An unruly Southern bistro for locals in the Quarter. Named after New Orleans’ first opera, Sylvain strives to be fun every day from brunch to happy hour.

4. Red Fish Grill (115 Bourbon Street): Red Fish Grill was named one of the top seafood restaurants in the U.S. by Travel + Leisure. The festive decor and locally-sourced fish, oysters, and more offer a casual vibe in the French Quarter.

5. Tujague’s Restaurant (429 Decatur Street): Tujague’s in the French Quarter is living history as New Orleans’ second-oldest restaurant, and its menu pays homage to Old New Orleans.

6. Napoleon House (500 Chartres Street): A two-hundred year old landmark featured in Travel + Leisure, Forbes’ “Best Bars in New Orleans” article, Southern Living, and more. Napoleon House is the spot to find a classic muffuletta in New Orleans.

7. Backatown Coffee (301 Basin Street): Backatown is one of the most spacious coffee shops in New Orleans, with tall, wide windows that fill the room with natural light. Owners Jessica and Alonzo Knox wanted to build a cafe in this area to help with the revitalization of Basin Street. They have made Backatown a place where everyone feels welcome to come and share ideas while enjoying delicious coffee and treats.

8. The Will & The Way (719 Toulouse Street): The Will & The Way opened in 2021 after a quiet year as a testament to all the New Orleanians who celebrate despite the circumstances. It’s the perfect place for a casual dinner, a quick cocktail with friends, catching up on some work, or if you want to hide away in the French Quarter.

9. Davenport Lounge (921 Canal Street): Jeremy Davenport is iconic in the New Orleans jazz scene, and his namesake lounge inside the Ritz-Carlton is one of our favorite spots to enjoy live music and cocktails. Performances Wednesday–Saturday evenings.

SHOP AND SEE

 

10. Trixie Minx Burlesque Boutique (834 Chartres Street): If you’re ever looking for a local shop that carries some cheeky goodies, Trixie Minx’s Burlesque Boutique in the French Quarter is the place for you. The boutique carries good Mardi Gras costume pieces along with some NSFW goods. At the boutique, you can also book Burlesque classes!

11. Claire Elizabeth Gallery (131 Decatur Street): Forget the idea of an art gallery as an intimidating place: Claire Elizabeth Gallery encourages art enthusiasts of all levels to enjoy their excellent collection of original and limited edition works from living artists in the South. Owner Claire Elizabeth Thriffiley only carries art that she would personally hang in her own home or office, and she and her team will gladly assist you in finding pieces that you like and fit your taste, style, and budget.

12. Elliott Gallery (540 Royal Street): Elliott Gallery is a pillar of the French Quarter art scene, having spent the past 40 years hosting contemporary and modern art by world-renowned artists. Owner Catherine Martens Betz is an experienced framer and will gladly lend her expert eye in selecting the frame for your art (ask about the local discount!).

13. Papermaple Studio (321 Burgundy Street): Owner Leisa Stanton is doing something very special in her sewing studio, tucked away in the quiet part of the French Quarter. Amidst her neon lights, chandeliers, and colorful fabrics, you can learn to sew from Leisa, a couture master who personally creates exceptional custom pieces for her clients. Whether you want to commission Leisa for a sublime Mardi Gras gown or learn how to make one for yourself (or simply learn the basics of sewing), Papermaple Studio is an exciting business to support. (Our tip: Look for fashion house remnants in her fabric, you might find something remarkable.)

14. A Gallery for Fine Photography (241 Chartres Street): A Gallery for Fine Photography highlights the original works of world-renowned photographers such as Ansel Adams, Edward Sheriff Curtis, W. Eugene Smith, Sebastião Salgado, Elliott Erwitt, Henri Cartier-Bresson…and of course, owner, Joshua Pailet. A Gallery opened its doors in 1973 and has since established itself as one of the most respected photography galleries in America.

VENUES

15. The Rooftop on Basin (501 Basin Street): George and Stacey Messina are the owners behind Messina’s Catering & Events and they own a variety of venues around town, including The Rooftop on Basin. This is a great venue space for parties or weddings and it offers a spectacular view of the city.

If you have a French Quarter business and want to learn more about advertising in The Scout Guide New Orleans Volume 13, or if you want to recommend a business, email us at [email protected].